Under layers

[Rippinlip]

Seems like all my trusty long johns just are not doing the tricks anymore.

Maybe I am just getting older or being a baby about being cold, but I can't seem to buy the good stuff to keep me warm.

I have been looking at Under Armour and Protech.

Any other suggestions?

[NAMASafetyDirector]

I've got a couple different types of the base layers from Cab--elas. Little cheaper than the UA stuff but it works. There's quite a few different brands out there of layering systems, just have to hunt around to dial in to your budget.

[dfeste]

The most important thing I look for in a base layer is that it contains zero percent cotton. I am a little too cheap to throw the money at the UA gear but I'm sure it works great. You can find the stuff at Wally World as well as all the outdoor sporting goods stores and there are tons of options available for weight/warmth. Most of the stuff will say wicking somewhere on the label and that is what you are looking for.

Dave

[CJH]

I own and like both the UA stuff and the Polartec stuff. Both are lightweight and pretty easy to move in. The UA is more snug fitting and great for lots of walking/hole hopping. The Polartec is still very light weight and "moveable" in, but better than the UA for moderate/low movement fishing. The Polartec is probably slightly warmer as well.

Both are good, depends more on how you fish.

I have some heavy duty thermal stuff as well (bought it at GM, can't remember the brand), but because its so bulky, I just don't wear it anymore.

[tsande00]

The in-laws bought me a set of Rocky thermals last year for Christmas. I used to think the old long johns were just fine until I tried these out. Feels like you're wearing pajamas and they do a great job of wicking sweat away. Extremely warm and they don't chafe the nips like the old poly long johns.

[DooWap]

Two words, Merino Wool. Both SmartWool and Ice Breakers are great products. I personally use SmartWool. It's soft, doesn't itch, wicks sweat and will still insulate even if it gets soaked. It is expensive, but I've had mine for 3 years now and they are extremely well sewn and the material is durable.

[PerchJerker]

Same for me ----- I like polypro long underwear (got several pairs, several different brands, several different weights). I like micro fleece over the top of my polypro long underwear.

[nolte]

I have mixed feeling on the UA. I love the loose fit heat gear stuff and use it all the time. I top that off with fleece and am good to go. I also like the merino wool stuff too. It works great.

I don't care for the UA cold gear though. I think I have some of the first versions though so maybe it's better now. I feel like I'm in a sausage casing and get heated up real quick. It wicks that away but it doesn't seem to insulate real great. I wore it for deer season and froze my butt off after I walked in. Same with ice fishing, blazing hot getting out and setting up then freezing. If I'm hole hopping, I'd much rather have a light base layer topped with a hoodie and then some sort of wind stopping fleece. If it's ultra miserable out, I'll throw on the sno suit jacket and don't even notice.

[panski master]

In my opinion LAYERS are going to be your best option. When I'm on the ice I will wear UA or any knock off brand then layer with a military issue poly pro and then a fleece pull over. After that goes my ice armor jacket/ bibs. If its super cold I'll add another fleece pull over. I primarily fish outside and run N gun. I have never had a issues (even on windy cold days) staying warm.

[DaSwede]

No cotton.

[Jim Almquist]

I use UA for my first layer and its only purpose for me is to wick sweat. My next layer is something that is fleece and will be for warmth and then my shirt and jeans. If it is going to be really cold I will put on my expedition weight over my UA and then some fleece, but it better be well below zero or I will be a sweaty mess.

[silverbulletguy]

I love UA cold gear shirt as a base with long sleeve t-shirt next then a flannel or a hoodie followed by bibs and jacket. I rarely get cold with that combo.

[Jim Uran]

Polypro for me, better than the old long johns, and besides most of the old white long john bottoms look like they were made for a chimpanzee. Little biggy short legs and a big long azz lol

[Jim Hudson]

Been using the Clam Ice Armor Poly Base Layers for a few years now - has been great stuff and have held up to a lot of use throughout the winter, spring and fall.

For the warmth and price, they are hard to beat.

Clam Base Layers