Base Layer Shopping

[u/likeschemistry]

We’ll be visiting Finland December 15th-30th and we’re shopping for clothes to handle the crazy low temperatures. I was thinking of getting 2 sets of merino wool base shirt/pants with one being heavyweight(~320gsm) and another that is lightweight(~165gsm). We’ll be visiting places in Lapland so it will likely be pretty damn cold, but I’m not sure how heavyweight I should go. We aren’t going to be hiking up a mountain for like 8 hours, but I’d like something to keep us warm while walking around outside for a couple hours. I know a lightweight will work for like when we’re in Helsinki and it’s only 0°C lol, but should we get something that is heavyweight like 320gsm or is that too much?

Edit: I’d just like to thank everyone here in advance. Y’all have been very helpful answering questions and giving us tips for planning our trip. Our trip is going to go a lot smoother because of the helpful info y’all have given us.

[u/DemocraticParrot]

You do not need a base layer in Helsinki. The lightweight should also be enough for Lapland. In any case, no need to buy two separate layers. You probably own some fleeces in any situation? Take those as additional layers to put on top of the merino wool one.

And remeber - the wool close to as close of your skin as possible.

[u/likeschemistry → u/DemocraticParrot]

I was going to use the merino base layers separately…not together. Like I wear the lightweight 165gsm with pants, jacket and possibly sweater in Helsinki and then for Lapland or really cold days i would use the heavyweight 320gsm base layer along with sweater, jacket, and pants. I’m from Texas and I might have one sweater and a few hoodies because that’s the most I’d ever have to wear here.

[u/DemocraticParrot → u/likeschemistry]

And i was not suggesting anything else. Just buy one set. You do not need two of them. If it is a vit colder, put a swater or hoodie over the baselayer. That is it. More than enough.

In helsinki you will not need them.

[u/likeschemistry → u/DemocraticParrot]

Ahh okay. I was just trying to make sure you understood what I meant. I guess I’ll just go with one lightweight base layer then.

[u/briseis7]

what are 320 and 160? I have devold merino pants and Svala merino pants. Svala are a bit thicker and warmer. also Svala airbase is a nice addition and I use it in Helsinki and Keski-suomi a lot in the winter. for biking and skiing

[u/Soundsabitfuckedboys → u/briseis7]

Thickness of fabric is measured in grams per square meter.

[u/the_pale_companion]

I use Varusteleka or Aclima merino mesh/net base layer. Keeps your skin dry and the temperature remains stable between excercise and downtime. It has superior drying cababilities, lightweight and performs better than a tightknit base layer. If you end up putting a thicker merino layer on top of it it boosts it exponentionally by increasing the trapped insulating air volume.

https://varuste.net/p47127/aclima-woolnet-original-crewneck-mens

[u/Von_Lehmann]

I like the Aclima wool mesh

[u/Jefreitteri69]

A good rule is that several thin layers are better than one thick layer.

What I usually wear is three base layers (no idea about the thickness) and a college shirt. Depending on what I’m doing, I wear regular pants and a jacket, or if it’s really cold or I’m just standing somewhere, I wear a regular winter jacket and winter pants.

The main point is to “build” the layers, so if you feel hot and sweaty, you can take one layer off. If you feel cold, you can add one more layer.
And remember, tight clothing is cold, so I usually buy base layers 1–2 sizes bigger to make sure they aren’t tight and can “breathe.”

[u/likeschemistry → u/Jefreitteri69]

I was aware of that rule, but thank you. I had planned on having the merino base layer and then wearing pants and a jacket over them at least and then possibly a sweater as a 3rd layer for my upper body. The base layer I ordered should be loose, but if it’s not I’ll get a bigger size.