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Long underwear talk if you're not embarrassed

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PINETREE

12/09/2011 04:09PM

Is there a brand you prefer, and material? It used to be all cotton underwear and when it got wet it stayed wet and did not dry. Polypropylene-nylon came along and has great wicking qualities and some blends with fleece etc. are warm. Now I see Marino wool blends etc. sound like the in-thing. It is really getting pushed. Wool is good but never got into wearing any wool product. Anybody like Arctic armor brand (its expensive) or do you have a good moisture wicking and insulating long underwear you would recommend? In the winter layering is everything.

Note: I was never one to wear long underwear union suits with trap door openings. (We just did not get along).

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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bhouse46

12/09/2011 04:37PM

I picked up an expensive Hind running suit with nylon, spandex and gortex about ten years ago. It fits to the skin, wicks, is slick on the outside so jeans and other things slide rather than bind. I have used it every winter and it still is very serviceable. Layers.

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izzy

12/09/2011 04:56PM

I like the Merino wool stuff and polypro. Watch for stuff on sale. The polypro is warm , wicks , and dries fast. And cheaper than years ago. A Merino wool blend is great when you can find it on sale.

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mocha

12/09/2011 05:13PM

UA cold gear style mock turtleneck and pants as base layer.
then i add either fleece lined snow pants, or wool bibs.

for our late sept/oct canoe trips i wear the pants every day with either my rain pants or quick dry pants.

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mjmkjun

12/09/2011 05:46PM

Uncanny that you posted this topic. Just recieved an ORVIS catalog today. A cotton union suit with a speck of spandex is listed for $149.00. Is that not ridiculous. Just a plain ole red union suit!

I do own 3 prs. of the boxers and 2 prs. of long leggers of the hi tech material and can definitely make the difference when I'm outside in very cold temps. The boxer style is what I'm wearing when I go camping as they breath well and discourage bacteria growth. (i.e: don't stink, dry quick.)

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whiteh20

12/09/2011 06:45PM

Patagonia capeline for the last 20 years or so unil I bought some filson merino wool. WOW! huge difference! Merino wool is the stuff. I found it more comfortable and warmer than the capeline. Not sure if brands of Merino wool matter but it is some good stuff. Slowing replacing my old, smelly capeline with wool.

"With an ax, you can build a life. With a stove, you can boil water. That is if nothing breaks and you don't run out of fuel." -Samuel Hearne

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maxxbhp

12/09/2011 07:29PM

I like silk (go ahead, I can take it)

"Old Nashville still has a song and dance, and the Florida girls still wear no underpants. And we all get drunk at the football game, yeh the new south, thank God is still the same" Hank Williams, jr

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fitgers1

12/09/2011 07:51PM

Once in a while I get a hair up my butt and I wear my old cotton waffle long johns. It's nice to wear once in a while on a cool day to keep in touch with the past. Not sure if that's why I wear it or not.
Then, on real cold days and days that I am active I wear various poly pro stuff. I have some REI, North Face and Cabelas branded stuff. Various types from mock turtles, turtles, zip ups. A bunch. I also have some from about 15 years ago that I bought of the Duo Fold brand. The stuff still works great. Pretty sure all the non cotton stuff is wicking. Always layer over tha with some wool and or fleece.
I love Merino wool though and will wear nothing but merino wool socks when out and about. Have a couple sweaters of merino as well.
Several people I know rave about the smart wool. I haven't worn it.
Any thoughts out there on the smart wool?

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson...and...“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".

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awbrown

12/09/2011 08:10PM

Merino wool blend from Sweden. Top and bottom together was around $120.00 Very warm, very comfortable, wicks well, and after 2 weeks in the bush, they don't stink!!

Keep the open side up

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drnatus

12/09/2011 08:28PM

I hate to admit this, but I bought the medium weight tops and bottoms of smart wool. Boy do I love those. I have not felt too hot or to cold. No itch, feels great up against the skin. Wish I had several of the tops.

Very expensive. $140 for the top and bottom. Still feel a little guilty. Would I do it again?.....yes.

Will be using them this weekend. Supposed to have a low of 16 F.

Never criticize someone until you walk a mile in their shoes....by then you'll be a mile away and they will be shoeless!

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jrlatt

12/09/2011 08:33PM

I have an old pair of Durofold Merino wool blend. They are light and comfortable. I currently have them on. For going outside in the cold wheather. I have the old heavy weight military stlye Poly Pro, that are fleece lined. The cost factor is the main reason. Yes, I still put on a pair of cotton.

Jrlatt

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overthehill

12/09/2011 08:46PM

poly to capilene to merino wool (on clearance) Smell much better too!

Not to Hurry-Not to Worry

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JoeWilderness

12/09/2011 10:32PM

I too have gone from poly to merino wool. I do not feel chilled anymore. I even wore a very light weight wool top in 70-80 degree temps this summer and was comfortable.

"You only have one chance at life, so make it an adventure!"

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PINETREE

12/09/2011 10:39PM

Sounds like Merino wool is the new in thing again,but I am itching thinking about it. Like good down sleeping bags it seems like synthetics still can not beat the natural. Isn't most of the new Merino underwear now usually a mix with synthetics,thereby getting the best of both worlds. Anybody want to model their long johns for us?

