Layers Of Escapism: Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

For all four seasons, crisp morning or full sunshine on the mind… the call to roam sounds that bit amplified when the trail comes calling. We’re talking offhand roams with a light pack, hasty group chat trail sends with a half-pint finish, cold-weather hikes and coastal escapes with double-dips a necessity. 

Let’s be frank, things are going to get sweaty. That’s where moisture-wicking fabrics come in to keep you dry when hot footing it on the wild side. Also drink lots of water. It’s good for you.

Fill up and lean into our rundown of moisture-wicking fabrics and support act, Polygiene StayFresh™—what they are, why we use them and where to find them. 

When two-stepping trails, fully layered up or hiking under full sun, getting sweaty is all part of the fun. In a natural state, the sweat evaporates, producing a cooling effect to bring down your body temp to a comfortable level. It’s a super-efficient process that requires no thought, heavily complemented by adding an effective moisture-wicking fabric.

If instead, you’re in say a cotton tee, the sweat is drawn into the fabric instead of through, making your shirt feel damp and heavy. The magic behind moisture-wicking fabrics is that they draw sweat to the outer layer of the tee, letting the sweat evaporate as it would naturally from the skin. You’ll keep dry and comfortable, fully in the moment: less worries, more movement.

For layering tips, head over to Hiking Essentials Checklist , Backpacking Essentials Checklist or What To Wear Backpacking. Read up on our material partners here. 

Polygiene StayFresh™ is an industry-leading antibacterial technology that stops the growth of odour-causing bacteria on clothes. Good bacteria, the stuff we need on the daily, that’s not affected. Found within our Active Outdoor range, Polygiene StayFresh™ is embedded within select tees, vests, shorts and leggings to keep the bad smells at bay. That means less washing for your active wear, less water used, and a longer lifespan. 

Polygiene StayFresh™ is based on a naturally occurring salt called silver chloride . The silver ions in the salt inhibit the growth of the bad bacteria. Science, ‘ey? The advanced antibacterial solution is then integrated into the fabric to lock in freshness nearer the end of the production process.

For slower roams and colder temps, we’ve upped our Base Layer offering; merging a Polygiene StayFresh™ anti-odour finish and Scotchgard™ moisture-wicking treatment to create the ultimate in Outdoor Activewear. One for cold-water dippers, swell chasers and hikers… to trap in the heat and cosy up after, we’ve got the Alpine Base Layer for Men and the Atlantis Base Layer for Women. They’re an active mid-weight feel in a raglan fit for easy layering and added comfort. They’re also great for wintering in the van, bikepacking, backpacking, or basically any type of movement. We love ‘em.

For movers ‘n’ shakers, clocking up miles on rough ground. From local routes to mountain passes, putting in the work and working up a sweat. We’ve dialled into our roamer, tweaking and testing our Outdoor Active range to suit all those who find meaningful escape in movement. No matter the distance, pace or terrain. Check ‘em out:

How do I care for gear with moisture-wicking fabric? 

Check the Care Guide under the specific product for the most relevant info. With our active tees, machine wash inside-out with similar colours on a gentle cycle at 30°C and hang dry when possible. Do not bleach or tumble dry as this can affect the fabric.

What does moisture-wicking mean?

Moisture-wicking fabrics draw (wick) sweat to the outer layer of the clothing, which then allows the sweat to evaporate instead of getting absorbed into a fabric’s yarns.

How often should you wash products with Polygiene StayFresh™?

As an antibacterial technology made to keep the bad smells at bay, you won’t need to wash active tees containing Polygiene StayFresh™ as often as regular t-shirts. By washing it every other wear, you’ll be actively reducing water usage and extending the product’s lifespan.

How does Polygiene StayFresh™ work?

Polygiene StayFresh™ is an industry-leading antibacterial technology that stops the growth of odour-causing bacteria on clothes. It is based on a naturally occurring salt called silver chloride.

Which Passenger products include Polygiene StayFresh technology?

Found within our  Active Outdoor  range,  Polygiene StayFresh™ is embedded within select tees, shorts and vests.