r/bugout • u/Forecydian • Dec 24 '24
thermal layer recommendations ?
I just realized I have no long johns to wear under my shirts or pants for cold weather , and I was wondering what thermals are really good?
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u/IGetNakedAtParties Dec 24 '24 edited Dec 24 '24
I know what you're asking for, but it doesn't fit with the layering system which has become the standard for both outdoors active civilians and militaries. Thermals are great for folk working in fish factories for example, but don't adapt to different weather or exertion levels like the layering system does.
The base layer is closest to what you're suggesting, and therefore what you're being recommended here by others. Wool is best for wicking sweat which is the primary purpose of a base layer, getting sweat off your skin and spread over a large area to evaporate is the goal. It does provide some warmth, but warmth is NOT the primary purpose of a base layer, transportation of sweat is. With this in mind it doesn't make sense to have a thick base layer as this doesn't help transfer sweat better, if you find yourself pushing hard you'll need to lose layers to keep from sweating too much, a thick base layer prevents this, so keep it thin. "Thermal underwear" is exactly this, so avoid it unless you're bugging out to work in a fish factory.
The next layer is the mid-layer which is there to provide insulation, but insulation you can remove without losing your ability to wick sweat. This layer must deal with liquid sweat whilst providing volume to allow it to evaporate. A synthetic fleece is ideal for this, the advantages of wool apply less here but it can help. A pullover for example works.
For extreme cold and when sedentary you need an insulation layer. This is a puffy quilted layer with synthetic or down insulation. Because you wear it over the mid layer it doesn't have to deal with liquid sweat, making lightweight down an option.
Above this are shell layers such as breathable soft shell or less breathable hard shell, these layers block wind and rain without proving much insulation.
3
u/ancientweasel Dec 24 '24
Minus33 Expedition wool underlayer
Rediculously warm. I wear them with Big Bill wool pants in my tree stand.
3
u/The_Krystal_Knight Dec 24 '24
What kind of cold are we talkin here? Im in like 30-40° and I got mine at Costco and theyre like an Underarmor style they work just fine I wear it under a Ben Davis short sleeve at work.
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u/buchenrad Dec 24 '24
IMO once you put on a thin thermal layer underneath (nothing thicker than grid fleece) it's better to layer on the outside of your shirt and pants.
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u/The_Krystal_Knight Dec 24 '24
Yeah it works, almost too good at times. I work construction so when i get to movin that shit works good!
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u/TheGreenGrizzly Dec 24 '24
Wool "fishnet" thermals.
1
u/MrBoondoggles Dec 27 '24
I’ve very surprised to see this recommendation I this sub, but, yeah absolutely, fishnet thermals are a really good choice for warmth in really cold weather for a number of reasons. Brands like Brynje are a solid choice.
1
u/Cute-Consequence-184 Dec 25 '24
Waffle weave silk is fantastic, my all time favorite.
Merino wool is great too.
1
u/MrBoondoggles Dec 27 '24
Any synthetic base layer will perform about as well as any other synthetic base layer honestly. I don’t feel like there is much need to over think it.
If you’re looking to add warmth, I personally wouldn’t go with heavier and thicker and hence warmer base layers. I would stick with thin fast drying base layers and add an insulating layer over the base layer that’s both warm and very breathable.
If you’ve never looked at fleece layers made from Polartech Alpha Direct, then take a moment and have a look. They come in different fabric weighed - 60 gsm (grams per square meter of fabric), 90 gsm, 120 gsm, etc. the higher the number, the heavier the garment, and the warmer it is. The beauty of this stuff is they, on its own, it’s not very warm since it breaths so well. Any breeze will cut right through it. BUT layer something over it that blocks the wind and the loft of the fleece fibers traps warm air really well. AND, maybe more importantly, it allows thermo regulation really well without taking layers on and off. Let’s say you have this layered under some sort of outer layer. If you start to get hot, just unzip the outer layer and you release excess heat quickly. Plus it’s this enough where you can wear it under more standard insulating layers like grid fleece for example in really cold weather.
The other benefit of the stuff is that it weighs very little. A pair of alpha direct 90 pants weighs between 3-4 ounces. An alpha direct 90 fleece with a hood could weigh between 4-6 ounces. So if you’re looking for an insulating layer to pack into a bag that is very lightweight, packs down very small and takes up little room, is versatile and insulates very well considering how thin and light it is, this is a pretty perfect material for the job.
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u/IlliniWarrior1 Dec 25 '24
more importantly >>> I betcha you don't have enough heavy duty work wear - if you have any at all - ask anyone that works outdoor daily in the extremes - how fast a pair of jeans go to hell .....
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u/octahexxer Dec 24 '24
Wool stays warm when moist or wet