Review and Analysis of Svala Airbase Baselayer
Introduction
I have extensively relied on Svala’s Airbase mesh knit during my winter climbing in the Alps. The amazingly lightweight yet reasonably warm design of this baselayer makes it a perfect choice for a broad range of activities, not just winter alpine climbs, but also others, during which I also plan on taking Airbase for.
The first impression is related to its weight: it’s really lightweight. It does not feel like it weights anything at all ;-). Simultaneously, it does offer comfortable level of warmth retention. I had many days with temperatures around -20 C, and was able to use this layer together with a down jacket, and possibly some midlayer, and it was perfect. Of course, everything has its limits, and when it gets lower than that, you actually want to combine it with some additional base layer.
This brings us to another great use case for this layer: improved moisture management at nearly no additional weight. Specifically, once you wear this thing on you, below the usual standard base layer, it will help to remove moisture much more efficiently than usual, and ensure better dryness feeling.
The Airbase baselayer has more pros. I expect that the strategic design of the mesh knit compensates for temperature variations, offering cooling during summer climbs and much-needed warmth during harsh winter expeditions. I’ll confirm this after upcoming expeditions, but expect no surprises here.
The flat seams of the baselayer ensure there is no rubbing or discomfort against the skin, allowing unrestricted movement while tackling challenging routes. Additionally, the antibacterial properties resulting from the silver ionisation treatment guarantee that the outfit stays clean and fresh for extended periods, crucial for extended climbing trips.
In summary, Airbase is a very interesting baselayer that can be used on its own, but also in combination with others, offering interesting novel capabilities. You can order it online on Sklep Gorski.
