Are there cheaper Wicking T-shirts/Base Layers

Q. I've been looking at long sleeve tops and t-shirts that wick moisture away from your body.

How do these work and are there any cheap alternatives?

When looking in camping/specialist shops they are priced at £20-£30 which for one t-shirt is a bit out of my budget.

I've noticed that none of them are 100% cotton so would a polyester one do the trick?

Nicola Webster, Nottingham

A. I have the same problem with overheating - yes man made fibres with special features - Coolmax type man-made fibres work really well. Plus they are really easy care - drip-dry and no ironing. If you're camping or going on holiday - they are lightwieight and pack down really small. I've become a real fan of such clothing. Also silver permanent coatings cut perspiration odour. Regarding price buy when there is a sale on.

Maria, Bradford

A. They work by drawing moisture from your body through the fabric to the outside where it is free to evaporate and most work extremely effectively.

Having said that - for a wicking T-shirt/Base Layer to work at all you have to be walking in such a way as to work up a bit of a sweat.

If your walks are low level and leisurely - you are unlikely to reap the benefit.

Whatever you do though - do not use 100% cotton T-shirts as base layers - they soak up and retain moisture leaving you cold and clammy.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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