Base layer options

[Fastbee]

Looking for options/opinions on base layers for winter fishing.  I searched the forum and found several threads, but they were all more than a year old that came up.  I fish all year in eastern Tennessee, usually stay home if it's going to be below freezing all day.  I've struggled to keep comfortable in the winter without being very bulky (think insulated Carhartt duck coveralls).  There seems to be a staggering amount of options out there but would like some real world opinions instead of sketchy Amazon reviews.  I've had good success with Under Armour as a brand but have never used any of the base layers from them.  The Columbia stuff looks good too and I found many options with Merino wool (including Eddie Bauer Merino/poly hybrid).  I'd like to stay warm without feeling like the kid in the Christmas Story.  I think I'll wear jeans or fleece pants as well as a hoodie or fleece pullover over the base with my Huk rain suit as a top layer.  Thanks in advance for any advice!

[A-Jay]

 Being comfortable in the cold is all about Layers.

Especially if wind is a factor.

Base layer needs to be breathable & moisture wicking so if/when your 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 outer layer 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

[LionHeart]

I usually wear the base and mid layers that were issued to me in the military, then add a third layer that is a good wind breaker and has a hood (usually an old North Face shell).  My torso rarely gets cold unless its below 40 and fairly windy.

 

Maybe check out an Army surplus store if you have one in your area.  I will say, the cold weather gear the military issues is pretty excellent.  

[Oregon Native]

All good advice....my favorite piece of gear is the old North Face down vest...but it must be under other windproof clothing...it is awesome in keeping the core warm.  Number two I wear Nitrite gloves under other gloves if really cold.  Yes you sweat....yes it too keeps the wind off and helps huge.  Just started using this item as I'm getting more sensitive....stick on lower back and shoulder warmers.....amazing.  But yes ... follow the above in layering.

[johnmyers]

Check Kuiu or Sitka website. They make high end hunting clothes and some really good base layers and layering clothes. Duluth Trading also has some good ones

[Fastbee]

Thanks for the replies, all seem helpful.

 

A-Jay - Do you have a preference between Under Armour or Columbia?  Pros/cons to each?

LionHeart - There are a few surplus stores in my general area, I'll check them out.

Oregon Native - I've heard about the nitrile gloves, thanks for confirming they work.

johnmyers -I'll check them out, thanks.

 

Also, I've been looking at snow/ski bibs and jackets.  I used them in a previous job assignment when working outside.  They did a good job of keeping me warm and dry while working outdoors but my activity level was a little higher than while fishing.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Fastbee said:

Thanks for the replies, all seem helpful.

 

A-Jay - Do you have a preference between Under Armour or Columbia?  Pros/cons to each?

LionHeart - There are a few surplus stores in my general area, I'll check them out.

Oregon Native - I've heard about the nitrile gloves, thanks for confirming they work.

johnmyers -I'll check them out, thanks.

 

Also, I've been looking at snow/ski bibs and jackets.  I used them in a previous job assignment when working outside.  They did a good job of keeping me warm and dry while working outdoors but my activity level was a little higher than while fishing.

Yes.

Columbia Omni-heat base layer in my preference.  Comfortable & temperature tolerant, meaning keeps me warm and dry in the cold but when the day warms a bit, they are not too hot

Huge benefit. 

A-Jay 

[moguy1973]

Save your money, go with Academy Magellan brand or other store (Cabela's, BPS, etc) brand stuff.  So much cheaper than Columbia, North Face, and Under Armor and it's basically the same material and does the same job.

[Fastbee]

Moguy1973 - I don't know man, I've tried the cheap stuff and it either didn't work well or didn't last very long. Haven't bought any in a couple of years due to those experiences. Might take another look. 

[NHBull]

All good stuff mentioned above.

i was in a mountain and cold weather unit for years and can tell you that you need to be honest about how active you are going to be as that will dictate your base layer. If your not very active, a Marino wool blend will serve you better than a high tech base layer.  Superheating you’re core will also help your extremities stay warmer as your body prioritizes where the blood flows.  A good cover is also a big priority!

[webertime]

If you aren't considering Patagonia Capilene, One Lightweight and one mid weight, you are doing yourself a disservice.  I'm still rocking a lightweight that is 21 years old.  Super performance and unbelievable durability.  As stated before, Base Layer, thin fleece and a shell/down and you are golden.   (Vermonter that has worked in the Ski/outdoor industry for a long time).

