base layer

[marten]

hi guys just thinking I should up date my base layer and with all the new kinds hoping you can help what do you guys use?? want hy wt kind thanks marten

[Trout4evah]

I use polypropylene on really cold days. mine are more of the military surplus style.. cant remember the brand of the top of my head. they are extremely warm though!

[TheCrappieFisherman]

Cabelas has some good stuff, ECWCS is spendy but nice, can find it for half off. MTP is a little cheaper, the polar is thick! UnderArmor is well regarded also.

[hardwater diehard]

Terramar ..reasonably priced

[Frankr]

That base layer is more to transport water off your skin than to insulate. You don't want cotton, which absorbs water and keeps it right on your skin. I've had good luck with thin synthetics, particularly polypropylene.

Frankr

[caught_the_fever]

I like to use a combination of Under Armour Cold Gear (3.0 or 4.0) as my primary base with a light, loose fitting Techwick shirt from EMS.  I've found that additional wicking layer makes a difference for me as we typically travel on foot - though I never put my jacket on during the walk out to our spots, I find myself still sweating on occasion when pulling the Jiffy 3HP, jack traps, etc, etc.  Though the UA insulates and wicks, another wicking fabric provides a noticeable improvement.     

[mrbean1025]

I use polypropylene on really cold days. mine are more of the military surplus style.. cant remember the brand of the top of my head. they are extremely warm though!

Polartec held the contract at one point.  Not sure if they still do but they are great. 

[gamefisher]

Silk.

[9huskies]

In many winters of working at ski resorts I have tried almost every base layer made in the last 40 years. My favorite is Pategonia Capilene Lightweight. It's a treated polyester. There are heavy and mid weight versions with more insulation but I get my insulation from the mid layer. At $50 for a top or bottom Capilene is expensive. There are other brands with what appears to be the same material and I buy their tops to save money. I stick with Pategonia for the bottoms because they fit better.  Polypropylene is warmer but it is scratchy and less comfortable. Cotton has more insulating value when it's dry but will suck the heat from your body if it's wet. Wool and silk will keep you warm but I want something I can put in the washer and dryer. The newest thing in base layers is made from bamboo fibers. I have one t-shirt and can vouch for it's comfort and moisture wicking in hot weather but I have not tried any bamboo winter base layer.

[PIKE FISHERMAN]

I follow the rule, Cotton Kills. I don't use one stitch of cotton in any article of clothing for hunting, fishing, or snowmobiling. I like polypropylene, have used it for years. Im sure there's something better on the market now. I use the 3 layer method. Base layer, Insulating layer, then my Shell.

[csiacd78]

I got a Union Suit from Beans last year. Not sure on the material,  but I love it. Takes some getting used to if your going to be in it for long periods of time!

[Chris338378]

I have used the L.L. Bean or Duo-Fold double layer long johns that have the cotton wool blend.

[smitty]

Silk.

X2

[lion]

Giant fan of the UA Base Layers.  There number system makes it really easy to really dress for the weather.  I have 1.0 all the way up to 3.0 and I use them all throughout the winter.  Pretty pricey, but you are lucky enough to stumble onto a sale, I would stock up.  I went into Indian Hill a few years ago and they had a 50% rack of nothing but UA Base Layers and my wife and I got all we needed!

[bearnoob]

I never bought into the thick base layer trend because I tend to overheat easily. I use a thin set of Merino wool long johns I got from Costco about 4 years ago. I think the  brand is called paradox. Those plus a fleece sweatshirt and my parka are plenty of warmth for me, and if it is just me out I leave the shelter and sit on a bucket down to about -11. Even at those temps my feet and hands are the problems while the rest of me is toasty.

[joefishmore]

I have used the L.L. Bean or Duo-Fold double layer long johns that have the cotton wool blend.

dUOFOLD is not available at Beans anymore and the cheap replacement is poorly sewn and chaffes.
The duofold was my favorite because I can't tolerate wool next to my skin.
The synthetic products are made from petroleum products and the fibers aren't hollow so don't retain a lot of heat.
The claim is they "wick" but that is fake and I don't believe it for a second

[troutaddict33]

Smartwool base layers was the best $150 I ever spent. Wicks moisture better than any Under Armour or similar products I've owned and being wool, it will keep you warm even when wet! Love it

[TroutWorm]

Cooldproof long long Wally world cheep and sweat pants walk world cheep and Carhartt artic bibs not cheep but worth it and that's all you need. Get guide gear snowmobile boots cheep they have liners to that come with it, good to put them in any other boots to

[Eskimo6120]

UnderArmour, Spyder, etc. Look into clothes in the skiing/snowboarding section. Plenty of options to be had

[9huskies]

Whether you choose polyester, polypropylene, wool or something else, don't let price limit your choices. The expensive brands are worth it if they keep you more comfortable in worse conditions.