What is the Absolute Best quick drying, wicking base short sleeve shirt for high output Alpine climbing layering?

Hi all, so I sweat a lot in high output climbing activities, so I am looking for a best base layer for Alpine climbing that will go under fleece and other layers that is quick drying, good wicking, and mildly warm.

What is the Absolute Best quick drying, wicking base short sleeve shirt for high output climbing layering that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!!

I think you’d be best off in something like a woolmesh or other mesh base layer.

That said, if you’re sweating and wearing a midlayer of any kind, take off the midlayer. 

I swear by Patagonia air capilene. They only made it for a year or two, a couple of years ago. As a sweaty person I refuse to wear any other base layer once its winter. Idk if the new patagonia R1 air is the same but it doesn't look like it.

Another method is those mesh base layers (brynje or similar). Helps elevate your clothes off of your skin to allow air flow. Still wicks across the gap but can help maintain warmth while wet since there is a lot less direct evaporation and conduction off the skin.

Jake woo wrote:

I swear by Patagonia air capilene. They only made it for a year or two, a couple of years ago. As a sweaty person I refuse to wear any other base layer once its winter. Idk if the new patagonia R1 air is the same but it doesn't look like it.

Another method is those mesh base layers (brynje or similar). Helps elevate your clothes off of your skin to allow air flow. Still wicks across the gap but can help maintain warmth while wet since there is a lot less direct evaporation and conduction off the skin.

I have one and it’s the best. Breathable  but substantial enough to wear on its own on the skin track.

I've always used capilene baselayer for winter activities, but for a two-week winter hiking trip this past winter I bought two wool base layers, a Smartwool t-shirt, and and Icebreaker T-shirt. And I'm honestly blown away by how good they are, and how much BETTER than capilene.

I have been wearing them for winter climbing, too, since that hiking trip, and I'm very, very happy. They have different weights, and I would get the lightest one, in your case. Though for me both the ultra-light Ice-breaker, and "regular" smartwool t-shirt work equally well.

The lighter the layer the quicker it dries so look at the GSM of the fabric, nothing else matters.

Mesh offers good insulation for how relatively light it is, it also gives you a great micro climate next to skin, don't bother with wool it offers no benefits in a mesh structure.

Knit structures offer massively diminishing returns on warmth with increased thickness so avoid those that are traditionally marketed as warm baselayers. 

Craft makes stuff for running, xc skiing and biking.  Very light, form fitting, breathable and quick drying.

https://www.craftsports.us/

odlo makes some nice base layers.  i've got one of their long sleeve tops, which is quite nice as an underlayer for cold approaches, ice climbing, skiing, etc.

If you're a sweaty boy like I am, try the Patagucci Airshed Pro pullover. It's the absolute coolest layer I've found temperature-wise, but also keeps the sun and a little wind off. Long sleeved but they roll up so nicely that I even wear it running in summer. Also there's a funky zipper system that works surprisingly well for ventilation. It's hard to explain why it works so well but it does.

I really like brynje shirt. It really does keep you warm and dries out extremely fast so that you don't have to do as much layer changing or opening/closing vents throughout the day. I don't worry as much if I sweat on a cold day on an approach. The fishnet does most of the work I think, but they also use a Schoeller fiber (unless you get the merino verson) that absorbs pretty much no water, so that any moisture stays on the surface.

The old Marmot Windridge is INCREDIBLE. Unlike most synthetic shirts, it doesn't stink. I don't know how they do it. I have the short sleevers, but the long sleevers are great too.

I bought 5 as the old model were being discontinued. The newer one got a few very poor reviews for fit, but that can be highly personalized. Here is what the old model that I personally vouch for looks like:

https://www.rei.com/product/230881/marmot-windridge-logo-t-shirt-mens?sku=2308810001&CAWELAID=120217890016831173&gQT=2

I agree with Lena chita 100%. But I don't want to argue. The best synthetics have there advantages,  and SO DOES WOOL. Both for base layers,  and for mid layers. And different people find what works for there body and how they manage it. I don't wear synthetic underwear (but I have). And usually choose wool for the next layer as well, on top. It works best for me,  but I sometimes will choose a synthetic sweater,  for some situations. Giving both a good try is the only way to know. 

I backcountry ski in warm Tahoe.  Lightweight wool hoody (original Ibex, new Ibex makes similar) is the layer unless it is really warm and then change to summer sun hoody.  Agree with above that Patagonia Airshed is magical.  It is usually my second layer, but is an awesome first layer as well.  I have collection of original Airshed with same material throughout.  That hasn't been made for a long time.  Airshed is light, breathable, sheds wind, mosquito proof.  Also agree with above advice to get any insulating layer out of the equation if you are sweating.  Took me a long time to learn how effective a base layer and shell (soft or hard) is.