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Multi-Day wearable non-merino base layer? (Polartec Power Dry/Polygiene)

Posted by (Australia) on

Hi all,
After trying several highly brands (and washing methods), it's clear merino and I don't get along in terms of the itch factor, but I'm hoping there exists another base layer top option that would let me get away with a few wears without doing laundry in a cold climate.

I'm wondering if anyone has used shirts such as the one below as a base layer, which use Polartec, Power Dry/Polygiene and has any experience in if they'd live up to their claims such as "'Polygiene™ anti-bacterial silver-salt embedded in the fibres reduces odour-causing bacteria for days on end." or if I'd still be needing to wash it every day regardless, in which case I'd probably opt for a cheaper synthetic option. This is for a December Christmas Markets tour + some time in the UK/Norway in January.

https://www.mont.com.au/products/power-dry-long-sleeve-crew-men was the one I was looking at, as an example.
Or even the thermal Capilene mid or thermal base, which also has anti-odour claims:
https://www.patagonia.com.au/products/mens-capilene-thermal-weight-crew-43647-blk?&variant=39442372329544

Many thanks in advance!

Posted by
14816 posts

I've not tried either one but I'd probably go for the Polartek. Capilene has probably changed a LOT in 30 years, hahaha (haven't we all??) but I had some in the 90's to wear under snowmobile suits and they got so smelly I had to just throw them out. Patagonia is such a good company, though...

All winter here in N. Idaho I wear just thin thermal bottoms by a cheapo company called 32 Degrees. They are poly/spandex but do have some anti-odor built in. I'd recommend a lighter-weight base layer on the top because you'll have your outerwear on top of that to keep your core warm.

I also know people love Merino but no matter how much they advertise it does not itch....it does, so I am with you on getting a synthetic non-itch fabric right next to my skin.

Posted by
430 posts

When it's cold I wear silk long john's top and bottom with cotton long johns over that. Then regular clothes. The silk is thin and can be washed and tried overnight so the layer next to your skin is clean every day. I wear two pair of socks, first cheap cotton ones that get tossed out every day and then thick wool socks over that. So the outside clothes and shoes need to be larger than normal to accommodate the extra inside layers. J

Posted by
89 posts

I will tell you that I have used LL Bean's silk under layer for quite awhile and find it just as effective as a thin "hi-tech" fibre. And it packs to NOTHING and dries very quickly. I bought this specifically when we were doing a Christmas Markets cruise and some days both ends. I also made sure to have a good under layer for my jeans considering the amount of time outdoors. The silk and a cotton turtleneck under a cashmere sweater: TOASTY.

For my $$, silk is the best: light, natural and cozy.

Sharon

Posted by
647 posts

I agree that merino wool is itchy, but I still have several long sleeved tops in various solid colors. What I have done that actually worked pretty well is use a cuddl duds (I get them from Kohls) base layer with the merino shirt and jeans over them. Two sets of cuddle duds barely take any space in your luggage and one can dry while you wear the other, although they probably would dry overnight, then you can wear the merino shirts and jeans more than one day.

I'm not familiar with the shirts you mentioned and I'm trying to be content with what I already have and stop buying new things, but the posts about clothes and luggage always tempt me.

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