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Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 1:45 pm
by Richard G
Can anyone point me in the direction of good, lightweight base layers? I had an excellent Gore base layer that was like a second skin, but I've worn it to death and I can't find a replacement.
I'm specifically not looking for fleecy / particularly warm stuff... rather something that can pretty much be worn as an additional layer in essentially any weather.
This is a bit like it, but sadly isn't the same material as the original:
https://www.gorewear.com/uk/en-uk/m-bas ... color=9900
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 1:57 pm
by ScotRoutes
I have 4 Gore Singlets. I think they were/are called the Select baselayer. Almost like a mesh. They're 5-6 years old so I've no idea if you can still get them.
The lightest non-mesh I've come across is the RAB Aeon. Again, no idea if they're still available.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 2:22 pm
by Cheeky Monkey
Helly Hansen used to do some very thin ones. About as much use as Colin

Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 2:28 pm
by Jurassic
I bought a couple of DHB mesh singlet things last year to try and I quite like them. They're pretty much a high-tech string vest. I've found that they're good for wearing under a cycling top in warmer conditions when a conventional base layer would be too warm. I think I'm going to get a couple of short sleeved tee shirt versions if I can get them on special offer.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-lightweigh ... -baselayer
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 3:26 pm
by HUX
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 3:34 pm
by whitestone
I've a Craft mesh vest, as above, pretty much a modern(?) string vest. I'll wear it under anything from a light summer top to near winter jackets like Gore Windstopper. On its own it's very much a Rab C. Nesbitt look
There's a few makes/styles to go at here -
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/road/base-layers
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 3:45 pm
by Richard G
I'm a bit hesitant to buy any more Craft stuff as I've found the quality of the stuff I've got so far to be, well, shocking.
I could try the DHB one as at least I have free delivery / returns.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 3:58 pm
by Jurassic
Richard G wrote: ↑Sat May 22, 2021 3:45 pm
I'm a bit hesitant to buy any more Craft stuff as I've found the quality of the stuff I've got so far to be, well, shocking.
I could try the DHB one as at least I have free delivery / returns.
As I mentioned I'm quite pleased with the DHB vests but playing devil's advocate the fabric is quite snaggy. I think it'd be worth keeping them clear of any kind of Velcro contact (including in the washing machine) or they'd end up getting pulled. Just a thought.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 4:25 pm
by Charliecres
I have a Carnac string vest thing from Planet X. It works well but is *very* snaggy and has torn quite quickly. It is also obscene when snugged around my ageing blubber.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 5:29 pm
by Richard G
I guess I could try to remember to stick them in a wash bag.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 6:39 pm
by Boab
I bought a
Craft Cool Mesh Superlight Short Sleeve Base Layer this month from Merlin, currently 21% off. Liking it so far, super lightweight, to the point where you think you'll damage it just by handling it with rough skin; I'd buy another.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 9:10 pm
by Richard G
I've got a couple of the pervert style ones, I find they're really only of any use in the summer. I'm looking for light, but still of use for layering on cooler days.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 9:17 am
by shutuplegs
The offerings from Lusso are worth checking out, particularly the Dryline.
Made in Manchester too

Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 12:27 pm
by Richard G
shutuplegs wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 9:17 am
The offerings from Lusso are worth checking out, particularly the Dryline.
Made in Manchester too
The "Pain Cave" one looks like it could work. I'm trying to avoid the sleeved ones as you need to be VERY lucky to get a comfortable fit (another downer about the original Gore one as it fitted me perfectly).
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 12:39 pm
by ton
i asked about this a while back . i wanted a very thin and very light base layer, like a northface one i have had years. it is almost like the material womens tights are made from. screws up into a apple size bundle.
i have still not found one. i bought a rab one, which is ok but still too thick. i bought a couple of t shirts from mountain warehouse which are the nearest so far. £7 each.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 12:46 pm
by jameso
Altura Thermacool is great if you want thin and light/packable, very warm for what it is.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 2:41 pm
by BordersSteve
Another vote for the dhb mesh ones. I use the tshirt style one year round, unless it's properly hot. They're very fragile though so wash and wear carefully
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 12:01 pm
by yeha
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 3:51 pm
by Richard G
I had some DHB ones turn up today. Will give them a blast after my workout later.
Re: Lightweight Base Layers?
Posted: Wed May 26, 2021 2:52 am
by Richard G
Christ... that DHB feels like it would snag / tear just from looking at it. Really not a patch on my old Gore. :(