Best Base Layer for Hunting 2021 – Reviews And Top Picks

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Base Layer for Hunting

Base layer is functional underwear, the main purpose of which is to keep heat and drain the moisture from the skin of the body. The air contained in the best base layer, contacts with the body, and heats it to a comfortable temperature. Thus, a protective layer of warm air is created between the skin and the cold external environment, the effect of keeping heat is obtained. With physical activity, the human skin produces moisture (sweat), which, accumulating in the fabric of ordinary linen, reduces its thermal insulation properties. The heating and evaporation of this moisture consumes additional energy. Base layer is great for different activities, particularly for hunting.

How to Purchase the Best Base Layer for Winter

Material

Base layer can be made of polyester, polypropylene, wool, cotton or a combination of them, etc. Completely synthetic materials are better suited for moisture, and they are more durable. Cotton or wool makes the layer more comfortable, which is more suitable for everyday use.

1. Base layer with the addition of wool is the warmest. The most famous property of wool is the ability to save the heat. This is due to the fact that the wool can, due to the composition of its fiber, bind a lot of heat and keep it between the fibers. If you are cold in the winter and cannot find anything comfortable, this is exactly what you need! It’s light, soft and comfortable layer, which will not only drain moisture, but also warm you in cold weather. It is intended for a temperature of -5 °/ -30 °C. Wool is found in the base layers of well-known manufacturers such as Norver, Odlo, Craft and others.

   Pros:

   • lightweight;
   • quickly removes moisture;
   • pleasant to the skin, does not absorb smells;
   • resists discoloration and rolling;
   • environmentally friendly: natural fibers.

   Cons:

   • slower drying and worse moisture retention than synthetics;
   • there is a chance that after washing it can change the size.

2. Base layers made of 100% synthetics provide the major function – moisture retention. Fabrics made from natural fibers absorb sweat into themselves. Wet, heavy clothing sticks to the body, complicates movement and cools the body. Layers from synthetics will never lead you to this. It is intended for a temperature from + 10 ° to -25 °C.

   Pros:

   • pleasant to the skin;
   • light weight and high compactness;
   • high resistance to rubbing, rolling and wear;
   • ease of washing and care.

   Cons:

   • requires washing after a 1 day of use;
   • there is a risk that the tissue may eventually lose the color;
   • synthetic fibers can based on petroleum products.

3. By the structure, cotton consists of a multitude of microfibers twisted together, which makes the best base layer for hunting pleasant to the skin and well-fitting. Cotton excellently absorbs moisture, removing it from the body. Such layer, 100% made of cotton, is recommended for daily wear and such activity as hunting.

   Pros:

   • it is breathable, hypoallergenic;
   • pleasant to the touch, comfortable to the body;
   • quite warm;
   • absorbs moisture well;
   • not electrified.

   Cons:

   • quickly loses its appearance;
   • changes its size after washing;
   • dries very slowly.

4. High strength and durability imparts silk to the layer. In addition, silk is pleasant to the touch and comfortable for the body. For the manufacture of the base layer, silk is used in combination with synthetics.

   Pros:

   • it will never cause allergic reactions to the body;
   • silk threads are very strong, so the layer can be rather durable;
   • it can warm up on cold nights and cool the body on hot days;
   • silk fabric is resistant to rot and to the formation of various fungi or mold.

   Cons:

   • this cloth very crumples;
   • under the influence of moisture on the silk can appear ugly spots.

Moisture-wicking

To get rid of the moisture helps thin synthetic base layers made of polyester, elastane or polypropylene for wearing with high physical activity in cold and rainy weather and in summer heat. Completely synthetic materials are better suited for absorbing moisture and more durable. To preserve heat and remove excess moisture from the skin manufacturers use a large thickness of fabric, a certain combination of materials, a multi-layered structure of the base layer. The inner layer is responsible for draining moisture, and the outer layer is responsible for keeping heat and sometimes, absorbing the excreted sweat.

Antimicrobial feature and Scent Control

There are models with a special bacterial impregnation, which helps to destroy the smell of sweat, formed as a result of the multiplication of bacteria. But such impregnation doesn’t have long effect, as it is washed off after a few washings. To get rid of unpleasant odors due to the prolonged wear, modern manufacturers use antibacterial treatment. Also for the purpose of maintaining skin’s hygiene, Meryl Skinlife bacteriostatic fiber is used, and the X-Static nylon thread, which is coated with a layer of silver, is used to suppress the reproduction of bacteria and fungi.

Conclusion

To choose a suitable best base layer should be considered according to its necessity and type of activity. Manufacturers produce models taking into account the differentiation of physical loads and weather conditions. It is mandatory to choose the right clothes according to the size; otherwise the effectiveness of its use will be decreased. If you’re going to hunt in winter it is better to choose a synthetic single-layer or two-layer base layer. Since hunter spend a lot of time in the field or wood, without a movement, it’s better to give preference to base layer made of wool. If you hunt in spring or fall then cotton base layer is a good choice. The last thing you need to remember is that the main function of base layer is to remove moisture and provide warmth and comfort. Choose it depending on the rhythm of hunting activity and the need for its use.