1st layer

When you explore the beauty of the Outdoors, there is no doubt that you are trying to be best outfitted for wind, weather and exertion. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you are probably very well equipped from the outside. Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants, a warm fleece, performance footwear, a hat, and some gloves, just in case … What you don’t see and what you may not be aware of is the fact that underneath your carefully chosen mountaineering set-up, there might be a crucial part missing. Did you read our Know-How chapter on the Layering Principle? So what about the first layer, your underwear? After all, isn’t "the whole only as good as the sum of its parts"?

 

Functional underwear is the very first layer next to your skin, the layer that transports moisture away, makes you feel comfortable in any situation and ensures optimal body temperature in all conditions. This will help your performance and your physical well-being.

There are different types of functional underwear for different activities and different climates. Some of them have cooling properties, some are keeping you warm instead, but all of them should have the ability to transport moisture to the next layer of your clothing.

McKINLEY Underwear is available in different performance levels for men and women and in several styles. It is easy care, breathable and feels great on your skin!


Why underwear with moisture-transporting abilities is better than cotton

If you are active, you will eventually sweat. To still feel comfortable and focus on your activity instead of your sweaty and uncomfortable clothes, this moisture needs to be transported away from your skin. Cotton fabrics usually do not have this ability and leave you with a wet and cold feeling. In addition, conventional cotton fabrics do not dry fast enough, which again leads to the same uncomfortable, moist sensation. As a result, your body temperature will not be efficiently regulated – especially when it’s getting colder or windy – and your general well being and performance will suffer.


Fabrics and fibres

There are several fabrics that transport moisture: synthetic fibres, silk, and lately Merino wool has become very popular. Most synthetic underwear is made of polyester and polyester blends. Some underwear blends use high percentages of nylon or add certain amounts of Spandex to enhance stretch. Polyester, though, is the dominant synthetic fibre used in wicking underwear. It's a soft, easy-care fabric with reliable moisture-management attributes. It is also very light, abrasion-resistant and wrinkle-resistant. As for a negative feature, it may start to smell if worn repeatedly without washing. This is not the case with Merino wool, which tends to stay odour-free even after worn multiple days in a row. Merino wool is, in addition, very soft on the skin, machine-washable, stain- and wrinkle-resistant and a completely natural fibre. McKINLEY is offering both synthetic and Merino underwear for different temperature and comfort ranges and activities.


Fabric Weights

When selecting first-layer tops and bottoms, it is important to know what the underwear will be used for since there are several fabric weights primarily designed for different temperature ranges and/or activities. The McKINLEY Temperature Comfort System allows you to easily identify the right fabric weight of the respective garment made of synthetic fabrics:

 

  • Active Cool: Very warm conditions (0 to +20°C), high exertion
  • Light: Warm conditions (-5 to +15°C), medium to high exertion
  • Warm: Medium conditions (-10 to +10°C), medium exertion
  • Active Warm: Cold conditions (-15 to +5°C), medium to low exertion
  • Extra Warm: Very cold conditions (-20 to 0°C), low exertion

 

The temperature ranges stated are recommendations. Some people get cold easily and should consider choosing heavier fabrics. Others get hot easily and thus should consider choosing lighter fabrics. Also, take into account the overall setup of your layers (first, second and third layer) and the possibility that weather conditions may change throughout the day.

In contrast to underwear made of synthetic fabrics, the lightweight Merino wool underwear is generally a great all-season first layer for multiple conditions and activities!