In summary, unlike wool, where the textile yarn is spun from the raw fibres, bamboo textile manufacture is a chemical process with some pretty toxic by products, and the end product isnt really bamboo at all. At 39 the BAM Reflex (opens in new tab) is just over half the price of the Ashmei women's long-sleeve merino base layer (opens in new tab) that Michelle reviewed recently (and noted that the price was very high). In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. But it can still irritate the skin after long periods of wear, especially for people with body hair. Bamboo fibers breathe and grip well, meaning you will remain cool and dry during your workout. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { Its also more affordable, closer to the price point of polypro. BAM Reflex bamboo base layer: construction. And if youre packing for a trip (here or anywhere else) and have any questions about laying or base layers for backcountry skiing and snowboarding you can always drop us an email or leave us a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram wed be delighted to help! The great news is that base layer tops and bottoms for outdoor (and indoor) life are far easier to buy than they used to be. Is your base layer breathable? FREE Delivery with orders over 50 | Free UK 30 Day Returns and Exchanges | Refer A Friend. Brilliant bit of kit, which Ill use on all company and personal trips in future Andy Harvey, Operations Director of Extreme World Races said of BAM at the Magnetic North Pole, The BAM team are available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Fancy stocking BAM? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its bamboo is sustainable, but the company is also looking at its wider impact, at its supply chain and at what happens when we dispose of its clothes. Some outdoor apparel brands are now offering natural-synthetic hybrid fabrics that harness the benefits of both materials. Polartec Power Wool utilizes the warmth, comfort and anti-odour resistance of merino next to skin and laminates it to a synthetic outer fabric for added durability and to draw moisture to the surface, where it evaporates. $( 'form[class="emform1"]' ).on( 'submit', function() { This step is essential to stop the wool fabric shrinking when it is washed, as if left on, the scales grab each other and shrink the garment. And because its against your skin its important to get it right. If you want to get through the coldest, snowiest of days in the backcountry, youd be remiss to not be wearing the best base layer for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. They know that the special properties of their merino wool coats repel water, and insulate from both the heat and the cold. Heres what she said, Im a firm fan of Merino leggings and these didnt disappoint. Visit our corporate site. The tops can be worn as a single layer but the bottoms would just look baggy and weird on their own.. Merino wool has an extra incredible warmth to weight ratio, good breathability and wicks sweat reasonably well, however merino is more expensive and has had issues of durability in the past. Bamboo is one of the best materials for base layer clothing, especially in cold conditions. These base layers have a soft feel and are not itchy like other fabrics on the skin. When bamboo is processed into rayon, no trace of the original plant is left. BAM claims that bamboo performs better than any other fabric it knows and of course it would say that because it makes clothes out of bamboo but I found bamboos warmth, breathability and sweat wicking very impressive. function bamHideCustomFooterForm() {var x = document.getElementById("bamCustomFooterForm");if (x.style.display === "block") {x.style.display = "none";} else {x.style.display = "block";}var span = document.getElementsByClassName("bam-custom-form-close")[1];span.onclick = function () {x.style.display = "none";};}, Copyright 2005 - 2022 They are as comfy as I would expect from Rohan and as warm as I would expect from our four-legged friends! First, bamboo is grown in nearly two hundred countries, making it a promising alternative to cotton, which is grown in roughly thirty-five countries. Free delivery on all UK orders and international orders over 100. With lockdown limiting us all to limited, shorter ventures outdoors at the moment, the good news is that thermal leggings and tops are just as good at keeping you warm inside as they are outside. Bamboo is often touted for its versatility, breathability, and design benefits. Dutch rider outsprints Marianne Vos and Elisa Balsamo to grab second stage win of the race. }); Cycling Weekly is supported by its audience. We offer no guarantees that you will not smell, but our garments will not. In this post we review bamboo vs. merino wool from manufacturing perspective and then compare the key properties. Burns quickly, in the same way as cotton. It wicks the moisture away from your skin so you dont feel damp. This is the one top you want to wear again and again - its warm and yet somehow, I never get too hot. Because we Blondes are so helpful (but also because we love outdoor gear and staying warm), weve taken the time below to explain the advantages and disadvantages of three different types of thermal base layers. form_data.push( { "name" : "bam_ajonce", "value" : bam_ajonce } ); url : 'https://bambooclothing.co.uk/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', 6 Things to Look Out for When Picking the Safest Skiing Gear, How To Prepare for Your First Snowboarding Adventure, 6 Tips To Help You Find The Top Outdoor Gear, Short on Cash for a New Winter Gear? var form_data = $( this ).serializeArray(); We believe we know what we are talking about on this topic after all those years of research. Or try our seamless range designed with minimal seams to avoid chafing. Merino wool can be scratchy and it doesn't wick moisture nearly as well as bamboo. We Blondes have relied on our thermals to keep us warm during long walks on the hills, through below-zero nights in tents, and