warm preformance clothing?

R

RANDY10

The cold is here again and i'm looking for better clothing this year. What is the thinnest warmest clothing a climber can get away with? brand name base layers would help!? Thanks
 
Best cold weather layering clothes I've found are made of 100% merino wool. Minus 33 bottoms and tops is a brand I've had the best luck with in terms of fit and durability. They also offer a number of weights. I have the light and medium weight bottoms and all weights of tops. Darn Tough merino wool socks are tops. I'd love to hear from anyone and everyone concerning gloves. Best option I've found is Pfanner ice grip changing often as they get wet. I've got a jacket from Black Diamond that has been reliable for the 4-5 years I've had it, though the zipper may not last through this season.
 
I'm sure that you're familiar with proper winter clothing.

Here's an article I wrote a while ago:

http://www.treebuzz.com/pdf/coldweather.pdf


A few weeks ago I bought a couple of zip tees from Costco that only cost about $20. they're performing well. The sleeves are long which is good since I have long arms.

UnderArmor has made a lot of money by having a great marketing campaign. The same performance can be had by spending a LOT less.

To me, the most important layer is the next to skin wicking layer. In order to stay dry, which means warm, sweat needs to be pulled off the skin and moved up to the next layer...wicking. Find clothes that fit like a second skin but have stretch to them.

Costco also had a hard shell jacket for $27. I wasn't expecting a lot but I'll tell you, it is working! Its windproof which is a real benefit. I haven't tested it in rain yet. The only times I;ve had it on it hasn't rained, more sort of misted.
 
Cotton T shirt then this
http://www.stanfields.com/heavy-weight-wool-henley.html
Reg wears this shirt so its gotta be good.

Or this
http://www.stanfields.com/men/superwash-wool-long-sleeve-shirt.html
As good as any merino but cheaper.

Or this
http://www.patagonia.com/ca/product/mens-synchilla-snap-t-fleece-pullover?p=25450-0
I got mine on sale for $27 ten years ago and it's still in good shape.
Judging from the designs this year you should get one cheap in the spring.

Canvas coat over

For a hat I wear this.
http://www.mec.ca/product/5038-913/outdoor-research-wind-warrior-hat-unisex/?h=10 50089 50020 50114&f=10 50089 50116

Wind stopper fleece. Made to go under helmets.

I invest in quality clothing and it usually lasts. Anything by Patagonia is going to be great.
 
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Oh yeah... and a Mountain Hardware windstopper vest. Crap from Walmart and Costco won't hold up. But to each his own. You get what you pay for... mostly. When sweating through cheep fibers in 10 degree weather cost doesn't enter into my mind.
 
Randy, stay away from cotton, especially as a base layer! Tom's article is very useful, there is one I put in TCI mag last year that you can check out too. you will find that the more you work at maintaining an optimum temp. the more comfortable you will be. you will learn to manage your temp through the use of layers. I also don't hesitate to spend good money on expensive clothing, but never pass up a good deal at the thrift shop either!
I roll around with lots of extra clothes, just in case.
oh, and chainsaw protective pants are awesome in the winter, just be sure to get a pair that allows for mobility, like the viltom or pfanner arborist pants!
 
For me the most important part is my face mask. I have a really nice one that was like $50 and is made for cyclists. It can be worn over the whole head or just over the face and neck. It doesn't get wet at all from me breathing into it for hours and is lined with fleece. Even in zero degree weather its kept me really warm. I also use the synthetic underarmor type baselayer followed by a flannel, a hoody, and if it's windy or cold a northface rain coat that can be cinched at the wrists and waste. The hardest parts for me to keep warm are my feet. Wescos seem to not be heavily insulated like the Chippewas I had last year but 2 pairs of wool socks seem to be working. I also used to use the brand Smart Wool for my base layers when I was a cyclist.
 
During my years working and playing in sub-zero weather I've bought clothing ranging from Marmot to no-name thrift store. I wish I could name drop but a lot of my winter clothes were made by a company that isn't in business anymore. Perigee made great clothing and they had functional designs. Unfortunately they couldn't crack a place in the market.

Knowing more about the materials than the label has paid off. There are shirts in my closet that have been worn so much that the nylon 'netting' that the fleece is woven to is showing. The shirts still perform and haven't fallen apart.

After the wicking layer the next most important is the shell. Finding a hardshell jacket will keep you comfy. Wind proof and water repellant...some claim waterproof but I'm suspicious. Be sure to have good ventilation to let out the sweaty air before it condenses and dampens your insulation layers.
 
Most important for me is my boots and gloves ..any good winter performance climbing boots recommended as all around climbing boots?..Asolos now I don't think warm enough for damp 30 degrees and below ..Had Meindls previously which were pretty good for pruning boot , but lost support on spurs quickly. Always warm though! I like poly or and wool blend base layers followed by something like Sip rain jacket from treestuff outer shell ..have husqvana forestry jacket now its ok ..not uberwaterproof though!
 
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I wrote that ass backwards like usual ..I'm interested to know about the SIP as well..I have the functional forestry jacket from huaqvarna now .
 
I have about 6-7 pairs of these. A mentor suggested one piecers about 15 years ago. Never used anything else in 15 years for my base. They go on mid- November, come off March. A couple of the existing inventory are 12-14 years old. Thin - but still effective. The one piece protects the body when climbing rigors untuck or lift the outer layers. No cold connecting links on the bare belly.

http://www.stanfields.com/men/two-layer-wool-blend-combination.html

image.webp
 
Mangoes said:
I have about 6-7 pairs of these. A mentor suggested one piecers about 15 years ago. Never used anything else in 15 years for my base. They go on mid- November, come off March. A couple of the existing inventory are 12-14 years old. Thin - but still effective. The one piece protects the body when climbing rigors untuck or lift the outer layers. No cold connecting links on the bare belly.

http://www.stanfields.com/men/two-layer-wool-blend-combination.html

View attachment 28691
Click to expand...
Damn mangoes those are sweet ..do they open up in the rear to hit the outhouse?
 
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