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Back to Basics
Base layer essentials for everyone
When it comes to heading out to play, the big hurdle is getting ready. Granted, you probably have plenty of STUFF, but how long does it take you, your significant other, and assorted offspring, to dress for a fall hike? The trick is to have the essentials. A few basic pieces can get you though nearly any condition. Start with good socks and underwear, then add multipurpose midlayers. On really wet and cold days, you may need a shell (but that's another gear guide!). This guide's devoted to the best of the basics - undergarments that you'll reach for everyday.
Icebreaker Kid's Cougar Zip Top
Protect your kids from the cold in style! Icebreaker just introduced a new line of baselayers for children ages 1 to 12. The company, which specializes in luxurious soft wool garments, has in stores now three different weights of merino wool (BodyFit 200 and 260 and Sport 320) with designs specifically for kids 1-4, 5-8, 9-12. Each age group has its own fun, stylish prints. While no one can resist the toddler-sized pink long johns with the cuddly sheep print, older kids will appreciate the subtle-but-fun camo, bird and animal graphics. The top my 10-year-old ski racer reaches for the most often is the Cougar Zip (pictured). The dynamic stripes and groovy colors are sufficiently high on her cool-enough-for-school meter, and I like it that she looks more like Lindsey Vonn than Miley Cryus. The Cougar Zip can be worn alone (as a baselayer/top) or as a mid-layer on colder days. It's woven from Icebreaker's Sport 320 yarn, with a dense weave that's warm and soft. The top has raglan sleeves for a non-constricting fit, and a zip neck with a 5cm collar to keep out the wind. (Cougar Zip, $99.99); icebreaker.com
Smartwool NTS Crew and Bottom
Reach for wool this winter. My first cross-country ski pants were wool Army issue knickers that kept me warm and relatively dry. Wool's come a long way since then, with companies like Smartwool perfecting super light weight, non-itch merino knits that are soft and comfortable next to the ski. Smartwool's NTS Midweight Crew is made of 100 percent Merino Wool interlock knit that is dense but still highly breathable. A zip-T version is also available, but if you're planning on layering the piece under a baselayer and jacket, stick with the crew neck to eliminate bulk. Flatlock seam construction eliminates chafing, and the knit wrist cuffs stay in place under coats, yet have enough stretch to be shoved back to your elbows when you need to push up your sleeves. The beauty of the wool knit is that it's designed to be machine washed and dried. Smartwool baselayers are an investment in your outdoor future. Expect to get many years of use from the Crew and Bottom-from walking your dog through fall foliage, to big powder days in the backcountry. $70 (crew), $75 (bottom); smartwool.com
Lorpen Tri Ã?Â?Layer Midweight Hiker Socks
There's a revolution afoot. Of all apparel, nothing has improved more in the past decade than the simple sock. Research into technical fibers and significant advances in knitting technology have resulted in socks moving from an accessory buy to a performance purchase. Lorpen's new TPMW (Women's Tri-Layer Midweight Hiker) and TPMM (Tri-Layer Midweight Hiker) are both made with the company's Tri-Layer technology, which consists of layering both synthetic and natural yarns in a way that improves moisture management, comfort and durability. The next-to-skin layer is a PrimaLoft Eco yarn that blends 30 percent pure PrimaLoft fibers with 70 percent PCR polyester fibers that are made from post-consumer recycled materials. This layer is incredibly hydrophobic - it dries fast - and has terrific abrasion resistance. We have a no-shoe house, so I wear socks all day in the winter. While many other brands wear out at the ball of the toe and heel, the Lorpen TPMM has outlasted them all. Layer two is a 100 percent merino wool layer that has excellent capillary action designed to draw moisture away from the foot. The last layer is a nylon knit, providing a high friction, abrasion resistant exterior. The ankles are ribbed with flat-seam construction, so they stay in place and don't pinch. Plus, there's a little extra padding in the toe and heel, where you need it, and less-dense material on the instep and arch, where you don't! $17.99; lorpen.com
Mountain Hardwear Girls' Monkey Jacket
Guaranteed to put a smile on any girl's face, the new Monkey Jacket's only drawback is that it is so huggable. Whenever my daughter, Alice, wears hers, people can't resist giving her a squeeze. Neighborhood kids pet her sleeve. Puppies and kittens are constantly jumping onto her lap and falling asleep. The Monkey Jacket is made from Mountain Hardwear's luxuriously soft Monkey Phur fleece. The material is whisper soft, silky and has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio (warm without being heavy). Plus it has a DWR (durable water repellant) finish, so it sheds water and snow. Designed as a stand-alone jacket or midlayer, the jacket is perfect for layering. It is ultimately versatile - ideal for school, soccer practice and snow sports. It's easy to care for - toss it in the washer and dryer and it doesn't lose shape, loft or color. The polyester jacket has side 4-way stretch panels that keep the coat close to the body to keep out cold air and snow! There's also a low-profile chest pocket for maps and snacks or a cell phone and front hand pockets with zippers. $85; mountainhardwear.com
Nau M2 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top
Wearing Nau is a step toward a better world. There are few brands so completely dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, sustainable fibers and social consciousnesses. From fabrics and fibers to the manufacturing process to minimalist packaging, Nau has a strict code of conduct for the workplace, and a design philosophy based on beauty, performance and sustainability. While so many brands have cookie-cutter designs and colors, Nau is original. The new M2 long sleeve zip neck has a style that is sophisticated and flattering far beyond the run-of-the-mill baselayer tops. Destined for daily winter use, this Zque-certified wool top (Zque fibers are "ethical wool," backed by an accreditation program that ensures environmental, social and economic sustainability, animal welfare and traceability back to the source) is made from a fine-gauge (18.5 micron) yarn, sourced from the longest, softest hairs of the merino sheep. Four percent spandex gives fabric stretch and resiliency for added movement and durability, while the under-arm gusset assures full range of motion. $115; nau.com
Chaos The Otto Cap
Ideal for active sport, the Otto is part of Chaos's FITS ALL 4X collection. The four-way stretch of the fibers make the cap highly versatile - it will fit most any head, big or small. Each fiber has a spandex core encased by spun wool and polyester threads. The polyester acrylic-and-wool yarn wicks sweat and provides great temperature regulation. While you won't want to take the cap off, it easily stuffs into a coat pocket or backpack pouch. The beanies are low profile enough to act as a helmet liner - I've worn my Otto under both bike and ski helmets on those days when the wind and cold threaten to turn my ears into popsicles. The seamless crown is nice, as it eliminates pressure points and potential itching. The caps can be tossed into the washer (I hang-dry mine), and keep their shape after hundreds of days in the field. $20-22; chaoshats.comPost a comment
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