Is spandex in base layer a bad thing?

Suther

Suther

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So I was listening to a podcast that was Q&A with the Kuiu CEO. and he made a comment about how a certain synthetic base layer is spandex free. They also mention it in the product description on the website.

So that got me wondering, what's the advantage to that? Anyone have any idea why spandex (elastane) would be frowned upon?
 
I can see a couple issues. It doesn't tend to maintain it's warmth when it's wet and it's not super breathable. There are also environmental concerns with it because in reality it's just a fancy plastic.

If memory serves merino wool is what the cool kids are using.
 
rkm456 said:
I can see a couple issues. It doesn't tend to maintain it's warmth when it's wet and it's not super breathable. There are also environmental concerns with it because in reality it's just a fancy plastic.

If memory serves merino wool is what the cool kids are using.
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I think you're missing the point. Synthetic base layers are usually primarily polyester, and some of them have spandex as well (usually between like 6 and 12% spandex if it's there).

I'm trying to figure out if there is an advantage to spandex free, because the Kuiu guy seemed to be trying to promote the fact that they had a product that was spandex free.
 
To stay warm requires the three W layers in this order

Layer 1 - Wicking layer against your skin - dry skin is warm skin - typically polypropylene or some similar synthetic fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin

Layer 2 - Warm layer - typically wool (merino wool is nice) because it stays warm even when it is wet - and it gets wet because the water is wicked to it from layer 1

Layer 3 - Wind-water proof layer - Gortex or similar waterproof windproof breathable layer to let moisture vapour out but keep water out as well

Not sure if spandex free is going to make any difference as long as it wicks moisture from your skin
 
Put it to you this way, I have a set of 100% merino long johns and a pair that is a synthetic/merino blend. The 100% merino had holes in the crotch and knees within a year, the merino blend are still hole free. Synthetic fibers tend to last longer, the 100% merino pair were warmer but didn't last long.
 
Merino Wool, Merino Wool, Merino Wool. My tops, bottoms, base layers ad heavier layers are all 100% Merino, very warm & wick the moisture.
Interesting about the premature wear mentioned, no issues here.
 
spandex acts as a fit feature (tighter, less wrinkling/bunching next to your tender bits) i sell all sorts of base layers but prefer the fit of something with a spandex/lycra element to it
some merino is definitely fragile while others will be here when the cockroaches and coyotes are the only thing left

if you're looking for merino durability try and find a corespun fabric (icebreaker for sure makes this, probably others)
 
My guess is probably because Sandex isn’t breathable nor very warm and that’s why its used more as a cheap filler in garments to get that stretchy feel.

On a side note merino is amazing but the only part of my body that can tolerate it all day are my feet so I stick to synthetics.
 
Zacm said:
My guess is probably because Sandex isn’t breathable nor very warm and that’s why its used more as a cheap filler in garments to get that stretchy feel.

On a side note merino is amazing but the only part of my body that can tolerate it all day are my feet so I stick to synthetics.
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its not a filler, it serves a purpose
 
When I hear spandex I think of overweight men in bike shorts...that’s enough for me to avoid the fiber. Seriously though I think it has more to do with odor. Spandex and the like seem to encourage the sort of bacteria that make us smell...spend 10 days in hunt camp and see what I mean.

Spandex is a fantastic fiber; very durable and cheap compared to merino as mentioned above. BUT man has yet to invent a fiber that bests what nature has produced imo.
 
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PEKS said:
Interesting about the premature wear mentioned, no issues here.
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It has everything to do with both the quality of the garment to start with and it’s care...if you wash and dry your merino long johns the same way you wash and dry your synthetics they will get holes within a year.
 
PEKS said:
Merino Wool, Merino Wool, Merino Wool. My tops, bottoms, base layers ad heavier layers are all 100% Merino, very warm & wick the moisture.
Interesting about the premature wear mentioned, no issues here.
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Runningfool said:
It has everything to do with both the quality of the garment to start with and it’s care...if you wash and dry your merino long johns the same way you wash and dry your synthetics they will get holes within a year.
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You’re spot on with the quality angle, they were mec brand merino which are crap when you actually hunt and hike in them. They wore out where they rub, on the knees and crotch. Next time I buy 100% merino long johns it will be icebreaker or something a bit beefier than the garbage mec makes, I should’ve known better as they were on sale. I wash them gentle and hang dry by the wood stove, same as all my other merino layers and they look and wear fine.
 
Suther said:
I think you're missing the point. Synthetic base layers are usually primarily polyester, and some of them have spandex as well (usually between like 6 and 12% spandex if it's there).

I'm trying to figure out if there is an advantage to spandex free, because the Kuiu guy seemed to be trying to promote the fact that they had a product that was spandex free.
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Everything I said applies to spandex whether it's a blend or not.
 
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