Best motorcycle base-layers

[@emilsoberbro36]

Seriously, one of the best if not best channel for gear reviews and learning about it all. I visited your shop beginning of this year and will be back in the future. All best to your team.

[@olliezxr4960]

Excellent explanation and you're right - something that's given little consideration. I'm also a road cyclist and we have widely adopted base layers as our number one priority in garment choice. It's an essential investment

[@phildivalerio]

Great discussion. I started wearing merino wool base last year and now always use it. Worth twice the price.

[@vriendelijkegroet]

Great video. Baselayers are like earplugs, absolute necessities. During my trips I ride in temperatures up to 40c, with baselayers it's still hot, but the fact that you stay dry makes life so much better.

[@elionh4532]

Do you wear wool or synthetics on 40c?

[@kasztan2008]

Fantastic explanation, I knew nothing about this and now I will feel comfortable shopping around for a proper base layer. Thanks !

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Mind blown. NOW. I understand layering. I tip my hat to the capped chap, thank you for the education!

[@madcockney]

I have for many years worn base layers both summer and winter. The summer being very light to wick the moisture a way and keep you cool, and a thicker type for winter, They certainly do their job.

[@peterpark2617]

Thank you! I always thought the base layers were only for the cold weather... I live in a hot climate 365 days of the year and it is good to know! Great information!

[@2day_we_ride]

I bought a set of light weight merino and they are fantastic. I've previously used ice breaker and Patagonia and these are the same quality and work brilliantly as Chris explains (marvelously 👍)

[@andylynch739]

The chap in the cap never ceases to amaze me, knowledge second to none, can't wait to visit the shop when lock down lifted. Just now added some base layers to the already long list of stuff I have now decided I "need".

[@charleselliott2762]

Well done. I appreciate all the work. The wife and I will be purchasing the base layers. When we come across the pond, we'll make of point of visiting your shops. Just make sure you have the biscuits ready.

[@cloud9847]

just bought a Merlin Gable jacket and love the thing. I'm looking for top quality base layers to wear beneath it to let me get into the coldest weather I'll see around my area. Thanks for all your videos and information Moto. From this new rider...you've helped me save untold amounts of money by not buying crap. I appreciate you guys.

[@MsDenver2]

I have to say what fantastic info you give , I’ve learned a lot about what to buy from you. Thankyou very much please keep doing theses great videos for motorcyclists .

[@robertroy3003]

Those Motolegend people are the real experts. Every time I watch their video, I learn so much. Great work !

[@fr4413]

Unbelievably in depth and scientific. Just like a Royal Institution Christmas Lecture. Informative and entertaining. You deserve a pay rise.

[@Motolegends]

Payment? He does it for love!

[@pter7531]

A chap with a cap and a passion. Thank you for your videos sir!

[@sumporfuk]

Anthony who used to be part owner of Revzilla was the IMHO best product video presenter. You sir are the new presenter 🤴 King and may your cap 🧢 serve as the crown 👑. The background information and explanations of the products purpose is truly exceptional. Bravo 👏 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@radustanciu2445]

sumporfuk , right you are! Btw., do you know what happened with Anthony? I was wondering why Spurgeon was kinda front man now...

[@sumporfuk]

Yeah well, Anthony and his partner sold Revzilla to some investment group about 3 or 4 years ago. Sadly Revzilla is not the same company as it once was, it feels very different and most of my purchases are done elsewhere now.

[@Motolegends]

Thanks for your comments but I have to balance it with the some of the other comments on this video where someone just said ' too much waffle'.

[@sumporfuk]

Motolegends Well, there’s just no pleasing everyone is there!!! Assuming as in my case a person knows nothing about a particular garment. All the waffle as some might call it was not random gibberish but rather a preferred background preface that encompasses valuable information about the garment and no one else does that. Anyway, your the one making the videos, it’s up to you to decide

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Agreed! The Capped Chap beats Anthony. Agree also that Revzilla feels different, I no longer shop there either.

[@Nickescaped]

Wow Chris! Exceptional explanation of base layers - something I was not aware of before watching your video. No headaches here watching your video-haha. Looks to be a very important consideration for the ride.

[@linmart1]

“It does what it says on the tin”. I like that.

[@Chokkan]

From a very old advert for Ronseal. :D

[@duncanelliott5120]

Brilliant lecture! Really helpful. Many thanks. I will be buying my gear from you guys from now on, as your videos have been so good.

[@flageborg]

Riding all year round in Norway with this layer technique which always make sure my body is in the absolute comfort zone :)

[@expatbiker6598]

As always. Legend chap with a cap does it again. Stellar performance.

