Comparison Review: Staying cool and comfortable in the heat: A comprehensive guide to 100% synthetic base layers in 2019

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Base Layers , Patagonia , Mountain Hardwear , Mont-Bell , Mammut , Millet , Finetrack , Comparison , The North Face , Arc'teryx

Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

When you move, you sweat. When your body temperature rises, you sweat to cool down. However, if you continue to sweat, your body will get cold. Even in summer, you should not underestimate the cooling effect of sweat. This is because it can lead to hypothermia even in summer. That's why base layers exist to deal with this

Nowadays, even though we call it a base layer, there are so many different types, materials, and activities to choose from, and each manufacturer has their own mix of materials and ingenious knitting methods, so it's hard to know what to wear..

So this time, we've selected and compared spring to autumn base layers made of 100% synthetic fiber that can be used for trekking, mountain climbing, running, and more. We've not only compared them, but also selected each one based on how they're best used. Depending on how you use them, base layers can be extremely comfortable for any activity. We hope this helps you make your selection

table of contents

table of contents
About the base layers we compared this time
- Test environment
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
Impressions of each model
For midsummer or high-intensity activities (trail running, etc.)
Spring to autumn trekking and mountain climbing
summary

About the items tested this time
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
Impressions of each model - for trail running -
Impressions of each model - for trekking and mountain climbing -
summary

About the base layers we compared this time

Below are the eight models we compared this time. All were made of 100% synthetic fiber

Patagonia Men's Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt
Mammut performance dry zip
Millet Jamin Delta Zip Long Sleeve
The North Face Long Sleeve GTD Melange Crew
Arc'teryx Motus LS Crew Neck Shirt
Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip Tee
finetrack Draught Tough Alpine Long
Mont-bell Geoline LW Round Neck Shirt

Test environment

The following five points were set as indicators for evaluation, and the test was conducted by wearing the same base layer all day and performing exercises of various intensities, such as walking and running on mountain trails with ups and downs and on paved roads

Comfort: Can you wear it comfortably for a long time? Does it not feel sticky after sweating? Does it cause little stress when moving?
Breathability: Not just good ventilation, but also whether the air circulates well even when it contains moisture
Absorbency: We compared the functionality of absorbing sweat when you sweat
Quick-drying: We compared how quickly the fabric dries after absorbing sweat and washing
Durability: No matter how high the performance, it's no good if it wears out quickly. This is an indicator of the durability of the fabric

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table

If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.

comprehensive evaluation	AAA	AAA	AA	AA	AA	AA	A	A
item	Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt	Millet Jamin Delta Zip Long Sleeve	Arc'teryx Motus LS Crew Neck Shirt	The North Face Long Sleeve GTD Melange Crew	Mammut performance dry zip	Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip Tee	finetrack Draught Tough Alpine Long	Mont-bell Geoline LW Round Neck Shirt
Reference price (excluding tax)	¥6,800	¥9,900	¥9,000	¥6,300	¥9,200	¥7,900	¥6,800	¥3,239
Here is ◎	Light and nimble	Good balance of water absorption and evaporation	No performance degradation	Very comfortable to wear	Well ventilated and cool	Highly versatile	Very durable	Cost performance
Here is △	No heat retention	Low mountains are hot in midsummer	If you sweat a lot, it sticks to your skin	Feel the weight	I want deodorization	Heat retention power	The more you sweat, the more weight you gain	Long water retention time
Comfort	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Breathable	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
quick drying	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Water absorption	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
durability	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Specifications
official weight	74g	－	120g	180g	－	118g	140g	125g
Actual weight	89g(S)	186g(S)	120g(S)	147g(M)	127g(M)	117g(M)	147g(M)	105g(M)
material	100% polyester	Polartec® Delta™	Phasic™ FL with DAO™	FLASHDRY™ Melange Knit	PRIMALOFT(R) Performance Fabric Gold DRY	Delta Crushed Waffle	100% nylon	Geoline®
UV Protection	－	○	○	○	－	－	○	－
Odor prevention	○	○	－	○	－	－	○	○

Impressions of each model

For midsummer or high-intensity activities (trail running, etc.)

Patagonia Men's Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt

Here is ◎

Anyway, it is light and nimble

Here is △

Almost no heat retention

Although it is thin, it has a slight uneven texture that ensures absorbency and breathability

lightweight jacket the lightest among the spring/summer Capilene Cool models . It weighs just 80g! It's incredibly light and feels so good against the skin that you'll forget you're wearing it. The fabric has a slight texture on the skin side, which quickly absorbs moisture. Combined with its excellent breathability, it dries extremely quickly. It stays dry almost all the time, even during trekking. Even if you're running, it dries in the time it takes you to take a short break. It's so durable that you can wash it and wear it right away after a spin cycle.

