Question:
How good is Capilene underwear? Is it easy to hike in? What is the best weight for temps. in the 30's-40's? What is the best brand?

Karen's Answer:

Capilene is terrific. It works on the same principle as polypropylene: It's a wicking layer that takes sweat away from your body and helps keep you warm. Some designs are constructed to look and feel like long underwear. Other capilene has a more finished look that many hikers prefer for actually walking in.

	Karen Berger Karen is a hiker's hiker. She has finished the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails — making her one of the few who've completed hiking's"triple crown." Meet Karen Previous Answers Hiking Forums

I usually walk in shorts unless the temperatures are below about 40, but everyone is different — you may chill faster (or slower) than I do. When temperatures are in the 30s, I find that lightweight polypro (or Capilene) is perfectly fine. I once found a perfect pair of Capilene tights that were smooth on the outside, and sort of light-medium weight (They were billed as"cool weather gear"), but I haven't been able to find them in recent years.

However, equivalents exist. If you chill easily or the temperatures dip into the 20s, you might prefer medium weight. I wouldn't go with heavyweight Capilene or polypro unless the temperatures are really dipping below 20, or even below 10. (For walking, that is: For night, you'll need lots of warm layers if it gets that cold.)

Finally, Capilene was developed by Patagonia; it's a proprietary fabric, which means that if you want it, you have to buy a Patagonia garment. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a generic material, which means that lots of different companies make clothing out of it.

There are three major differences between the two: 1) Patagonia is a high-end company that makes superb products, but you have to pay the price: Most Capilene garments are more expensive than most polypropylene garments and 2) Capilene smells a whole lot better than polypro (which for some reason combines with sweat to make a toxic stench), and 3) You can put Capilene in the dryer — an important benefit if you're doing laundry on the road.

Stay warm!