BWCA Proper winter clothing Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Winter Camping and Activities
      Proper winter clothing     

Author

Text

Trygve
distinguished member(1792)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2007 08:07PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
If there is one thing that 99 percent of people who are not from Northern Minnesota don't know, it is how to dress for our winters.

Discuss.
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2007 09:47PM  
I always laugh when I hear someone say they brought an extra sweatshirt to stay warm.

Trygve
distinguished member(1792)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2007 10:00PM  
Exactly!
09/26/2007 10:21PM  
I haven't winter camped in a while, but when I dress for extended hours of COLD weather, I like to wear 2 layers of silk long underwear under a layer of polyprop (spelling?). Those are my base layers. Sometimes I add a cotton set as well. Is the cotton a bad idea? Am I missing anything as far as inner layers are concerned?
Trygve
distinguished member(1792)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2007 10:34PM  
Just don't have cotton next to your skin and you will be alright.

And if you're just going out for a day trip, don't worry about it that much.

But if it's an expedition, leave the cotton at home.
Boundary Boy
distinguished member (174)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 12:27PM  
A wind break will make a huge difference also. Layers in the proper order is the difference between warm and cold. Also when to put it on and take it off.
09/27/2007 12:34PM  
I had the opportunity to go on a dogsled camping trip with the Wintergreen folks out of Ely earlier this year - my first real cold-weather camping experience. I came to really detest my Goretex jacket and pants, because they were horrible at letting sweat escape. My inner layers were a variety of breatheable fleeces and wool, and I got to be pretty good at adding and shedding layers quickly. I also settled on a headgear combo of supplex baseball cap (for the extra long brim), fleece watch cap to go over the ball cap, and a fleece neck gaiter with a drawstring at one end. I could overlap the gaiter and hat to make an effective balaclava, or fold the gaiter into an earband, or wear just the ball cap and gaiter, etc. etc. Flexibility was the key, because my activity level kept changing.
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 08:36PM  
Speaking of clothing ,anyone know where I can get Codet Brand wool pants in MN? Used to be able to get them at the old United Stores inm the Cities, they are gone now. I googled codet the only places are out east(vermont) or in Canada. Reason I am asking is they make a 100% wool pant 28oz(heavey) and they are less than $70 a pair. Is there some place in Duluth?

CB
CIIcanoe
distinguished member (317)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 09:32PM  
Cedarboy,

I have one pair, but I can't remember where I bought them.

I did check Mills Fleetfarm this past week-end, but they didn't have any wool pants in the store. I might have bought them up in Grand Rapids at L&M. That's probably where I got them because two winters ago I bought a heavy mixed wool shirt by Codet there.

I do remember seeing somewhere that the Codet #210 wouldn't be out until November, but I don't recall if it was for those pants or at one particular store that they wouldn't be available until then.

If I find some I'll let you know.

I may try some wool pants from Cabela's although they are 24 oz. vs the 28 by Codet. What I like about the style from Cabela's is that they have the cargo pockets.

Chuck

Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 09:43PM  
I may be in Ely later this fall will try the supply store down the block from Piragis, cant remember name, I will also keep my eye open at Fleet. Thanks for the info. What pair of Cabelas were you looking at?

CB
CIIcanoe
distinguished member (317)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 09:51PM  
They are the Legacy Superwash Wool Pants.I've only seen these in the catalog but my next trip to Cabela's I'll check them out.

I am planning on going back up to Isabella on the 5th. I have some unfinished business that I didn't accomplish two weeks ago when I was up there because of the weather.

I usually head to Ely before heading back to the cities. So if I get out of the BWCA at a decent hour and the store is open I'll check. That's the one next to the coffee shop or close to it.

Chuck
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/27/2007 10:23PM  
Yep the 210s are the pants I am looking for. Let us know whats in Ely if you can.
CB
CIIcanoe
distinguished member (317)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 08:05AM  
Cedarboy,

I just got back from the BWCA and I did stop in at the Ely Surplus Store.

One thing they don't have much surplus stuff, maybe 5 items.

Anyways, they don't carry the Codet brand pants. They carry a wool blend by Johnson Woolen Mills.

