Originally Posted by
RoadHolland
While I love wool -- especially a wool/poly blend. For a base layer on the really cold days, I find this layering preferable. Base Layer: Silk Long Sleeve Underwear Tops (this stuff wicks, it dries fast, and is very lightweight so you don't feel like you have so many layers on), then I use my Long Sleeve Wool/Poly Jersey (40%/60%), and then some sort of wind proof jacket (with lots of venting zippers for when I'm climbing).
Seriously, check out the silk stuff (you may want to check the Ski section of the store, that's what I originally purchased it for).
I have a LS silk base layer and I hate it. I find that it's hot and doesn't breathe.
REI's article on layering says:
"For outdoor comfort, your base layer should be made of merino wool (popularized by brands such as SmartWool, Ibex and Icebreaker), synthetic fabrics (such as REI MTS, Capilene, PowerDry and CoolMax polyester) or, for less-active uses, silk."
I suspect the "less-active use" qualification has to do with silk's less than ideal breathability.