Is there a brand you prefer, and material? It used to be all cotton underwear and when it got wet it stayed wet and did not dry. Polypropylene-nylon came along and has great wicking qualities and some blends with fleece etc. are warm. Now I see Marino wool blends etc. sound like the in-thing. It is really getting pushed. Wool is good but never got into wearing any wool product. Anybody like Arctic armor brand (its expensive) or do you have a good moisture wicking and insulating long underwear you would recommend? In the winter layering is everything.

Note: I was never one to wear long underwear union suits with trap door openings. (We just did not get along).

I picked up an expensive Hind running suit with nylon, spandex and gortex about ten years ago. It fits to the skin, wicks, is slick on the outside so jeans and other things slide rather than bind. I have used it every winter and it still is very serviceable. Layers.

I like the Merino wool stuff and polypro. Watch for stuff on sale. The polypro is warm , wicks , and dries fast. And cheaper than years ago. A Merino wool blend is great when you can find it on sale.

UA cold gear style mock turtleneck and pants as base layer.
then i add either fleece lined snow pants, or wool bibs.

for our late sept/oct canoe trips i wear the pants every day with either my rain pants or quick dry pants.

Uncanny that you posted this topic. Just recieved an ORVIS catalog today. A cotton union suit with a speck of spandex is listed for $149.00. Is that not ridiculous. Just a plain ole red union suit!

I do own 3 prs. of the boxers and 2 prs. of long leggers of the hi tech material and can definitely make the difference when I'm outside in very cold temps. The boxer style is what I'm wearing when I go camping as they breath well and discourage bacteria growth. (i.e: don't stink, dry quick.)

Patagonia capeline for the last 20 years or so unil I bought some filson merino wool. WOW! huge difference! Merino wool is the stuff. I found it more comfortable and warmer than the capeline. Not sure if brands of Merino wool matter but it is some good stuff. Slowing replacing my old, smelly capeline with wool.

I like silk (go ahead, I can take it)

Once in a while I get a hair up my butt and I wear my old cotton waffle long johns. It's nice to wear once in a while on a cool day to keep in touch with the past. Not sure if that's why I wear it or not.
Then, on real cold days and days that I am active I wear various poly pro stuff. I have some REI, North Face and Cabelas branded stuff. Various types from mock turtles, turtles, zip ups. A bunch. I also have some from about 15 years ago that I bought of the Duo Fold brand. The stuff still works great. Pretty sure all the non cotton stuff is wicking. Always layer over tha with some wool and or fleece.
I love Merino wool though and will wear nothing but merino wool socks when out and about. Have a couple sweaters of merino as well.
Several people I know rave about the smart wool. I haven't worn it.
Any thoughts out there on the smart wool?

Merino wool blend from Sweden. Top and bottom together was around $120.00 Very warm, very comfortable, wicks well, and after 2 weeks in the bush, they don't stink!!

I hate to admit this, but I bought the medium weight tops and bottoms of smart wool. Boy do I love those. I have not felt too hot or to cold. No itch, feels great up against the skin. Wish I had several of the tops.

Very expensive. $140 for the top and bottom. Still feel a little guilty. Would I do it again?.....yes.

Will be using them this weekend. Supposed to have a low of 16 F.

I have an old pair of Durofold Merino wool blend. They are light and comfortable. I currently have them on. For going outside in the cold wheather. I have the old heavy weight military stlye Poly Pro, that are fleece lined. The cost factor is the main reason. Yes, I still put on a pair of cotton.

Jrlatt

poly to capilene to merino wool (on clearance) Smell much better too!

I too have gone from poly to merino wool. I do not feel chilled anymore. I even wore a very light weight wool top in 70-80 degree temps this summer and was comfortable.

Sounds like Merino wool is the new in thing again,but I am itching thinking about it. Like good down sleeping bags it seems like synthetics still can not beat the natural. Isn't most of the new Merino underwear now usually a mix with synthetics,thereby getting the best of both worlds. Anybody want to model their long johns for us?

merino wool

quote whiteh20: "Patagonia capeline for the last 20 years or so unil I bought some filson merino wool. WOW! huge difference! Merino wool is the stuff. I found it more comfortable and warmer than the capeline. Not sure if brands of Merino wool matter but it is some good stuff. Slowing replacing my old, smelly capeline with wool."

+1 on that... I have replaced my cap with merino and I'm not looking back.

quote PINETREE: "\ Anybody want to model their long johns for us? "

If you look closely in my profile pic, I am modeling my long underwear. I have two pairs on because it was late October.