after chilly wild swims. Cotton is quite possibly the worst type of fabric anyone can wear on their body in the mountains. They are often praised for their ability to wick away sweat and were originally designed to be worn in places where people sweat heavily. This means Ive had the opportunity to try out different fabrics and makes in all kinds of outdoor and indoor situations. They also come in a wide range of price brackets and fabrics. The fabric has a slightly higher volume than lighter synthetic fabrics so cant take the place of a mesh-style base layer as I said before, its more like merino so needs a bit of space. Bamboo is a natural fiber and will take some time to break in. The fine, scaly fibres naturally resist the buildup of smelly bacteria. Depending on the treatment and the type of yarn, bamboo fibers can range from smelling like grass to smelling like cotton! Here Are 6 Online Activities That Can Help You Win Some Money, Providing a soft and luxurious feel against the skin, An excellent fabric for moisture-wicking and breathability, Not only soft and warm but also strong and durable, Eco-friendly, which is good for the environment. This also means you dont get cold quickly once youve stopped exercising. Zips and thumb loops are a good way to keep as warm as possible when you start off but as you warm up you can drop heat by unzipping. Bacteria does not grow on the merino wool fabric, so it will not smell, no matter how often you wear it. We love bamboo viscose because it is so soft against the skin and incredibly comfortable to wear. There are benefits of rayon or viscose clothing over cotton, but merino out performs rayon or viscose in the no smell, burn and moisture management tests. Bamboo materials are also more breathable, which makes them perfect for exercising. Cheap Snow Gear - the online shop to buy Ski & Snowboard equipment. Merino wool clothing has natural inflammably and will not stay lit after the flame is removed. Thats always struck me as ironic. BAM founder, David Gordon. Longevity inconclusive (we havent had much time with these yet but I hand wash all my thermals to give them a better chance at life). Climbing can be a bit stop/start so you need something that breathes to keep you cool when youre moving. While it may have half-decent insulating properties when youre standing still, once you begin to sweat from touring up a slope or take a fall in the powder, cotton will stay wet. As for its durability, it has been through many, many washes because I like it so much. Bamboo products cannot be called bamboo but are rayon or viscose, which can be made out of any tree or leaf. Firstly, lets take a look at what not to wear. Its perfect for running or pretty much any other type of sport you do and even as a casual top and it might be my most-worn garment of the last few months. I always think if you can find clothes that do multiple jobs, you (and the environment) are on to a winner. The Top 10 Most Common Yoga Practices Today: The Complete Guide To Growing Bamboo Plants, Outdoor Fitness Guide by Laura Kennington. Fourth, they are not an animal byproduct, they save on the use of chlorine, they save on water consumption, and they are not harmful to the environment. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. yoga leggings make great thermals). success : function( response ) { But oddly the one thing I wanted to change above all else was a small itch in a difficult to reach place on my back. We are going to explore the different synthetic materials and different fabrics such as bamboo. Like cotton, bamboo is grown in countries like China, India, Peru, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Bamboo is an interesting fabric and one you might not yet have tried. Personally, I don't weight-weenie about base layers and Im fine with that. In 2004, the year before I discovered bamboo clothing, I found myself crossing Greenland with a British Army expedition. Free UK 30 Day Returns and Exchanges | Platinum trusted Second, they provide the warmth and comfort that is needed for cold days and keep the wearer feeling dry and clean during the day. Which is just as well because the phrase, Smelly Helly didnt come from nowhere. Many merino brands are now adding synthetic fibres such as nylon to the weave in order to increase the garments resistance to pick holes and tears, thereby lengthening their lifespan. This prevents the growth of fungus and bacteria that can cause serious infections. Do you want to start cold? Bamboo is a soft and smooth fiber that doesnt contain lanolin and is completely free of any odors. It will not smell. All rights reserved. We hope you were able to learn a little bit more about why a bamboo base is a great option for you and how it can benefit you. (This sounds a lot like green washing by the bamboo industry). This will help you regulate your temperature. Fi Darby (Blonde Two) is an adventure and outdoor writer based in Devon. Thanks to its higher volume it traps warm air very well. There are a few things that will have a big impact on your comfort so what are the most important things to look for? In contrast merino wool continues to insulate when it is wet. So, this is also a bonus. His first job was as a sub editor following an MA in online journalism. Narrow shoulders and a waist that has a tendency to expand can be a bad look, but the BAM Reflex is kind to body shapes that arent quite godlike. Once the Merino fleece leaves the farm it is scoured to remove any dirt and debris. When it is cold, thin fibers can breathe. A lot of outdoor clothing companies add an artificial treatment such as recycled silver to help combat synthetic stench, but synthetics cant match the natural anti-odour properties of wool. Tour de Yorkshire to be replaced with new look cycling event in 2024, Mark Cavendish returns from disappointing month to lead Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl at Tour of Poland, Tour de France Femmes 2022: The sprint queen does it again, Lorena Wiebes wins stage five, Ashmei women's long-sleeve merino base layer, Exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. All you need to do is think outside the box (or wardrobe). Any plant or tree can be used as the source of the cellulose, including bamboo, but the fiber thats created is rayon., [U]nless a product is made directly with bamboo fiber often called mechanically processed bamboo it cant be called bamboo.. One of the many things about it that I liked was the flattering fit. buy Ski & Snowboard equipment. 