[@domster200]

Mainly agree Chris but merino does hold moisture and odour to some extent and I still resort to wet cotton when it's too hot for polyester.

[@Motolegends]

Everything holds water to an extent but merino can hold 30% of its weight without you felling wet so it is better in this respect than any other material. Not come across any suggestion that it can be too hot for polyester. The only conditions in which you'd wear wet cotton are if you are trying to create evaporative cooling and there is not a lot of oncoming air. Is this what you are suggesting?

[@domster200]

@@Motolegends Polyester fails for me above 30* even under mesh. I like to cut out the middle man with a wet denim long sleeved shirt under a dyneema jacket, wet as well if necessary. Saves all that drinking, sweating and p***ing malarkey!

[@jediknight1294]

Good baselayers make a huge difference to pretty much all conditions. Merino wool socks in boots are fantastic.

[@Fee.1]

Is there any issue with wearing two base layers? Like a thin stretchy one like under armour & one like The WarmR series from freezer ?

[@jediknight1294]

@@Fee.1 comfort water/sweat wicking properties seams rubbing take your pick. You need to think about your layers working together

[@Fee.1]

@@jediknight1294 comfort water? I don’t understand what is comfort water

[@jediknight1294]

@@Fee.1 comfort and water/sweat wicking, two separate things both are a huge issues with baselayers/multi layer setups.

[@Foxy_proxy]

Just bought a full leather 2 piece suit today. Riding home I felt i was massively restricted in my movement (especially turning my knee outwards). I'm not sure if the leathers are still having to be worn in but I am sure that they stuck to my skin like they where glued on. I need a base layer!

[@johnward3490]

I use Marino all year lightweight for summer heavy for winter. Will give the pollyester one a go in summer. Thanks for the info

[@JoseJose-ih4zi]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, highly appreciated!

[@adamshani3049]

Excellent video and very educational. thank you.

[@playtime.5526]

Thank you been riding for years and I learnt something new.

[@ahde3133]

19:31 ...”I got a headache trying to remember all of those facts” 😅😂🤣

[@elzer0181]

Love you guys, can you please do a best of mid layer reviews please

[@rayfriedman9625]

VERY educational, much thanks!

[@The-Splat]

@Motolegends How do Halvarssons and Rukka’s base layers compare for fit and sizing?

[@dermandertcekmez2404]

You really did a greate explanation.

[@fsmits2987]

Love the videos Chris, keep them coming. Miss going into the shop though

[@Motolegends]

We miss the shop too.

[@OJMAH]

it is very difficult to take off a fit one piece leather suit in hot weather without wearing an inner layer. i have been wearing a polyester + spendix inner layer a year now and it is very comfortable with very little drag body movement. the benefits are more than disadvantage side. you can go loose one but should not buy a tight one. the layer is stretchy and thinner than most cotton t .

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

I feel like a right numpty. I've been wearing cotton t-shirts for the past 30 years I now need proper base layer tops to go with my new Badlands A3... 😉

[@bennytilkens8251]

Those layers like the halvarssons have to be fitted very tight or not ?

[@richieford3176]

I’ve learnt more from Chris on proper clothing than 32yrs of riding experience , keep it up 👍🏼 these videos are so valuable .

[@Motolegends]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Rigz727]

Great job remembering all that Chris, and very informative. Now I actually bought the light grey set last year and now realised I’ve been wearing it wrong because I’d wear a cotton t shirt over the top and under my Belstaff Mojave jacket. So are you saying I shouldn’t wear anything between this layer and my jacket? Or a t shirt that is polyester ?

[@cblais19]

Base layers are meant to be worn as that first layer; anything you add over top is going to be heat regulating from there. Not sure why you'd want add a tshirt over a baselayer, unless you were heading to the pub and didn't want to look goofy?

[@Rigz727]

Christopher Blais, thanks for that, but you hit the nail right on the head, I was thinking of that exact scenario, pub meeting et cetera. But I guess you answered that, by say if you was going to do that,then just wear a t shirt I guess. I was kind of looking for the best of both worlds.

[@Motolegends]

If you are wearing a base layer you're doing so for breathability. Anything you wear over that should also be breathable. That could be synthetic or merino. In truth, if you are just popping down the pub it doesn't really matter. ML

[@danthechippie4439]

Great video, I wear merino wool base layers 6 days a week. I wear them under my work clothes to regulate my temperature. Do you prefer the two part layers at the start of your video or the single layer?

