First Layer - Patagonia Capilene

[danpop]

Looking to get a new base layer for this season. The goal is, unlike other years, to eliminate as much bulk as I can. I was thinking to get the Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip Neck and their bottoms as the only layer under the ski jacket/pants (at least for most of the days; if it gets extremely cold I could put on a second layer).

Anyway, few questions... Any experience with Patagonia Capilene 3? Is Capilene 3 the right layer? Could I get by with Capilene 2? Or should I move up to Capilene 4 (which is considerably more expensive)?

Any other brand/recommendations? Thanks.

[ctenidae]

As a layer, looks good. As the layer, probably not enough insulation. I'd still recommend a wicking base layer to go under that. That's basically the setup I use, and it's good most days.

[SKIQUATTRO]

i usually go with a wicking base layer, then a zip, then my jacket unless its cold and need a fleece vest or fleece jacket under my outer shell

[salida]

I create a lot of heat when I ski, and unless it is really cold ~10 F or below, I typically use just a capaline base layer (lightweight/midweight) is what they used to call it, with a Gor-tex shell. I have used almost every brand of polypro, and I find Patagonia's the best. By far, I have used it in extreme conditions for long periods of time, and it continues to wick excellently. Just this past weekend I was hiking in a long sleeve lightweight capaline on Mt Wash in ~25 F degree temps, and one of my buddies remarked that it looked like I was a fog machine, thats how much moisture was coming off of me, and being wicked by the shirt. Spend the extra money for capaline (I think it is totally worth it).

-Porter

[Birdman829]

Originally Posted by ctenidae

As a layer, looks good. As the layer, probably not enough insulation. I'd still recommend a wicking base layer to go under that. That's basically the setup I use, and it's good most days.

Capilene IS a wicking base layer.

[danpop]

Originally Posted by salida

I create a lot of heat when I ski, and unless it is really cold ~10 F or below, I typically use just a capaline base layer (lightweight/midweight) is what they used to call it, with a Gor-tex shell. I have used almost every brand of polypro, and I find Patagonia's the best. By far, I have used it in extreme conditions for long periods of time, and it continues to wick excellently. Just this past weekend I was hiking in a long sleeve lightweight capaline on Mt Wash in ~25 F degree temps, and one of my buddies remarked that it looked like I was a fog machine, thats how much moisture was coming off of me, and being wicked by the shirt. Spend the extra money for capaline (I think it is totally worth it).

-Porter

Should I go with Capilene 3 layer (midweight) or should I go with a ligther layer (1 or 2)?

[salida]

I use what appears to be capaline 2 crew long sleeve shirts (http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...ENE2#sku.44810)

Like I said these bad boys are awesome. If you are going to use it as a base layer definitely go with 1 or 2, I used 2 with only a shell (but I sweat a lot). If you are going to use a 3 layer system, go with 1 or 2... If any of that makes sense.

PS see if you can find this stuff on sale, I try never to pay more than 20 bucks for one of these shirts.

[danpop]

Originally Posted by salida

I use what appears to be capaline 2 crew long sleeve shirts (http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...ENE2#sku.44810)

Like I said these bad boys are awesome. If you are going to use it as a base layer definitely go with 1 or 2, I used 2 with only a shell (but I sweat a lot). If you are going to use a 3 layer system, go with 1 or 2... If any of that makes sense.

PS see if you can find this stuff on sale, I try never to pay more than 20 bucks for one of these shirts.

$20?!! That would be great but so far the cheapest I've found on the Internet is around $35 (top/bottom each). Like I said earlier, I want to use the Capilene as the only layer under the ski jacket. To that end, I am not sure that I should not buy Capilene 3 instead of Capilene 2 (the price difference is minimal). Patagonia, recommends Capilene 3 for cold weather. But you seem to be happy with Capilene 2...! And while I do not sweat a lot, my body gets really warm during skiing... I am wondering how big of difference is Capilene 2 vs. 3?

[AHM]

Like Salida, I generate a lot of heat, so I go relatively light under a gore tex shell for typical VT skiing. Some of the tops I use are:

1. Patagonia R1 (this on a cold day, say 0 - 10 F)
2. Cloudveil Highline top (a bit thicker than a Cap 2), but a bit more high tech.
3. Polartech powder dry shirts by Bean, North Face, etc--these I like better than midweight capiline.

If I am going softshell (Cloudveil), then I have a little more on underneath, but still one layer only.

1. Cloudveil Run don't walk top
2. Pat R1
3. TNF Momentum shirt.

This layer gets thin if we are touring, ie powder dry and a soft shell.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by danpop

Looking to get a new base layer for this season. The goal is, unlike other years, to eliminate as much bulk as I can. I was thinking to get the Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip Neck and their bottoms as the only layer under the ski jacket/pants (at least for most of the days; if it gets extremely cold I could put on a second layer).

Anyway, few questions... Any experience with Patagonia Capilene 3? Is Capilene 3 the right layer? Could I get by with Capilene 2? Or should I move up to Capilene 4 (which is considerably more expensive)?

Any other brand/recommendations? Thanks.

I use this brand and their tops are nice. They do hold odors though....I would save $$$ on the pants though by getting another brand. Mine have not held up too well...ripping in the crotches.....but my EMS and other brand ones are cheaper and holding up better.