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THE LAYERING CONCEPTIt is a total misconception to think that "layering" is simply a matter of layering 3 pieces of clothing, one on top of the other i.e. base layer, mid layer, and top layer, and that is all you need regardless of climate, weather conditions etc. In fact it's nonsense! “Multilayering” is undoubtedly the best system for maintaining your body at an ideal and constant temperature, but you do not always need 3 layers and sometimes you will need more. It all depends on both the prevailing and the expected weather conditions. Whilst in most circumstances 3 will be more than adequate, sometimes you may need only 1 or 2, sometimes you may need 4 or even 5. The principle is simple; several thin layers are better than one or two thick layers. Whatever your outdoor pursuit and whatever the climatic conditions, layering offers the best for your personal well-being and comfort, and the only way to ensure best protection.
THE 1st or BASELAYERThe base layer perfoms two essential tasks. Firstly it regulates body moisture and therefore must be worn close to the body in order to absorb and release moisture. Its capacity for managing this rapidly allows you to feel dry and comfortable, and your body conserves its heat. Unlike synthetics, Merino has the ability to both absorb and release moisture simultaneously, through hydrophobic and hydrophilic action. It therefore regulates moisture more evenly. Secondly the baselayer regulates body heat. Merino has the ability to generate heat whilst wet, thereby giving protection against potentially dangerous heat-loss. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a thick baselayer is better than a thinner one. This is not true. A single thick baselayer is suitable only for specific climate/weather conditions, and these can change in a single day! The Chocolate Fish layering system is based on a mix of 190gsm weight layers. The basic baselayer is the Taranaki long-sleeve crew or T-shirt. In colder conditions, this can be augmented by the 190 weight Taranaki singlet, which gives an extra layer of warmth exactly where it is needed, around the body's core. Should the weather or climate conditions improve, this can be easily removed. Additionally the 190 weight Taranaki Zipneck can be used in conjunction with the singlet, the singlet plus long-sleeve Crew or T-shirt, or worn as a baselayer in it's own right, the quarter zip giving ventilation when and where necessary. The Taranaki Zipneck can therefore be used both as a baselayer and a lightweight midlayer.
THE MIDLAYERThe second layer's job is to provide extra insulation and warmth. It is usually heavier but not always, should keep you comfortable and warm, and guarantee you a maximal temperature. The air cells in Merino fibres trap the warm air giving you an insulation layer between your body and your outer layer. The 2nd layer should also be capable of absorbing and releasing body moisture to the outside, preferably at the same rate as the base layer, in order to maintain a good even temperature. Depending on season/cllimate/weather conditions, both our Taranaki 190 and TeMata 260 can be worn as mid or secondary layers.
THE TOP LAYERThe third layer gives protection against the elements and is normally a wind and water/shower proof shell. Ideally it should have a hood of some kind, and be long enough to protect the upper thighs. If the fabric of your outer layer is not made of a ”breathable” fabric, the moisture from the base and 2nd layers cannot escape and will be re-absorbed, leaving you feeling cold and wet.
BREATHABILITYMerino cannot be measured in the same way as synthetics (see below) - it doesn’t like being boiled for one thing. However the nature of the Merino fibres are such that, unlike synthetics, they are porous - allowing the exchange of both air and moisture. Which is why even in heatwaves, a Merino baselayer will keep you feeling comfortable where a synthetic one will simply make you feel hot and sweaty. Similarly in cold conditions, Merino will keep you warm and dry. In fact Merino can absorb up to 30% of it's own weight in moisture before it even starts to feel damp. For maximum performance, Merino should be layered with Merino, so that the baselayer can pass on the moisture to the next layer at an equal rate. If Merino is to be layered with synthetics, it is preferable to make the base layer Merino rather than the mid layer. This will not however result in the very best performance achieved by layering Merino with Merino.
The “breathability” of synthetics is measured very simply. It’s based on the equation: gram per metre squared per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). The test is as follows:
A receptacle of water kept at boiling point is covered with the fabric to be tested. The water vapour passing through the fabric in a 24 hour period is measured.
The more “breathable” the fabric, the higher the number:
However this can never be more than a rough guide to the performance of a synthetic. It's an observable fact that the human body very rarely boils! Nor is evaporated sweat pushed through a garment under the sort of pressure used in this test. Furthermore this process, involving as it does boiling water, cannot be used to adequately or fairly test wool.
There is another drawback to this - it doesn't actually mean anything in terms of comfort. Take the average synthetic baselayer - it not only can feel unpleasant against the skin, to get the same warmth factor as merino, it needs to be, on average, twice as thick. So not only does it not feel good, it's bulky as well.
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