Capilene 3 as a mid layer?

That's what I use and it works in the cold summer mornings and generally all day when snowshoeing.

Hi Greg, Do you use Capline 3 as a base layer or mid layer? Patagonia told me that R1 also works as a base layer, so I'm a bit confused..

Cap 3 is "generally" my standard "mid" layer.

Cap 2 is my standard backcountry "base" layer.

This combination works great for me.
I just size up the Cap 3 so it fits a bit looser than a base layer.

R1 has a different fiber structure– hollow, lofted fibers vs. the woven structure of the Capeline. IMHO, they are all overpriced, and especially the R1 stuff.

The game with any of the polyester base layers is to move the moisture away from your skin and maintain a warm layer of air. I wonder what it would take to do a real scientific evaluation, with a test dummy putting out various amounts of moisture and varying outer temperatures, humidity and wind speed.

I like Capeline 1 for a general purpose base layer and Power Stretch (also overpriced) for a warmer mid layer. The Power Stretch is great for sleeping.

See http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2076 for info on Patagonia's various fabrics.

One size up sounds like a good idea.

From the spec sheet, I couldn't really tell the difference between Power Dry and Power Stretch other than the weight (Power stretch is a bit heavier), but it seems like Power Dry is intended to use for base layer and Power Stretch is for mid layer. Strangely, the most popular mid layer (R1) is a Power Dry.

I wear my Cap 3 with front zip all the time when I know the tempature will be under 60 +/-. I wear it against my skin. (I don't know if that's base or mid?) The front zip helps to cool me down when I'm really pushing it. It's my favorite piece.

"Hi Greg, Do you use Capline 3 as a base layer or mid layer? Patagonia told me that R1 also works as a base layer, so I'm a bit confused.."

what art said……

I also use a LS Golite shirt that is basically the same as Cap 1. I found it so inexpensive I could justify the extra for the Cap 1.

I noticed there are 2 different versions of Cap 3.

Cap 3 with Power Dry material seems to be released very recently, from 2010 fall models. They had been using their own Capilene material for Cap3.

They carry both versions now. Old version is 30% off now at Pat Web. I've got an old zip version for $38 today. They claim new Power Dry version is much better, but $20 more.

I'm not aware of Cap 3 being made with a new material.
I've been very happy with the old version.

I didn't realize the new capilene stuff was powerdry. The new REI base layers are all made of powerdry, too. Although the capilene stuff also has odor control fabric in it. I'm a huge fan of the PolarTec polyesters. Does anyone know how well the patagonia odor control stuff works? I have some patagonia mid-weight stuff from years ago but I've never actually worn it for a long enough period to get funk on it.

Ayumi,
R1 and powerstretch are quite different. Vaguely comparable warmths (powerstretch comes in different weights), but very different constructions.

R1s waffle weave breaths and dries very well and quickly. It also has no wind resistance. Powerstretch has a harder, more dense outer face and a fuzzy inner face. It also wicks very well, but dries more slowly. It provides a bit of wind and abrasion resistance. I find powerstretch to be more versitile for cold weather, and use it rather than R1. Both are good.

Cap 3 is more of a classic knit, slightly more open inside, a bit denser on the outside. As some have noted, it's a bit warm for many to use on the move unless it gets pretty chilly. For summer conditions, it does make for a nice warmer layer for breaks and hanging around camp. As with all capilene, it wicks and dries quickly, is warm for the weight, and is very durable.

It should be noted that Cap 4 (formerly know as R 1/2), is a R1 mini/light, with a very fine waffle surface inside. Another good fabric, and one I often use as an against the skin layer for conditions well below freezing.

Interestingly, the new Cap3 is a little heavier than previous Cap 4. Both made of Power Dry. New Cap4 became heavier and called Expedition Weight. R1 also became a bit heavier, as opposed to the global warming.

From current Patagonia Catalogue:

Cap1 = 3.7oz Capilene knit
Cap2 = 4oz Capilene knit
Cap3 (2009) = 4.8oz Capilene knit

Cap3 (2010) = 5.4oz Power Dry
Cap 4 (2009) = 5.3oz Power Dry
Cap4 (2010-Expedition) =5.9oz Power Dry

R1 (2009) =6.5oz Power Dry
R1 (2010) = 6.8oz Power Dry

I just received an e-mail from REI with the Power Dry fabrics used in their new baselayers.

Lightweight uses 3.5 oz/sq. yd material.
Midweight uses 5.7 oz/sq. yd material.
Heavyweight uses 7.1 oz/sq. yd material.