Base layer
It’s important to be warm from the inside out so we stock a large variety of thermals.
We stock both adults and kids specific thermals, catering for a range of budgets.
Prices start at ¥5,000
These days, thermals are a lot more technical and offer warmth without the ‘over-heating’ factor. And believe it or not, they actually look pretty cool too.
The primary intent of a base layer is to manage moisture (wick or transport perspiration away from your skin) while adding a degree of insulation.
Base layers of any fabric come in different weights and each weight offers different advantages.
For the Niseko conditions we recommend a Midweight – Expedition Weight base layer.
• Lightweight – is more conducive to moderate temperatures, and is also preferred for a high level of aerobic activity
• Midweight – is the most versatile, and can be used for a number of outdoor sports activities.
• Expedition weight – is preferred for frigid temperatures, when more warmth is needed.
WOOL BASE LAYERS
Wool holds in heat while keeping out cold, it retains its insulating properties even when wet, and it stays relatively odorless even after long wear. However traditional wool garments can be heavy and bulky, and some people have found it to be too irritating to wear against the skin. Newer lightweight wools, such as Merino wool, have all of the advantages of traditional wools without most of the disadvantages.
Advantages of Wool Underwear
• Natural fiber
• Fine merino wool blends can be worn directly against the skin without irritation
• Stays warm when wet
• Renowned for being odorless after weeks of use
Disadvantages of Wool Underwear
• Fine merino varieties are expensive relative to their synthetic counterparts
• Slow to dry
SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS
Synthetic thermals are popular in because they are inexpensive. What it does best is imitating natural materials in keeping users warm, but the only problem is that it traps odors, and this can make people very uncomfortable.
Advantages of Synthetic Underwear
• Typically cheaper than a natural fiber equivalent
• Quick drying
• Some products are recyclable
• Long lasting
Disadvantages of Synthetic Underwear
• Tendency to harbor odors
• Can irritate the skin after sustained use
• Origin of synthetic fibers is oil a carbon based non-renewable resource
COTTON BASE LAYERS
Cotton thermals are not a good choice for Niseko, because the material does not insulate, in fact, cotton keeps the body cooler!
Retail products can only be purchased in store.