[@Motolegends]

If you only ride in mild UK conditions then the light wool is fine. But if you travel abroad to very hot places or ride through the winter then the two part system is going to work best. ML

[@andrewvickers4487]

Great vid, lots of useful info, cheers Chris. I'm a bit confused though when it comes to the cooling benefit. I get that base layers help to get moisture away from the body and the fabric itself (hence moisture wicking). But as they're base layers you need to wear a shirt or something on top. That means either wearing a top without the wicking ability (e.g. cotton) which presumably defeats the purpose of the base layer, or a purpose one that wicks well in which case the base layer would be redundant. Maybe one for google...

[@aidstek]

Base layers are called such because that's the layer against your skin, but you don't have to wear another layer on top of that. If it's warm then just a base layer below your protective gear is enough. A mid layer is only needed when a base layer alone isn't warm enough, and you are indeed correct that a cotton mid layer would defeat the purpose of a wicking base layer. Hope that helps!

[@andrewvickers4487]

@@aidstek Thanks, I was thinking about what to do when getting off the bike and walking into a cafe (without looking too YMCA!) On hot days I guess it's common sense to skip the base layer for a wicking shirt if you want to wear something more casual.

[@aidstek]

@@andrewvickers4487 haha yeah I see the problem, I pretty much entirely ride for commuting so I have somewhere private to change. I used to ride in with my civvy clothes underneath but it really just doesn't work on a 1hr+ ride, let alone when it's particularly hot or cold

[@windyheightsphotography7836]

Excellent review as always.

[@Motolegends]

Many thanks.

[@grim6107]

just started watching your vlogs.. very informative.. will def shop at motolegends in future

[@disco41]

Awesome info yet again👍

[@MouldyPIX]

Excellent vid, really well explained, thanks. 👌

[@maskdavid1991]

To Chris and everyone, I need a base layer to stop wind coming through the massive chest and arm mesh panels of a jacket that doesn't have a windproof liner for the months in-between hot and cold, want the best garment for the job so am thinking about the Halvarssons Windstopper Sweater Mesh, thoughts?

[@johannacollins1130]

Interesting, thank you.

[@Big-Campbell]

Do you have any advice for a cashmere base layer, as I can’t wear merino?

[@jeremybyth7991]

I know it's an older video, but I'll ask my question anyway. I live in Australia and ride in temperatures that range from about 10⁰ in the winter through to 38⁰ in the summer using a Belstaff leather in the winter and a light merlin jacket in the summer. Are you suggesting that I would do well to just wear this under my jackets when I ride to keep warmer in winter and cooler in summer?. And, I guess that would mean that when I stop for lunch, I'd just have to cary a t shirt with me to change into. Oh, the poor people that have to see my 47yo body exposed in the carpark... lol.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Chris. Another great review. Do you have any comments positive or negative with merino wool base layers? I know you recommend merino as a mid_layer but would wearing two merino layers, one a light base layer and the other a heavier mid layer (top. And pant) work just as well? I only ask as I have worn merino products (socks included) and found them fantastic. Cheers

[@The-Splat]

Merino base layers are excellent and combine well with a merino midlayer.

[@okupantgb]

Large size is discontinued as per info on your website. I cannot find it on their (Halvarssons) website too. Please, could you recommend a substitute to the Halvarssons merino mid layer?

[@tomg8636]

Hey Chris, would it be possible to review the Knox layering system. i like the idea of an armoured shirt and then wearing my normal kit over the top but would love yours view on this system.

[@Motolegends]

We don't sell Knox, but we sell other armoured underwear. There are no right ways or wrong ways, but I think we tend to prefer to wear a properly approved CE motorcycle jacket with the armour incorporated. When you get to wherever you are going you just take it off.

[@Pettington]

Get the pando Moto - buy it nice or buy it twice

[@danthechippie4439]

Do you know if its wise or recommend to use deodorant while wearing merino wool base layers? That you

[@SamiNami]

So what is the best base layer for very hot conditions? Like the desert?

[@ianjames3078]

Polyester close fitting compression, long sleeves. Airflow jacket over the top.

[@georgephilippus]

Thank you, sir.

