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By utilizing thumb holes, your hands can stay warm while still getting enough ventilationto keep them at the right temperature without wearing gloves. BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Capilene Midweight ( men’s / women’s) is a durable and comfortable base layer top that’s quite the steal at its price point. We’ve used this top for multiple thru-hikes, and it’s still going strong nearly a decade later. As you put other clothing over them, thumb holes prevent the sleeves from rolling up.They also ensure a better seal between the gloves and the base layer. While synthetic material is superior to wool in durability, wool is superior to synthetic because it doesn’t retain odors. Odor occurs due to a combination of moisture and bacteria. Bacteria naturally occur on the surface of our skin. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions, like those created from sweat. That’s why after consistent use, synthetic materials start to retain odors-even after washing. On the other hand, Wool is naturally odor-resistant. Because of its unique natural oils, it’s better able to release odors in the wash. As you walk the dog, go for a run, or use your phone, thumb holes are perfectto keep the sleeves from going anywhere and keep your skin covered while keeping your fingers free. 2. Add cushion and warmth without gloves
Thumb holes: outdoor gear necessity or marketing gimmick? Thumb holes: outdoor gear necessity or marketing gimmick?
Counter these cons by only wearing it for warm-ups, before you get your real sweat on. Or save it for leisure wear; its North Face branding makes it one of the more stylish pieces on our list.
Not really. I know I’ve mentioned a few good benefits of thumb holes in your outdoor gear, but let’s be honest, we all fared perfectly well without them before. You can always keep your hands warm on a run or a hike with gloves, and though I’ve heard runners say they like thumb holes because it stops their sleeves from riding up, I can’t personally say that’s ever a problem I’ve encountered. Maybe I don’t run swiftly enough? To test the Patagonia Capilene Midweight, I wore this base layer against the skin during an October trail running traverse of the Wasatch range. The temperatures ranged from highs in the 70s to lows in the high 30s. I wore just the Capilene Midweight from 6 am to 8 pm when I added a Patagonia Houdini wind shirt to ward off the cold. That was perfect until 3 or 4 am when I added a fleece on top of that.
Best Base Layers of 2023 | CleverHiker 7 Best Base Layers of 2023 | CleverHiker
Best base layer bottoms overall: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Men’s / Women’s - We’ve had the same pair of Patagonia’s Capilene Midweights for years, and they’re showing very few signs of wear. We find the level of warmth they provide to be appropriate for most of the year, and their athletic fit makes them easy to layer. Dave wearing the REI Sahara Shade Sun Hoodie and prAna Stretch Zion Shorts on Silver Star Mountain. Like the Icebreaker 150, the Trift has body-zone specific placement of material structures to regulate body temperature. Areas on the body that tend to retain too much warmth during movement, like the armpits, have a looser mesh weave. The seamless construction means that the varying material structures are highly effective yet comfortable. Seamless designs also reduce the chance of chafing or rubbing against the skin. Fit is also important, but it depends on your preferred outdoor activity. Tighter tops will trap more warmth, but opt for a looser cut if freedom of movement is a priority or if you’ll be wearing it for several hours. For a lightweight, affordable, and highly UPF-protective base layer, we think the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie is the best of all worlds. With a UPF rating of 50+, the lightest and thinnest fabric we tested, and sizes ranging from XS-3X, the Crater Lake hoodie is everything we want in a base layer for hiking. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie is our winner for Best Base Layer for hiking. It's also the overall winner in our Best Sun Shirt guide.As a 100% synthetic base layer, it’s also suitable for vegans or people allergic to wool.
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Reasonably priced given its sustainability credentials (it’s made from 100% recycled polyester fibres), this top is best kept for wintry wear when strolling round the park or popping to the shops. CONS: Can pill after washing, may hold onto lint & pet hair, not as durable as synthetics in the long run Let’s be honest, we all fared perfectly well without them before (Image credit: Susumu Yoshioka) 5. Sun protection Only wash when you really need to - A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldn’t hold odors. Hiking clothing doesn’t necessarily need to be washed after every use.
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