Base layer: smart wool leggings and smart wool long sleeve top
Second layer: fleece leggings and another wool long sleeve top

Missing layers not being worn in the photo: Fleece jacket/wind pants/wind jacket/down jacket for nighttime temperature dips.

Slowly changing over to merino wool under layers. That stuff is just great. Wool boxers, long johns and 1/4 zip tops, and of course socks. Do your self a favor and check it out. Course you have to hit the sales.

tony

It depends on what I am doing outside. For my job I stick with the old waffle weave cotton. I tried some of the merino and the cotton kept me warmer. If I am in a situation at work where getting wet is an issue I can't do my job anyhow so I go home to a warm house.

Running is different. I know I will be working up a good sweat so I wear some polypro next to the skin with a wind pant over top.

I bought a lightweight pair of Patagonia capilene bottoms (on sale)last summer and they will do just fine for the next 10 years or so.

The time to buy long underwear and base layer clothes is spring. REI always has a winter closeout/blemish sale to its members in mid winter too. It's a great time to stock up on quality stuff.

Can't beat the price on this!

Someone above mentioned hats. I bought a Stormy Kromer Rancher a month or two ago. Best hat ever! I'll never go back from it. It is wool and thinsulate insulated. Bonus! Made in America!
also, I noticed a couple months ago that fleet farm carries a pollyprop wicking long underwear that is also made in America. I don't recall the price but I recall it was a good deal.

We should all buy at least one gift for Christmas that is made in this Country.

+1 on the union suit.

no, I'm not joking...

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?feat=2-SR0

I went to Under Armor and really like it. I have many shirts and long johns. I use them for work and play.

Very very good info.Sorry its not active,maybe the computer wizards could make it more conveniant.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html

quote PINETREE: "Very very good info.Sorry its not active,maybe the computer wizards could make it more conveniant.


http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html"

Here ya go PINETREE

butthead

Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue.

Silk+Patagonia Capilene + thin fleece+NorthFace Apex+Thin Down Jacket= INVINCIBLE!

... to any version of cold weather. With many many versions of combos to adjust to a comfortable temperature. Very colorful too!!

quote bapabear: "Can't beat the price on this!


"

"Form Fitting", that's pretty funny

quote PINETREE: "Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue."

Butthead Rules

I have a pair of the old union suit long johns that I still wear wants in awhile. But I prefer my Under Armor even though its skin tight I feel like one of those fruit loops in the Nut Cracker play.

I still use 20+ year old Thermax underwear tops and bottoms. The longevity is hard to beat but wool, silk, and even cotton are more comfortable under dry conditions.

i have a few old devold woll net undershirts. over that goes merino underwear and then the cotton outer gear. if it's under -15c, then i use another merino layer. if it' colder than -25, then i'll use lanula knitted underwear. it is the warmest there is, but it's not merino, so you have to wash it by hand and either add spoon of olive oil or use the lanula soap, otherwise it's a bit itchy. i would dream of having anything other than wool next to my skin in the cold.

Now I got to go figure what lanula is,without looking it has to be some type of wool?

Maybe it is lanolin soap? Lanolin in wool makes it softer and more waterproof. You can add lanolin to wool products to increase these properties.

silk.

Minus33 makes a great and affordable line of merino wool products. They do have tall sizes, too, although the color selection is pretty limited in that arena.

i have a doufold thermosomething under wear shirt that has always worked really well for me. it's is my goto for skiing, plus it doesn't stink. i just washed it, it was white, in hot water with a brand new red towel. i now have a pink long under wear shirt.

Hi
I have had several makes, and to different cost, this is not the most expensive, but definitely the best make I have tried.
Aclima

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

dsk

I got me a pair of icebreaker brand merino long underwear. Now the next step is to wear it for a product test and review.

Patagonia merino lightweight version. Half price was still expensive. Best I've ever owned.

Well the weather tonight says I can finally put the long johns on.

I got a pair of polypro long underwear and the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry about 5 years ago. At the time they advertised it for use under the heavy shooting gear that we had to wear as precision shooters. (stiff, heavy leather/canvas jackets and pants, gloves, etc.) In 90 degree summer weather it can get very uncomfortable under all that gear.