Last week I called L & M and Glenn's Army & Navy in Grand Rapids and they dont't carry the Codet #210. All they have are the Codet #214 which are a blend. Glenn's told me they would order them for me if they are still made.

I guess I'll have to buy them over the internet if they still are in stock.

I did break out my #210 on this trip because my other nylon pants were all wet, but they were overkill. They sure were warm, tho. The temperatures were warmer than I expected, but it was wetter than I expected. The rivers are up that's the good news.

Chuck
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 08:19AM  
Thanks CII
Found them at vtarmynavy.com, was waiting for your response before I ordered. thanks for the follow up
Brent
motdur
distinguished member (458)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 12:15PM  
I have been wearing a pair of Woolrich Wool Malone Bibs for hunting and winter camping for 15 years. I definitely recommend.
CaptnDan
distinguished member(525)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 12:42PM  
Question for those of you who wear wool pants; do you wear a waterproof or windbreak layer over them to keep them dry? I remember the wool pants I wore as a kid. They seemed to be perpetually wet (and smelled like a wet dog when draped over the heat register).
I just got back from New England and saw a lot of Codet clothing but did not see any 210's.

Dan
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 01:51PM  
CaptD
I have had the above mentioned Woolrich for as long as Motdur and have had great luck, but they are about wore out,and they are fitting a little tight in the middle. Wool sheds water very well, unless you go swimming in them you should not have moisture issues. I do not wear anything over mine. Only wind barrier is on my upperbody, over fleece/wool insulation layers. I picked up a Swedish army surplus cotton coverup for $15 US, poormans version fo the Empire canvas anorak. Some guys on myccr.com have been using them, say they work great. Gortex does not breath enough at cold temps. That is why Empire makes their anoraks from cotton and Evergreen makes theirs from Supplex, not Gortex. Unless temps are around freezing you should not need rain gear, but never say never.
CB
motdur
distinguished member (458)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/08/2007 02:19PM  
Ditto Cedarboy...
10/08/2007 03:21PM  
I have a pair of wool bibs from Cabela's that I used last March. They worked well while sitting around camp. I always made sure that I had something to sit on though like a blue pad. Pretty sure I slept in them too. I decided on bibs because I hate cold air hitting my back when I bend over to pick things up. The pockets are nice to have.

11/16/2010 12:43AM  
time to reincarnate this thread...

trying to figure out my winter camping "kit" - specificaly my clothing and see if there's anything i need to ask santa for.

planning to wear my capilene long johns-tops and bottoms
on bottom i will also be using a pair of heavy wool pants (perhaps nothing in between)

on the top outside I am going to pickup a surplus military tight weave cotton anorak to cut the wind and under that I plan to use a heavy wool coat (Filson Mackinaw Cruiser).

what i am struggling with is what to bring as mid layers
ubiquitous fleece top? vest? wool sweater? wool button up shirts? what do you guys recommend as midlayers?

thanks
tg
11/16/2010 08:03AM  
Goretex is great in a cold rain, but don't use it when it gets well below freezing.

I have a pair of the Woolrich Malone bibs too and they're really good. Also for those of you in Michigan, Ohio etc, General Jimmy's surplus next to Jays in Clare usually has a good selection of heavy wool pants. I bought a pair of Swedish military surplus pants that are great except for the button fly. I have enough arthritis in my old fingers that it makes it a little difficult.

I have never worn a windbreak or snow pants over my heavy wool pants. In deep snow I'll wear gaiters with the Swedish pants cuz they're tapered to fit inside the boot.
Arlo Pankook
distinguished member(2534)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/16/2010 09:25AM  
On top I like a thin synthetic base layer, a medium weight polyester/synthetic mid layer and then a heavy fleece. I top this off with a Gortex shell or wool coat.

For bottoms I wear a thin synthetic baselayer with fleece pants and nylon bibs or...baselayer, heavy wool pants.

