base layer for cold weather

[Mike Way]

I am interested in your experiences with cold weather base layers not only for hiking (really just in camp at night) but watching football in Nov. and Dec. My Capilene 2 combined with sythetic long underwear isn't doing the job. Campmor has Terramar Thermawool shirt for $30 or a Patagonia Capilene 4 at $85. Any other suggestions?

[mark schofield]

I saw a thread like this a while back. One guy said these worked well.

http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/stor...lack_Thermals_

[George]

the base layer is more for wicking than warmth combine it with a insulating layer and an outer wind/water shell

[garlic08]

the base layer is more for wicking than warmth combine it with a insulating layer and an outer wind/water shell

Exactly. For sitting around, forget about the base layer and concentrate on the serious insulation. Also consider conductive heat loss, through your feet and butt--get good socks and a good insulated pad.

[babbage]

But it took me to a cotton blend underwear?? Is someone still wearing cotton in the winter? Ouch.

"These black thermal underwear are made of a poly/cotton circular knit."

But on a positive note - cotton makes a great fire starter.

[sarahgirl]

I'm a big fan of merino wool. Icebreaker is one line that uses merino wool. Best to find this stuff on sale in the off season. I recently bought a pair and tested them up north, kept me warm and dry the whole weekend. Got down to 16 degrees one of the nights, and supposedly they do a decent job at keeping the funk smell to a minimum.

[JimM]

I'm a big fan of merino wool. Icebreaker is one line that uses merino wool. Best to find this stuff on sale in the off season. I recently bought a pair and tested them up north, kept me warm and dry the whole weekend. Got down to 16 degrees one of the nights, and supposedly they do a decent job at keeping the funk smell to a minimum.

Another vote for merino wool. I was a reluctant convert because of the price but I found that I use it more than anything else once there is a chill in the air. I sometimes add heavy duo-fold bottoms as a 2nd layer in winter if I'm going to be sitting awhile.

[Jester2000]

I'm a big fan of merino wool. Icebreaker is one line that uses merino wool. Best to find this stuff on sale in the off season. I recently bought a pair and tested them up north, kept me warm and dry the whole weekend. Got down to 16 degrees one of the nights, and supposedly they do a decent job at keeping the funk smell to a minimum.

Minus 33 100% Merino Wool. Great base layer, or best base layer ever?

[bigcranky]

For stationary cold weather use, I like my Icebreaker 260-weight wool top. Expensive, and kinda heavy, though. I also like my microfleece zip tee that I got at the REI garage sale for less than $4. Lighter than the Icebreaker, and I think a little warmer. That's the one that goes hiking with me.

[sarahgirl]

I've got an icebreaker 320 hoodie...originally 180 ridiculous dollars, got it for 70. Am very happy with the purchase. I've used the patagonia capilenes, and they arent a bad little item either, but now I've fully converted to the merino side like jim put it. No going back now.

[mkmangold]

My vote's with bamboo.

[Peaks]

My base layer is always polypro. I've got several different brands. Then, I just layer up from there depending on the temperature and how hard I'm working.

[JoeHiker]

Craft Pro Zero base layers.

I've been using them for years

http://www.craft-usa.com/cra_shop_br...egory=12&sex=m

You might also look at their Pro-Warm line but I've not used those

http://www.craft-usa.com/cra_shop_br...egory=33&sex=m

[Mags]

Don't forget a good and appropriate hat!

For sitting around? A nice thick one. Moving? A thin one (I swap in a thick hat and a thin polypro balaclava I can roll up as appropriate)

Probably the most important piece of clothing to regulate your body temp IMO.

/it's snowing!
//came back from a run in the snow where I wore a light hat that is always stashed in the closet
///I have another potential job prospect
////..and other things putting me in a good mood
///// I'll shut up now

[garlic08]

////..and other things putting me in a good mood

Must be a woman (or two).

[takethisbread]

Warmth has not been an issue too often while hiking except head, feet and hands. I don't get too concerned with keeping warm, but rather not carrying or weari g stuff I will be taking off twenty minutes in. I use UA coldgear on top and that's it mostly, now at camp, I like to be prepared, I carry great wool unders and many layers. And spare socks. I am a little different but I hate being hot. I hiked in a driving chilly rainstorm on the trail last weeekend and I took off the raincoat ten minutes in and took off my shirt twenty minutes later. Cutaway my lower legs to my pants within an hour. I hiked 16 more miles, soaked, sure, and the next day I hiked a dozen more in wet boots, but it wasn't too bad.

[Mike Way]

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Thanks.