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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mc2mens

12/09/2011 10:41PM

merino wool

"Big fish eat little fish."

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Merganser

12/09/2011 11:33PM

quote whiteh20: "Patagonia capeline for the last 20 years or so unil I bought some filson merino wool. WOW! huge difference! Merino wool is the stuff. I found it more comfortable and warmer than the capeline. Not sure if brands of Merino wool matter but it is some good stuff. Slowing replacing my old, smelly capeline with wool."

+1 on that... I have replaced my cap with merino and I'm not looking back.

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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luft

12/10/2011 12:38AM

quote PINETREE: "\ Anybody want to model their long johns for us? "

If you look closely in my profile pic, I am modeling my long underwear. I have two pairs on because it was late October.

Base layer: smart wool leggings and smart wool long sleeve top
Second layer: fleece leggings and another wool long sleeve top

Missing layers not being worn in the photo: Fleece jacket/wind pants/wind jacket/down jacket for nighttime temperature dips.

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tony

12/10/2011 01:24AM

Slowly changing over to merino wool under layers. That stuff is just great. Wool boxers, long johns and 1/4 zip tops, and of course socks. Do your self a favor and check it out. Course you have to hit the sales.

tony

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Unas10

12/10/2011 05:48AM

It depends on what I am doing outside. For my job I stick with the old waffle weave cotton. I tried some of the merino and the cotton kept me warmer. If I am in a situation at work where getting wet is an issue I can't do my job anyhow so I go home to a warm house.

Running is different. I know I will be working up a good sweat so I wear some polypro next to the skin with a wind pant over top.

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TomT

12/10/2011 07:50AM

I bought a lightweight pair of Patagonia capilene bottoms (on sale)last summer and they will do just fine for the next 10 years or so.

The time to buy long underwear and base layer clothes is spring. REI always has a winter closeout/blemish sale to its members in mid winter too. It's a great time to stock up on quality stuff.

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bapabear

12/10/2011 09:26AM

Can't beat the price on this!

May waters rise to meet you. May wind and current be always at your back. May the Good Lord paddle with you, And may yours be the lightest pack.

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fitgers1

12/10/2011 10:49AM

Someone above mentioned hats. I bought a Stormy Kromer Rancher a month or two ago. Best hat ever! I'll never go back from it. It is wool and thinsulate insulated. Bonus! Made in America!
also, I noticed a couple months ago that fleet farm carries a pollyprop wicking long underwear that is also made in America. I don't recall the price but I recall it was a good deal.

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PINETREE

12/10/2011 12:39PM

We should all buy at least one gift for Christmas that is made in this Country.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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jackson

12/13/2011 02:23PM

+1 on the union suit.

no, I'm not joking...

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?feat=2-SR0

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Savage Voyageur

12/13/2011 03:46PM

I went to Under Armor and really like it. I have many shirts and long johns. I use them for work and play.

"So many lakes, so little time."

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PINETREE

12/13/2011 05:17PM

Very very good info.Sorry its not active,maybe the computer wizards could make it more conveniant.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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butthead

12/13/2011 05:57PM

quote PINETREE: "Very very good info.Sorry its not active,maybe the computer wizards could make it more conveniant.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html"

Here ya go PINETREE

butthead

“There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life.” ? Frank Zappa

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PINETREE

12/13/2011 06:01PM

Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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ripple

12/13/2011 08:46PM

Silk+Patagonia Capilene + thin fleece+NorthFace Apex+Thin Down Jacket= INVINCIBLE!

... to any version of cold weather. With many many versions of combos to adjust to a comfortable temperature. Very colorful too!!

Ripple in still water....

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maxxbhp

12/13/2011 09:23PM

quote bapabear: "Can't beat the price on this!

" "Form Fitting", that's pretty funny

"Old Nashville still has a song and dance, and the Florida girls still wear no underpants. And we all get drunk at the football game, yeh the new south, thank God is still the same" Hank Williams, jr

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maxxbhp

12/13/2011 09:25PM

quote PINETREE: "Thank you. Somebody at this site always comes to the rescue." Butthead Rules

"Old Nashville still has a song and dance, and the Florida girls still wear no underpants. And we all get drunk at the football game, yeh the new south, thank God is still the same" Hank Williams, jr

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Newbster

12/14/2011 02:03PM

I have a pair of the old union suit long johns that I still wear wants in awhile. But I prefer my Under Armor even though its skin tight I feel like one of those fruit loops in the Nut Cracker play.

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forestmaven

12/14/2011 02:45PM

I still use 20+ year old Thermax underwear tops and bottoms. The longevity is hard to beat but wool, silk, and even cotton are more comfortable under dry conditions.

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qimikandtim

12/21/2011 07:18PM

i have a few old devold woll net undershirts. over that goes merino underwear and then the cotton outer gear. if it's under -15c, then i use another merino layer. if it' colder than -25, then i'll use lanula knitted underwear. it is the warmest there is, but it's not merino, so you have to wash it by hand and either add spoon of olive oil or use the lanula soap, otherwise it's a bit itchy. i would dream of having anything other than wool next to my skin in the cold.

