Seattle Forrest

Normally this would be the time to start thinking about spring classics, but there's snow on the ground and more falling out of the sky right now.

I've been using an alpaca base layer lately. It works as well as merino wool, but warmer. Breathes really well. Comfortable from 25 to 60 F so far with appropriate layers and activity.

Base layers are usually either wool or poly, so this was novel and I wanted to give it a try. I'm going to get more.

vwchad

Any details? Brand? Did you get it locally (I'm just north of Seattle)? Link?

Maelochs

Llama wool ... just doesn't sound as exclusive.

kbarch

That reminds me: need to order socks....

Dave Cutter

+ Vicugna pacos.... looks like a cross between a lama and a sheep.

It is still wool. I hate wool as a base layer because of the structure of wool fibers (hairs) traps/stagnates air and moisture. Wool fibers don't (can't) migrate moisture. I prefer dry next to my skin (as opposed to old sweat).

I really dislike the "feel" of tech fabrics like polypropylene. But they do wick moisture away from me. I reserve wool for outer layers where it can trap body heat after vented inner layers evaporate away the sweat.

But if you're going to be sopping wet (as in swimming) in winter temperatures.... a wool base layer would be the way to go. As the wool fibers will preserve that thin wet layer and stagnate your body heat. Even if your outer layers are also wet.

Seattle Forrest

Place down in Trout Lake, near the border with Oregon. I had them ship to me. There weren't really any other options, a lot of people make alpaca socks and hats and scarves but no outdoor/sport base layers. This one seems to work really well, at least in cool and cold weather.

https://woopwear.com/

Sy Reene

I don't have this exact model, but similar from the same maker. Poly lining with wool outer layer. I like them.. not sure why there isn't more of this stuff out there specific to bike clothing
Terramar Woolskins Zip Neck Base Layer Top (For Men) - Save 65%

Flatbroke

hot damn looked in to buying some but they are sure proud of those things.

Dave Cutter

Me either. Unless it's just... no (or little) demand.

Bicycling isn't exactly a massive winter sport. Very limited selection of winter clothing at the LBS. So any maker of quality cycling clothing might need to be pretty vertical.... being both maker and marketer... of cycling clothing. I can't find grab that name from the top of my head.

I would look to Europe... where winter bicycle commuting is commonplace. But they don't seem to have the same need for specialized cycling clothing. I think we might be stuck with finding much of the clothing from other sources for now.

kc0bbq

$70 camel hair t-shirt. :O

vwchad

Thanks for the link.

garciawork

I will have to look into these for next year now that I live in a place that actually gets cold. I have been using some 6 year old Rapha wool baselayers with a short sleeve jersey and jacket, and that has been fine down to about 32 degrees, but if there is no snow and it has been dry (common here most years) I wouldn't mind riding when it is a little colder, and the wool Rapha baselayers aren't THAT thick.

jamesdak 

How's it feel to the skin. I can't wear normal wool as it breaks me out but merino is fine and my choice for a base layer. Curious how this compares to the softness of merino?

FBOATSB

I was curious as well. I found this short article: Everything You Wanted to Know About Alpaca Fleece But Were Afraid To Ask

Seattle Forrest

Feels very soft, more than merino.

bruce19

https://www.alpacamall.com/

Hiro11

$70 actually seems reasonable to me for alpaca. Do they require special care?

I'm not picky abut baselayers personally. The generic Costco ones work fine for me.

Seattle Forrest

I'm used to paying around that much for a merino base layer so it's not that big a deal. I expect it to last me a few years.

I use the machines to wash (cold water, shampoo) and dry (air cycle) it. Throw it in a drawer until I need it. So far so good but I've only had it a couple weeks.

jamesdak 

Hey thanks. After around 5 years my think Minus33 Merino baselayer has a hole worn in it by rubbing on my chest strap. Was thinking about replacing it so maybe I'll try one of these.

armsofandes

Hey guys, I just saw this forum on a google search and I thought I'd share my insight. Yes, Alpaca wool is more durable and warmer than Merino wool and softer than cashmere. This has to do with where Alpacas live which is in the andes area of Peru and there's constant change in harsh weather. So the wool of the alpacas have to be able to endure harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures at night, and harsh winds. If you are interested in trying other base layers and mid layers of alpaca, feel free to google arms of andes. Everything is 100% Royal Alpaca meaning of 18 microns and all produced in Peru. I don't mean to advertise; I just thought I'd share since I saw some people were interested. Please note the inventory is in Los Angeles and Amsterdam so shipping costs are not high.

diphthong

was totally underdressed uptop for approx 2 hours (much of it uphill) into unexpected/unforecasted cold wind and rain today with only some arm warmers, a summer jersey and the rapha merino short sleeve base layer.
started at 80 degrees, got down to mid-50's with the wind/rain. merino base layer was a godsend. that rapha merino (non-sale) runs $85 apiece and i've got several. indispensable. i will check out the alpaca wool underliner since
it's a few bux less and i wear the merino wool underliner on every ride and i ride from 40 degrees to 100 degrees.

metalheart44

I have several different base layers, Rapha Merino, Ibex light and mid-weight, and some generic Costco that is a Merino blend. The Rapha is ok for me, a bit light when it is below 50 degrees. I most like the Ibex 200 weight base layer, it keeps me warm from 40 degrees and above. Since Ibex went out of business I have been looking for another 200 weight base layer, and the Whoopwear at 170 and the Arms of Andes at 230gms look like promising candidates.

armsofandes

Hey, by any chance do you find merino itchy? If so, do you see a difference in the brand?

armsofandes

I appreciate that note, if you're interested you can use discount code: bikingforumsONLY for 10% off

TimothyH

+1

The alpaca product is less expensive than a Smartwool base layer at REI.

I use mesh wash bags with Woolite in the machine on delicate.

Thanks for posting this.


-Tim-