[@muzz3564]

Cheers Chris. 🙏

[@andrewbooth4341]

Great vid Chris i shall be ordering this weekend with you. Can i just ask if you can wear anything over your base layer like a t shirt or long sleeve shirt or does this then make the base layer not work. i suppose i am saying is it base layer motorbike jacket, or base layer mid layer and motorbike jacket, does then wearing any normal clothes under jacket with these defeat the object. regards andrew

[@Motolegends]

Dear Andrew, in answer to your question, any layer; that is to say any garment that you wear between your skin and the bike jacke,t should be breathable. if you wear a synthetic base layer, and then wear cotton over it, you will impair breathability. Now on a short trip in conditions where it's not too warm or too hot, you'll be fine. But eventually, the build up of sweat in the cotton will prevent the base layer from doing its job. If you need an extra layer it should be something breathable like merino. Obviously, if it's warm enough you can wear your jacket directly over the base layer. I hope this helps. Chris.

[@andrewbooth4341]

Motolegends thanks for your help Chris

[@georgemorissette8856]

Great content. Thx.

[@Motolegends]

Thanks George for taking the time to leave a comment. Glad you liked the video and we hope you've subscribed to our channel?

[@Fee.1]

So you’d wear a polyester base layer even on the hottest days?

[@ianjames3078]

Absolutely! I ride in SE Asia regularly and the best thing I ever did was buy 2x Under Armour compression type polyester base layers, with long sleeves. I wear them under a jacket in 40C for 10+ hrs a day, and I’m an overweight guy. As long as you keep taking on water during the day and the jacket can breathe it works really well for me. I use Merino layers in cooler weather and some bamboo mixes of underwear at various times. Icebreaker are a favourite as well.

[@Fee.1]

@@ianjames3078 but how can you cool off if your sweat is getting wicked away and that’s what cools you off, the sweat

[@martinfrost3596]

No delivery charge !! How come when I just tried to place an order it stuck £5.00 on for delivery ??

[@Motolegends]

Dear Martin, a case of human error I suspect. It should be free UK delivery. Can you tell me the item you were ordering and I will check the details. I suspect it has been loaded incorrectly on to system and wasn't picking up free charge. Thanks, ML

[@martinfrost8111]

HAL738

[@Motolegends]

That is all sorted. Thanks for letting us know so we could correct. ML

[@michalrybinski3233]

@@martinfrost8111 I think you got it wrong mate, that was HAL 9000 behind that error I believe...

[@bridennis743]

I've heard good things about Merino Wool as a base layer. Woolday.eu has good choices.

[@tiesdenengelsen4658]

Wintertime?! the secret? > layer(s) .. not just a base layer ... multiple layers work best.

[@mntbighker]

He's a clothing physicist ;-)

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I really like 👍 your channel “ but you could talk under water 💧 with a mouth 👄 full on Mabel’s 😂😂😂. I personally think 🤔 you go into to much detail, I’m 53 and would say my consideration span is probably better than most of the younger generation ( that’s instant ) but even I got board watching. Sorry you definitely know your stuff , I think most would watch this to the end .

[@martinfrost3596]

Usually buy all my gear from Sports-bike shop. Thought I'd give these guy a try. What a BIG mistake. Without going into all the continuing grief caused I am still down £64.00 despite numerous efforts to obtain a refund. Now having to go through my Credit card company to get a refund. Very, very poor service. Never again. Back to Sports-bike shop !!!

[@Motolegends]

We made a small error that in most situations would barely be worthy of note. Mr. Frost ordered a base-layer on May 11th. The system thought we had it in stock, but it wasn’t in the bin when we went to pick it. As the system thought his top was going to leave the building that night, his card was charged. This was a system/ procedural error. We communicated with Mr. Frost on the 15th about the timing of the resupply of his top. On Sunday 17th May the customer decided to cancel his order. On the Monday (18th) and Tuesday (19th) there was a conversation about the charge, which Steve in Customer Service wrongly presumed was merely a pre-authorisation on the customer’s card. On the Wednesday (20th), Mr Frost told us that he had been indeed been charged the £64 for the top. We acknowledged this the following day, refunded him, and immediately communicated that we had done so. It was not a big deal; a clerical error quickly put right. It was the day after we had refunded Mr. Frost that he left this response on KZbin. It constitutes a blatant lie as, by then, he had been refunded, and had been told so. Why he felt that he had been subjected to ‘continual grief’, we cannot say. He stated in his review that he was having to now go to his credit card to get a refund; again a lie as Mr. Frost knew he had been refunded the day before. Did we make a mistake? Yes we did, but we object to the unnecessary hyperbole and the untruths perpetrated by Mr. Frost for dramatic effect, in an attempt to besmirch our name. This would seem to be an anger management issue more than anything. It speaks more of Mr. Frost’s temperament, we would suggest, than of our conduct.

[@Chokkan]

@@Motolegends 🔥