How should base and midlayers fit?

[Erussell01]

In my unending quest to tinker myself into oblivion.....

I have been playing around with a bunch of different layers and how they function leading up to elk season

What I'm finding is- base layers perform better when they are close to skin. It seems that when they make contact, they can move moisture better.

Mid layers seem to function better from a moisture management perspective when they match up with the base layer. However, I find more comfort and breathability when the mid layer is a bit more loose.

For example, I have been playing aith a sitka midweight zip T for my morning runs. I have 2 sizes, large and xl.

The large moves moisture better, but feels warmer during exertion. The XL seems to be more "flowy" and therefore seems to be more comfortable in the heat, like it moves air within the garment better.

Puffys seem to perform best when they have room to loft and create dead air space to insulate. This one is a no brainer to me because it lofts, but the midayer piece has me rethinking a bit.


What have you guys found in this regard?

 

[Bump79]

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

 

[Erussell01]

Th

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

This aligns with what I have found as well. I think I had too loose of base layers for much of the past, and maybe too tight of mid layers and shellsl

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

Do you find that you adjust the fit based on temp and activity level?

 

[Boarmaster]

Base layers snug but not tight. They must be very stretchy for me. Mid layers I want loose fitting and also stretchy. Light jackets or shirts like 3/4 zips need to be loose fitting and stretchy. Outer gear and rain shells can be a bit less stretchy but must be loose. I’m a big guy and I don't want to be fighting my clothes binding me up.

 

[Erussell01]

Base layers snug but not tight. They must be very stretchy for me. Mid layers I want loose fitting and also stretchy. Light jackets or shirts like 3/4 zips need to be loose fitting and stretchy. Outer gear and rain shells can be a bit less stretchy but must be loose. I’m a big guy and I don't want to be fighting my clothes binding me up.

I agree with you on the not too tight part. I dont think under armour compression type fit does me any good for baselayers.


When it comes to your base and mid, do you adjuat the fit of your mid based on what baselayer you use?

I used to use thicker baselayers but now I pretty much always run very thin, think core lw type baselayers and then add warmth at the mid layer for me

 

[Boarmaster]

I agree with you on the not too tight part. I dont think under armour compression type fit does me any good for baselayers.


When it comes to your base and mid, do you adjuat the fit of your mid based on what baselayer you use?

I used to use thicker baselayers but now I pretty much always run very thin, think core lw type baselayers and then add warmth at the mid layer for me

My mid layers fit is always somewhat loose and stretchy so I never adjust fit. I always use merino mid weight base layers. I will double up base layer tops if need be. They are snug and stretchy. I am 6’1 325 lbs. So different fits might work better for a smaller person or a person that is fit. How snug my hunting clothes are can depend on how stretchy they are. I don't want my layers so loose and baggy they bind or bunch up under the next layer. So stretch is important to me. A thin guy might find a piece with less stretch just as comfortable. This is just what my preference is for the climate and conditions I hunt in.

You might need to go thru a few different fits and materials until you find your layering system that you like. You could fill a pick up truck bed with all the different stuff I have tried over 40 years. What I use now I been using for about 10 years. Replacing worn out stuff every year. My hunts last for 7-21 days so I have five sets of base layers and five sets of mid layers. All the same stuff. I am lucky enough to hunt out of a small cabin so I have the luxury of being able to bring as many sets as I care to bring.