How base layers make motorcycle riding more comfortable

How base layers make motorcycle riding more comfortable

How base layers make motorcycle riding more comfortable

The parking lot at the trailhead was completely empty except for one other brave soul. We looked at each other, and even though no words were exchanged, we both had that look on our faces that said, “Are we really doing this? This is stupid, right? Yes, it is, but I guess we're doing it." As soon as I put on the base layers, the seal of silence was finally broken: “How the hell are you wearing base layers, man?! It's 110 degrees!”

I understand. Generally, more layers mean more warmth, so base layers on a scorching day seem counter-intuitive. I think many cyclists have this misconception and many see base layers as only beneficial in cooler riding conditions. This is simply not the case. They are essentially your first line of defense in any extreme riding condition, hot or cold. 

Base Layers: The Science

Of course, I know you're not going to just take my word for it, so let's start with some of the science stuff.

When we exercise or our environment is simply hot, sweating is our body's way of cooling itself to ensure we don't overheat. Without the ability to sweat, our body could not regulate its temperature appropriately.

To quote the Scientific American website: “Your body uses the evaporation process when you sweat. Sweat, which is 90% water, begins to evaporate. The heat necessary for evaporation is extracted from the sweat itself, which leads to a transfer of heat from the liquid to the gaseous state. This results in a cooling effect (called evaporative cooling) that helps maintain body temperature and cools the body when it gets too hot. The degree of cooling depends on the rate of evaporation and the heat of evaporation.

You want evaporative cooling to occur as close to the skin as possible for the best results, which is why having a base layer, close to the body, can greatly improve the cooling effect. It serves more or less like a second skin.

In colder temperatures, the main goal of your base layers is still the same, to wick away moisture, which helps reduce that clammy, sweaty feeling you'll often encounter when wearing a cotton t-shirt under layers. During the winter riding season, dedicated base layers will keep you drier, and therefore warmer, than you would be without them.

Simply put, when it's hot, base layers help keep you cool by allowing your sweat to evaporate and do its job, and, when it's cold, base layers with some thermal properties don't retain moisture and make you feel cold and sticky. 

Which base layers are the right base layers?

There are a lot of options available on the market but, in my experience, the differences are small. Maybe the $80 base layer feels cooler or has a fancier brand name for its moisture-wicking technology than the $25 base layer, but in my experience both get the job done.

What 's important, however, is to pay attention to the season for which the base layers are designed. Summer base layers tend to be thinner, while winter base layers will often be thicker, with greater insulating properties.

This brings me to some of my personal favorites.

The Freeze-Out Warm'R base layers have quickly become one of my favorites. I wore these base layers all season last winter, and for $40, they're an excellent option.

For the rest of the season, I've been using basically a combination of Rukka Max Seamless and Rukka Outlast layers . I've been using this stuff for years and it's performed very well. The Max Seamless base layers are specifically for warm-weather riding, but the Outlast gear is a bit unique.

Outlast is a separate company that supplies its technology to manufacturers of everything from motorcycle clothing to bedding, just as Gore-TEX does with its waterproof and breathable material. In this case Outlast produces fabrics with “phase change materials” to regulate temperature. What does it mean? Think of it like wax, which melts when it heats up and solidifies when it cools down. The microencapsulated phase change material in the gear can change from solid to liquid and back when temperatures rise or fall, so it moves heat away from the body or releases it back, helping to reduce temperature fluctuations. I know, it sounds a bit like sleight of hand, but what I can tell you for sure is that the stuff is comfortable and has held up well over the years. 

There are so many options to choose from, many will simply depend on your budget, style and personal preferences. I think the only way to make a really bad decision when choosing base layers is to decide not to use them.

Correct fit = better performance = greater comfort

After sifting through the endless sea of ​​options, the next important factor in choosing the right base layers, just like any piece of motorcycle gear, is making sure it fits properly. For it to do its job, you'll want every part of the base layer to be snug and close to the body. As mentioned above, base layers essentially act as a second set of skin.

When choosing a size, I've found that going with your typical T-shirt and underwear size generally works. But keep in mind that this shouldn't fit like your typical T-shirt. It should be snug. One thing I always pay attention to, however, is the fit around the armpits. Snug is what you want, but if the shirt is so tight it restricts blood flow to your hands, that 's not a good thing . This can lead to arm pump and other complications, which no one wants on two wheels.

When your base layers fit appropriately, they also provide greater comfort. I usually wear armor when I'm out on the dirt bike and it's not very comfortable against the skin. The same can be said for skins on the track. This base layer gives you extra padding between your riding gear and allows the leather to move better with you instead of sticking to your skin. I can't tell you how many riders I've seen on the track without base layers flailing in frustration getting in and out of sweaty suits. Trust me, wearing base layers with a leather outfit is a thousand times better than not.

Whether you're looking for a faster lap on the trail, trying to retain every ounce of heat on your commute to the office in winter, or about to get out and hit the trails in triple-digit heat, a series of layers will go a long way in keeping you more comfortable and focused on riding.

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