Your Winter Layering and Clothing System

E

elelbean

Joined
Apr 5, 2005
Messages
19
Hey all,

I was wondering if you guys could tell me what you normally wear for really cold weather, say -10/-20 or temperatures below that. Basically, I was wondering if you could tell me what you like to wear from baselayer, to insulating layer, and outer shell layer (it seems everyone layers these days). Do you guys prefer wool to synthetic for baselayer or insulating layer? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Alot of fuss is made about cotton, but I like to wear a cotton T under fleece.
Then wool or more fleece , then a big coat. Doesn't matter , IMO, if you go high tec or tradish, more is better when it comes to cold. That being said, thanks to Global warming:D , Minnesota winters aint what they use to be.
I guess I gotta move further north to get good snow and ice.
 
i usually like layers of fleece, as it is lighter than wool, multiple layers of fleece then overpants and a parka. if you are hunting a lot in weather this cold, then yo need to take a heat source with you, some type of fire source to make hot drinks for warming, and check each others exposed skin for frost bite.

alex
 
-20of is about as cold as I've been in. X-C sking means no cotton because you can work up quite a sweat. Synthetic briefs and long sleeve t-shirt or zip-t. BDU pants sprayed with Camp Dry, light wool shirt, heavy fleece pullover, Gore tex shell. Last two items stay in my ski pack until I need them at rest stops.

Less active sports- cotton underwear, synthetic long johns and t-shirt, wool pants or bdu pants, light wool shirt, heavy wool shirt, wool mackinaw, GT shell
 
I used to do alot of winter backpacking, cross country skiing and ice climbing in the Apalachians.

Currently I use:

Some sort of sythetic base layer is essential (polyester is best, although polypro will work but will also melt in the dryer and retain odors). Nothing better than Patagonia (expensive as well). PolarMax works well and is significantly cheaper. MTS from REI is also very good. Alot of brands and prices, check around. And beware of too much of a bargain, you often bet what you pay for, and this is a layer that you will find to be one of the most effective. Medium weight is a good all around layer that will function in all temps. Expedition weight is significantly warmer but less useful in warmer conditions (in full blown winter conditions expedition weight is best). Best of both worlds is both, and even a lightweight set for city wear under your street clothes if conditions require. You will be amazed at the difference in warmth from common street clothes with a set of lightweights underneath them.

Then a fleece top is very good (zip or pullover).

Leave the cotton at home, especially in winter. Or if you take some cotton in milder conditions, make sure you have your synthetics as well (underwear weighs nothing). Otherwise, you get wet, you got trouble. Or better plan on being tethered to a campfire to dry out regularly.

On top of that I use an LLBean rugged ridge thinsulate/supplex nylon parka. A lightweight nylon wind shell is also nice to have (the thinner the better). Goose down is great, just remember you need to keep it dry. One of the best new synthetic insulations on the market is primaloft. It's very warm and compressable like down but doesn't retain moisture and is warm when wet. Such a jacket with a gore tex, etc. parka on top would be an ideal combination. Make sure you size it to go over your fleece jacket (tight fitting clothes look good in the store, but are less comfortable and less capable of being layered in very cold conditions).

For below the waist, base followed by synthetic fleece pants and some sort of coated or treated nylon pants in wet or snowy weather. Ski bibs are also excellent, especially for hanging around extremely cold camp sites (take up alot of pack space as well). Most let their sleeping bag perform double duty in this regard. Surplus heavy wool military pants with a set of suspenders (any type) are also ideal (spray with camp dry, etc. for some waterproofing).

I can't minimize the importance of having a good warm hat, and a balaclava in severe conditions. As well as gloves (fleece works well).

Of course if the weather's dry you can consider using canvas or wool outer garments, especially if you anticipate being close to a fire as the above garments being basically plastic can melt.

Most use just their base layer, and fleece layer when on the move and use the rest of the clothing for stationary camp wear or if conditions are extremely bad.

The choices are endless. Just remember, there is no such thing as being too warm or too well sheltered in the remote backcountry when it's blowing snow, and -10 below. One must weigh their choices considering what they are willing to carry on their back.

If an item can perform double duty, it's best to do so rather than be redundant and carry extra weight.
 
Similar as others have said.

-20F is real cold.

Heavy weight Helly Hansen polypro base layers head to toe. Then 100 weight fleece top and bottoms, then 300 weight fleece top and bottoms. Then 3 ply Gortex top and bottoms (3 ply breaths much better). I carry a synthetic stuffable insulative jacket for extra insulation when needed.

As noted by others I rarely put on the goretx jacket so as to ventilate and only put it on when stopped or in harsh conditions. Sorel boots with spare liners as well as arctic mitts with spare liners round out the list with a thick fleece hat and balaclava.

I like wool but its heavy especially when wet.

A dry set of polypro head to tow is key to a good night sleep in your bag. Bring your wet liners into the bag with you to dry them out overnight.

I am FIRMLY against down as I had a BAD experience with it getting wet. Synthetic for me only.

Skam
 
Skammer is very well equipped and knows his stuff.

