{"id":5204,"date":"2021-02-26T07:01:38","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T13:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=5204"},"modified":"2021-02-26T07:01:41","modified_gmt":"2021-02-26T13:01:41","slug":"base-layer-in-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/base-layer-in-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Wear A Base Layer In Summer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s time to start the grand debate: Will a base layer help to cool you down in the summer or just make you even more hot and uncomfortable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wearing a base layer in the summer will not cool your body down, but a base layer can improve wearer comfort, especially in humid conditions where evaporative cooling is less effective. Summer base layers should be lightweight, breathable, and made out of moisture-wicking materials which help regulate skin temperature.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, not everyone spending time out in hot weather likes the idea of wearing a base layer. Base layers are often tight and come in varying levels of breathability<\/strong>, so it’s possible that in some cases they aren’t the best idea when you want plenty of airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to help answer this question of whether or not a base layer is the best possible choice in summer, I reviewed studies on the helpfulness of base layers and sought out responses from hikers and backpackers<\/strong> with actual real-world experiences. Their opinions varied greatly, but I’ve compiled the general positions as clearly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you think? Do you like to use base layers when you’re out in the heat, or do you have your own solution to stay cool?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue on and you’ll see what we’ve how wearing a base layer in summer can be valuable<\/strong>, what base layers are best for warm weather, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does It Make Sense To Wear A Base Layer In Hot Weather?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, when people think about adding base layers to their outfits, they’re thinking about staying warm in colder weather. When you’re battling the cold of winter, it only makes sense to layer up.<\/strong> On the other hand, it almost seems counterintuitive to add layers in the hotter seasons when you’re already trying to stay cool. However, a base layer might be more useful in hot weather than you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all base layers exist for the sole purpose of keeping you warm. While they are often useful for maintaining warmth when you combine them with other clothing layers, base layers can also just be helpful for regulating your skin temperature<\/strong>. A solid base layer can also protect you from sunlight, which is so important for those who tend to burn easily (such as myself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, base layers designed to absorb sweat<\/strong> are incredibly useful if you’re out hiking and know you’re going to be sweating more than usual. Sweat is uncomfortable, whether you’re in the cold or the heat. Although it may be less dangerous for your clothing to end up sweat-soaking in the summer, it’s still not fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a Base Layer the Coolest Option? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So, as far as your actual body temperature, base layers are not proven to actually cool your body down. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the coolest option has been shown in some studies to go without clothes, period.<\/strong> But, <\/strong>this option is not ideal<\/strong>. Whether you want to maintain some modesty or just follow the laws of the area, the next best thing is a base layer that is very lightweight. The breathability of a quality base layer can go a long way when it comes to keeping your skin temperature as comfortable as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, unless you know you can go shirtless on a certain hike, a good alternative is to wear a thin, cool base layer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study <\/a>suggests that the base layer should be of moisture-wicking materials (like wool or polyester) and should be loose to help evaporative cooling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Evaporative cooling is that phenomenon when you step out of the shower and you feel cold even though it’s warm in your house)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will A Base Layer Really Make Me Cooler?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes down to it, there’s little a base layer can do to reduce your overall temperature<\/strong>. If it’s hot outside, that’s just how it’s going to be. The goal of a base layer is just to help with keeping you more comfortable while you’re dealing with that heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a couple of ways base layers can do this. The first is that a good warm-weather base layer is typically designed to absorb sweat in a more efficient way than other materials<\/strong>. These layers get that sweat off your skin while also keeping it from reaching any outer layers you may be wearing (if you’re wearing one).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, a light, breathable base layer can allow you to stay as cool as possible without running around the woods in your birthday suit. While a base layer isn’t proven to reduce your overall temperature, it can help to keep your skin cooler. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether base layers help or not is actually controversial, believe it or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Summer Base Layer Controversy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There can be a lot of debate when it comes to the effects of base layers versus other clothing types when you’re out in the heat<\/strong>. This study<\/a> on PubMed.gov indicates that the kind of fabric you choose to wear while hiking in a warm area may not make much of a difference. Meanwhile, another study<\/a> from researchgate.net discovers that a base layer can provide a higher level of comfort than a simple cotton shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because there’s so much controversy over the topic, it can ultimately be up to each individual hiker to determine whether or not a base layer is necessary<\/strong> for the heat. Whatever keeps you the most comfortable is typically the correct answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to your clothing, you may need some other tools for beating the heat. If you’re backpacking or camping, it may not be enough just to wear light, breathable clothing. In our article on staying cool while camping without electricity<\/strong>, we’ll give you 13 tips<\/strong> on how to stay comfortable when you’re camping in high temperatures. Check it out here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, there are a few key points if you want to try a base layer in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Select a Base Layer In Hot Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there is some controversy about whether base layers really help, there are some things to look for in a base layer that can make a big difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n