Anyways, they advertised it as "wonder wear" not sure if that's how it was spelled. The tags are worn off now. They cost about half as much as the under armor and they have nice padding in the knees and butt. These are now my favorite thing to wear while paddling (when the weather is cool enough). The padded butt is awesome for wearing around camp too. :)

I wish I could find a place that sells them again but as of yet I haven't...

Well I got some icebreaker Merino wool long underwear and I love it. You don't even know its wool and does not stink after a short time like polypropylene does.

i just have a top and bottom mid weight made by rocky. this will be the first year in bwca with them. worked very well during hunting.

I like anything that is wool and comfortable to the skin. But because it is expensive I wait until I can find it on clearance or big time sale. Just found two cashmere sweaters at a second hand shop today for $5 a piece. They will be perfect for a second layer over my base layers. Should also be perfect for paddling over a wide range of temps. Plus very light and pack up small. If I find anything cashmere or merino on big time sale I pick it up. My wife wanted me to make her a scarf out of the sweaters I picked up today because they are so soft.

quote wifishncanoe: "I like anything that is wool and comfortable to the skin. But because it is expensive I wait until I can find it on clearance or big time sale. Just found two cashmere sweaters at a second hand shop today for $5 a piece. They will be perfect for a second layer over my base layers. Should also be perfect for paddling over a wide range of temps. Plus very light and pack up small. If I find anything cashmere or merino on big time sale I pick it up. My wife wanted me to make her a scarf out of the sweaters I picked up today because they are so soft."

For a third layer I would suggest a tweed jacket with patches on the elbows.

That jacket would go perfect with my corn cob pipe and corduroy pants.

quote jackson: "+1 on the union suit.


no, I'm not joking...


http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?feat=2-SR0 "

I also rock a red union suit! They are really nice on cold or buggy trips to the thunder box.

If your going to go Union suit it should be red.

My order from Patagonia arrived yesterday...top and bottom in Capilene 4. Very warm! I'm looking forward to giving them a try.

I bought some "Wickers" pp from Fleet Farm a few years ago and really like them. I use them as a base layer for hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc. Huge difference from cotton. Made in USA and reasonably priced.

quote awbrown: "Merino wool blend from Sweden. Top and bottom together was around $120.00 Very warm, very comfortable, wicks well, and after 2 weeks in the bush, they don't stink!!"

ABSOLUTELY! I've tried 'em all. Duel layers, poly blends, thermo weaves, all of it. Capilene gets used around town, but the only thing I use when in serious outdoor situations is the merino woolies. By far the most flexible and comfortable.

wow a golden oldie.
As I get older I wear it much longer over the year. Its amazing the new products out
I do love merino wool products tho.

Hi All,

Here is a comprehensive article that I wrote back in 2018 about baselayers:

https://kitchi-gami.com/2018/03/29/a-simple-outdoor-clothing-system-layer-1-baselayer/

This was part of a series on outdoor clothing that explores layering in detail and makes recommendations for a simple system to cover all 4 seasons.

Hope this is useful.

Brian

BrianDay: "Hi All,


Here is a comprehensive article that I wrote back in 2018 about baselayers:


https://kitchi-gami.com/2018/03/29/a-simple-outdoor-clothing-system-layer-1-baselayer/


This was part of a series on outdoor clothing that explores layering in detail and makes recommendations for a simple system to cover all 4 seasons.


Hope this is useful.


Brian"

Great link, Brian--THANKS!

TZ

Great link, Brian--THANKS!


TZ"

You bet TZ. Glad you liked it!

Brian

I will say this- once I discovered Merino wool my capiliene was never used again. Its not just odor. Wool is both warmer and considerably more comfortable and can be worn comfortably when damp or even wet. Post heavy xc skiing polyester feels like you are wrapped in saran wrap. I wear Merino nearly every day- the t-shirts are excellent.

Durability is an issue. Minus33 brand lasts 2 to 3 times better than Smartwool, especially the mid-weight. I still have the first Minus 33 mid-weight tops I bought close to twenty years ago.

I sent all my capilene to Goodwill.

Banksiana: "I will say this- once I discovered Merino wool my capiliene was never used again. Its not just odor. Wool is both warmer and considerably more comfortable and can be worn comfortably when damp or even wet. Post heavy xc skiing polyester feels like you are wrapped in saran wrap. I wear Merino nearly every day- the t-shirts are excellent.


Durability is an issue. Minus33 brand lasts 2 to 3 times better than Smartwool, especially the mid-weight. I still have the first Minus 33 mid-weight tops I bought close to twenty years ago.


