Wild Camping Base Layers Review: Peter Storm Essential & Alpkit Vayper Long Sleeve
Standing on the summit of Snowdon at 5 AM with a bitter wind cutting across North Wales whilst my Peter Storm Essential baselayer kept me perfectly dry beneath my Rab Geon Pull-On fleece, I reflected on how my approach to base layers has evolved. For years, I’d used budget synthetic tops that cost under £10 and did the job adequately—I can’t remember a time when I didn’t rely on these affordable options for my outdoor adventures. After three years of stepping up to slightly better base layers—from the windswept plateaus of the Peak District to the boggy hills of the Lake District—I can honestly say the upgrade has been worthwhile, though the improvements are more subtle than revolutionary.
This isn’t a first-impressions piece written after a weekend camping trip in a local field—this is extensive real-world testing, including some brutal conditions that taught me as much about these base layers’ capabilities as their practical limitations.
Why I Chose These Base Layers
The Problem That Started It All
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t use budget base layers for my outdoor adventures. For years, I’d relied on cheap synthetic tops from supermarkets and basic outdoor retailers, and honestly, they did the job well enough for my weekend wild camping trips. Standing on Helvellyn’s summit with my Canon 5D Mark IV trying to capture sunrise whilst wearing a £8 base layer from a well-known discount retailer, I was reasonably comfortable and dry—these budget options had served me faithfully through countless adventures.
But over time, I started noticing the limitations. The breaking point came during a winter wild camping trip near Buttermere. I’d hiked for five hours with my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III loaded with camera gear and my MSR Access 2 tent, and whilst my usual budget base layer managed moisture adequately during the hike, it developed a rather pungent odour by day two that made sharing my tent with anyone inadvisable. By day three of the expedition, I was actively avoiding other walkers on the trail.
The Research and Purchase
The Peter Storm Essential was actually a natural progression from my budget base layer habits—at £20, it wasn’t a massive jump from the £8-12 I’d typically spent, but promised significantly better performance. I spotted it during a routine trip to Go Outdoors and thought I’d give it a try.
The Alpkit Vayper came later after I’d been using the Peter Storm for several months and wanted to see if spending twice as much would deliver noticeably better performance during longer expeditions. I’d been curious about whether the premium features like Polygiene treatment would be worth the extra cost for my multi-day trips.
Both proved that sometimes it’s worth stepping up from the absolute cheapest options, though they also confirmed that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get excellent performance from base layers.
What I Love About These Base Layers
Peter Storm Essential – Exceptional Value: At £20, it provides performance that rivals much more expensive options. The synthetic blend manages moisture effectively and dries quickly—essential when you’re camping and can’t guarantee dry conditions.
Alpkit Vayper – Premium Performance: The 100% recycled polyester fabric with Polygiene treatment delivers outstanding odour resistance. I’ve worn it for five consecutive days during extended trips without developing the usual base layer funk that makes you avoid other people.
Outstanding Moisture Management: Both layers excel at wicking sweat away from your skin during active periods, and honestly, they’re not dramatically different from the budget options I’d used previously in this regard. Where they really shine is in durability and longevity—cheap base layers tend to lose their effectiveness after a few months of regular use.
Layering Excellence: The close-fitting designs work perfectly under my Rab Geon Pull-On fleece without creating bulk or hot spots. The fabrics don’t bunch up when adding outer layers—a common problem with cheaper alternatives.
Durability That Impresses: After three years of regular use, including countless cycles through my washing machine and being stuffed into my Karrimor SF Sabre 75 expedition pack, both show minimal wear. The seams remain intact and the fabrics haven’t lost their moisture-wicking properties.
Temperature Versatility: I’ve used both layers successfully from summer wild camping in shorts and base layer only, to winter expeditions where they form the foundation of a complex layering system under my Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket.
What Could Be Better
Peter Storm Odour Control: Without antimicrobial treatment, the Peter Storm develops noticeable odours after 2-3 days of continuous wear. Fine for weekend trips but limiting for longer expeditions.
Alpkit Athletic Fit: The Vayper’s tight, performance-oriented cut can feel restrictive for some body types. It’s designed for active use rather than casual comfort.
Limited Colour Options: Both come in fairly basic colour schemes. Not a performance issue, but some users might prefer more variety.
Price Gap: There’s a significant jump from the £20 Peter Storm to the £40 Alpkit, with no obvious middle-ground option from these manufacturers.
Real-World Performance
Moisture Management in Action
Both base layers excel at managing moisture during active periods, though to be honest, this isn’t where they differ dramatically from the budget options I’d used for years. Most modern synthetic base layers—even cheap ones—handle basic moisture wicking reasonably well.
