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What are some of the best base layer brands?

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montanan
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 1,346
yo , i get cold as fuck while i ride mainly because i have a condition where my body has to work like 10x harder than the normal person to make/maintain warmth ( Wilson's syndrone i think what it called). i got some HH base layers but the are too thin, don't know if i just got a thinner pair or what but i have to double up with those. Under Armor has treated me the best , but again i just cant keep warm and have to double up still. what would you suggest doing ? buy some new base layers , or should i spend a lil more , live with what i have, and buy a nice insulated windbreaker thing to wear under my coat. space not really an issue as i where pretty large outer where, but any ideas or good brands that you know of that make a freaky warm base layer lemme know ! thank-you for looking and any response is greatly appreciated.
Sep 29 2013 9:02AM
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jerms731
Posts: 60 - Karma: 89
Honestly, the best I have ever used in my life is an EMS product, (eastern mountain sports). They have a base layer brand called techwick, which comes in 3 levels of thickness rated for cold, with t3 being the most warm. I use level t2, and it's always more than enough warmth for me. But I know my girlfriend who works outside in the wintertime uses level t3 and It works well for her. Definitely check em out. They aren't cheap, but they work wonders. And if u don't like em, EMS, Has a pretty amazingly lenient return policy. They don't have much available online yet because they probably haven't started selling much of this years winter gear, but give it a few more weeks or just go to the store.
Sep 29 2013 9:25AM
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-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
Salomon make some good baselayers and cheap.
Sep 29 2013 9:29AM
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montanan
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 1,346
those EMS products sound pretty legit, ill deff check those out as price is not an issue, id rather spend my hard earned money on a good product that works ! and from what you stated those sound bomb ! thank-you for a good response .
Sep 29 2013 10:15AM
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SteezyEvok
Posts: 290 - Karma: 109
I've always like UA. If you still get cold I think you may just have to bundle up and accept it. I have the same problem with my hands, they are always cold
Sep 29 2013 10:56AM
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Bozite
Posts: 981 - Karma: 561
Go check out Phar North
They make really warm and nice thermals and base layers.
They are also all made in the United States
Sep 29 2013 11:02AM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,624
Try some merino wool if you're cold. Layer properly with it, so that if you get too warm, you can strip it off.

I use Mons Royale, incredibly soft, incredibly warm, and pretty nice style and fit.

I know people like Icebreaker as well, same deal as Mons Royale.

Merino will cost a bit more than other types of layers, but it's worth it all
Sep 29 2013 11:10AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
100% Merino. Whatever fits well and is on sale.
Sep 29 2013 11:45AM
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bigskier1010
Posts: 126 - Karma: 187
Go with 100% merino wool. I personally like stoic base layers, I'll do a tight form fit , then a looser second base layer, hen a Patagonia micro puff vest, then a fleece liner, then my shell. I can sport this for riding into 0- single digits! And be plenty warm! Anything below 0 , issue is not with base layers, but with fighting to keep hands warm enough! Good luck
Sep 29 2013 12:00PM
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bigskier1010
Posts: 126 - Karma: 187
Forgot to say the SUPER IMPORTANCE of keeping my neck sealed! All my base layers have a neck zip, then so does my sport fleece and wear a neck gator! Seal out the cold air leak and it's a world if difference ! Just like a house, air infiltration is our enemy !
Sep 29 2013 12:05PM
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freeballer
Posts: 726 - Karma: 960
You're a sucker if your base layers aren't merino wool.  It's arguably the most breathable and warm material out there.  It's expensive but will treat you well.  Icebreaker, Patagonia, and Smartwool all make solid pieces.  You can wear them all season long no matter what the weather is like due to the breathability. 
Sep 29 2013 12:15PM
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montanan
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 1,346
thankyou for all the replies, some great info , and that merino wool (spelling sorry) sounds like something i should check out for sure. thanks again for the replies, appreciate it .
Sep 29 2013 12:19PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
ibex is pretty sweet, but expensive.

patagonia capaline is, in my experience, the best out there. I use capaline and their R3 stuff exclusively.
Sep 29 2013 12:23PM
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HyphyHusky
Posts: 381 - Karma: 135
Helly Hansen
Sep 29 2013 12:39PM
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Woodhouse
Posts: 390 - Karma: 160
I get mad discounts on Icebreaker and I love that shit. Without a discount, it's absurdly expensive, so try Redram. Almost the same stuff, half the price
Sep 29 2013 2:13PM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
I have been a huge Smart Wool fan for years. Base layer + mid layer + shell handles most everything except the super cold days
Sep 29 2013 3:42PM
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
Ems is easily the best ive ever tried. It gets less than 0 here in the east and i usually dont even have to wear 2 layers
Sep 29 2013 3:51PM
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Cotter
Posts: 2546 - Karma: 849
Don't know why anybody hasn't mentioned it but the columbia omni heat base layer is crazy warm. I honestly can't wear the thing unless its -40 because other wise I start sweating. From the sound of your situation I think it would be perfect
Sep 29 2013 5:25PM
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bigskier1010
Posts: 126 - Karma: 187
Also, get a nice pair of merino boxer / briefs. start from the core and heat retains so well .
Sep 29 2013 6:39PM
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apc.fr
Posts: 293 - Karma: 878
If you get cold, and baselayers aren't really helping, I'd suggest getting a down midlayer. Find something with a heavier weight (8 oz+) with 800 fill. That will keep you warmer than any amount of wool layering. Obvious downside is there is relatively little flexibility if you get hot.
Patagonia and mountain hardware offer some of the best quality jackets, but you'll be paying for it.
I have a GoLite for the days below zero, it keeps me warm enough.
Sep 29 2013 9:01PM
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
Another vote for merino, and get a Patagonia nano puff to go under your jacket. It is synthetic insulation (primaloft) so it will maintain warmth even off wet.
Sep 29 2013 10:00PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
You also might want to try getting a down midlayer
Sep 29 2013 11:34PM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
yeah Merino wool base with a goose down mid layer and then shell is totally sweet. something small and light so you can move and don't look like puffy man. Patagonia down sweater for example
Sep 30 2013 12:56AM
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life_is_hood
Posts: 502 - Karma: 1,972
Melanzana. Sickest shit out there, all handmade in Leadville CO. Melanzana.com go check it out.
Sep 30 2013 12:54PM
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snurfsup
Posts: 96 - Karma: 135
yes its snowboard brand but nobody will know!!

http://www.myairblaster.com/collections/mens-ninja-suits

they even make merino wool ones! plus they got shit flaps!
Sep 30 2013 1:54PM
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Yaraelpoof.png
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 6,418
turtule fur
good chance that this is /thread
Sep 30 2013 2:44PM
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54-46
Posts: 6 - Karma: 11
Capilene or Helly for synthetic. Smartwool or icebreaker on sale for merino
Oct 3 2013 8:45AM
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