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Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Baselayers

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.

By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. Alpaca vs. Polyester

In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. We also see if my preconceived notions about merino hold water. Finally, we will see how to choose the fiber for our base layers.

By The Numbers: Testing the Performance of Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Garments

Is Mountain Hardwear AirMesh a breakthrough product or a prisoner of wicking base-layer physics?

Base Layers, Wicking, and Backpacking (Member Q&A)

Learn how to choose a base layer for backpacking, base layer material performance differences, and how base layers impact moisture transfer in the broader context of a clothing system.

You Know You’ve Been Backpacking a Long Time When…

Rex Sanders takes a walk down memory lane (er, trail).

Winter Backpacking on Packed-Snow Trails (Gear List)

A winter backpacking gear list for hiking on packed-snow trails in dry (low-humidity) climates.

Q & A with Shilletha Curtis

Shilletha Curtis was awarded a Backpacking Light Diversity Grant in 2020 to help her prepare, acquire gear, and train for her next dream: hiking the Triple Crown. We caught up with Shilletha for a quick interview.

Brynje Thermo Mesh Review (Wool and Synthetic Base Layers)

This Brynje Thermo Mesh Review features both Super Thermo and Wool Thermo base layers utilizing an open-weave (fishnet) construction.

Hiking Underwear & Shorts – Men’s (Guides’ Notes)

Underwear acts as a moisture (sweat) transfer layer to keep you reasonably dry "down there". This guide highlights some important considerations about materials, design, fit, weight, and performance criteria when selecting a pair of hiking underwear (or shorts).

Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers

An in-depth comparison of the properties of wool and synthetic fabric for base layers yielded some surprising results.

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