Cold weather clothing....

[joelbert]

After camping this past weekend, I realized that I need to really step up my cold weather clothing. It wasn't that cold (30s-40s since I'm in GA). Rather than run out and get some stuff that may or may not work, thought I would seek some input here.

Stuff that you have that you really know works...

best thermal underwear
lounging around the camp fire
tent sleeping
gloves
hats

 

[jeep-N-montero]

It's all about layering, merino wool base layer with a lightweight down jacket works perfectly about 80% of the time. I actually hate thermal underwear since I tend to sleep hot. There are a lot of winter clothing threads on here that will go into great detail on the matter.

 

[wildorange]

Another vote for merino wool base layer, I've used mine for the last 2 years as I'm an all year motorcyclist.

For example, mines a Helly Hansen warm 3/4 zip and highly recommend it.

 

[cruiserpilot]

For sitting around at night, I take my daytime hiking boots that need to be dry inside off, pull the insoles/felts and get them into dry air. Wear something like a duck boot
or loose crocs helps feet to dry out and cool off. Loose jack shirt for around the fire, lightweight and not effected by flying sparks. Layers of course. Personally, don't like
fleece, don't own fleece. Still like my Stanfield longs underneath, no new technology is gonna beat them.

 

[NMC_EXP]

re: "base layer" (long johns)

Don't know your budget but if wool is going to bust it, consider USGI ECWCS. It is polyproplyene and comes in three warmth levels. This stuff is cheap compared to many other options. You can find it on Amazon sometimes as low as $5.00.

The stuff is warm, it dries very quickly. The downside is the static charge can have enough power to crank a diesel.

Cheap enough to have a couple of sets. Wear one and sleep in the other.

Here is one source but they can be found all over:

http://www.uscav.com/tru-spec-gen-iii-ecwcs-layer-1-lightweight-bottoms/

As to hats I mostly use a fleece stocking hat.

 

[Hilldweller]

Costco and Sams have good base layers at bargain prices at this time of year.
I have some Cabela's worsterlon shirts to go over that (synthetic wool). They were half price at the end of the season years ago, never show any wear at all.
If necessary, a wooly-pully over that.
Top layer is a Duluth Superior Jacket ---- down coats are great if you're not in the wet or beside a fire. They catch fire easily...
Any of the lined britches from Duluth work.

This will take you to zero degrees, all day comfort. We sleep in our long johns, wool hat, a couple of fleece blankets and a dog.

http://www.costco.com/32-Degrees-Me...t-Tee,-Heathered-Black.product.100278636.html
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/omni-wool-men-s-insulated-base-layer-crew-top/184213.ip
http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Hom...04780/Cabelas-Worsterlon174-II-Shirt/6696.uts
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43324?page=commando-sweater-crewneck
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/mens-fire-hose-superior-insulated-work-jacket-14009.aspx
http://www.duluthtrading.com/search...h_sid=&gndr=&p_origin=14009&processor=content

 

[joelbert]

Thanks for the input so far. re: merino and it's cost, I'd rather be broke than cold/miserable. Also, learned awhile back to buy quality gear and keep it for awhile vs wanting to upgrade.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

For sitting around at night, I take my daytime hiking boots that need to be dry inside off, pull the insoles/felts and get them into dry air. Wear something like a duck boot
or loose crocs helps feet to dry out and cool off. Loose jack shirt for around the fire, lightweight and not effected by flying sparks. Layers of course. Personally, don't like
fleece, don't own fleece. Still like my Stanfield longs underneath, no new technology is gonna beat them.

I have been phasing out fleece and polyester in favor of wools and cottons, less static and more resistant to abrasions and sparks.

 

[Joe917]

Merino wool.
Cotton is the death fabric. Avoid it.

 

[Hilldweller]

Thanks for the input so far. re: merino and it's cost, I'd rather be broke than cold/miserable. Also, learned awhile back to buy quality gear and keep it for awhile vs wanting to upgrade.

...the OmniWool from Sam's...
Have your cake and eat it too.
Comfy, warm, works in the wet.

 

[Choff]

Merino wool is the best, dressing in layers.
Keeping your feet dry is the way to the rest of your body to stay warm also.
When sking or hiking I am changing socks and use a thing poly sock as base layer and pime sock use a merino socks are the best.

 

[keezer37]

You just can't go wrong with wool. Temperature regulating and warm when wet.

I've tried Smartwool and Minus33 medium weight base layers and have settled on Minus33. Smartwool can be hit/miss with their products. Their medium weight is more slick than soft and tight in sizing. Minus33 is so completely comfortable and the sizing is perfect. They're good for two winters before they're feeling a bit thin.

Same deal with socks. Merino wool. Woolrich is a solid company. Good product, fair price, but a few quirks here and there with their products at times. No big deal. Big Woolly Crew. Devold makes good socks too. I'd try these Nansen socks. I have an older version that are thick, a bit difficult to get on and off, but wear extremely well. Great boot sock.

David Morgan also sells a comfortable possum beanie with a very comfortable fit. Good indoors and out. You won't overheat.

 

[perterra]

Merino wool.
Cotton is the death fabric. Avoid it.

I would say death fabric is geographically specific. The conquistadors in central America adopted the death fabric as fast as they could.

I do not recall a job site in 20 years where the hands were not wearing cotton Carhartt coats.

Merino is good stuff, but it's not the only way to stay warm.

 

[IdaSHO]

This thread is about cold weather clothing.

And yes, cotton is TERRIBLE with regards to cold weather clothing.

 

[perterra]

This thread is about cold weather clothing.

And yes, cotton is TERRIBLE with regards to cold weather clothing.

But cold weather can depend on a lot of things, whats cold in south Texas, aint cold in Nome. Less than ideal for sure, the death fabric seems a bit theatrical.