The Fourth Element J2 Baselayer Leggings - Men's was designed to wick perspiration away from the skin and maintain a dry zone next to the skin. Air is a better insulator than water; consequently, the baselayer ensures better thermal protection.

Keeping the skin dry can be critical to success, whether staying warm or preventing infections. The Fourth Element J2 Baselayer system furthers this performance with tried and tested anti-microbial silver ions embedded within the fabric’s fibres. This enables long, repetitive wear without the risk of developing skin infections– which was critical on the J2 expedition.

The Fourth Element J2 Baselayer was developed for the US Deep Caving Team’s 2013 expedition to explore Cheve Cave System in Mexico. With excellent anti-microbial performance thanks to silver ion technology, and outstanding wicking from a unique fabric, it is designed for extended use under a drysuit.

Anti-Microbial

Silver ions are incorporated into the fibres when manufactured, ensuring that the bacteriostatic and ant-fungal properties of the fabric last. This cannot be washed off. The silver ions prevent the formation of bacterial cell membranes, preventing most bacteria from growing in the garment’s fibres. However, this will not adversely affect the naturally occurring bacteria on the skin.

J2 Baselayer Leggings performs when wet

The J2 wicking performance also comes into its own when the fabric gets wet. Water is wicked away from the skin, and with the right combination of drysuit underwear, further away through the fibres of the undersuit. Even in the event of a suit flood, the Fourth Element J2 will retain some of its performance.