The real difference becomes apparent in build quality and longevity. My previous budget base layers would start losing their effectiveness after a few months of regular washing and use, developing a clammy feel even when technically dry. These higher-quality options maintain their performance characteristics much longer.
Temperature Regulation
This is where proper base layers really separate themselves from cotton alternatives. Both synthetic fabrics maintain their insulating properties even when slightly damp from condensation or light perspiration.
During winter wild camping near Buttermere using my MSR Access 2 tent and Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag, the base layers provided essential thermal regulation inside the tent. Unlike cotton that becomes useless when damp, these fabrics continued providing warmth even in humid tent conditions.
Extended Wear Performance
The Alpkit Vayper’s Polygiene treatment really shines during multi-day expeditions. During a four-day wild camping trip through the Lake District, I wore it continuously under various combinations of my Rab Geon Pull-On and shell layers without developing significant odour.
The Peter Storm requires more frequent changes on longer trips, but for weekend adventures or when you can wash regularly, it performs admirably. The quick-drying properties mean you can wash it in a stream and have it dry overnight when temperatures permit.
Durability and Longevity
After three years of regular use, both base layers have proven remarkably durable. The synthetic fabrics haven’t developed holes despite being snagged on gorse bushes during off-path photography and stuffed carelessly into packs countless times.
The flatlock seams on the Alpkit Vayper have proven particularly robust—no signs of coming apart despite regular use under pack straps during long hiking days with my camera equipment.
How They Integrate With My Outdoor Kit
These base layers have become the foundation of my complete layering system. Combined with my Alpkit Vayper or Peter Storm baselayer, Rab Geon Pull-On midlayer, and Rab Cinder Downpour shell, they handle most British mountain conditions effectively.
For storage, they pack down to almost nothing in my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III. The lightweight synthetic fabrics take up minimal space, leaving room for essential photography gear and camping equipment.
During photography sessions, the close-fitting designs don’t interfere with camera handling or create bulk under my layers when operating my Canon 5D Mark IV in challenging conditions. The moisture-wicking properties are essential when carrying heavy camera gear during long approaches to remote locations.
For winter wild camping, they layer perfectly under my complete insulation system. Whether I’m wearing just the Rab Geon Pull-On for active hiking or adding my Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket for static photography work, these base layers provide the essential foundation that makes the entire system work.
Alternative Options
Montane Primino 140 Long Sleeve (£60): For those seeking a balance between synthetic performance and natural comfort, this hybrid base layer combines 50% merino wool with synthetic fibres. This unique blend dries faster than pure merino while maintaining good odour resistance. The athletic fit moves well during active pursuits, making it excellent for active wild campers who want fast-drying performance without sacrificing comfort.
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe (£90): A premium option crafted from 100% merino wool offering exceptional temperature regulation and natural odour resistance. The offset shoulder seams prevent pack rub, whilst flatlock seams reduce chafing. While expensive, the durability and performance justify the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise natural fibres.
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Merino (£25): This budget-friendly alternative offers surprising performance at half the price of premium options. Made from a merino wool blend (60% merino, 40% polyester), it balances natural properties with enhanced durability. While it doesn’t match premium options’ longevity, it provides solid performance for occasional adventurers on a tight budget.
Conclusion
After three years of real-world testing across British hills and mountains, both the Peter Storm Essential and Alpkit Vayper remain essential components of my wild camping kit. The synthetic fabrics deliver reliable moisture management, the fits layer perfectly with my existing gear, and both have proven remarkably durable considering their respective price points.
Bottom Line: If you’re a wild camper who needs reliable base layers that perform consistently in British conditions, both options deliver exactly what they promise. The Peter Storm Essential offers outstanding value for weekend adventurers, whilst the Alpkit Vayper provides premium performance for extended expeditions.
The limitations are real—odour control on the Peter Storm and tight fit on the Vayper can be issues depending on your usage. But when I’m standing on a mountain summit at sunrise with perfect thermal regulation whilst operating my camera effectively, those minor irritations fade into insignificance compared to consistent comfort and performance.
Would I buy them again? I actually own multiples of both already—two Peter Storm tops for rotation and backup, plus my trusty Vayper for longer trips. They’re so essential to my kit that redundancy makes sense. Though I’m always looking to shave grams from my pack weight, so if there’s something significantly lighter with similar performance I’d certainly consider that too.
Long-term Verdict: After all this testing, proper base layers have become so fundamental to my outdoor comfort that I can’t imagine wild camping without them. These two options have proven themselves repeatedly in British mountain conditions, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either based on your specific needs and budget.
Peter Storm Men’s Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top
SCORE
Alpkit Vayper Long Sleeve Base Layer
SCORE