base layer-Black Diamond Sportswear

[MaineSkiLady]

I've found this both at shops and on Sierra Trading Post (dot com). This is a great alternative to the more costly brands like Hot Chillys for base layer. It's micro-fleece, holds up great (5 years on some of my sets), machine wash, hang to dry and works superbly in ultra-cold weather.

I wear the zip t's and micro fleece tights (4 way stretch is best but hard to find lately) - noted earlier in a search that non-zip t's are still available at Sierra in several colors. The stuff disappears fast online and is best purchased in fall. This merchant has carried it for quite a few years.

At approx $20 for zip t and $30+- for bottoms, this is a great value compared to one zip t in Hot Chillys brand, which can be $50 just for the top (that I've seen). Bottoms seem to run about true to size, tops a little on the small side.

I tend to really work up a sweat when skiing. This stuff has never let me down for passing off moisture. I vary the weight of what goes over this in terms of pants (insulated versus not), vest or wind block jacket under shell, but this layer never changes - it does as well at 45+ as it does at 5 degrees. Never scratchy, much nicer feel on skin than some of the polypro.

Big thumbs up

 

[greekpeakskier]

great

i'll go look for this. have you ever worn the merino wool options? if you have, how does this compare?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

My skin isn't thrilled with wool right on it, so no, I haven't tried the merino wool. However, for anyone that can, I imagine it's great. Wool is making something of a comeback, as it seems to be a little more durable than poly??? I only just recently "retired" a Black Diamond fleece top that was at least 7 years old, so I can't complain about that one's durability, considering I only had 2 to alternate between at the time. Really like the stuff, although I'm having increasing difficulty finding the fleece pants with 4 way stretch (heavier than just the microfleece tights and better fit).

 

[Gloria]

We've noticed that the newer wool products don't smell as much as polypro either. Not a nice thing to say, but you know, just sayin'

 

[Robyn]

MSL, I'm another that can't handle wool next to my skin. Although I recently decided to try SmartWool socks and they are working for me.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

MSL, I'm another that can't handle wool next to my skin. Although I recently decided to try SmartWool socks and they are working for me.

I'm a SmartWool fan as well - somehow or other, wool doesn't bother my feet and lower legs as much as upper body - of course, when I take them off, I'm always itchy right where the socks top off -- well, they're great socks, so my legs are gonna have to put up with it!