Heavyweight Thermals

[Bluebasser86]

For those of you that need them, what kind are you using? I'm talking the ones for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and hunting in below freezing temps. I've got plenty of light and mid-weight thermals that do fine until the temps get down below freezing and I'm on the water, then the cold starts to creep in after a few hours.

[PourMyOwn]

Duofold, the heaviest you can buy. 

I live in NH, ice fish, snowmobile,  all that silly stuff. Been wearing Duofolds for 30 years.  

[Catt]

I prefer Goose down insulated bibs & a down insulated jacket.

 

They are easy to put on/off that way on the drive to & from the lake or when I stop at the cafe I not over dressed causing me to sweat.

[Fishin Dad]

I love heavy weight merino wool.  It is amazing.  Still Insulates when wet/damp, naturally antimicrobial (I can wear it for days without any stink), soft and comfortable.  It is expensive as heck, but I love it.  One of the 2 products I plunge for, the other is Gore-Tex.  

[A-Jay]

It's all about Layers @Bluebasser86

Especially if wind is a factor.

Base layer needs to be breathable & moisture wicking so if/when you're active, your sweat doesn't sit on your skin.

Second layer need to be insulating but still keep you warm as it absorbs what comes through the base layer.

I'll often wear a third layer if the conditions dictate.

All of this is under the top layer - your pants or Bibs and Jacket.

It can be very helpful when that outerlayer is a wind stopper product; including your hat.

Because if the wind is blasting through your layers, may not matter what they are, you'll feel cold.

And don't forget quality head, face coverings & at least two pairs of gloves; and if you can swing it Mittens are warmer.

I use both Under Armour & Columbia base layers, Fleece & Wool mid-layers and my outer jackets & bibbs are also Columbia Omni-Heat and  / Cabelas Guidewear.

Good Luck.

A-Jay

[Bird]

It truly is about layering. 

 

If I'm real serious I go with military grade polypropylene against the skin followed by fleece and topped off with authentic goose down.

Goose down being the warmest is quite expensive and special care is required. 

 

I've also found in northern treestands, it's critical to wear a quality toboggan and neck gator to reduce heat loss. 

 

One more important tip learned from a guide in Saskatchewan. 

PUT EVERYTHING ON.....don't wait til you cool down as it's easier to stay warm than to get warm.

[Catt]

1 hour ago, Bird said:

Goose down being the warmest is quite expensive and special care is required. 

 

Yes but they're a once in a lifetime purchase, bought mine from Duluth Trading some 35+ years ago.

 

I know I don't deal with temperatures anywhere near what y'all deal with but we deal with a lot of winds & humidity...lots of humidity.

[@reelChris]

These:

 

https://www.armysurplusworld.com/ecwcs-level-2-grid-fleece-thermal-bottom

 

Grid fleece, loose enough that, if you had to, you could wear tighter fitting polypro thermals under them, but snug enough that you wouldn't need to.  I've worn them sitting in a stand down to 5 degrees and they're great.  $20/pair is pretty easy to live with also.

 

While we're on the topic, I've found that if my hands are warm, the rest of my body is warm as well.  A couple of zippo hand warmers are great for keeping the hands warm:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Hand-Warmer-12-Hour-Chrome/dp/B013HLGTL2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3FWXIWR9TIJUF&dchild=1&keywords=zippo+hand+warmer&qid=1577996424&sprefix=zippo+han%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-4

 

Light them at the beginning of the day and they will stay hot for about 12 hours.  Seriously hot, as in, keep them in the provided bags or don't touch them without gloves on.  You will smell burning lighter fluid, but on the water that shouldn't matter.

[NHBull]

I have 4 different pair in the closet and these are the warmest.

I am in the mountains 100+ days a year.

https://www.davidmorgan.com/shop/product/1246/80-20-wool-union-suit/?utm_campaign=FRL_1300&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxrbwBRCoARIsABEc9shqQjyad92nvouA3-nQH-MLCxYaofLxQ7Hb5kIBxZxYHvIULaVxKz0aAruyEALw_wcB

[Dens228]

I have merino wool thermals in three different weights.   In my opinion merino wool is the best choice hands down.  They are comfortable and still retain warmth when wet. 

[Bluebasser86]

Thanks everyone. That gives me something to start with so I can hopefully find a nice pair of warm thermals so I can stop wearing 3-4 pairs of cheap ones and still getting cold.

[Wildbillb]

Wear your life jacket.  You won't be able to swim with all that on should the unfortunate happen.  

[Bluebasser86]

36 minutes ago, Wildbillb said:

Wear your life jacket.  You won't be able to swim with all that on should the unfortunate happen.  

Always do

[Fastbee]

Good info here...I asked a similar question in another post and have received similar info. Glad folks are willing to share their experiences as to what works!

[WRB]

About 30 years ago I bought Eddie Bauer silk thermal underwater shirt and pants for winter business trips to Maine, Vermont upper New York etc. I was surprised how thin silk could keep me comfortable in sub zero temps without dressing like the Michelin man.

Keeping dry and layering with wind proof outer clothing, warm shoes, gloves, hat and warm wool scarf to protect ears and face.

Tom

PS, Merino FreeDry mid layer men's pants are on sale at Eddie Bauer.

[rtwvumtneer6]

UA cold gear base crew is solid.  I prefer the 2.0, but they offer 3.0 and 4.0 based on temperature and activity level.  

 

Easy to layer, but not as snug as some of their compression fit stuff.  

[flyfisher]

heavyweight stuff is not what you want in super cold weather.  You want layers that trap air between the shell (wind blocking) and the moisture wicking layer against your skin.  It also provides the most flexibility should conditions change suddenly.