The new trail we found was mostly in the shade and that made me realize I need a flannel-type layer until it’s cold enough to wear my magic fleece. I’ve outgrown the LL Bean “performance flannel” I bought years ago but it was perfect: a poly blend that was wicking but felt like cotton, cut longer so you don’t have to worry about what underwear you put under your hiking tights:
I’ve had my eye on the Robert Kaufman “Seawool” line, which claims to mix oyster shells (?) with polyester to create fabric that’s “naturally anti-static, anti-odor, anti-bacterial, quick drying, and soft to the touch.” It sounds perfect for a hiking flannel, but I hate the plaid color options and solids are just so boring.
Even Discovery Fabrics–THE source for technical fabrics–doesn’t have performance flannel, and LL Bean doesn’t make that style for women anymore. Maybe I’ll just have to accept a solid in the Seawool. Or start thinking about colorblocking…