The fit is slim, so it feels a bit tight. It's not particularly stretchy, but it's designed with movement in mind, so it's not a problem. This is perfect for a variety of activities in the summer, and as a heavy base layer in the spring and fall. It's very lightweight, so if you're going on a long trek, bringing two will keep you comfortable every day

Arc'teryx Motus LS Crew Neck Shirt

ARC'TERYX Motus Crew LS Men's Crew Neck Shirt, Black, Size M

created by Rinker

Arc'teryx

Here is ◎

No performance degradation

Here is △

If you sweat a lot, it sticks to your skin

When water drips, it is quickly dispersed along the horizontally woven fabric

The Motus Shirt uses Arc'teryx's proprietary Phasic™ FL with DAO™, a hydrophobic material that does not absorb moisture. This means that it absorbs sweat without adding weight to the garment itself, making it ideal for trail running, where weight affects performance. Because the fabric does not absorb moisture, it also dries quickly. When you sweat, it quickly absorbs and diffuses it, allowing it to evaporate quickly, so you will feel less uncomfortable even when you sweat a lot

The fit is not tight but roomy, and the shape is designed for ease of movement, allowing for high mobility and stress-free comfort. The fabric is tightly woven, so it seems more durable than fabrics with a honeycomb-like mesh structure. Although it is slightly less breathable, the fabric is thin and dries quickly, so it will keep you cool even when it's hot, allowing you to run comfortably at all times

The North Face Long Sleeve GTD Melange Crew

The North Face Men's GTD Melange Crew Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Mixed Charcoal, Size XL (Japan XL)

created by Rinker

THE NORTH FACE

Here is ◎

Very comfortable to wear

Here is △

Feel the weight

The lining has clearly defined grooves that reduce contact with the skin, keeping you comfortable

This heathered shirt from The North Face uses FLASHDRY™. FLASHDRY™ uses a porous material to increase the surface area, improving breathability and evaporation. It's very soft to the touch and comfortable to wear. The fit is neither tight nor loose, so it's comfortable to move in. It also absorbs sweat well, keeping the skin dry. While it's not very quick-drying, it's breathable, so it was comfortable to run in

The sleeves are a little short and the fit is roomy, so it seems like it would be better to wear it on its own for trail running rather than as a base layer for mountain climbing or trekking. It's likely to become a piece you'll wear all the time, from hot days to cool weather

Spring to autumn trekking and mountain climbing

Millet Jamin Delta Zip Long Sleeve

MILLET MIV01695 LD JAMAN DELTA ZIP LS Women's LD Jamin Delta Zip Long Sleeve/SILVER (XS)

MILLET

Here is ◎

Good balance of water absorption and evaporation

Here is △

It might be hot in the low mountains in midsummer

The mesh-like fabric is woven using both hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, providing high absorbency and quick-drying properties to maintain comfort

This base layer is made with POLARTEC DELTA, a relatively new base layer material from POLARTEC. While POLARTEC might conjure up images of warmth, DELTA is a cooling material designed for summer. The fabric has a textured grid pattern, with the raised areas that touch the skin being hydrophilic, absorbing and evaporating moisture. The recessed areas that don't touch the skin, even when sweating heavily, are made of hydrophobic mesh, ensuring breathability. When worn, the fabric's minimal contact with the skin means that even when sweating heavily, it's not sticky and causes little discomfort. Its breathability also makes it extremely comfortable to wear, even on hot days

Even though the fabric retains moisture, it doesn't come into contact with the skin as much, so it also helps prevent chills caused by sweat. It's perfect for trekking and mountain climbing, which involves a lot of stop-and-go activities, and can be worn comfortably for a long time from spring to autumn. Although it's a summer material, the fabric itself is a little thick and retains moisture, making it unsuitable for running. However, it may be comfortable for running in cooler seasons

Mammut performance dry zip

MAMMUT Men's Performance Dry Zip Long Sleeve Innerwear, 1016-00220, Peacoat, EU Size M (equivalent to Japanese Size L)

created by Rinker

Mammut

Here is ◎

Well ventilated and cool

Here is △

I want deodorization

The seams are the best. They're very flat and not noticeable at all

This base layer is made with PRIMALOFT's summer fabric, PRIMALOFT Performance Fabric Gold DRY. The fabric is thin and lightweight, making it feel light and comfortable to wear, but the surface that comes into contact with the skin has a three-dimensional structure, which helps prevent stickiness caused by sweat. It absorbs moisture very quickly and quickly wicks away sweat. However, if you sweat a lot, evaporation cannot keep up with the absorption, so a lot of sweat accumulates, which can be a concern. However, if you sweat moderately, it will maintain a dry environment, making it comfortable to wear when trekking or mountain climbing

The fit is quite tight, but it has a moderate amount of stretch, so it doesn't feel restrictive or restrictive. It's thin and breathable, so it's very comfortable to wear in the middle of summer. However, after wearing it all day in the middle of summer, I noticed a slight odor by the evening..

Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip Tee

Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip T-Shirt OE8206-425 (Navy/LL/Men's)

created by Rinker

Mountain Hardwear

Here is ◎

Highly versatile

Here is △

Heat retention is not expected

The same fabric is used from the sides to the armpits and cuffs, improving mobility. It is also easy to use when climbing

The Estero series is a quick-drying shirt from Mountain Hardwear that continues to be updated with slight changes. The inner layer is made of a textured, grid-like fabric that absorbs and wicks away sweat, keeping you cool and dry. It's breathable and dries quickly, so while the fit is tight, it's not a completely snug fit, leaving some room for movement

The unique cutting pattern makes it perfect for trekking, mountain climbing, and even dynamic climbing. It's thin, so you can wear it on its own in the summer, but in the spring and fall, it doesn't provide enough warmth and can feel chilly, so it's great as a base layer

finetrack Draught Tough Alpine Long

finetrack FMM1403 Men's Draught Tough Alpine Long TL Size RB (Royal Blue)

created by Rinker

finetrack

Here is ◎

Very durable

Here is △

The more you sweat, the heavier you become

The nylon thread is woven into a slightly thicker fabric for increased durability, but the fabric is also thicker and thinner to ensure breathability

Finetrack's Draught Tough base layer not only offers essential performance, but also offers resistance to stresses such as abrasion and snagging. To achieve this toughness, the fabric is processed using a special weave to reduce snagging, and while most base layers are made from polyester, nylon is used to increase durability against abrasion. It's the only nylon base layer compared here. It seems like it would be extremely useful in environments where durability is required, such as bushwhacking and rocky terrain. While it may seem specialized for durability, it also has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties, actively absorbing, dispersing, and evaporating sweat, making it suitable for trekking and mountain climbing

However, because the fabric is thick, it retains a lot of moisture, so it takes a while to dry if you sweat a lot. It may be difficult to use in hot places in the middle of summer, but it seems like it would be useful in spring and autumn on rocky areas or in low mountains where there is a lot of bushwhacking. There are unfinished seams on the inside, so they feel a bit more uncomfortable against the skin than other base layers

Mont-bell Geoline LW Round Neck Shirt

Mont-bell Geoline LW Round Neck Shirt Men's 1107486 IND: Indigo XS

created by Rinker

mont-bell

Here is ◎

Cost performance

Here is △

Long water retention time

The fabric is thin because it is lightweight, so thin that you can see through it when you hold it up to the light, but it still has sufficient absorbency

This is the thinnest of the Geoline base layer series from Japanese manufacturer Mont-Bell. LW stands for Light Weight. It's light, weighing just 100g, making it one of the lightest base layers in this collection. Though it's made of 100% polyester, it feels like cotton and provides a comfortable feel. It quickly absorbs sweat, even during trekking, so it doesn't feel sticky or uncomfortable. However, it evaporates moisture slowly, so it's not ideal for high-intensity activities. It also retains heat well, and although not as warm as heat-generating materials, you'll feel a bit warm after wearing it for a while

But perhaps its greatest selling point is its excellent cost performance. It's less than half the price of other base layers, yet it offers comparable specs, so you can wear it not only on the mountain but also casually as everyday wear. It's lightweight, so you can even take a few extra layers with you. In that sense, it's an excellent piece of clothing

summary

Although there are many different types of base layers, the basic function required is to absorb and evaporate sweat, keep the skin comfortable, and maintain body temperature. Depending on the activity, the priority functions will differ; for example, high-intensity exercise will cause a lot of sweating, so a base layer with high sweat management capabilities will be needed, while trekking and mountain climbing will require a base layer that can manage sweat while still maintaining body temperature. If you haven't paid much attention to base layers until now, we recommend using this article as a reference and trying a base layer with the right functions for your activity. You'll be sure to experience a completely different level of comfort. Those who have been consciously wearing base layers will understand their importance, but the amount of sweat they produce and the functions they find comfortable will vary from person to person, so if you dig deeper and find the perfect base layer for you, you'll be able to enjoy your time even more comfortably!