When the weather is variable or a bone chilling wind picks up, do you reach for alpaca base layers when you embark on an outdoor exercise adventure? If not, you might just be missing an easy trick to stop yourself from getting cold or overheating.
Contrary to popular belief, base layer clothing is meant to stop you from getting cooler, it’s not designed to actually warm you up. Base layers should insulate the skin and prevent the cooling effect of dampness from sweat when you are exercising in cold conditions.
What you need for good base layers is clothing that insulates well and wicks moisture away from the skin to prevent rapid cooling. It also has to allow the skin to breathe and be comfortable to wear.
Alpaca wool plays an important part in this equation with hollow fibres which trap air at body temperature thus providing superb insulation and keeping your temperature just right. Alpaca wool is hydrophobic (water repellent) which means that whilst the hollow fibres help reduce sweating, it is also excellent at wicking away moisture and sweat. When layering up with base layers you need to ensure that the layer of clothing in contact with your skin stays completely dry. This is particularly important during cool down periods after exercise when the body temperature changes and residual sweat could continue to cool the body down when you actually need to warm up. Using alpaca base layers will help you thermo-regulate so you don’t drop your core temperature during down time. This is perfect for outdoor sporting activities or people working outdoors especially in the colder months.
As part of our ever growing range of alpaca products, we are delighted to introduce our new Andina Outdoors base layer range. Andina Outdoors use high end material technology with their alpaca wool to keep you dry and comfortable whilst still allowing skin to breathe naturally.
Whether you are hiking, running, ski-ing, cycling or riding, we have thermal alpaca base layers to help you!
Should Thermal Base Layers be Tight?
You should aim to buy your thermal alpaca base layers so that they are a ‘snug’ fit. Base layers are most effective when they have a very close fit to the skin. Check out the sizing guide on each product before purchase and wear your alpaca base layers underneath your normal clothing for maximum effectiveness.
Base Layers for Women
Our new Women’s Alpaca and Pima Thermal Crewe Top is a wonderfully light weight base layer. Made from baby alpaca wool for insulation, pima cotton for freshness and environmentally friendly tencel for added strength, this luxurious top takes thermal management to new heights! Available in four sizes (S, M, L and XL) and in light grey or charcoal colours.
Thermal Leggings for Women
We also stock Women’s Alpaca and Merino Everyday Thermal Leggings. These light weight full length leggings are made from baby alpaca wool, bamboo and merino wool with a reinforcing lycra outer layer for stretch and resilience. Available in charcoal, grey or navy blue melange, the leggings have a wide and comfortable elasticated waist for a gentle fit and are available in four sizes (S, M, L and XL).
Base Layers for Men
We also have a great cold weather base layer for men in our Men’s Alpaca and Pima Thermal Short Sleeved Crewe Top. Made from baby alpaca wool, pima cotton and tencel for optimum thermal management, freshness, moisture control and long lasting wear. Available in light grey and charcoal and in four sizes (S, M, L and XL).
Don’t let the weather stop you getting out and about – just pop on some alpaca base layers and you’re good to go!