capilene 100% polyester

“I am new to backpacking and have been doing some research. In this research I have been hearing buzz words such as capilene. When visiting a local outfitter I looked at the tag of a midweight capilene shirt and it read 100% polyester. Here's my question. How does a 100% polyester shirt become capilene? My first inclination is that it has something to do with how it is woven? Can anyone help?”

“I believe Cammpilene is a brand name, however, they do brush the polyester fibers to make it cushy against the skin, like brushed nylon fabric.”

“How does Capilene work?
Capilene products are comprised of polyester fibers. Untreated polyester is hydrophobic or water repellent. But the surface or skin of Capilene polyester fibers has been chemically altered to make them hydrophilic. This fine skin on each strand of polyester attracts moisture away from the body, while the inner untreated core repels it. Moisture lifts, spreads and disperses, evaporating into either the air or outer layers. This process is chemically bonded to the fabric and will not wear or wash out (we recommend avoiding fabric softeners).”

“It's also a by-product of oil refining, right? So, theoretically, there's tons of high-quality longjohns up dere in Alaska under the Wildlife Refuge.

Right Reorge?”

“There's skivvies in them thar hills!”

“That sounds about right...:)”

“Just don't put pretzels in your trail mix!”

“WalMart had capilene/wool base layers on sale this weekend at 8 bucks a piece. I bought 3 pairs. Not sure if I will need them this year, but it will beat paying 40 bucks a pair when I do need them.”