Sports baselayers v merino

[sergeantmajormammy]

I posted this on the Equipment forum but didn't get an answer so re=posting here - all advice welcome.
We plan to walk just 5 days over Easter. My children already have Canterbury / UnderArmour 'underwear' for playing sports in cold weather. Will these be suitable as the base layer rather than paying out more money for merino layers? Thanks

 

[jpflavin1]

Sargeantmajormammy:

My under layer is sport Under Armor. I think it works great. On top of that I wear a fleece and then my North face combo rain/wind/cold outer jacket. I have started twice on March 23rd and once on April 1st. There were some cool mornings but once you get walking I was usually stripped to my fleece.

Yes, imo, they are more than adequate.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Deleted member 22638]

Sgt Maj,

I would have thought they would be fine. I have recently bought a Merino base layer to try out ( very expensive) based on the comments on the forum. I have to say it is fantastic, very comfortable and does not smell as bad after a number of days use. That said I will not replace my other "plastic" base layer shirts but accept they will need washing more often

Kevin

 

[supersullivan]

Unless you're expecting regular temperatures approaching or under freezing point, I'd suggest you go with the sports baselayers and a micro fleece mid layer with a rain jacket if weather requires, I find my merino layers great in very cold weather but far slower drying than sports baselayers if washing is needed. Don't forget gloves and hat too.

Buen camino

Seamus

 

[Kitsambler]

Merino base layers do come in varying weights, much as base layers in other fabrics do. My merino Tshirt is very comfortable on warm days. And it dries overnight just as the other clothing does.

That being said, Sgt Mjr Mam, I suspect your squad will do just fine with their existing kit.

 

[wayfarer]

Merino base layers do come in varying weights, much as base layers in other fabrics do. My merino Tshirt is very comfortable on warm days. And it dries overnight just as the other clothing does.

That being said, Sgt Mjr Mam, I suspect your squad will do just fine with their existing kit.

I used merino on the camino and found it fantastic, no problem with drying and if I didnt get to wash it at the end of the day as happened once or twice it didnt get stinky as the manmade fabric does. But as you already have the manmade kit it will be fine also.
Have a great Camino. :arrow:

 

[robertt]

I'm into Heattech!

 

[scruffy1]

I have worn merino for over 40 years and could not even consider another winter fabric - harimph! said the greybeard. Hard to change after all those years and I do have an inborn distaste bordering on outright disgust for synthetics-I wear only wool, cotton (I know takes longer to dry but never smells) even denim since they are all natural fibres a fleece is all right as long as the collar doesn't rub. Should you like the sports layers go for it but you haven't convinced this oldtimer.

 

[sergeantmajormammy]

Thank you all very much - I don't fancy spending a couple of hundred euro on new baselayers if we can manage the five days with what we have. We'll have plenty of other layers on top, as well as the hats, gloves, snoods etc. Now just need to get the packing sorted ...!

 

[dougfitz]

Thank you all very much - I don't fancy spending a couple of hundred euro on new baselayers if we can manage the five days with what we have. We'll have plenty of other layers on top, as well as the hats, gloves, snoods etc. Now just need to get the packing sorted ...!

My view is that if the wicking properties of the UnderArmou materials would make them a suitable baselayer, and it would NOT be necessary to go out an buy different gear.

If you were replacing gear that had worn out, or buying gear from scratch, you might make different choices, and look at other materials.

Regards,

 

[Peronel]

Scruffy's been wearing merino longer than I've been alive, yet I agree with everything he says.

Were you buying from scratch for a six week camino I'd advise merino. But you're not. What you have is perfectly servicable, so wear it and save the money. It'll keep you and the family in tinto on the way, and for a fair while afterwards.

(And buen camino!)

Nel