For you guys on a budget, it can be done somewhat cheaper with bargain fleece, coated or treated (campdry) nylon rainwear and cheap ski bibs and an insulated jacket for camp wear. Of course a pack and a sleeping bag is a necessity for any extended backcountry outing (overnight). Of course a tent is also a great idea, although shelters, are sometimes available in some areas. Take my word for it, most of them suck and are cold, dirty, drafty, and often leak.

Or if your into traveling light, ditch the insulated clothing and use your sleeping bag as an insulated garment in camp (keep it out of the snow and wet).

Fires are great, but firewood is hard to come by in the high country, especially. Don't expect to be comfortable like on the couch at home. At -10 below it just aint gonna happen (no central air or comfy couches in the backcountry). The idea is avoiding frostbite and hypothermia. Get a good insulated pad to go under your sleeping bag. A thermarest is very good, but any closed cell foam pad will work (the thicker the better). If you don't have one, use extra clothes, or your pack under your bag (keeps you off the cold ground).

But you get the basic idea. Layers, that you can put on and take off as your body warms and cools.

Don't skimp on your synthetic underwear or your hat, the heavier the better in the backcountry in winter. After all, better to be too warm and dry than too cold and wet. And you need wind garmets. Either your waterproof jacket/pants, or thin nylon pullover etc. for hiking. Remember, at 10 degrees on the move, you'll most likely be in your underwear only. So bring a pair of nylon shorts to go over your bottoms unless you like sweating, then ending up having to dry out at camp (not a good thing).

And get a decent set of boots made for whatever outdoor pursuit you're anticipate engaging in. And don't forget good wool socks. Liners too if your feet are sensitive. Nothing better or more durable than smartwool hikers. Good gloves can literally keep your hands from feeling like they are freezing off when doing work in camp. Otherwise if they get cold, put them where they will get warm preferably before they turn grey and you get frostbite (down your pants).

And like I pointed out above, you never want to get caught unprepared in the backcountry if possible, especially in winter. Or there's a very good chance you will die, cold and alone. Don't count on a fire. Sometimes it's just not practical or a good idea, especially in the mountains. But a great last resort when nothing else is working, if firewood and conditions make it available.

I can't emphasize the importance of knowing where you're at and where you're going at all times. And if in the high mountains in winter, take a pair of crampons, if you don't like turning back or sliding for miles down landslides, etc..

If you can survive in the mountains in winter, you can survive anywhere.
 
I've tried the fleece stuff made of synthetic and it's okay, but I just love wool. I like the synthetic for things like backpacking, but I don't do that anymore since age and arthritis has cought up with me.

It rarely gets that cold here in Maryland, but it gets a damp or wet cold that seems to really goes through you, especially on the bay. I grew up with wool, and I prefer it over anything else. Most of my family who runs work boats on the bay use wool, Filson by choice. Not only warm, but stands up to alot of use. Also dose'nt get holes melted in it it you get some campfire sparks on it. if we are going to be out in the winter weather woods walking, or what ever, I wear polypro long underwear, army surplus wool pants, heavy Carhart flannel shirt, and my old double mac cruiser coat. If its really cold I'lladd a fleece top under the Filson. On my head is a navy wool watch cap.

Did I mention I like wool?

The wife has an old Peter Storm wool sweater and a wool coat by Harris of Irland that she swears by.
 
Nothing wrong with wool.

It's been keeping people warm for thousands of years, and also looks good. It's also great around campfires, as being a natural fiber it doesn't melt like synthetics, and unlike many natural fibers it still provides some insulative qualities when wet.

And to date nothing has been invented that's better than a good merino wool sock. Especially those that have been treated to be shrink resistant.

Although in many garments it's heavy, expensive, can be hard to care for and absorbs water compared to modern synthetics. It's also uncomfortable for some people, and can take a long time to dry.

The benefits of modern synthetics like fleece and various piles that are designed to mimick wool are low cost, low moisture absorption, quick drying, good insulative values, light weight, and easy care. Which make them almost perfect outdoor garments. Just don't stand too close to the fire. And be careful with flammables and electronic devices. They can produce astounding amounts of static electricity.
 
When I do pretty any outdoor activity, it's non cotton products for me. I learned this after winter camping and getting really chilled while wearing all synthetic clothing except for my underwear. While shivering in my sleeping bag and bivy, I just pulled out my knife and cut them off along my hips(carefully) and was almost instantly warm. Since then, cotton stays out tof the woods with me.

As far as what do I wear? Depends on activity more than temperature. I've to Mt Washington in every winter month in 100mph winds and frigid wearing a light polypro shirt, light weight(100) fleece sweater, softshell and hardshell with no problems. Once I stopped, I throw on addtional layers including a down jacket and primaloft pants at camp.I run in the winter months with little more than a synthetic shirt and running jacket with a balleclava.

I really think it comes down to experimenting with how you react to cold and go from there.
 
If you can survive on or around Mt. Washington in the winter, nothing wrong with your clothing selection.

That place gets some of the worst winter conditions around. It's a popular ice climbing and ski area with loads of wilderness in the surrounding areas.

