Originally Posted by
Sy Reene
Couple thoughts on LS base layers:
1. I wouldn't get a wind-blocking base layer in general. Why? They tend to by their nature to not expel moisture and heat where the wind-blocking fabric is. Instead, put the wind-blocking fabric on your jersey or jacket (whatever the outer layer is). Jerseys and Jackets can unzip (all the way if necessary) if you start to overheat. Can't do this with a base. Their may be value in a sleeveless wind-blocking base to wear under a short sleeve jersey in shoulder seasons, but not winter IMO.
This is often stated but in practice a wind block base layer can be very effective along with a wind blocking outer shell.
I own and use both long and short sleeve
Craft Active Extreme WS base layers which have Gore Windstopper on the front of the torso and shoulders. The rest is very open.
The windblock material on the base layer blunts and diffuses the cold wind as it hits the chest when the outer layer is unzipped for venting. There is enough open space in the rest of the garment to move moisture effectively.
I find some windblock on the chest very helpful in extreme cold, especially since I am susceptible to bronchitis. These are used in Nordic skiing and other aerobic activities in the cold where keeping cold wind off the chest is important.
-Tim-