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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Long underwear talk if your not embarressed
 
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mjmkjun
12/09/2011 05:46PM
 
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.)

 
JoeWilderness
12/09/2011 10:32PM
 
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.
 
Savage Voyageur
12/13/2011 03:46PM
 
I went to Under Armor and really like it. I have many shirts and long johns. I use them for work and play.
 
PINETREE
03/01/2012 05:33PM
 
If your going to go Union suit it should be red.
 
Chilly
03/01/2012 01:03PM
 
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.
 
TrekScouter
03/02/2012 08:28AM
 
My order from Patagonia arrived yesterday...top and bottom in Capilene 4. Very warm! I'm looking forward to giving them a try.
 
mpeebles
03/02/2012 09:56PM
 
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.
 
whiteh20
12/09/2011 06:45PM
 
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.
 
tony
12/10/2011 01:24AM
 
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
 
bapabear
12/10/2011 09:26AM
 
Can't beat the price on this!



 
fitgers1
12/10/2011 10:49AM
 
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.
 
PINETREE
12/10/2011 12:39PM
 
We should all buy at least one gift for Christmas that is made in this Country.
 
Freeleo1
03/08/2023 09:47PM
 
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.
 
Pinetree
12/08/2022 03:02PM
 
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.
 
mschi772
12/08/2022 09:27PM
 
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.
 
jhb8426
12/08/2022 11:13PM
 
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.
 
fitgers1
12/09/2011 07:51PM
 
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?

 
keth0601
12/09/2022 12:11PM
 
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.
 
dsk
12/24/2011 04:48AM
 
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
 
JohnGalt
03/08/2023 03:23AM
 
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.
 
izzy
12/09/2011 04:56PM
 
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.
 
Newbster
12/14/2011 02:03PM
 
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.
 
bhouse46
12/09/2011 04:37PM
 
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.
 
maxxbhp
12/13/2011 09:23PM
 
quote bapabear: "Can't beat the price on this!



"
"Form Fitting", that's pretty funny
 
maxxbhp
12/09/2011 07:29PM
 
I like silk (go ahead, I can take it)
 
BrianDay
12/12/2022 03:11PM
 
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
 
keth0601
01/18/2012 07:29AM
 
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...
 
JohnGalt
03/08/2023 03:30AM
 
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...
 
PINETREE
12/21/2011 08:27PM
 
Now I got to go figure what lanula is,without looking it has to be some type of wool?
 
luft
12/21/2011 11:12PM
 
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.
 
mocha
12/09/2011 05:13PM
 
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.
 
Scout64
12/22/2011 05:19PM
 
silk.
 
wifishncanoe
02/29/2012 09:44PM
 
That jacket would go perfect with my corn cob pipe and corduroy pants.
 
PINETREE
02/27/2012 07:11PM
 
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.
 
outdooraddict
02/27/2012 08:01PM
 
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.
 
wifishncanoe
02/27/2012 09:40PM
 
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.
 
shsylvester
02/28/2012 07:09AM
 
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.
 
jwartman59
12/23/2011 12:29AM
 
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.
 
jackson
12/13/2011 02:23PM
 
+1 on the union suit.


no, I'm not joking...


http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?feat=2-SR0
 
removedmember1
12/14/2011 02:45PM
 
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.
 
PINETREE
12/09/2011 10:39PM
 
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?
 
mc2mens
12/09/2011 10:41PM
 
merino wool
 
Merganser
12/09/2011 11:33PM
 
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.
 
Sparkeh
03/08/2023 05:52AM
 
Merino wool base layer all the way.
 
PINETREE
12/13/2011 05:17PM
 
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
 
luft
12/10/2011 12:38AM
 
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.
 
butthead
12/13/2011 05:57PM
 
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
 
PINETREE
12/13/2011 06:01PM
 
Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue.
 
PINETREE
12/24/2011 08:52AM
 
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.
 
awbrown
12/09/2011 08:10PM
 
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!!
 
Unas10
12/10/2011 05:48AM
 
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.
 
TallMatt
12/22/2011 07:58PM
 
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.
 
qimikandtim
12/21/2011 07:18PM
 
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.
 
drnatus
12/09/2011 08:28PM
 
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.
 
ripple
12/13/2011 08:46PM
 
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!!
 
maxxbhp
12/13/2011 09:25PM
 
quote PINETREE: "Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue." Butthead Rules
 
jrlatt
12/09/2011 08:33PM
 
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
 
TomT
12/10/2011 07:50AM
 
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.





 
overthehill
12/09/2011 08:46PM
 
poly to capilene to merino wool (on clearance) Smell much better too!
 
PINETREE
12/09/2011 04:09PM
 
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).

 
rlhedlund
01/17/2012 08:16PM
 
Patagonia merino lightweight version. Half price was still expensive. Best I've ever owned.
 
PINETREE
01/17/2012 09:02PM
 
Well the weather tonight says I can finally put the long johns on.
 
Beaverjack
03/03/2012 10:06AM
 
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.
 
Pinetree
12/08/2022 09:31AM
 
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.
 
BrianDay
12/08/2022 11:09AM
 
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
 
TrailZen
12/08/2022 11:33AM
 
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
 
BrianDay
12/08/2022 12:01PM
 




Great link, Brian--THANKS!



TZ"



You bet TZ. Glad you liked it!


Brian
 
Pinetree
12/08/2022 09:35PM
 
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.
 
sueb2b
12/09/2022 10:40AM
 
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.
 
Banksiana
12/08/2022 01:17PM
 
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.
 
catadromous
12/12/2022 03:10PM
 
Thanks for adding BFL to the mix! Now I am on a quest to find some BFL socks and liners.
 
catadromous
12/12/2022 03:10PM
 
Thanks for adding BFL to the mix! Now I am on a quest to find some BFL socks and liners.
 
Banksiana
12/12/2022 03:45PM
 
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.