Can someone tell me what the difference is between the wicking t-shirts you get in running shops (you can currently get a Cool Max t-shirt from Sportsshoesunlimited for £10.39) typically selling at £10 - £15, and the wicking t-shirts you get from outdoor shops which seem to retail at £20 -£30 (berghaus)? Surely they do the same thing?

I'm in need of a couple as my existing ones (which I got from the Mountain Equipment Co-op in Calgary) are beginning to get a bit worn.

I'd say none other than a fancy brand name label. I pay less than £10 for mine in TKMaxx :)

Running wickers are cheap and fine - I have an Adidas (eek) coolmesh one which I got for gym use and it's just the job on hot days.
It cost me £7 in a sports shop sale.

just the label.

Just thought I would mention Aldi. As long as you're a fat git (not you personally Richard) .

Correction to last post: you don't need to be a git, just fat, to fit into Aldi T-Shirts.

You mean you need not to be fat to fit dont you or am I getting confused?


I have a mix of wicking base layers and I wont pay much for my running kit as the small rucksack with hydration bladder( which incidently comes fron aldi) I use for anything over 5 miles rubs on the tops and ruins them. I have found though that the best wicking tops are Lowe Alpine Dryflow which luckily I can get cheap if I buy seconds fron the outlet shop at Castleford and obviously running puts a greater challange on the wicking abilitys.

like goretex and other less expensive waterproof membranes you tend to pay for the name and if you regularly read the reviews the most expensive is not always the best, wicking t-shirts are generally the same.
however having said that look out for deals on lowe alpine dry flo shirts they are the dogs dangly bits and you can often if you shop about get them very cheap.

I don't like dry-flo - just thought I'd put the alternative viewpoint.

The fabric feels harsh against my skin.

I don't like dogs' scrotoids against me skin thanks ;oP

I picked up some Regatta X-ert branded T's for £10 each in Gaynor Sports (Ambleside) earlier in the month. They do the job a treat for my wallet.

dare i even mention the parameta fabrics, Ok not cheap but very good! hehehaha.

All wicking t-shirts can only move water once it has condensed on the skin, hence the name, just like a candle wick, it can only move liquid through the fabric by pulling it through to the outer layers to get evaporated.

For real performance either choose a top that transfers moisture by a capillary action, HH Lifa or versa wear, the fastest mechanical way to transfer moisture(same as a plant moves water) or a natural fibre that breathes.

Breathability for absorbent fabrics describes the transfer of water *vapour* therefore moving moisture before it has a chance to condense on the skin, so it doesn't feel clammy. Something like Icebreaker superfine would fit the bill

I think the description wicking in this case is being used as a catchall Jim. For any 'performance' base layer.

You are obviously well genned up on this sort of thing, doesn't a wick use capillary action then?

The more expensive T-shirts tend to be something extra like berghaus's x-static powderdry which eliminates the stink (allegedly). Useful if on multi day expeditions.

Cheapers T's from aldi & Uno etc can be a little scratchy. There are some good deals on dryflo at the mo, which probably remain the best value, best performing T. I bought one 10 years ago, use it 3 times a week & its still looks new.

Jim - the specific discussion is on how to *save money by trying alternative makes*. Icebreaker is great but isn't going to compete on price for the people above who are looking for a wicking garment for under £10-ish.


Ditto to Row and the P***** comments. Stash the evangelism for once please....

Can't the *quiet* P**** users see why it gets so annoying?

WE DON'T NEED YOUR BRAND RAMMED DOWN OUR THROATS EVERY DAY THANK YOU.

OK?
Now shake hands and play nicely
;oPPPPP

Ecco - I find relatively-expensive Dryflo to be 'scratchy' - that's why I don't like it. My £7 Adidas one is lovely against my sensitive skin and if it coped with me sweating buckets at the gym, I knew it would cope with anything I throw at it on the hill.

I've seen the dryflo's for £12 recently & have always found them ultra comfortable, but then I am a hairy mountain bloke (wannabee)

Ok - I'm not hirsute, and not a bloke....maybe that's it?



..."hairy mountain bloke" be careful, you sound like one of those bridge-dwellers - that or a dwarf like Gimli - better change the description of yourself before someone else reads it....

I got a couple of dryflos for £5 each at the outlet shop at castleford, apparantly the necks have been sown too small but I only have a little head anyway so no prob but for that money it would be easy to sew a vertical slit in the front.

lucky girl...

everyone likes a little head...