I sent all my capilene to Goodwill."

Good info and very interesting and I do agree. It is expensive but worth it to at least have a pair or two of merino.

My base layer is yak wool from Kora Outdoor. I still wear merino boxer-briefs under that, though. My pants are wool, my shirts are wool (even my summer Ts are merino), I have an alpaca wool midlayer as well as a wook anorak. My socks are wool, my gloves are wool, my hats are yak wool or sheep wool. The only plastic I wear anymore is a down jacket because nylon is kind of a necessary evil for holding down. The only cotton in my entire wardrobe anymore is in my dress shirts.

mschi772: "My base layer is yak wool from Kora Outdoor. I still wear merino boxer-briefs under that, though. My pants are wool, my shirts are wool (even my summer Ts are merino), I have an alpaca wool midlayer as well as a wook anorak. My socks are wool, my gloves are wool, my hats are yak wool or sheep wool. The only plastic I wear anymore is a down jacket because nylon is kind of a necessary evil for holding down. The only cotton in my entire wardrobe anymore is in my dress shirts."

I think you are half sheep.

mpeebles: "I bought some "Wickers" pp from Fleet Farm a few years ago and really like them. I use them as a base layer for hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc. Huge difference from cotton. Made in USA and reasonably priced. "

I have a couple of pair of these. Wear them daily through the winter. They go on in mid-November, usually come off in mid-April.

Merino wool as much as possible. I’ve got Icebreaker and REI at present. I had a pair of LLBean bottoms that lasted about a season before becoming full of holes.

If I’m knitting stuff (hats/gloves/not undies), I’m more of a BFL fan over merino.

Wool all the way. I try to get stuff that has a small amount of nylon blended in for durability. The core-spun nylon/wool blend seems to be about the most durable. Not sure which brands make it, but I have some in Skre gear and ibex.

Thanks for adding BFL to the mix! Now I am on a quest to find some BFL socks and liners.

Thanks for adding BFL to the mix! Now I am on a quest to find some BFL socks and liners.

Not sure if all of you have seen this video:

Dynamic Rewarming Drill

The guy in the video, John Barklow, used to work at the Navy Special Warfare School in Alaska. He developed this drill as a way for students to real-world test their layering systems to learn what works best.

Two guys dunk. One wearing wool. One wearing synthetic. Then the test is on. Pretty good analog to an early spring flip in the BWCA. Cold water. Cool air.

If folks are shopping for cold weather gear and baselayers on a budget the current US Army ECWCS clothing (Gen III) is excellent. It was redesigned in the mid 2000's and closely mirrors Patagonia's Regulator alpine climbing system from the same era.

Two very nice components of this system are the silkweight baselayers (Milliken/Capeline) and the grid fleece top and bottom (Polartec Power Grid). These can be picked up for about $20 each and perform just as well as the high dollar stuff. My everyday baselayer is silkweight in all conditions. I layer over this with grid for winter travel.

Worth a look around the web if you're looking for high-quality, affordable base layers and lightweight fleece insulation.

Brian

I cannot bear the feel of the synthetic clothing on my skin. Like being wrapped in a plastic bag. Not to mention the amount of micro plastics they shed during both their manufacture and while wearing.

The ones I use are Woolpower brand. If the Arctic brand you mentioned is the one I'm thinking of, I've heard good things, though I may be thinking of ice breakers. It's wool or bust for me when it comes to cold weather gear, especially if I'm likely to get damp.

bapabear: "Can't beat the price on this!

"

A throwback to the days when the dollar actually meant something more than a digital promise or a fancy note. Just like wool & other timeless items from the past are making a comeback, so to will real money put fiat in its place. I think it may be a rude awakening for folks that never considered what is money...

Merino wool base layer all the way.

Banksiana: "I cannot bear the feel of the synthetic clothing on my skin. Like being wrapped in a plastic bag. Not to mention the amount of micro plastics they shed during both their manufacture and while wearing."

Try being menopausal. Synthetics are terrible with vasomotor symptoms. Merino wool breaths so much better, while being a good layer for cool weather. I like silk long johns for short trips outside or milder weather and it adds less bulk, but mid weight merino if it is colder. Just got 2 Smartwool T-shirts (last year's style) for $45. The small is really form fitting, so I'm sending one back for a medium. It is nylon threads wrapped with merino wool. It seems pretty comfortable but a little thin. Hopefully it will be a good, light base layer.