3/10/2023 0 Comments Does polyester absorb water![]() Therefore, Merino wool offers superior performance in retaining warmth in comparison to polyester for example, although the natural fiber dries slower because the increase in thermal conductivity is limited.Īs base layers are worn directly on your bare skin, they should be made of a material that is pleasant to the touch. ![]() Merino wool, for example, absorbs approximately 30% of its own weight in moisture but it doesn’t feel clammy against the skin as the water is absorbed only by the inner part of each fiber while the outer part which is directly in contact with the skin is hydrophobic (water repellant). The drying time of a garment greatly depends on the thickness of the fabric and water absorbency of the fibers it is made of. The increased thermal conductivity of the base layer will then lead to rapid cooling during rest or low intensity activity in cold weather – unless the base layer is quick to dry or is made of a fabric which retains body heat even when wet (for example Merino wool and silk). During the high intensity activity, perspiration increases which can make the base layer soaked with sweat. Hiking and mountaineering consist of periods of high intensity activity (going uphill) followed by periods of low intensity activity (going downhill) or rest. ![]() Therefore, manufacturers often manipulate the fibers in fabrics to achieve the best results possible. The more water-absorbing and thick the fabric, the worse are the moisture-wicking properties. The moisture-wicking properties of a fabric are highly dependent on the hydrophobicity of the fibers (how much water do they absorb) as well as the thickness and porosity of the fabric. In order to help your skin stay dry, a base layer has to wick moisture to the outside of the fabric where it will spread out flat in order to easier evaporate. However, high-quality base layers are suitable for wide range of conditions.īase Layers – What characteristics to look for?Īs explained above, wet skin or a high content of moisture between the skin and the base layer garment results in high thermal conductivity which leads to a quicker change in the body’s temperature towards that of the surrounding environment. It is, unfortunately, impossible to make a base layer that performs excellent both in very cold and in very warm conditions as this requires different thickness of the material. As soon as the body thermal balance is lost, you will feel thermal discomfort sweating in warm weather or freezing in cold weather. In cold weather, the base layer has to reduce the speed at which you lose your body heat. Maintaining the body’s natural temperature To learn more about sun protective clothing, read our article Sun Protective Clothing for Hiking.ģ. In case that you are solely wearing a base layer (in warm weather) it should provide protection against the sun (UV protection), potential chafing from a backpack and vegetation. ![]() For that reason, moisture, whether originating from the body (perspiration) or from the outside (precipitation), has to be wicked to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate or pass to the next layer in order to keep your skin dry. Wet clothing also has a higher coefficient of friction, which can cause discomfort due to chafing etc. The thermal conductivity of water is approximately 25 times higher than the thermal conductivity of air, and when wet you therefore lose heat much faster than when dry. Here is a detailed analysis of base layer materials.įor information about mid-layer materials and shell materials you should check our articles Comparison of mid-Layer Materials and Comparison of Shell Materials. You can wear mid- and outer layers of the highest quality, but if you are wearing a poorly-performing base layer, you won’t be comfortable. The base layer is probably the most important part of the layered clothing system as it is in direct contact with the skin. A layered clothing system is widely adopted by hikers and mountaineers as it enables you to add or shed layers according to the conditions (changes in temperature, precipitation, wind and your activity level).
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