What would be the best wicking material for backpacking and hiking for long time (say month) in cold weather condition?

I've looked up around and found so far Omni-dry, Under Armour, Techwick etc. Seems like Under Armour is the most expensive one. I wonder if it really worth to buy it. Asked by Garnet 37 months ago Similar questions: wicking material backpacking hiking long time month cold weather condition Sports & Recreation > Outdoors.

Similar questions: wicking material backpacking hiking long time month cold weather condition.

Try the MTS 2 or Capilene, these materials are considered one of the best wicking. BACKPACKINGThe clothes you bring with you on a backpacking trip must perform two important jobs. First, they must protect you from the elements (rain, snow, and wind).

Second, they must keep you comfortable during a variety of activities and weather conditions. Inner Layers * Cotton - Cotton is comfortable when it's dry, but it absorbs sweat and holds it right next to your skin (which can lead to significant heat loss). Cotton also takes a long time to dry, which can cause discomfort.

For these reasons, cotton is not recommended for inner layers used in cold conditions. * Polypropylene - One of the very first man-made wicking materials, Polypro wicks sweat away from the skin effectively. Early versions tended to retain odors and become scratchy after repeated washings.

Newer Polypro fabrics have overcome these difficulties. * MTS 2 ® (Moisture Transport System) - MTS 2 is a durable, reliable polyester-based fabric that wicks sweat like polypropylene--without its drawbacks. It's comfortable like cotton, and it's available in a variety of "weights" for different conditions.

* Capilene ® - Capilene is another comfortable, reliable polyester-based wicking fabric. It performs like MTS 2®, with a special chemical treatment to help spread sweat throughout the fabric so that it evaporates quickly. Mid Layers * Cotton - Cotton is a common choice for warm-weather backpacking clothing.It's comfortable, lightweight and it keeps you cool.

Cotton is best for warm weather uses because it takes a long time to dry and is an ineffective insulator. * Nylon - Lightweight, durable and (generally) non-absorbent, nylon is great for backpacking shorts, pants and shirts.It is available in a variety of styles, for both warm and cold weather uses. Most modern nylons are soft and comfortable against your skin.

* Wicking materials - Some backpackers wear wicking inner layers like MTS 2® and Capilene® as mid layers. Why not? These layers help you keep dry and comfortable and they provide good insulation.

* Wool - A great natural insulator, wool is perfect for moderate to cold weather backpacking clothes.It's available in full-sleeve shirts, pants, over-shirts, sweaters, jackets and more. Wool insulates well when wet but it can be somewhat scratchy and/or bulky. * Pile/Fleece - These popular man-made insulation materials are available in a wide variety of styles and thicknesses.

They are comfortable, warm (even when wet), fast drying and lightweight (half as heavy as wool). Pile/fleece products are available in shirts, pants, vests, jackets, pullovers and sweaters. Traditionally, pile/fleece layers have provided only minimal protection from the wind.

But new pile/fleece garments are available today with wind- and weather-stopping liners built right in. Sources: http://www.before-buying.co.uk/Sportswear.htm .

Under Armour is definatley worth its weight in gold. For hiking, for sports, for warmth. Here is a little love fest for the stuff:Under Armour - Worth the Moneyhttp://www.aeonity.com/frost/under-armour-worth-moneyAnother customer convinced:Bottom line, go buy Under Armor "cold gear".

It is worth every penny! And it is skin tight so it won't bunch up or feel too thick with other layers! Https://secure.realtree.Com/forums/showthread.

Php? T=23137You get what you pay for. Buy the best and it will be well worth it.

Sources: http://www.aeonity.com/frost/under-armour-worth-money .

Ghly recommend Under Armour clothing. Under Armour is definitely the most expensive, but there is a reason for that. They make great quality and what made them famous was the ability for their clothing to not absorb sweat.

I do not know the level of hiking or backpacking that you are, but you would know that having waterproof boots is almost essential. Unless you like walking around in potentially soggy socks which would make you prone to bacteria infections. If you're going to be in cold weather conditions, I would highly advise you to wear Gore-tex and whatever waterproof stuff you can find.

Wearing wet clothes can get you sick and possible hypothermia. Spend the extra money and buy the Under Armor stuff. It's more then an investment, it's to make sure you stay in good health.

Good Luck. Sources: underarmour.com/shop?cid=aff01&cid=aff01 .

1 I haven't tried most of them, so I can't give you a definitive answer. I have used Under Armour, and it works well, but not really any better than any of the other "technical" fabrics. I also own a lot of CoolMax, and that too works well.

Not quite as well as Under Armour, actually, but well enough. Under Armour is really mostly about branding. They make a fine product but they're mostly a marketing machine.

I haven't tried most of them, so I can't give you a definitive answer. I have used Under Armour, and it works well, but not really any better than any of the other "technical" fabrics. I also own a lot of CoolMax, and that too works well.

Not quite as well as Under Armour, actually, but well enough. Under Armour is really mostly about branding. They make a fine product but they're mostly a marketing machine.

Garnet replied to post #1: 2 You might be right. I don't have so many UnderArmour items. But one I bought did wonderful job during my backpacking, I wear it all the time.

Another lesson I got is "don't be cheap" .

You might be right. I don't have so many UnderArmour items. But one I bought did wonderful job during my backpacking, I wear it all the time.

Another lesson I got is "don't be cheap.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.