[NHBull]

46 minutes ago, webertime said:

If you aren't considering Patagonia Capilene, One Lightweight and one mid weight, you are doing yourself a disservice.  I'm still rocking a lightweight that is 21 years old.  Super performance and unbelievable durability.  As stated before, Base Layer, thin fleece and a shell/down and you are golden.   (Vermonter that has worked in the Ski/outdoor industry for a long time).

I am on the Patagonia pro program and have all their gear.  Where they fall short of others is in the “no activity” area.  My wool base layers shine when I am standing on the mountain 100 days a year..I too am in the snow sports industry

[Fastbee]

Lionheart- Found some stuff at the military surplus store that I'm going to try.  Gen III ECWCS level 2. 

Might also see if I can find a good deal on the Columbia stuff A-Jay mentioned.  I looked at a couple "house brands" today as well and they just didn't seem the same as the military stuff.  Also looked at the Under Armour 3.0 at DSG...seems legit but I think I can do better than the $70 retail.  There are a couple of places near me that sell Patagonia that I'll hit up as well.

[flyfisher]

4 hours ago, webertime said:

If you aren't considering Patagonia Capilene, One Lightweight and one mid weight, you are doing yourself a disservice.  I'm still rocking a lightweight that is 21 years old.  Super performance and unbelievable durability.  As stated before, Base Layer, thin fleece and a shell/down and you are golden.   (Vermonter that has worked in the Ski/outdoor industry for a long time).

he speaks truth....I have capilene that is at least 15 years old and it still performs as well as day one.  I wore the midnight just yesterday actually..  

I prefer the silk weight as my next to skin layer over the lightweight myself.  

it is all about layering and trapping air. 

[NHBull]

17 hours ago, flyfisher said:

he speaks truth....I have capilene that is at least 15 years old and it still performs as well as day one.  I wore the midnight just yesterday actually..  

I prefer the silk weight as my next to skin layer over the lightweight myself.  

it is all about layering and trapping air. 

I wish they still made the silk weight.....mine have seen better days as I used to wear them year round 

[flyfisher]

5 hours ago, NHBull said:

I wish they still made the silk weight.....mine have seen better days as I used to wear them year round 

yeah they have changed up everything to air midweight and thermal weight now.  Silkweight was the best stuff out there for next to skin.

[Glenn]

I've tried BPS, Cabela's, Patagonia, Helly/Hanson, Under Armor, and Columbia brands.  They were suitable, but were either too binding, too bulky, or not warm enough.  Some of them wore out prematurely or started pilling after only a few washes.

 

Now I wear Simms base layers. They have 3 levels (light, mid, and extreme) for varying weather situations. Best of all, they're very comfortable and they work! Not bulky. Not binding. And have the appropriate warmth. Been wearing them for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with them.

 

And yup, they're not cheap either. But you're not thinking about how much you spent when you're warm and comfortable while in the elements.

[FishTank]

I have several and each has it's purpose.... for outdoor activity (hiking, jogging, etc.) I like the Patagonia Capilene, for a light layer I use the Ibex Woolies or an Icebreaker base layer 175, for cold days on the water I use a Smart Wool 250, and for extreme cold a Patagonia R1 (new style is awful by the way).   I have tried Under Armor's stuff but I didn't like the way it held moister if I did sweat.  It didn't wick it away like wool. 

 

If you want to go extreme with the layering, take a look at Icebreakers mid layers.  You can put down $200-300 pretty easy on a zip up.  I have looked but I have yet to cross that bridge due to the price.  The quality is outstanding though.

[NorthernBasser]

4 hours ago, Glenn said:

 

 

Now I wear Simms base layers. They have 3 levels (light, mid, and extreme) for varying weather situations. Best of all, they're very comfortable and they work! Not bulky. Not binding. And have the appropriate warmth. Been wearing them for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with them.

 

And yup, they're not cheap either. But you're not thinking about how much you spent when you're warm and comfortable while in the elements.

Do you have the ExStream Core Top by any chance? Looks real nice but I've been fighting with myself about spending $160 on it. However, I am a believer in you get what you pay for when it comes to certain products.

[Glenn]

Yup, I do have it.  It's nice to have something that keeps your face warm without "clinging" to it. It's definitely worth it.

[Fastbee]

Glenn - I might end up with some Simms stuff before it's over. I've got 3 or 4 different kinds on the way...synthetic and merino wool. Hopefully they will all be here midweek so I can evaluate and decide what to keep.  The hunters in/around me swear by the natural merino for tree stand hunting. Like I said, I've got some coming and will probably order some more before it's all over.  Thanks again for all the suggestions and advice!

[txchaser]

Mid-layer merino (smartwool, icebreaker, etc) is really good, and at least worth trying out. Some of the brands have lifetime warranty too.