Tried the IR Camo vs regular base layer for spring rides in Alberta - huge difference

Last month I hit the trails near Calgary with a regular thermal top and almost froze on the first descent. After a buddy warned me about moisture wicking, I picked up an IR Camo base layer for $50 at a shop in Edmonton. The difference was night and day - stayed dry and warm through a 3 hour ride in 5 degree weather. Has anyone else noticed how much a good base layer matters for Canadian spring riding?

2 comments

2 Comments

alicea261mo ago

Yeah totally, good gear makes a real difference once you're actually moving and the sweat starts building up.

henrys741mo ago

Doubt its that big a deal honestly. I've been riding in Alberta springs for like 15 years and never spent more than $30 on a base layer. Just grab a polyester shirt from Winners and you're fine. Most of the hype around this "IR Camo" stuff is just marketing to sell expensive gear to people who think they need it. I did a 4 hour ride last week near Canmore in 3 degree weather with a cheap running shirt under my jersey and was totally fine after the first climb. Maybe if you're out all day in wet snow it matters more, but for a 3 hour spring ride a regular thermal is plenty. People overthink this stuff.