Base Layers

M

milani74

Joined
Feb 15, 2009
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With the changing weather I was wondering: what does everyone use for base layers? What is your favorite brand/type?

I have a set of midweight XGO's that I love. But I only have one pair due to the exorbant cost they charge for plastic clothes. I also wear some mil issue poly-pros that I use on top of that when it gets down under 30 degrees.

I dont care for the Under Armor brand due to their cost and the tops seem to choke me.
 
I wear synthetic/breathable underwear in the summer so I don't use more than that as a base layer. With that said, my base layer in the winter is made for cold weather. I use the E.C.W.C.S. Polartec from Cabelas. It's a bit heavier then your normal Under Armour type, but it's fantastic. :thumbup:
 
both wally world and Cabela's have house brand base layers under $15 - that's what I've got.
 
My favorite thing for cold weather is two union suits. The under layer is polyester and handles moisture distribution. The outer is a 100 weight fleece. I wear shell gortex pants and a midweight sweater under a shell jacket. Works great for me.

I find a union suit to be much more efficient than a one piece and you don't get that overlap in the layers around your belt line. They only really suck when you have to take a dump. That means removing your shirt and taking the top part off. The 'emergency' hatch option never is viable anyway.
 
Either Arcteryx or Helli Hensen for the base layer.

Midlayer - Arcteryx.

Hard shell - Arcteryx and Westcomb.
 
Remington fleece long underwear set. With the hype that follows Under Armour you would think their cold gear would be better. I wasn't impressed.
 
prefer wool and of course i love ibex but can only afford when on deep discount. after many years of cycling in all conditions have accumulated the baselayers and other layers to control in 5 degree increments. of course layering gives you the option to shed or add as temps change. zippers make adapting to temp change easier too. thrift stores are a great source of thinish wool layers. better tho, in my experience, to shop for wool in thrift stores in the summer. their prices tend to rise for winter clothes in winter.....hmmm. i know lots of folks who like silk too and have found silk underwear fairly cheap in surplus stores. it seems "cold" to me tho and dont usually use it much when the temps really dive. the thing wool offers that no other material can is the ability to keep you warm even when you get wet. "they" say it has the ability to maintain 90% of its ability to keep you warm when wet. never been a big synthetics fan but have gained appreciation for those materials too over many years of cycling esp for its ability to dry quickly and get sweat away from yr skin into outer layers. mostly it takes some experimenting with what works for you and years to accumulate the clothing necessary(unless yr a trust fund baby)
 
I use the layer system gear from Edie Bauer, don't know what is called, but it's on their Web site. REI also has good stuff.
 
kgd said:
My favorite thing for cold weather is two union suits. The under layer is polyester and handles moisture distribution. The outer is a 100 weight fleece. I wear shell gortex pants and a midweight sweater under a shell jacket. Works great for me.

I find a union suit to be much more efficient than a one piece and you don't get that overlap in the layers around your belt line. They only really suck when you have to take a dump. That means removing your shirt and taking the top part off. The 'emergency' hatch option never is viable anyway.
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I dont think I've seen those before. When I am hunting, I am a huge fan of bibs due to the fact that they cover that area between the top and bottoms.

Joe Fowler said:
I wear synthetic/breathable underwear in the summer so I don't use more than that as a base layer. With that said, my base layer in the winter is made for cold weather. I use the E.C.W.C.S. Polartec from Cabelas. It's a bit heavier then your normal Under Armour type, but it's fantastic. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I have a buddy that used those and love them. I would like to find some on sale to try them though.

adaman04 said:
Remington fleece long underwear set. With the hype that follows Under Armour you would think their cold gear would be better. I wasn't impressed.
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I totally agree about under armor.

sadiejane said:
prefer wool and of course .... thrift stores are a great source of thinish wool layers. better tho, in my experience, to shop for wool in thrift stores in the summer. their prices tend to rise for winter clothes in winter.....hmmm.

the thing wool offers that no other material can is the ability to keep you warm even when you get wet. "they" say it has the ability to maintain 90% of its ability to keep you warm when wet. never been a big synthetics fan but have gained appreciation for those materials too over many years of cycling esp for its ability to dry quickly and get sweat away from yr skin into outer layers. mostly it takes some experimenting with what works for you and years to accumulate the clothing necessary(unless yr a trust fund baby)
Click to expand...

Great idea about the thrift stores. Ones around here dont sell a lot of it and I have looked for it. My dad always said that wool was best because it kept you warm when wet too. It just seems no one wears it anymore.
I think the perfect coat or bibs would be with a fleece inner lining with wool on the outside (like a Pea Coat) and gortex on the out side.
 
I have some made of a wool and Polypro blend that are great. Stick with synthetics or wool for sure, cotton is no good. The Cabela's stuff is good quality for the money.
 
i wear mil polypro, keeps me nice and warm, on top of that regular button shirt and jeans or cargo pants then fleece liner under gortex.

take it easy
cricket
 
I have used the ECWS for years and love it. I have three sets and have worn out at least that many. I have also used the Under Armour, they heaviest set and I actually like it very well.
 
I use the Patagonia Calpilene 3 stuff. The price is crazy so I just buy a piece or two whenever REI has a sale.
I end up working outside pretty frequently and the temp gets down well below zero. The Patagucci stuff works. You really can't screw around up here!
 
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I use a ton of stuff. For legs it's usually cheap old hanes thermals turned inside out, then flannelpants under a two layer Burton setup. Top I'll start with a Nike dry fit or the like, summer weight, then depending on temp and activity level add thermals, a hoodie, fleece in varying thickness, and then top it off with a goretex shell.
 
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