Best Long underwear?

Hog Feet

Hog Feet

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
Messages
2,985
I grew up in the cold cold northeast. I have gotten very spoiled in Florida for the past few years. If it dips into the upper thirties or forties I am freezing (unless I am being very active).

I am looking for recommendations for long underwear for a trip I going on up north.

Mid-weight men's thermals that are comfortable, price is no object (but nothing wrong with good and cheap), nothing with feet attached:p, crew neck (no turtleneck), and nothing with the button-up backside (already have a red duofold unionsuit).

I am considering smartwool, underarmour coldgear, and duofold midweights.

Any recs or advice would be great.

Thanks in advance.
 
Long underwear? IN FLORIDA? TOUGHEN UP NANCY!;):D

Just ribbin' ya! I don't usually wear long underwear, here in northern Illinois, in the dead of winter.... cause I'm a well insulated Swede. ;):D But... I am interested in what those that have tried the Smartwool and/or Filson wool long-johns think of them. I actually went out and bought a synthetic pair of some sort after a miserably cold turkey hunting trip this spring. Haven't worn them yet though.
 
I don't wear long underwear too often either, usually it has to dip past 10 below before I feel the need. :D I do have a couple of the Comfortrel zip-tops that Sierra Trading sells and I like them a lot. They're warm enough to wear as outerwear when it's in the low 30s, as long as it isn't too windy. I haven't tried the bottoms so I can't give you any feedback on them. You might also look at silk long underwear, I've never tried it but the next time I buy any that's the route I'm going. Sierra has them a good price.
 
If your trip includes outdoor action like hiking, skiing, etc. then get whatever is the best moisture wicking insulation you can find. Back in the day it was polypropylene now I don't know. Polypro works great.
 
I usually only wear longjohns for a couple weeks or a month or so anymore,and only when it gets really cold.I just wear the regular old Hanes,anything better makes me sweat to much if I'm doing anything or when I'm inside.I do have one pair of Gore-Tex that I use very rarely if I'm going to be sitting in freezing weather like at a football game or something.I prefer Carharts for working outside,I wear the bibs,if I wear a Carhart jacket,it's usually a light one or it's really cold outside.
 
Under Armour Cold Gear is the only ones I've tried recently but they work very well. I like them for hunting in the winter when you're going to be sitting around alot, easy way to add a layer without bulk. Generally don't need them if I'm going to be moving around very much, but they wick moisture away pretty well too.
I've also found they're perfect for riding my horses on really cold days, much more comfortable than trying to ride with carharts and a bunch of bulky coats.
 
I swear by wool base layers, especially if you sweat a lot.

I train for mountain and roadbiking 12-months of the year outdoors and go for the wool base layer since it stays warm even if you sweat through it... underarmor seems to get drafty/chilly if you sweat through it.

Dress in layers and you'll be fine down to almost any temperature.
 
one note on the under Armor cold gear:

it gets really uncomfortable with prolonged use. It tugs at hair, and binds up in these little folds that end up irritating my skin(then again I wore mine for a loooooooong time while deployed) now with that said, it works great for keeping your body het in and allowing your sweat to dry quickly. It did all this under an IBA so it should work well.

Now I don't know about long underwear, but I have converted to cloth like synthetics and merino wool for my underwear. Patagonia capilene is very nice, REI has some stuff tht is superb, and smartwool is astoundingly comfy
 
definitely Helly-Hansen Pro-Wool, the best in my opinion. Polypropelyne layer on the inside to wick away moisture, and merino wool layer on the outside for warmth. I've warn these for years working in the Candian Arctic, Greenland, Norway; the only long underwear I own.

pants

work grade pants

work grade top

75404590.jpg
 
Last edited:
Been wearing Hot chillys the last two years.Yes it is cold up here already.They work great and,just bought my bride and daughter a set.They also love them.
 
Another vote for smartwool. I used duofold for many years before that, especially in a medium or heavy weight.
 
Well, living in Wisconsin most of my life, I will tell you what works for me.

7e374a1f8b94e318b83c0a848063f34d-orig


Not only are they very warm and comfortable when working, but the best part is when you go in side, they are extremely stylish for social events.
 
Patagonia's Capilene works great, and seems to last forever. I think you'd have a difficult time finding better long underwear. It's also pretty expensive. I got mine long ago when I was able to get pro deals.
 
i dont think what i have would be heavy enough for really cold weather but for around here, when its at freezing or a little below, underarmor makes some really good stuff, dont know if they make heavier sstuff but i can highly reccomend the stuff i have, its great.
 
I swear by my UnderArmour Cold Gear. It keeps me warm and during high activity keeps me dry by wicking sweat.

I've heard lots of great things about merino wool but I've never been able to wear any wool product that didn't really irritate my skin. Something like those Helly-Hansens might be the ticket as the wool doesn't sound like it's in direct contact with your skin.

gruntinhusaybah said:
one note on the under Armor cold gear:
it gets really uncomfortable with prolonged use. It tugs at hair, and binds up in these little folds that end up irritating my skin(then again I wore mine for a loooooooong time while deployed)
Click to expand...
Interesting: I've never experienced any of that. On some winter trips I've taken, I never stepped out of my UA cold gear except to shower or wash it. I would sleep, ski, hike, and go into to town in it. Maybe the gear you were wearing over it was the deciding factor. Hard to say since I've never experienced those things.

I thought all UA gear was verboten in the Military these days because of its low burning temperature and the resulting injuries that are possible. Or was this before such orders were handed down?

SIFU1A said:
underarmor makes some really good stuff, dont know if they make heavier sstuff but i can highly reccomend the stuff i have, its great.
Click to expand...
Yea, they have varying weights (or however they class it). If you go to a store with a good selection (that's BassPro where I live), you will be able to check out the package to see how UA rates it. If I recall correctly they might just have a numeric system like 1.0, 2.0, 3.0....
 
Thanks everyone! I think I have decided on the ones with the attached feet and race cars on them.;)

Still not sure what I am going to go with, but the suggestions are pretty good.

Thanks!

I'll post a review when I get them after I try them out. (no pictures... sorry ladies)
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
one note on the under Armor cold gear:

it gets really uncomfortable with prolonged use. It tugs at hair, and binds up in these little folds that end up irritating my skin(then again I wore mine for a loooooooong time while deployed)
Click to expand...
The HeatGear is the same way. I have some of the shorts and short-sleeve shirts, and wear them at work sometimes under a regular t-shirt and work pants. Great for an 8 hour shift, but irritating as crap by the end of a double.
Tried on the Coldgear a few times, but never really felt comfortable in it, so haven't bought any. I like that the shirt(much like the HeatGear t-shirts) made me look like I'd put on 15lbs. of muscle:D


I have not used the heavier Capilene from Patagonia(I live in Alabama, after all), but their lightweight Capilene is my favorite. Very effective at wicking, and dries almost unbelievably fast.
 
Cuddle Duds. Cheap , lightweight and comfortable. They are a little lacy and missing the fly but whos going to know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top