Polypropylene or other hydrophobic synthetic fabrics move the moisture (sweat) away from your body to the outside of the layer, reducing evaporative cooling and keeping you dry and comfortable.
Woolor synthetic pile/fleece fabrics don't absorb water so they keep you warm even if they get wet. Pile also dries very quickly. (We recommend that you purchase your warmer layers for course according to its pile). A wool sweater or pile jacket provides warmth on a chilly evening.
Nylon or Nylon/Cotton Windshells reduce convective heat loss. For raingear, coated nylon is lightweight and works well. Waterproof-breathable fabrics are a good idea.
Capilene materials are made from polyester and they have a waterproof hydropholic layer on top which is water repellent. Capilene is most similar to a long john layer.
Microfleeces are lightweight fabrics, almost like a thin blanket; so thin that you can feel your fingers through them as you would on a t-shirt or pair of running pants.
The 100-weight fleeces can be one- or two-sided, which means they're fuzzy on either one or two sides. Slightly heavier than the microfleeces, these fabrics are about the same weight as a sweatshirt. The 100-weight fleeces are great for an inside layer, jacket linings, and lightweight gear for heads, feet, and hands. Having a layer which will unzip all the way makes it easier to release heat if your body begins to sweat too much.
Medium-weight fleeces are probably the most common and versatile on the market. They're perfect for jackets, pants, hats, mittens, socks, slippers, and vests. Paired with a windproof outer shell, this is the best combination for keeping warm. There are lots of medium-weight fleece fabrics available. This layer is warmer than a sweatshirt, and when combined with other layers is the best way to keep warm.
Polar fleece is a soft nappedinsulating synthetic fabric made from PET(recycled polyester). It is primarily used in sweatpants, gym clothes, hoodies, and inexpensive throw blankets. It is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and is very light, soft and easy to wash. PolarTec is a type of Polar fleece. This is the highest quality.
LAYERING SYSTEM: We recommend utilizing a layering system to help keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. A layering system involves a base layer, insulating layer, and outer layer.
Base layer: The base layer is next to the skin and should be of a fabric that draws sweat away from the skin so it can evaporate and cool you without making you feel wet and clammy. Cotton should be avoided as it retains your sweat and doesn't release it to evaporate. For cold weather, look for polypropylene (Capilene, Thermion, Thermax and Thermastat) or silk undershirt and longjohns.
Insulating layer: In cooler weather, this layer adds warmth and allows you the option of removing it as you warm up. This layer could be a shirt and pants of wool, fleece, pile, or down. Don't overdo it - you will be warm up very quickly as you are so active on course. You can also purchase layers which can unzip as you heat up, and back up to keep you warm
Outer layer: This layer protects you from the elements, and can also be removed as you warm up. A windproof and water-resistant jacket worn loosely is a good outer layer. For rain gear, look for fabric treatments that still allow your body to breathe, such as Goretex or Ultrex.
