I'm in the market for a new base layer and can't afford Smartwool or Icebreaker so I've narrowed it down to Hellyhansen lifa, Berghaus X-static or Paramo Cambia.

I've haven't heard any reports on the paramo base layers apart from the parameta S range which I have one off and love.

I need one that has a long back as my current dry flows come untucked.

I'm already a paramo convert in terms of I have the Aspira trousers for winter and love them!!!!!!But I need a cheapish base layer for a multitude of activites.

Thanks

I know Trail gets slagged on here but last year they did a baselayer review and really liked the Cambia.

Search the forums as there's plenty of comment.

I use it and like it - it does exactly what it says on the tin.

I would use Merino wool base layers, but they make me itch.

Thanks for the replies. Looking at past TGO base layer tests, theres no mention of it in the girlie one a few months back or in Chris Townsend tests in 2005. Parameta S of curse is mentinoed. I guess it wasn't available in 2005, but it was definitely available for the females test. And that still gives some idea of how the fabric performs.

Thanks again

I haven't any of your choicess - I use Icebreaker or a LA Dry Flo. I have read that the Helly Hansen stuff can get a bit malodorous. I have a Patagonia thing (can't recall the name) which is wonderfully light, comfy and dries quickly if damp. However, it "bobbles" up like something at a "bobble" fest so I can't really recommend it. The Dry-Flo thing has been fine and would be my choice if not for Icebreaker although I might try the Cambia. I have pals who use the Cambia stuff and swear by it. I a

Never used the Berghaus xstatic. Used Hellys for winter running for many a year. IMO the old (smelly) ones were much better than the new ones, they dont feel as comfortable, not that keen on them though they do an ok job.

I also have an Odlo baselayer which I prefer for running and walking in - to me it just feels much more comfortable than the Helly.

Have recently purchased the Cambia and used it 3 times for walking in. Nothing too strenous in it but I did heat up a few times and I must admit I was very impressed, felt comfortable and dry.

On this, admittedly limited experience, it will be the Cambia over the Helly for me.

Just my opinion - yours may differ of course but HTH.

I think we tested the Paramo baselayer a while back and it was a decent synthyetic baselayer. I thought the whole reversible thing was bunk though, it made little real appreciable difference.

To be honest, most polyester or polypropylene baselayers do a similar job with varying degrees of wicking speed - usually the thinner the fabric the faster it moves moisture across logically - and nuances of handle (how it feels) and pong resistance. I quite like Berghaus Xstatic because it moves moisture fast and is quite pong resistant with it.

Merino works in a different way by absorbing moisture while remaining comfortable and again has good anti-stink qualities.

That's probably not much help, but to be honest, LA DryFlo, Berghaus Xstatic, Paramo's baselayer are all going to work reasonably well and, the most important point, a lot better than a cotton tee shirt.

Oh, hang on, the GoLite C-Thru fabric we used recently was very good too, again an extremely effective polyester-based fabric using its structure to shift moisture.

And while new Lifa is definitely better than old Lifa, in my experience it's still a wear once and wash fabric in pong terms.

As a massive Paramo fan I hate saying this but stay clear of their base layers.
Every other item they make is superb but their base layers suck.
Not only do they smell quicker and worst than Hellys but they are also poor in the wear department.Even after really looking after mine there are a number of pulled threads that have appeared even after only a few outings,this is something that has never happened with my helly!
I had high hopes for these base layers but they have been sunk !!!

I've got a B. X-static top and find it excellent. Very comfy, warm but not hot and most importantly for me, it doesn't smell on multiday trips. I've also got a MH x-static t- shirt which is excellent.

ive got a couple of different berghaus x-static tops and have been very impressed with them, the material doesnt click or rub, the seems are nice and flat, doesnt smell on multi day trips and also dries very quickly.

i think postfreegear was the cheapest when i last looked.

cheers
Andy

i'd bite the bullet and go for a merino - they aren't that much more expensive than a poly-job but you only need one, even if you're camping for a week.

i've used old lifa, new lifa, the berghaus one, patagucci's caperline and some uber-cheap plasticy stuff from 'Highlander'. none of them comes remotely close to the comfort and 'wearability' of merino.

if you're away for a weekend you'll need two hellys anyway - unless you can sew up your nose - at £20 a pop, so go for a £35 merino...

on a side note, if your were to get burned while wearing any of the poly-jobs you'd be in very deep poo, it melts onto the skin and doesn't come off.

I too would recommend the Berghaus X-Static tops, they are amazing, I sweat like a pig and have never ever been happy with base layers until I found these. I use one all week round for cycling and then at the weekend walking and it lasts both the week and weekend without becoming unwearable or smelly!

Yep! The Berghaus X static is the dogs. Wore one for a week averaging 25 miles a day in hot conditions and there was a distinct lack of the stink normally associated with synthetics. Had a spare in the pack, but really wanted to see if it lived up to the claim and it did. I have however started buying all my synthetic outdoor clothing in a size too big cos even though I follow all the washing instructions they always seem to shrink a size. My first X static did and now my other half wears it.

Yeah my man boobs definitely starting to show now through mine. Or maybe thats just cos I've put on weight! ;-)

Helly Hansen are now doing pro-wool base layers - a mixture of polypropylene, merino wool and nylon. They say that "the benefits are a unique combination of thermal insulation and rapid moisture transfer, moderate drying time, and odour resistant". The long sleeve top is under £30. Anyone know how good these are?