We’ve all hiked enough and should have our cool/cold weather clothing system figured out but this is the time of year that I evaluate what I’m wearing and think about what’s working and what isn’t.
I’ve only added one item in the past few years…a pair of merino wool glove liners, but like to hear about new stuff on the market. One fabric I’ve read about is alpha direct fleece, a polartec fleece that supposedly keeps you warm while active but is terrible in the wind. A particular problem of mine is controlling sweat while hiking so this sounds interesting but the wind factor would require another piece of clothing. It’s expensive so I’ve thought about buying some fabric and doing a diy project.
The past year, one of my favorite layering is a long sleeve tech tee, a basic light or midweight fleece jacket, and my rain jacket. For me, the rain jacket is the secret ingredient to staying warm in shoulder season and I’m thinking about buying one a few sizes too big as I can’t zip my current one when it’s layered.
Where I really need an upgrade is on my lower half. My legs just don’t stay warm enough. I don’t like the restriction of wearing a base layer under pants so I’m looking at fleece-lined leggings but wonder if they will retain too much moisture from sweat.
Admittedly, all of these high tech and high cost fabrics with ridiculous names and claims of superiority do tend to interest me. Maybe I’m gullible…lately it seems they all claim the same thing so it makes one wonder.
Anyway, tips or sharing your favorite cold weather clothes is appreciated. My goal is always to be as lightweight as is comfortable and my gear to be multiuse.
I’ve only added one item in the past few years…a pair of merino wool glove liners, but like to hear about new stuff on the market. One fabric I’ve read about is alpha direct fleece, a polartec fleece that supposedly keeps you warm while active but is terrible in the wind. A particular problem of mine is controlling sweat while hiking so this sounds interesting but the wind factor would require another piece of clothing. It’s expensive so I’ve thought about buying some fabric and doing a diy project.
The past year, one of my favorite layering is a long sleeve tech tee, a basic light or midweight fleece jacket, and my rain jacket. For me, the rain jacket is the secret ingredient to staying warm in shoulder season and I’m thinking about buying one a few sizes too big as I can’t zip my current one when it’s layered.
Where I really need an upgrade is on my lower half. My legs just don’t stay warm enough. I don’t like the restriction of wearing a base layer under pants so I’m looking at fleece-lined leggings but wonder if they will retain too much moisture from sweat.
Admittedly, all of these high tech and high cost fabrics with ridiculous names and claims of superiority do tend to interest me. Maybe I’m gullible…lately it seems they all claim the same thing so it makes one wonder.
Anyway, tips or sharing your favorite cold weather clothes is appreciated. My goal is always to be as lightweight as is comfortable and my gear to be multiuse.
Lost in the right direction.