Layering Buyers Guide

Whether you are a pro or a beginner, everyone wants to be warm! New Zealand may not get as cold as North America however sometimes it really gives it a good try! A good base layer is as important from you head to your toes! Below are just some of our base layer options. All of which have the technology in them to keep you feeling warm and still be able to move freely in them.

BASE LAYERS 

Whether you are a pro or a beginner, everyone wants to be warm. New Zealand may not get as cold as the rest of the world however sometimes it really gives it a good nudge. A good base layer is as important from your head to your toes.

Below are just some of our base layer options. All of which have the technology in them to keep you feeling warm and still be able to move freely in them.

Base layers come in different weights or thicknesses to suit different temperatures and activity levels. If you are doing a high or low level of activity in the cold, you need the base layer to be worn next to your skin. Base layers help regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin, which will help keep your dry. Staying dry allows you to stay warmer for longer. If you will be doing an ‘expedition’ level of activity (overnight stays in the alpine) then you can wear a heavier loose layer as well as your first base layer.  Link picture insulation jacket?

When the weather does warm up in spring, having a good base layer allows you to minimize what you wear on top of them. This will help with regulating your body temperature. It also means you will get use out of your base layers all season!

Our base layers have activity and comfort in mind. So if you’re ski touring all day or sat in the café there will be something that suits you. Almost all our base layers can double as a great layer for town too.

Base Layer Accessories

Socks 

The worst thing you can do is put a cotton sock into your ski or snowboard boot, its going to get wet, sweaty and possibly ruin your day. You would not think they would be so necessary until you learn what they can do! Having a sock that has built in compression and made from a merino blend means it will allow your circulation to keep flowing around your toes. Basically, they will keep your toes warm and your feet comfortable. Cold feet are a day ender and we defiantly do not want that.

We offer a range of socks in different levels of thickness and compression so you can find one that suits you, or if you’re a bit lost give us a call and we can help you out!

Tips

• NEVER double up on a sock! It will work against you and trap in the moisture keeping your feet cold!
• Try to wear a thin technical sock and NOT a thick wool one. Your feet will thank you for it at the end of the day! A thick woolen sock will not be breathable and will wrinkle causing you a lot of pain in your boots.

Neck warmers

Especially on the cold days, making sure that all your exposed skin is covered allows you to enjoy your time on the mountain a lot more. 

There are a couple different material options with neck warmers which have some pros and cons to them.

• Synthetic: Great option for comfort and super easy to take care of, however not so great for breathability. Once the moisture builds up it will sit on the outside of it and if its cold enough it will freeze. Also, over time the odor will also start to build up so you will have to wash it more.

• Merino: Another good option for comfort, with it being a natural fiber it has better moisture management and will regulate your temperature better than a synthetic one. Merino products are generally more expensive than a synthetic material product however with the right care they will last a long time.

Gloves and Liners

We really do have a pair of gloves or mittens to suit everyone. From infant to XL we are sure to be able to help you find a pair that suits you.

With so much choice comes many differences between products. Glove over mitten? Leather or canvas? The best thing to do is to try on as many pairs as possible. If you can’t get into store then give us a ring and we can advise you on what we think would be the best option.

Cold hands? A mitten allows your fingers to move freely within it, allowing your circulation to keep moving, making your hands stay warmer,( a staff favorite at BaseNZ) If you’re loyal to a glove then we also have a couple of heavy insulated gloves that will also do the trick. We would also suggest a liner (a base layer for your hands). Similar to our body base layers there are a couple options you can get that suit different levels of activity or use. We offer both merino and synthetic liners for gloves and mittens so there will be something to suit everyone.

Run hot?  A thinner canvas glove will protect from the elements but allow your hands to breathe. As the temperature warms up we also offer a spring glove/mitten. With It just being a windbreaker it gives sun protection as well as giving wind protection on the chairlift.