Recently, I have decided to give up wearing synthetic base layers because I am tired of the stink. It's embarrassing to spend a day climbing hard then rock up to the pub smelling like death or stink out your tent mate after a long day on the mountain. At Outdoor Retailer, Traci from Agion Active handed me a couple of t-shirts to try that she promised would change my view on synthetics.
At the end of last year, Polarmax announced their partnership with Cotton Incorporated to introduce the world's first wicking cotton fabric called TransDRY. The great folks at Terra Public Relations were kind enough to send me a Polarmax PMX TransDRY short sleeve base layer top to test out for myself.
YellowMan, the high-end tattoo clothing company founded in 2004, recently launched a sports clothing line extension called YMX (acronym for YellowMan Expression). YMX offers multifunctional clothing that bridges the gap between sports and fashion.
Swiss company X-Bionic, know for their technical clothing, is launching a whole new brand called Apani. Using 100% all natural materials and mixing a bit of fashion with their technical function, X-Bionic hopes Apani will attract the more eco-conscious consumer. Their new merino base layer line is a unique fusion of the company's famous technology and design with 100% natural fabric.
For Fall 2010, Mountain Hardwear will focus on their Core Climate Control layering system. Using technical materials and intelligent design, Core Climate Control involves everything from outerwear to base layers that provide protection, ease of movement, warmth and breathability all in one package.
Young Ogden company Klymit, makers of the Kinetic Vest, have now expanded into outerwear and base layers to support their core vest product. Klymit's NobleTek insulation technology uses flexible, airtight yet breathable chambers filled with argon gas instead of down or synthetic fabrics.
