Icebrakers vs. Patagonia Cap vs. Smartwool base layers

bump… No one has an opinion on this?? c'mon guys

For what it's worth I don't like to use icebreaker or smartwool for an upper body base layer during difficult hiking / climbing. Sure the wool is warm but even the lightest weights don’t dry fast enough and very quickly wets out (for me anyways).

I prefer to use simple pollypro for my upper body base layers and add vapor barrier and puffy insulation as needed.

As for my legs I love my icebreaker 240 weight long johns! I combine these with a pair of Montbell sofshell pants and I'm when moving in temps down to -25 F.

On my Kilimanjaro climb I took two wool base layers. One I wore only at night, one I hiked in. The one I did all of my hiking in is an Ibex hooded base layer, and it worked out quite well; we started in pretty hot weather, and of course above 10,000 feet it was pretty cold. And at 15,500 on up, it was pretty icy, especially between midnight and sunrise…

I've used Cabela's mid-weight and polar weight polyester long johns for many years (as in 15 years) for nordic ski patrolling, hunting, backcountry winter camping and alpine skiing/patrolling. In all these years I've found it great for moisture transport and warmth, not to mention durability.

The last three times I climbed Rainier, my base layer shirt was a RR Echo-Mesh long sleeve. I recently switched to a 150wt long sleeve, zip neck Icebreaker. I have not been back up Rainier with the Icebreaker but I would think it would be fine. Keep in mind that the trek up to camp will likely be in 70degree temps. The sun radiates off the glacier and there is no shade to speak of. It’s not uncommon to make it to camp in shorts, a light shirt and maybe your wind shell. I have never gone up to camp in my leggings.

The descent from the summit back to camp can also get quit warm. I personally would not wear a base layer top heavier than 150wt, nor bottoms heavier than 200.

Just my $.02

Enjoy the climb!