I have a pair of heavy wool camo pants from Columbia that I bought back in my bowhunting days and I love them. They have cargo style pockets and padding sewn into the knees.
11/16/2010 01:38PM  
wool pants
long johns
I am a big believer in layers, wool, and breathability. I own and regularly use the pants and underwear linked, good stuff.

butthead
11/16/2010 03:26PM  
Since last Christmas I have the exact wool pants that Butthead posted above. I think they were made in 1944- older than my dad. I have really liked them for my trekking trips. My bibs will go with me when cold camping or ice fishing. I picked up some Cordora 1000 from Thrifty Outfitters and may sew in a knee patch to help keep my knees dry when kneeling in the snow.
mc2mens
distinguished member(3311)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/16/2010 06:54PM  
Tryg
Guest Paddler
  
11/16/2010 07:52PM  
quote tg: "what i am struggling with is what to bring as mid layers
ubiquitous fleece top? vest? wool sweater? wool button up shirts? what do you guys recommend as midlayers?
tg"


All of the above.

Really.
11/17/2010 12:54PM  
wintertrekking.com

Good article on clothing.

butthead
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/17/2010 03:27PM  
quote butthead: " wintertrekking.com


Good article on clothing.


butthead"


Thanks for the article link, butthead.
11/17/2010 04:44PM  
When I XC ski in sub zero weather I wear a silk undershirt, Smartwool undershirt and two heavy wool sweaters. Have been comfortable down to -30 below in this. I do bring a windbreaker in case I stop moving.
11/17/2010 04:47PM  
quote CIIcanoe: "Cedarboy,



I have one pair, but I can't remember where I bought them.



I did check Mills Fleetfarm this past week-end, but they didn't have any wool pants in the store. I might have bought them up in Grand Rapids at L&M. That's probably where I got them because two winters ago I bought a heavy mixed wool shirt by Codet there.



I do remember seeing somewhere that the Codet #210 wouldn't be out until November, but I don't recall if it was for those pants or at one particular store that they wouldn't be available until then.



If I find some I'll let you know.



I may try some wool pants from Cabela's although they are 24 oz. vs the 28 by Codet. What I like about the style from Cabela's is that they have the cargo pockets.



Chuck



"


Fleet Farm in Brainerd has army surplus wool pants for sale. Another good source without breaking the bank is Glen's Army/Navy Store in Grand Rapids.
gbusk
distinguished member(2077)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/19/2010 12:03AM  
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/22/2010 07:40AM  
quote Soledad: "I have a pair of wool bibs from Cabela's that I used last March. They worked well while sitting around camp. I always made sure that I had something to sit on though like a blue pad. Pretty sure I slept in them too. I decided on bibs because I hate cold air hitting my back when I bend over to pick things up. The pockets are nice to have.



"


Just noticed that these are lined. Anyone have a comment on whether a straight pair of wool bibs from Woolrich might work better for ventilation than these bibs?
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/22/2010 07:58AM  
The Woolrich will vent better than the Cabelas with DryPlus. Any Gortex/Dryplus waterproof coating will not breath in the cold. Would stay away from these coatings for winter camping IMO.
CB
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/22/2010 08:09AM  
quote Cedarboy: "The Woolrich will vent better than the Cabelas with DryPlus. Any Gortex/Dryplus waterproof coating will not breath in the cold. Would stay away from these coatings for winter camping IMO.
CB"


The only issue I face is making sure I can get a long enough inseam. Would the Woolrich pants be long enough for a 6'2" person?

Also, do they have zippers on the legs so you can easily get them on while wearing boots?
Cedarboy
distinguished member(3437)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/22/2010 09:33AM  
The pair I have came long so you could hem to your length. I am 5 11 and had to cut some off to fit. There are no zippers on the legs. They are a good heavey pair of bibs. Quite different than the Cabelas wt of wool.
CB
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/28/2012 04:38PM  
Usually I struggle finding clothing in my size. It's always a hit or miss thing. But, for instance, I have been able to find some Icebreaker tops at places like the Duluth pack store & Thrifty Outfitters at 50-70% off. They are very comfortable, well made, base & mid layers. IMHO
thistlekicker
distinguished member (471)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/29/2012 10:51PM  
I'm somewhat freakishly tall (6'5") and pretty much the only place I've managed to find remotely affordable "outdoor" wool clothing that fits is LL Bean.
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/12/2012 06:27PM  
I have been extremely happy with the performance of my Under Armour base layers the past several years.
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next