You leave on a beautiful and cold day in the open air and already after a few kilometers of walking a feeling of cold invades you! Yet, you thought you were well dressed to face the cold. The secret lies in the different layers you wear. Base layers or thermal underwear are probably one of the most important pieces of clothing when it comes to regulating body temperature. Starting with the right layer means choosing the best foundation for the rest of your clothing. Even if your outerwear is perfect, it won't keep you warm and dry if you don't choose the right first layer. No matter the season, a base layer is an essential piece of outerwear for your outdoor activities.
When choosing your base layer, it's important to consider three factors for optimal comfort: the intensity of the exercise you'll be doing, the weather conditions, and your level of perspiration and/or sensitivity to cold.
What type of activities are you doing ?
A casual walk by the lake in cold weather requires different clothing than an active mountain hike. The more intense the activity, the hotter and sweatier you will be. For high-intensity activities like running, cross-country skiing, fat biking or ski touring, you need to choose a base layer that dries quickly and can effectively manage your body's sweat.
If you're doing low to moderate physical activity, such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding or ice fishing, it's best to wear a thicker, warmer layer.
Considering the weather conditions
Weather conditions have a significant role to play in choosing a base layer. It's important to check both the predicted temperature and the wind chill before dressing for an activity. If temperatures are more extreme, you will need to be careful to keep warm. Note that it is not recommended to layer several base layers. It would be more difficult for moisture to escape. It is better to choose a thicker and warmer material.
Base layers are usually associated with winter, but they are just as important in the fall and spring, when outside temperatures vary considerably. You can wear it alone or with an insulated mid-layer and/or an outer layer like a softshell or a waterproof, breathable jacket.
Check out our article on the layering system to learn more.
Determine your resistance to the cold and your level of sweating.
Only you know yourself and your degree of tolerance to cold. Are you the type of person who shivers on a beautiful day at -10°C or do you sweat easily with the slightest effort? This will determine if you need a warmer base layer. In both cases, this layer is essential to help you manage your thermal needs (heat retention and breathability) and you can then play with the upper layers of clothing to adjust the temperature.
For high intensity activities
CHL PERFORMANCE
Our CHL performance base layers will keep you dry for high-intensity activities and when the weather is warmer. Here, we find the best of both worlds with synthetic fiber and natural wool materials. We use Polartec's Power Wool, which is 65% polyester and 35% wool. The polyester on the surface provides durability and strength while wicking away moisture, while the wool on the back of the fabric provides comfort, warmth, and excellent body temperature regulation. The back of the fabric is tiled and forms many channels that allow moisture to disperse more quickly and efficiently. In addition, the wool has the notable advantage of fighting bad odors due to sweating. The flat seams are strategically placed to facilitate layering and avoid friction zones on the skin.
For moderately intense activities
CHL2
Our CHL2 base layers are designed for moderate activity levels. They are made from synthetic fibers, which are 88% polyester and 12% spandex. These garment layers are stretchy, lightweight and breathable. They are fast drying and moisture wicking. The surface resists pilling and the brushed fabric backing provides plenty of warmth for maximum comfort. Antimicrobial treatment protects against odors. Flat seams are positioned for easy layering. These are versatile garments that can also be worn after exercise.
CHL PLUS
Like the CHL2, these base layers are also designed for moderate activities. Made from POLARTEC's POWER GRID synthetic fabrics, they are composed of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. The back of the fabric is textured and has a multitude of channels to disperse moisture faster and more efficiently. This last feature is the big difference with our CHL2. Stretchy, light and breathable, they dry quickly and efficiently. The surface resists pilling, the flat seams add comfort and facilitate multi-layering. CHL PLUS also offers an antimicrobial treatment that protects against odors.
For low intensity activities
CHL ULTRA
For low-intensity activities such as downhill skiing or snowmobiling, our CHL ULTRA first layer range is perfect for cold weather. Made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, this synthetic garment has excellent breathability and moisture wicking properties with its POWER STRETCH fabric from POLARTEC. Its fabric offers great stretch so that you can move freely and without constraint. The weight of the material combined with a brushed backing will ensure warmth and softness. The CHL2 (thinner fabric) insert at the bottom of the legs is a feature that helps skiers and snowboarders reduce friction in ski boots.
No to cotton!
Cotton clothes are very comfortable, but they don't handle moisture well. If they get wet, they will take much longer to dry than if you were wearing synthetic clothes.
How to wear a base layer ?
To be as efficient as possible, a base layer should be as close to the body as possible. It must be tight enough to transport moisture to the outside while maintaining your body heat and freedom of movement. The more intense the activity, the closer the fit should be to the body. In low or moderate intensity activities where we sweat less, you can wear a more relaxed fit
The care of your technical underwear.
To ensure the longevity of your thermal underwear, it is essential to properly care for it with the right products. You must wash them on a delicate cycle and in fresh water. Using a mild, unscented soap, or one that is specialized for technical garments, and above all, never putting them in the dryer will guarantee a long life.
Consult our section on clothing care.
Discover our care products for technical clothing.
ABC's of the Layering System
Every outdoorsy needs to know how to properly use a layering system. Here is a quick guide:
1 - Base layer
This is the first layer, the one next to the skin, whose function is to wick away moisture and temper your body.
2 - Mid-layer
This is the insulating layer, the one that will bring you extra warmth when the temperature requires it. It is also the garment that you are most likely to remove depending on the intensity of your activity.
3 - Outer layer
The last layer is the one that will protect you from the elements like wind, rain and snow.
You will be able to add or remove layers of clothing depending on the weather and the type of activity.
See our article on the layering system to learn more.
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