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        <title><![CDATA[Base Layers - Adventure Bike Rider]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[the home of adventure motorbikes and adventure motorcycles riders]]></description>
        <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/</link>
                                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">860-547</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Halvarssons Neck Tube: Halvarssons Neck Collar]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/860-halvarssons-neck-tube.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I ride all year round, rain, hail, snow, sunshine and wind.  A run to work might be in the dark at -6 Celsiuis or beautiful sunshine and a warm breeze.

Up until last year, I used the normal type of neck tube you commonly see.  Fleece material - nice and warm but definately not waterproof.  The problem I found was that while the tube covered the exposed skin between my jacket collar and helmet, as it wasnt waterproof it absorbed the rain.  There in lies the rub.

You now have a fleece neck tube that sits under the collar of your jacket and it is soaking wet.  So having gone to the expense of a lovely wind and waterproof motorbike jacket, you have now introduced the rain water inside.  Wet base layer, wet mid layer, wet jacket.

Mmmm, lovely and damp.  Uncomfortable, cold, smelly and a total pain to dry out if you are touring.  Inconvenient enough when you are at home and able to dry your kit out!!!

The Halvarsson was the solution to my problem - hopefully!

So, the tube.

Wind and waterproof, designed originally for use on snow mobiles, Halvarssons  have crossed over into the motorcycling market with yet another of their products.

The front and sides are made from a windproof, waterproof material and the rear is made up of an elasticated section.  The materials used have so far been very robust.  The fit is snug, a wee bit tight getting it over your head when you put it on.  But this ensures a good 'seal' once you have it fitted.  It isnt so thick that it becomes uncomfortable or reduces freedom of movement of the neck.

It is designed to be worn under the collar of your jacket.  With a long chest shield you can be sure that it wont ride up from under your jacket as you make progress.  On really cold days, with care, I zipped up the neck of my fleece mid layer and then managed to pull the Halvarssons down over my fleece.  So my throat and neck were doubly insulated as well as waterproof.

It is easily adjusted to cover your chin or can actaually reach far enough up to cover your mouth or nose if so desired.  I tend to ride with just my chin covered.  The finish to the seams is good, even after a few hours constant riding I have had no irritation from thread lumps or rough seam finishes.  You know what I am talking about, that irritating wee lump or rough edge in the finger of your glove or instep of your boot, that after 200 miles has you ready to attempt riding home naked.

If you look around, you can find this neck tube delivered for £13 but £16 seems to be the most common price.  I could tell you the name of the well known national retailer I bought mine from - but I am not sure about the policy for plugging specific retailers. 

I have worn mine now riding in heavy snow fall, torrential rain, thick mist and constant drizzle.  It has remained waterproof every time and I no longer have the problem of arriving at my destination with a wet chest.  A definate result.

I am very pleased with this neck tube, especially as it is cheaper than a simple fleece tube from the likes of Lowe Alpine, Craghoppers etc.

On the back of how effective I have found the neck tube, when I am in a postion of having to change my jacket and trousers I will definately be looking at the Halvarssons / Jofama range of clothing.

