Re: Ultralight synthetic base layer

> Durability is only fair, as Cara Lin says. Rather than maintaining 
> strength when wet, they will
> become a bit weaker.
We have been using silk liners etc for some time. Life is indeed poor, and 
we are beginning to think it is not good enough compared to good quality 
micro-fibre synthetics of the same weight. Too many rips, in situations 
where synthetic would not rip. Sad.

> I would suggest that *any* synthetic will not perform as well as a natural 
> fiber under a VBL.
> Typically the plastic does not absorb water to any significant degree. 
> Much of the comfort
> of sleeping in a VBL is the absorption they supply.
True, but the secret to sleeping in a VBL is to sleep COOL. Most people are 
used to sleeping hot, and have problems with a VBL because of their 
increased sweating.

> Typically, 2 lighter layers will dry at about 30%-200% quicker than a 
> single heavier layer. (I
> believe this is a log difference, but I have not done any research into 
> drying times...Roger
> Caffin might know more having worked in the textile industry...)
Yeah, well, ... making any rules in this area is a fool's game. It depends 
almost entirely on the weave. But I would expect thin layers to dry faster 
than thick layers because the migration distance (for the water molecules) 
from the core of the layer to the surface will be shorter. Surface air flow 
helps a LOT with drying too.

Cheers