Ranger base layer

[Kortoso]

My next project is to put together a regular Ranger outfit, one that is reasonably true to the Lore, but also practical for wilderness adventuring.

I do have an array of authentic medieval (mostly Anglo-Saxon/Viking) garb, FWIW.

I know that keeping a layer of cotton or linen next to the skin is of little wisdom, since if you get wet through sweat or rain, it stays wet and doesn't keep you warm.

Of course, modern outdoorsmen use synthetics, but let's try not to go there...

Wool is normally very itchy, but I am familiar with the brand SmartWool, which doesn't feel itchy at all. It's made from Merino wool and is probably an acrylic blend. It might be worth looking for such a fabric.

But what of silk? It's warm, not scratchy. I've seen "silk noil" for sale, is that any good for a base layer?

[Rifter]

My kit is pretty simple, it's a raw silk. silk noil shirt and black velvet trousers, I really just wear a suede jerkin and belt and such over it. I do like to see the layers people put into their garb, like the Rangers of Gondor.

[Manveruon]

Linen does dry slightly better than cotton, and doesn't hold moisture to the body as badly, from what I understand.

[Eledhwen]

Linen is fine. It wicks more than holds and it is naturally anti-fungal in nature. It is what I use, under wool in the Winter, alone in the Summers. Never a problem have I had with it.

Eledhwen

[wulfgar]

I prefer linen too. Silk is good too, they make modern base layers out of it. The reason silk was so prized in ancient times is because it doesn't hold lice.

[grimwulf]

i go with linen under wool as well. tho i have to say i just got a pair of hemp yoga pants of ebay, come on no laughing, lol they look and fit like pajama style pants i had to get a size bigger than normal may have to go two ill know after i dye them a darker brown.
heres the link
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161023386401?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[Udwin]

for Anduin Woodman, I usually wear a wool (in differing weights depending on season) tunic by itself, but in cold cold weather I'll layer it over either a linen longsleeved tunic or a thin wool kyrtle.
for hobbitry, I always wear a linen trade shirt (or two, if it's chilly) under my weskit, and a wool jacket over that.
for Arnorian dunadan, depending on season I'll wear either a linen tunic or wool kyrtle, or both. (Still need to come up with a proper sturdy outer garment)

Silk would be appropriate for Elf or hobbits (although in the latter case I would argue for raw silk)

[Kortoso]

Thanks!