Sub zero this morning and to help give me abit more warmth (and as rain was expected later in the morning) I wore my waterproof over my skin200 merino top. It was very wet on the inside of the jacket post ride- the same on a previous ride when it did rain.

I’m not a epic sweater either

Ideas?!

It’s called condensation.

Nowhere to wick the moisture too, simples, better off with another base layer or similar if its cold rather than a waterproof

My Army DPM never got this 🙁

I’m not a epic sweater either

They, never think they are.

Well done for making an effort on your new frame .

Pertex Shield’s not very breathable.

Pertex Shield claims a breathability (MVTR) of 7000. That’s pretty low in the scheme of things, eVent for example claims 15000+. It’s measured in units of g of water vapour transferred per m^2 per 24hours (under test conditions). So your starting with a less than brilliant fabric*, from a breathability point of view, and under adverse atmospheric conditions with some dirt ground in the breath-ability could be into bin bag territory.

The relative humidity and other factors will impact the mount of water transferred also.

*I have pertex shield jacket, it’s been great – very light and durable but breathability isn’t the best.

Also Pertex Shield has quite a low waterproof rating so in heavy rain on the bike you might be actually forcing some water through.

Merino is not great at moving moisture. Its warmer when wet than synthetic but you stay wet for longer

Merino is not great at moving moisture. Its warmer when wet than synthetic but you stay wet for longer

Glad it not just me then, I hate the stuff for that very reason, always feel clammy in it.

If anybody wants to North Face Merino thermals worn once fo decent money PM me !!

They’re very good for walking or climbing or paddling but with cycling being a high output activity I think synthetic is better next to the skin.
Synthetic vest under thin merino works for me, best of both worlds

I have worn them for ski and bike, useless for both IMO, much prefer synthetic, Merino irritates me too.

Merino. If ever there was a case of “the emperors new baselayer…”

Yep IME merino isn’t good for high intensity stuff and his heavy even before it gets wet. Like it for easy day walks and riding to work.

Can’t live without my merino socks at work atm. Soaking wet but still not cold feet. I wore a pair of thick synthetic socks one day last week & my feet were freezing cold by the end of the day.

You wouldn’t walk through a muddy field and not expect mud on your boots – why would one expert to exercise and not have perspiration on their clothing ? “Breathable” is relative – if one thinks their going to be 100% dry after a work out their drinking way too much marketing Kool Aid ..

The merino base layers I’ve used were all a bit densly woven.

Personally I have more luck with cheap merino jumpers, about 3mm thick and a little more fluffy than the Icebreaker fabric. Layer with a tighter weave [t-shirt etc] to keep the wind out and you’ll be warm as toast.

Also – Merino doesn’t stink like a polyxxxxx.

Rayon is alright too, but really heavy when wet.

If it’s going to be wet and cold and you want to be light: yes, synthetic. But I don’t want to share a tent with you!