Do you wear motorcycle base layers?
Base layers, mid layers, jacket. Perhaps the order in which you find yourself gearing up for a ride?
If not, which are you missing? Often riders skip out the base and jump straight to the jacket in layering up for a ride, particularly in Summer – motorcycle base layers usually suggest warmth and insulation – not so summery. Did you know some base layers are just as beneficial in Summer as in Winter, and are often useful for those all-too-common days when the weather’s frustratingly unpredictable?
Why wear motorcycle base layers?
Motorcycle base layers have different purposes, are created in various styles and fit different areas of the body. Some are created for winter, to keep you warm and insulated. Others will regulate your core body temperature, wick moisture away from the skin and protect you against wind chill. Some lightly compress against your body to improve muscle performance, consequently reducing fatigue. Overall, wearing motorcycle base layers translates into comfort – a more comfortable ride means less distractions and more focus on the road, if you’re too cold or too warm your mind will notice and most likely dwell on it. They’re also lightweight and low profile, almost a ‘second skin.’ The base layers regulate your temperature throughout your ride, on and off your bike, again so you don’t experience drastic temperature changes.
So what are your motorcycle base layer options?
There are a bundle of motorcycle base layers sitting on the motorcycle clothing market, to suit varying budgets, body coverage, weather conditions and genders. From specialist brands, who have developed and invested expertise into their products; ProSkins to Cold Killers to Knox Dry Inside, through to popular motorcycle clothing brands who have extended their product ranges; Draggin Jeans, Spada Chill Factor and Weise. From your head downwards they include balaclavas, neck warmers, tops, trousers, shorts, and socks – with a few neck to ankle body suits.
How about some motorcycle base layer examples?
- All season base layers: The Knox Dry Inside collection features a few Merino Wool options such as the men’s Knox Dry Inside Joseph Long Sleeved Top or the ladies’ equivalent, the Knox Dry Inside Clara Ladies Long Sleeved Top. Pros: these tops are suitable for Summer or Winter, they’re temperature regulating, odour-free, itch free and moisture-wicking. Cons: the top is long sleeved and high necked, a short sleeve option may be more comfortable in the Summer.
- Winter warmers: The Weise Chill Factor Thermal Long Shirt is an insulating long sleeve shirt. Pros: the top will warm your core and keep you insulated in the cold. The flat finished seams are comfortable and low profile with elasticated cuffs and an elasticated waist that provides further insulation. Cons: this is only useful in cool weather.
- Full body suits: These are more performance based, temperature regulating options, such as the ProSkins All Season One Piece Suit. Pros: This suit will keep you tucked in, provide muscle support with HiG graduated compression management and regulate your body temperature. Cons: you can only cover everything with this, there isn’t the option of removing a top or bottoms. This is tricky to take off and put back on when using the facilities.
- Balaclavas: Cold Killers have a Hot Hood Balaclava designed for winter wearing. Pros: it’s wind proof, water resistant and breathable. Cons: it has a neck attachment which provides lots of warm coverage and it may not be suitable for winter.
- Neck warmer: Among the thermal motorcycle base layer options there’s a cotton Weise Neck Tube. Pros: A breathable option that provides some warmth and acts as a barrier between your skin and the helmet strap to prevent chaffing. Cons: There are warmer options such as the Weise Neck Tube.
- Winter Socks: There are a few options, all winter-friendly, and the most premium are The Draggin Jeans K-Socks. Pros: these aren’t your regular base layer, they will keep your tootsies snug, and they’re abrasion resistant with Kevlar® protection. Cons: protection comes at a high price.
How about those labelled ‘mid-layers’?
Cold Killers, created by British brand Knox, have a selection of mid-layer options. These aren’t recommended as a replacement for a base as they provide a different primary function – to protect against windchill. Top of the Cold Killers range is the The Cold Killers Windy Buddy Jacket. Pros: The jacket is warm and will shield you against wind on gusty days. With a water resistant outer and zips to keep out damp. These are most effective when complimented by a compression or thermal base layer. Spada offer a similar top, the Razor Shell Jacket, men or ladies. Cons: It won’t replace a base layer and the price is a smidge higher.
Are you interested?
… In adding a base or mid layer to your ride get up? If you’re already a proud base layer wearer did you pick up any layering inspiration? We hope so!
If you have any motorcycle base layer related questions please don’t hesitate to send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
