Winter Clothing Basics

Coldwood

Coldwood

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
2,718
I recently posted a note about an early-winter day hike in the Adirondacks. I'm well covered for extremeties, head, hands and feet cold-weather gear, but found myself relying on basic cottons for pants and t-shirt. Not good. I couldn't sit down on a log without getting my butt wet :eek:

What do you guys recommend for next-to-body clothing? Stuff that wicks away moisture but keeps you warm? References to on-line sources will be welcome.

I know about wool, I'm thinking about lighter stuff.

Thanks, Don
 
If I'm moving on snowshoes I like thin polypro next to my skin and medium weight wool dress slacks (from the Salvation Army or J.C. Penny) for pants, a light weight wool shirt with a thin sweater over it, and my parka with/without linner. All layers light weight.

If I'm going to be static, I use a thicker layer next to my skin, and more layers outside. I don't like using thick outer layers as it doesn't give me enough flexibility of temperature.

Stitchawl
 
stitchawl said:
If I'm moving on snowshoes I like thin polypro next to my skin and medium weight wool dress slacks (from the Salvation Army or J.C. Penny) for pants, a light weight wool shirt with a thin sweater over it, and my parka with/without linner. All layers light weight.

If I'm going to be static, I use a thicker layer next to my skin, and more layers outside. I don't like using thick outer layers as it doesn't give me enough flexibility of temperature.

Stitchawl
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Great concept, I like that. What I found last weekend is that when I was moving I was warm, when I stopped I was chilled. Duh! Layering is the obvious solution.
Wool pants or poly snow pants are the right alternative to cotton pants. I was just wondering if there was something else, lighter and tougher. I'm probably asking too much :D

Thanks for all input so far, would like to hear more...
 
stitchawl said:
If I'm moving on snowshoes I like thin polypro next to my skin and medium weight wool dress slacks (from the Salvation Army or J.C. Penny) for pants, a light weight wool shirt with a thin sweater over it, and my parka with/without linner. All layers light weight.

If I'm going to be static, I use a thicker layer next to my skin, and more layers outside. I don't like using thick outer layers as it doesn't give me enough flexibility of temperature.

Stitchawl
Click to expand...

Ive looked at wool dress slacks at the GoodWill a couple of times. Four dollars. I may have to get a pair.
 
I like to layer. It's a Canadian thing, I think.

When I'm out hiking or snowshoeing in cold weather, I like to wear a Patagonia Capilene under-layer. It wicks moisture, dries quickly, and provides good insulation without compromising flexibility. The shirts and pants are damn expensive, but they do last, and I think they are a good investment.

If I'm winter camping, I'll wear pair of lightweight snowpants over my regular pants (and under layer), just to avoid getting soaked. Gaiters are a good alternative if you're snowshoeing, as you generally only need to worry about getting snow on your feet and shins.

My no. 1 winter clothing tip is this: Bring extra socks. Warm ones. I stuff two pairs of thermal socks in my pack when I'm on a winter outing. When you're wearing waterproof boots and tromping through the snow, even the best thermal socks will collect some moisture. It's nice to have a fresh pair to change into when you stop to make camp.

All the best,

- Mike
 
KuRUpTD said:
Coldwood - what did you use for keeping your head warm out there ?
Click to expand...

When I was hiking up the hill (about 300 yards) I was wearing a cotton baseball cap...lightweight and easy breathing for when I was most likely to get overheated. Once we got to the top, and started cooling off, I put on a winter "trooper's cap" with earflaps (like a Russian ushanka), well-insulated and very warm...but never did put down the earflaps (I have in high winds and sub-zero temperatures, those ear flaps are worth it). In both cases, these were very lightweight caps to put in my kit. Just like gloves, I would recommend carrying different weight headgear for winter...they are very light and easy. I think things like extra gloves, socks, caps are very light weight compared to the other stuff we carry.
 
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Mentor said:
I like to layer. It's a Canadian thing, I think.

When I'm out hiking or snowshoeing in cold weather, I like to wear a Patagonia Capilene under-layer. It wicks moisture, dries quickly, and provides good insulation without compromising flexibility. The shirts and pants are damn expensive, but they do last, and I think they are a good investment.

If I'm winter camping, I'll wear pair of lightweight snowpants over my regular pants (and under layer), just to avoid getting soaked. Gaiters are a good alternative if you're snowshoeing, as you generally only need to worry about getting snow on your feet and shins.

