Question re Layers

[tshw1973]

I know the basic theories of layering clothes ie base, mid, top layers etc.

I would like to know what makes the best base / mid / top layers. This is mainly day to day wearing about the house and outside. When it gets cold around the house it becomes more relevant.

For example this is what I would wear on a day to day basis :-

Top - cotton tshirt / cotton shirt / micro fleece / medium fleece ( if really cold ) / waterproof ( if outside and raining )

Trousers - jeans / thermal cotton long johns ( if really cold )

Feet - cotton socks / slippers.

How can I improve what I wear to get warmer / more efficient ( apart from more layers ). I'm not after brand recommendations but what materials are best for different layers ?

[havoc]

a good set of thermals is a must in the winter especially if you are like me and ride a motorbike

[nickdutch]

I wear my thermal longjons and long sleeved vests indoors to keep my needs for heating the flat down to a minimum. On top of that, as much as I need. I have some very warm stuff which I can use if I am worried about the gas bill.

If you need two pairs of socks, then you need two pairs of socks.

[junmist]

Don't forget a hat or hoody you will be supprised at how warm you will become

[nickdutch]

Don't forget a hat or hoody you will be supprised at how warm you will become

Good point. But I also fund that long johns made me feel a lot warmer showing that you do lose a lot of bodily heat from your legs too. I guess all over protection is the best policy.

[elvengate]

Hiya,

I will throw in my 2p worth.

Layering is really important to cold weather survival. I had to learn this early in my Army career. As skinny as I was I had very little body fat content. There are some considerations to dressing for cold weather that get missed out.

1. Cover the head with something. You loose a huge amount of your core heat through you uncovered head. While your body may slow blood circulation to your extremities to conserve core temperature, it will keep up flow to your head. Thus if your head is uncovered you will loose a great deal of your core temp through it.

2. Breathability - Your body will always release moisture. If your layers cannot release that moisture you will find yourself getting colder as the layers become saturated by moisture. The key to layering is that the layers can be modified or removed in relation to your physical activity.

3. A self wicking type of material makes the best base layer. I loved my polypropylene thermals more than most things.

4. Wool is king - Not saying you have to have wool clothing. Yet a natural wool item in your second or outer layer can see you doing well. The reason is that wool is one of the few materials that does not loose it's insulating capability when it becomes wet.

5. Your outer layer when outdoors is a wet environment needs to be capable of releasing the moisture your body is releasing. Whether from vents in it or by being made of breathable material. Once again I fell in love with Goretex. When it first came out I bought an issue suit (not waiting until it was issued to me) and never regretted the huge cost of purchase.

And two other winter related items to mention.

1. Keep hydrated. Your body will be working hard to keep your core temp up and you are still loosing fluids. I can't count the amount of times I have had to pop an IV into a troop to get them hydrated again due to their mistaken belief that they did not need to drink as much water in the winter.

2. Keep well fed. Your body needs the sustenance to generate the heat that keeps you warm.

Thanks

Rob

[nickdutch]

Hiya,


2. Keep well fed. Your body needs the sustenance to generate the heat that keeps you warm.

Thanks

Rob

Also be well nourished, Carbs may provide long term slow release energy, but if you havent got the B vitamins and magnesium to help release the energy its pretty useless.

[junmist]

Don't forget a hat or hoody you will be supprised at how warm you will become

Forgot to mention this tip from my building friends don't forget your wifes tights under your long johns. I would imagin that your Mothers Sisters or Girlfriends tights would do just as well if you haven't got a wife

[(pete)]

If I still lived at home I think I would feel a little odd putting mums tights on however buying some would be fine

[tshw1973]

Ok so ideally-

High wicking base layer ( polypropylene / mohair )

Warm outer layer that stays warm if wet ( wool / fleece )

Breathable waterproof layer.

What about midlayer? What's the best / most efficient material for shirts or is a micro fleece top preferable?