Also a popular area for rescue activity.

Don't ever underestimate the mountains in winter. One day it's beautiful and 50 degrees, the next it's 5 degrees, everything's frozen and blowing snow at 50 mph, with 5 foot visibility. And impossible to build an adequate fire.

Always check the weather and make sure you have adequate navigational skills.

Make sure you can hunker down in place and ride out whatever weather is possible for that time of year as well. Sometimes weather conditions make it near impossible to travel safely or get out of dodge.

Not a heartening thought when you're 5 miles or more back in the wilderness, up on the side of some peak with your windbreaker and cotton T-shirt and the weather suddenly changes for the worse.
 
I like the merino wool base layer that Smartwool sells. Super comfy, and warm. But if you don't like to feel damp, Patagonia or other synthetics are great.
Mountain Equipment Co-op Warm Wear is my current cold weather favorite for base layer. Then I use Primaloft filled pant and pullover, also by MEC.
This does not usually change for real cold.(BTW, up here -20F isn't that cold)
The outer garments vary based on activity. For high exertion activities like snowshoeing, or skiing, a synth(fleece or primaloft depending on temp) jacket and 3 ply Goretex jacket go on top and my Moutain Hardwear Goretex Bib are on the bottom. For anything less active, heavy insulated Carhardt style bibs on the bottom and a Canada Goose (formerly Snow Goose) parka on top. In the real cold, your down will not get wet, especially if you air it out near the fire, something you cannot do with synths. There are no synthetics that I have seen that provide enough warmth for slow burn activities. If there is a synthetic filled parka out there that I've missed please let me know. I have been looking, because the heavy parkas are, well, heavy.
For sitting outside at -50, fleece just does not cut it. That said, I have to strip off the big parka if it warms up, or activity level goes up too much. But the other layers keep me warm enough then.

Boots, mitts and hat are just as important. Cotton or fleece liner gloves, and duffle lined beaver fur mitts are great, and a muskrat hat keeps the head warm. A Windstopper fleece hat/hood combo work well too, but limit hearing.
For the feet, smartwool socks and Sorels of Baffins. Buy good ones with some structure so you can walk around less encombered. I will try some sealskin mukluks, and some Lodden's this year as well.

Hope this helps.
Jim
 
I use Layers for short term or working when its 10 to about 0 then i will break out the one piece suit or my parkas for super duper cold.

t shirt and boxers
heavy weight long underwear
fleece layer
goretex layer

for feet i have wool socks and 1600 gram boots but thats really rare that i use it. mostly just some wool socks and my 400 gram red wings.

Today it got up to 50 so i havnt used long underwear all year, been reallly warm kinda odd.
 
Jim,
I think MEC probably makes some of the best product, dollar for dollar, anywhere. I've pretty much decided that when I by stuff and it's something MEC carries and fits me well, I'll be buying from them.
 
Wow Jim. NWT huh?

And I thought I had it rough trying to outfit my cold weather wardrobe here in northern South Carolina, and in the high country of North Carolina.

Conditions can get rough in the mountains, but 50 below....? Incredible.

I'm glad I don't have to try to heat my house in such conditions, or crawl into a sleeping bag with such a rating. Man, I'd have to get a bigger tent.

In fact for the past couple of weeks the jetstreams been far north of here in your parts, and I've been enjoying 65 degree afternoons. A fronts moved in this afternoon which may drop temps into the mid-20's tonight.

T-shirt weather for you, huh?

Send some snow down here if you don't mind. About a foot and a few days of freezing temps ought to do it. We're jonesin'.
 
Jim Craig said:
Yup, I agree. They also have some new merino wool stuff now too...
Click to expand...

I third that one.

I have Merino socks and like them coupled with a liner but haven't made the leap to other Merino wool products yet.

Of course Jim is dealing with a whole different league of cold than 99% of the rest of us.

Skam
 
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...older_id=2534374302698513&bmUID=1139146897033

This is one I found on MEC's site, but there are others in the paper catalog I could not find online.

Yup it sure can get pretty cold up here, and winter lasts into May and June, but it's not always that cold. We had a couple weeks of -40 to -50, but it was -7F today for a while. And it can even get colder, but after -35 or -40, it all feels the same.
The best part of the year here is March April and May, beacuse it gets warmer and sunnier, but the frozen ground keeps the snow around and the hunting and snowmobiling can really be enjoyed. Two or three months within 10 degrees +or- of freezing gives you a lot of time out on the land without the bugs.
 
Jim,

MY brother lived in High Level, Alberta for a few years and regularly carried a side arm in the bush in addition to a rifle and it was fairly common. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?
 
What are you guys wearing on your faces for protection in really cold stuff? I usually wear a balaclava then a toque. I then put on a neoprene mask covering my face totally with goggles on my eyes. If need be, my hood goes over this. I like the neoprene, but it does restrict breathing and also doesn't encourage hydrating very well. Any other ideas? This is what I've worn during winter climbs in New Hampshire, not going to work day to day, of course:) .
 
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