A cracking result from a relatively cheap piece of clothing.                 ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:49:00 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">836-536</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Klim Balaclava: Klim Balaclava]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/836-klim-balaclava.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                When it first arrived I was a bit disappointed as to how thin the material was, but I've just used it too and from the Dragon Rally(260 miles each way) and it was absolutely fabulous. No cold anywhere around my head or on my neck, it also drys' really quick.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:25:11 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">801-499</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Keis X5 Heated Body Warmer : Keis X5 Heated Body Warmer ]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/801-keis-x5-heated-body-warmer-.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I bought the waistcoat version as it packs easier and is considerably cheaper - and I ´m not fussed on my arms being bulked too much anyway.  I also found it very comfortable to wear as a mid layer even when not switched on.  But did it work?  Did it heck!    I don´t think I would have completed my run in the south if it was not for this item.  It was simply fantastic.  Very Highly Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:08:58 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">796-493</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Decathlon Fleeces : Decathlon Fleeces ]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/796-decathlon-fleeces-.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                (one lightweight, one heavy duty) - I took two, one as a baselayer, one as a jumper - and both because they were so cheap (6€ and 8€ each), so they could be disposed of if necessary.  Both wore really well, washed really well, dried really well and did not betray at any stage their purchase price.  I off loaded the baselayer one in Guatemala only because I had taken to wearing the merino wool ones.  The other was my 'jumper' of choice right throughout the 20,000 mile trip - and saw a huge amount of use.  It still looks good.  Very Highly Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:56:26 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">795-492</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Marmot Midweight Crew Baselayer: Marmot Midweight Crew Baselayer]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/795-marmot-midweight-crew-baselayer.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                This item looks really smart and is a thicker baselayer to the merino ones I took, so also doubled as a lightweight jumper.  It was also from a brand known for quality and recommended - and, despite being of man-made fibres, was said to be anti-bacterial.  But I´m afraid to say I felt a bit let down by its quality.  Within the first few washes it lost its good looks due to bobbling of the fibres and, more importantly, at no time did it offer the protection from bacteria needed to avoid odours.  After wearing for one day, it needed washing before it could be put into service again.  I off-loaded this item in Guatemala as I had stopped using it by then.  Next time I´d take another, slightly thicker merino wool item.  Not Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:54:31 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">794-491</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[EDZ Layering Upper Baselayer: EDZ Layering Upper Baselayer]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/794-edz-layering-upper-baselayer.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                x2 (short sleeve & long sleeve) - Here we go again with the merino wool products, this time from EDZ.  I took a variety of tops, with different materials and brands.  These two items (one short sleeved T in red, and a long sleeved one in dark blue) quickly became my favourites on the whole 20,000 mile trip.  Smooth non-itchy texture, both were light and smart enough to double as either baselayers or as outerwear in warm climates.  Don´t shy away from wearing wool like this in the heat - it is surprisingly comfortable - AND - as its is merino, completely odour free!  Both items washed and wore really well, dried quickly, and still look (almost) like new.  Very Highly Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:52:22 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">793-490</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Icebreaker Leg Baselayer: Icebreaker Leg Baselayer]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/793-icebreaker-leg-baselayer.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I can´t praise merino wool enough - and Icebreaker certainly know how to weave the stuff.  This baselayer was used both on and off the bike - and at times overnight.  Comfortable form hugging, smooth non-itchy texture and non-invasive stitching, these are the biz.  They still look like new!  Very Highly Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:50:08 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">792-489</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[ZD Soja Undies: ZD Soja Undies]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/792-zd-soja-undies.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Now we are getting serious.  A lot of travellers take the cheapest undies they have, others just some from their supply at home.  My lovely wife furnished me with these especially for the trip - and I am really glad she did.  They retail at around 25€ each, so not the cheapest, but you get a cotton and soya fibre mix - with a touch of lycra for comfort and a big measure of antibacterial treatment.  The result is a hugely comfortable body hugging cut, with additional support in the seat to avoid ´riding up´.  I don´t want to get into too much detail, but needless to say that last point also helped maintain cleanliness for longer!  But when it came to washing, whether by hand or machine, these came out looking like new each time (and still do) - and dried overnight too.  Very Highly Recommended.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:48:23 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">508-480</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Lidl thermal base layer: Lidl thermal base layer]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/508-lidl-thermal-base-layer.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Bought the latest ones autumn 2012 they are supposed to maintain a body temp of 21 degrees not sure about that but they are a lot better than my coldkillers gear and a quarter of the price. just bought the ski ones and they are even better and very fetching in lime green.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:29:55 +0100</pubDate>
            </item>
                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">508-460</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Lidl thermal base layer: Lidle thermal wear]]></title>
                                <link>http://adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/71-base-layers/508-lidl-thermal-base-layer.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                
Really warm but with a tight fit so at least they do not bunch up. Great price and effective why pay any more?
The material soaks up any sweat and quickly dries out.
A bit short in the leg so you will need to wear long socks,                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Base Layers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:15:43 +0200</pubDate>
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