To base layer, or not to base layer?

[MetalRider 3]

Whilst at a LHS over the weekend, I was discussing with a guy the best way to keep cool during games. Whilst playing I get rather warm and, hate to say it, sweaty. The persons recommendation was that I get a base layer that would move the moisture away from my body and thus keep me cooler. To me however this seems like a not so great idea, as I would imagine the base layer would simply just get soaked through and end up trapping heat, thus causing me to overheat much quicker??

Anyone got any advice or thoughts??

MetalRider

[crispy92 14]

I like to think a proper base layer helps. Something like the underarmour or nike wicking material. A basic cotton t shirt will not work as well and will just get heavy.

[x-axis 44]

I have used everything from cotton long sleeve t shirts to various compression shirts like ua, easton, and bauer. Personally, I never notice any weight issues, but I do notice cotton shirts hold more moisture in concentrated areas, typically the portion covered by hockey equipment. I mainly use them to keep my gear in good shape.

To me, the biggest things to keep cool has been the amount and type of padding I use and the material in the jersey I wear. There might not be options if you are talking about league play, but the really light practice jerseys like the ccm 10200 do wonders as opposed to the heavyweight jerseys. If I know and trust the people I'm playing with, I normally go without shoulder pads. A low end or minimalist pad might be something you may also consider.

just noticed this was in the roller hockey section and most roller players don't wear shoulders. you may consider modding the base layer like a lot of nhl players do...but they do help...

[IPv6Freely 2092]

For me the biggest thing I notice is not having pads directly touching skin. Makes all the difference in the world.

[donkers 31]

im one of those guys who squirt themselves with water to keep cool

none of us are exactly high performance athletes or anything so i try not to overthink it

[sss1987 55]

I recently bought a nike pro combat compression shirt.

I'm defo not a proper athlete by anyones standards..but it does somewhat keep you cooler for longer. Theres also a feeling of (without wanting to sound like i needed a bra..) supported muscles with the compression fit.

for £25 it was worth a try and im happy to use it..even if it is placebo.

[default user 3]

Well if this is suppose to be the the roller section, I've tried all kinds of shirts/base layer and have played in some crazy hot places. Whenever I would wear something I felt like i was just soaked the whole time. Granted this was about 5-10 years ago and base layer technology has come a long way from then. Another thing I didn't like was having more clothing to wash and keep track of. I did however notice a considerable difference when I started to use a pair on UA heat gear compression shorts, as a lot of heat and sweat get built up in that area.

It all comes down to what you feel good in.

[MarsB 33]

I never wear a baselayer for inline. Far too hot, just skin under my jersey. No padded shirt either, just elbows.

[stnlycup67 38]

My last ice/inline game before this past december was in 1998 so "performance wear" was a cotton t-shirt altered with scissors. After getting back into ice recently, I found eastbays performance wear is economical and seems to work well

[Gefiltefish 9]

I previously only wore a jersey over my bare skin. I recently (past 6-8 months) switched to wearing a UA Sonic fitted t-shirt.

I was worried it would feel too warm and too restrictive, but neither was true. I actually think I stay cooler since the sweat has some place to go. I also noticed less rashes and acne on my shoulders and back area (I know, gross, but I think the sweat had a lot to do with it).

I also tried a compression fit, but found it to be too restrctive. I actually felt it while playing where as the fitted version I did not. The compression would ride up a little bit on my bank and be uncomfortable by the end of the game. It also felt tight under the arms for me.

Its a cheap and easy investment. $25 and it could be a game changer. UA makes them in long and slort sleeve as well as a sleeve-less tank top if you are worred about the short sleeves being in the way of your elbow pads.

[SlaterC42 51]

I used a Reebok compression shirt under my Mission padded shirt for a while, but found it got too hot when sitting on the bench. I started playing without it and haven't gone back. I still wear it under my shoulder pads when I play ice hockey but not roller.