Originally Posted by
vinuneuro
Merino isn't a great base layer in my experience. On of my base layers is an Ibex Woolies 1. While the material quality, construction and comfort are ace, the chief complaint is that it doesn't wick nearly as well as synthetics.
And even as far as synthetics go, the baselayers from cycling companies aren't that great imo. I have switched to the Arcteryx Phase baselayers. The wicking is unbelievable even in warm temps. Construction and stitching is what you'd expect from Arcteryx, and with the latest material odor control is also really fantastic. Patagonia Capilene is also pretty good but the fit isn't snug enough for cycling and the stitching is a bit more abrasive.
Not only does wool not wick as well as synthetics, it also doesn't dry as quickly, not by half. Craft baselayers are IME the very best, better than any non-cycling synthetics I've used, including Capilene, though I don't have any Arcteryx..
Experiment: select two baselayers of about equal weight, one wool, one synthetic. Soak them, wring them out, and see which one dries first. Or try a wool sweater and a fleece jacket.
Edit: I suppose I should mention that we were out on a group ride last Sunday, mostly 40° and cloudy, but we got hit by a one hour shower of graupel mixed with rain at 34°. No problem. I was wearing a Craft LS baselayer and a PI Softshell on top, cycling shorts with a PI Barrier tights on top, Sidi shoes and neoprene booties, ordinary non-waterproof insulated gloves.
No midlayer at all, folks. I was even comfortable. I should also mention that the PI Softshell is not good in prolonged rain, even with a wind jacket over it. For prolonged rain I use a midlayer and the wind jacket.