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PINETREE

12/21/2011 08:27PM

Now I got to go figure what lanula is,without looking it has to be some type of wool?

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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luft

12/21/2011 11:12PM

Maybe it is lanolin soap? Lanolin in wool makes it softer and more waterproof. You can add lanolin to wool products to increase these properties.

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Scout64

12/22/2011 05:19PM

silk.

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

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TallMatt

12/22/2011 07:58PM

Minus33 makes a great and affordable line of merino wool products. They do have tall sizes, too, although the color selection is pretty limited in that arena.

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jwartman59

12/23/2011 12:29AM

i have a doufold thermosomething under wear shirt that has always worked really well for me. it's is my goto for skiing, plus it doesn't stink. i just washed it, it was white, in hot water with a brand new red towel. i now have a pink long under wear shirt.

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dsk

12/24/2011 04:48AM

Hi
I have had several makes, and to different cost, this is not the most expensive, but definitely the best make I have tried.
Aclima

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

dsk

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PINETREE

12/24/2011 08:52AM

I got me a pair of icebreaker brand merino long underwear. Now the next step is to wear it for a product test and review.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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rlhedlund

01/17/2012 08:16PM

Patagonia merino lightweight version. Half price was still expensive. Best I've ever owned.

Life is good, living is better. Everlasting Life is Best! Pray for Us Amok.

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PINETREE

01/17/2012 09:02PM

Well the weather tonight says I can finally put the long johns on.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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keth0601

01/18/2012 07:29AM

I got a pair of polypro long underwear and the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry about 5 years ago. At the time they advertised it for use under the heavy shooting gear that we had to wear as precision shooters. (stiff, heavy leather/canvas jackets and pants, gloves, etc.) In 90 degree summer weather it can get very uncomfortable under all that gear.

Anyways, they advertised it as "wonder wear" not sure if that's how it was spelled. The tags are worn off now. They cost about half as much as the under armor and they have nice padding in the knees and butt. These are now my favorite thing to wear while paddling (when the weather is cool enough). The padded butt is awesome for wearing around camp too. :)

I wish I could find a place that sells them again but as of yet I haven't...

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PINETREE

02/27/2012 07:11PM

Well I got some icebreaker Merino wool long underwear and I love it. You don't even know its wool and does not stink after a short time like polypropylene does.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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outdooraddict

02/27/2012 08:01PM

i just have a top and bottom mid weight made by rocky. this will be the first year in bwca with them. worked very well during hunting.

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wifishncanoe

02/27/2012 09:40PM

I like anything that is wool and comfortable to the skin. But because it is expensive I wait until I can find it on clearance or big time sale. Just found two cashmere sweaters at a second hand shop today for $5 a piece. They will be perfect for a second layer over my base layers. Should also be perfect for paddling over a wide range of temps. Plus very light and pack up small. If I find anything cashmere or merino on big time sale I pick it up. My wife wanted me to make her a scarf out of the sweaters I picked up today because they are so soft.

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shsylvester

02/28/2012 07:09AM

quote wifishncanoe: "I like anything that is wool and comfortable to the skin. But because it is expensive I wait until I can find it on clearance or big time sale. Just found two cashmere sweaters at a second hand shop today for $5 a piece. They will be perfect for a second layer over my base layers. Should also be perfect for paddling over a wide range of temps. Plus very light and pack up small. If I find anything cashmere or merino on big time sale I pick it up. My wife wanted me to make her a scarf out of the sweaters I picked up today because they are so soft."

For a third layer I would suggest a tweed jacket with patches on the elbows.

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wifishncanoe

02/29/2012 09:44PM

That jacket would go perfect with my corn cob pipe and corduroy pants.

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Chilly

03/01/2012 01:03PM

quote jackson: "+1 on the union suit.

no, I'm not joking...

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?feat=2-SR0 "

I also rock a red union suit! They are really nice on cold or buggy trips to the thunder box.

"Now days these kids take out everything: radar, sonar, electric toothbrushs" Quint

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PINETREE

03/01/2012 05:33PM

If your going to go Union suit it should be red.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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TrekScouter

03/02/2012 08:28AM

My order from Patagonia arrived yesterday...top and bottom in Capilene 4. Very warm! I'm looking forward to giving them a try.

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - George Orwell

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mpeebles

03/02/2012 09:56PM

I bought some "Wickers" pp from Fleet Farm a few years ago and really like them. I use them as a base layer for hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc. Huge difference from cotton. Made in USA and reasonably priced.

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Beaverjack

03/03/2012 10:06AM

quote awbrown: "Merino wool blend from Sweden. Top and bottom together was around $120.00 Very warm, very comfortable, wicks well, and after 2 weeks in the bush, they don't stink!!"

ABSOLUTELY! I've tried 'em all. Duel layers, poly blends, thermo weaves, all of it. Capilene gets used around town, but the only thing I use when in serious outdoor situations is the merino woolies. By far the most flexible and comfortable.

Tony

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