39 million New Zealand sheep cant be wrong. It needs half the land cotton needs to produce the same amount of fibre and it doesnt need irrigation or pesticides. If I dont put one on in the morning, I will usually be wearing one by lunchtime. Heres why you can trust us. Whether you love walking, running, cycling, wild camping, or outdoor swimming, not only are modern-day thermals great at keeping you warm, and wicking away moisture from your skin during outdoor activity. It is then washed a second time to scrub down and smooth the microscopic scales on each fibre. How much stretch is there in your base layer? Take a look at the seams flatlock seams mean they lie flat against your skin so they dont rub. Lighter weight than many of their natural fibre equivalents, synthetic thermals wash easily, dry quickly, and wear really well. BAM is obviously short for bamboo which is what the companys fabrics are made from but the name is also a nice bit of onomatopoeia to suggest Impact Positive. Get in touch with Fi today to find out more. Review B2 discusses her super-long-lasting synthetic base layer tops. The fibres are then lightly coated with a soft resin that further prevents them from interlocking, and the wool is dried. Now that we have considered the manufacturing processes, one needs to consider the key attributes and properties. by Canadian Adventure Company | Jan 19, 2018 | Guides & Gear. Compared to cycling clothing especially Italian cycling clothing it comes up quite big. Website terms| Privacy|Web Design Devonby Hoot Media, good (but not as quick at the job as synthetic), Bamboo leggings worn underneath a pair of jeans can save money on your heating bill, Merino thermals make great camping pyjamas but are also cosy on a chilly night at home, Black thermal leggings are far warmer under a skirt than a pair of tights, Watching movies or TV is far more comfortable in thermals than in any other type of clothing, Thermal base layers dont take up much space in your rucksack but can add emergency warmth, With careful colour coordination, you can wear a thermal top under a smart blouse for online meetings, Buy a pair of leggings for morning yoga then layer up over them to keep warm all-day. The biggest sell is that the merino garment can be worn over and over with far less stink than synthetics. The fibers are also naturally occurring, so there is no need for any harmful dyes or special chemicals. Endurance sports often involve repetitive movement so a top that is comfortable the first time you try it on might not be over ten miles. Its not only incredibly soft against your skin it has 360 degree stretch so it moves when you do. Learn more about the attributes of merino wool, visit ourDiscover page. Watch the weather though, especially the temperature. Wiggle's dhb merino base layer (opens in new tab) is also more expensive at 45 so really the BAM represents good value compared to other base layers that are made from natural/sustainable fibres. Review B2 tried the Enduro Deep Waist Band Bamboo Leggings and the Long Sleeve Bamboo Baselayer top from BAM. It is said that Bamboo is one of the best fabrics that you can find to use for workout clothing because it is built to keep you cool and comfortable. Its stretchy: the actual construction is 68 per cent bamboo viscose, 28 per cent organic cotton and four per cent elastane, which give it the stretch and helps it keep its shape. Many backcountry skiers and snowboarders will accept that a small amount of itch as a trade-off to the other favourable properties of merino wool, but it all comes down to personal preference. It is usually perceived as being synonymous with sustainable ideals, but now bamboo fabrics are being heralded as the textile of the future - thanks to technological advancements. The fabric spun from the wool of Merino breed of sheep has exploded in popularity in the last decade or so, largely due the global success of New Zealand apparel brand Icebreaker. When you wear a base layer it is sustainable and eco-friendly. Id be lying if I said it was completely odour free, because any garment worn regularly for sport eventually succumbs to a degree of residual pong, but when it comes out of a 40 wash that's easily within acceptable parameters. Our Reflex bamboo base layer has long sleeves with thumb loops and flatlock seams that wont rub. Up to 3 days, which is better than cotton. Just ensure that the thermal layer is tight to your body. United Kingdom. Merino wool is well known to help to keep you warm when it wet. Plus these look great under a skirt! However, is not the warmest R-value of the fabrics, but it is by far the most comfortable, even when wet. If that weren't enough, it is more renewable than any other fiber on Earth. If I could change anything about the BAM Reflex, it would be to lose the thumb loops. service award 2021 based on 17,038 reviews. Underneath a jacket or shell I found it very snug. A surprising aspect of bamboo clothing is the number of benefits it offers. For professional operators, merino wool no melt or drip properties are critical. Staying warm and comfortable in the mountains depends on so much more than Gore-Tex and down filled jackets. But it also needs to be thick enough to keep you warm when youre hanging on the rope. Very absorptive, and keeps skin dry. The outdoor market is growing. Once youve worn a pair of thermal leggings, or indeed a thermal base layer top, you wont want to go back to single layer clothing. There are no women's sizes in the Reflex model, which is for men; the women's equivalent is the BAM Perform.