keeping warm - base layer, need advice

timandkimandshea

timandkimandshea

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Hi there
I am going to try to keep warm in the stand this year using base layering. I am going to spend some money and hopefully not freeze. I am interested in helpful advice, I am thinking Under armour cold gear? or Cabelas has their merino wool base layers on sale now. Should it be manmade under everything, then wool, then cotton, or fleece then outer wear? Or can I go with one type of base layer?
Thanks in advance
Tim
 
I found that the long johns and undershirts that Marks Warehouse sells do a very good job, cant remember the name but they come in a foil pouch.
 
A classic used commonly by BC fallers is Stanfield's wool long sleeves. They are becoming a lot more common in the oilpatch now as well. When it drops below -10, I start wearing mine. Keep in mind, they are real wool. Some people wear a long sleeve underneath to avoid the itchiness when they are new.

You can buy them at Marks. They are rugged and will last.. a friend has had his for 15 years.
 
Cone_Skid_Cone said:
A classic used commonly by BC fallers is Stanfield's wool long sleeves. They are becoming a lot more common in the oilpatch now as well. When it drops below -10, I start wearing mine. Keep in mind, they are real wool. Some people wear a long sleeve underneath to avoid the itchiness when they are new.

You can buy them at Marks. They are rugged and will last.. a friend has had his for 15 years.
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Yep, this is what I do. UnderArmour (the regular thin stuff, not the winter specific) underneath wool. Prefect combo, IMO
 
Stannys aren't base layers. They make a great insulating layer, though! Love mine.

For base layer, I use either merino or the cheap base layers made by "Joe Fresh" (SuperStore, $6 each and as good as "UnderArmour"). They both work equally well for me, to wick away the moisture and keep me warm.

The big difference is, merino doesn't stink after a couple days in the bush, but the synthetic stuff will start to get pretty ripe.
 
Stanfields Alpacor is my preference. I can't wear that synthetic stuff - gives me goosebumps.
 
Staying warm - aka - the 3 W's
Layer #1 is WICKING layer - something that wicks the perspiration off your skin. Dry skin is warm skin. Usually polypropylene or some other synthetic fabric that wicks moisture away from you.

Layer # 2 is WARMTH layer - something like wool that keeps you warm even when it is wet. There are lots of good choices here - my favourite is Ulfrotte merino wool garments - they do not itch - the only place I know that sells them is Angies Outdoor store in Barrie ONT - check out their website - there are likely other places that sell it as well - the heavyweight garment is VERY warm.

Layer # 3 is WIND layer - you need wind protection to stay warm. Most WATER resistant layers such as Gortex will also provide wind protection as well.

So good polypro underwear, followed by wool, followed by Gortex and you should be good to go.

I usually wear polypro underwear, Ulfrotte underwear over top, Red checked wool pants over that, with Gortex shell in my pack
 
OK thanks for the excellent replies. I think I will go with a cheap man made base layer, then merino wool, then warmth, ie track pants/hoodie then waterproof hunting bib and jacket.
T
 
Cotton's not the end of the world unless it starts to get moist, then it starts to suck really quickly. Last winter I switched to merino wool, but I still have my cotton Stanfield's as well. Whenever I'm wearing the cotton I just go light on my insulating layer. Colder in the long run, but the key is to avoid sweating. No sweat, and good outer layers to keep snow from getting in and melting, and it can work.

Merino is a lot easier to work with though. I've only tried the Icebreaker brand so far, and within 70 days of use I had worn holes in the crotch and socks. I'm perhaps going to try a different brand this year. Though, at the end of it I guess $120 a winter isn't too horrible. Far from the best in the world, but not too bad.
 
Stevebot-7 said:
Cotton's not the end of the world unless it starts to get moist, then it starts to suck really quickly. Last winter I switched to merino wool, but I still have my cotton Stanfield's as well. Whenever I'm wearing the cotton I just go light on my insulating layer. Colder in the long run, but the key is to avoid sweating. No sweat, and good outer layers to keep snow from getting in and melting, and it can work.

Merino is a lot easier to work with though. I've only tried the Icebreaker brand so far, and within 70 days of use I had worn holes in the crotch and socks. I'm perhaps going to try a different brand this year. Though, at the end of it I guess $120 a winter isn't too horrible. Far from the best in the world, but not too bad.
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when it is starting to be cold try woolpower or Ulfrotte you ll thank me ...
 
Go to Costco. They sell Made in Canada 100% Merino wool long sleeved shirts for $20. Start with that, then an insulating layer and a shell. They also have Merino blend long-johns for cheap... around $16 I think

For insulation, if you're very active you want something that breathes really well. If sedentary - like sitting a stand - this is less important.

I have both the rough wool Stanfield's shirt, and also a Helly Hanson navy-type sweater that is incredibly warm.
 
It ain't cheap, but if you want the best, icebreakers or IBEX merino wool 240 base layers with a fleece or wool midlayer and finally a nice arcteryx goretex outer shell.

You will be as warm as if you were wearing a snowmobile suit, but it will breathe like your wearing a cotton sweater.

If you get this gear, I guarantee you will be comfortable, warm, and dry.
 
Silverado said:
Go to Costco. They sell Made in Canada 100% Merino wool long sleeved shirts for $20. Start with that, then an insulating layer and a shell. They also have Merino blend long-johns for cheap... around $16 I think

For insulation, if you're very active you want something that breathes really well. If sedentary - like sitting a stand - this is less important.

I have both the rough wool Stanfield's shirt, and also a Helly Hanson navy-type sweater that is incredibly warm.
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Took the very words from my mouth, about the Costco deals on merino I mean. In their cold and damp days before central heating, ie, for at least the past 2014 years, Brits always used to wear wool against the skin, and there was and is a very sound reason for that.

I'd rather the Costco long johns were pure wool as well but you can't have it all starting out or there would be nothing left to aim for.
 
canadiansurvivor said:
It ain't cheap, but if you want the best, icebreakers or IBEX merino wool 240 base layers with a fleece or wool midlayer and finally a nice arcteryx goretex outer shell.

You will be as warm as if you were wearing a snowmobile suit, but it will breathe like your wearing a cotton sweater.

If you get this gear, I guarantee you will be comfortable, warm, and dry.
Click to expand...

You have indeed described the ultimate in under garments. The outer shell is less important as long as you have one.
 
canadiansurvivor said:
It ain't cheap, but if you want the best, icebreakers or IBEX merino wool 240 base layers with a fleece or wool midlayer and finally a nice arcteryx goretex outer shell.

You will be as warm as if you were wearing a snowmobile suit, but it will breathe like your wearing a cotton sweater.

If you get this gear, I guarantee you will be comfortable, warm, and dry.
Click to expand...

bet you never tried woolpower 400 ...

www.woolpower.se/en/products/mid-layer-garments/
 
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