My no. 1 winter clothing tip is this: Bring extra socks. Warm ones. I stuff two pairs of thermal socks in my pack when I'm on a winter outing. When you're wearing waterproof boots and tromping through the snow, even the best thermal socks will collect some moisture. It's nice to have a fresh pair to change into when you stop to make camp.

All the best,

- Mike
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LOL Since I live close to Canada, layering is kinda my thing too. :D

Thanks for the tip on Patagonia Capilene, I'll check it out.

I'm getting tired of being held captive by winter. Time to dress up and seize the day! :D
 
I got some silk base layer from http://www.ivarnasilk.com.au/ they had tops and bottoms for half price a little while ago.

Picked up some military surplus wool pants from sportsmansguide.com 4 pairs (new) for around $20!

Layering is key, I like the silk because it's very comfortable and breaths well and I can wear regular wool instead of the considerably more expensive merino wool without itching. The silk doesnt insulate though, and if your outer layer doesnt stop the wind the silk base layer sure as hell wont.

I think one often overlooked though very important thing is over heating. It's more about regulating then heating, cause if you get sweaty youre not going to be comfy. I like sweaters and shirts that zip/button up so if I'm working hard I can open up the layers without having to actually remove anything.
 
Surplus military BDUs/ACUs/M65 cargo pants are a good rugged pant, and although they're cotton blend, they do pretty well in the winter in my experience. Coupled with a thermal pant like UnderArmor, Terramar, etc. they work even better. Best part is, they can be had on the cheap usually.


Gautier
 
Will second Under Armour and Patagonia Capilene for next to skin wear.

For me I use Carhartt pants (yes they are cotton) but treat them with Scotchguard and don't have to worry so much about the wet.
 
If you're want silk underwear check out Sierra Trading. You'll find them a fair amount cheaper there.
 
Ankar Sheng said:
I think one often overlooked though very important thing is over heating. It's more about regulating then heating, cause if you get sweaty youre not going to be comfy. I like sweaters and shirts that zip/button up so if I'm working hard I can open up the layers without having to actually remove anything.
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I agree, in my recent outing we were in the high hills at 34F...I was wearing only a cotton polo shirt and my usual household polar-fleece shirt...as long as we were moving, I was plenty warm...I had a nylon shell in my pack for back-up but never felt a need for it. Of course I had good boots, headgear and gloves.

A key thing I learned is to have a variety of layers for all parts of the body, to accomodate your different exercise levels and changes in weather temperature. I think there are a lot of light and compact fabrics out there that will do this for us...
 
quietmike said:
For me I use Carhartt pants (yes they are cotton) but treat them with Scotchguard and don't have to worry so much about the wet.
Click to expand...

Thank you for that one :D I like them, they are a much tighter weave than regular levis...I'll try Scotchguard.
 
One long word: polypropylene.

It is the ultimate base layer. I like silk too, but polypro is more durable. I have polypro long pants and zip T-necks in three different weights for various temps/levels of activity.

For outerwear, I also choose synthetics. I like Supplex pants for warm weather and Nylon twill for cooler weather. Fleece for an upper mid layer and a Gore-Tex shell for the outer layer. The hard core survival guys will tell you wool is better because of the flame resistance, but I'll take my chances. ;)

Wool is heavy, stinks when wet, (most) has to be dry-cleaned, and the wind blows right through it.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I've used most all of them as I do quite a bit of winter backpacking and camping. IMO for next to the skin insulation, it depends on the temperature in which you will need it and how long you anticipate wearing it. For a day hike, any of the polypro garmets work fine. The mid weight is the most versatile. The problem with polypro is that while it does wick moisture away, your body oils and sweat remain in the garment and after two days or so, they begin to smell really bad. Some of the better, and more expensive layers, have silver threads or some other way to deal with this problem. Silk works great for warmer temps where insulation is required, but don't seem to work too well when it is really cold out. Under Armour is another great product, but fit very tight which some people don't like. REI has lots of good choices as does Sierra Trading Post. With any insulation in cold weather, the key is to try and not sweat too much, and wear layers so you can remove them BEFORE you sweat. For over the insulation, I have yet to find a product I'm totally happy with. Lately I've been wearing some synthetic mountaineering pants because they don't pick up moisture and are fairly tough. Wool is great but picks up too much debris such as burrs and stickers and weighs a ton when wet. It also is heavy and can get too hot. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. Great thread to learn from for all of us.
 
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