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What do you wear when it's really really cold?

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Right, I'm ordering my kit for this season. Trying to make use of the BASI discounts, so will get gloves from Hestra, and probably everything else from Cotswold Outdoor.

What do people think of the following:

Down jacket
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110230 (not down - synthetic)
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-womens-microlight-alpine-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110174/id_colour/163
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110011
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110009

Gloves
Hestra Heli ski female 3 finger

Base layer
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2A110138
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2A110244 (rather pricey - but is it worth it?)

Otherwise, what other brands / models would you recommend?

Thanks!
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
beanie1, Like the look of the JW jacket first link, and you can't go wrong with merino.

I have a Mountain Hardwear Monkeyman fleece (they do a girlie version) which is too warm to wear on anything other than the coldest (sub -10C) days.

Hestra gloves generally awesome. My wife suffers from Reynaud's disease and has some motorbike design heated glove liners.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
beanie1, So why not Salomon clothing if you are a member of BASI? (Ah I have just realised after posting) because of your non UK address
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
It's Autumn already, Winter drawers on.... Toofy Grin
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Cynic There are lots of brands that BASI members can get discounts on. Why do you mention Salomon, are they particularly good for cold weather?

Some brands require a UK credit card address for delivery, but hopefully friends will help me out with that.


Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Sun 9-09-12 11:21; edited 1 time in total
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beanie1, I've got a Rab Microlight down jacket which did the business under a shell in February this year (-20C or lower in the village). The Alpine one in your link would be even better with the hood and it is also superb for just wearing around town. Not sure I'd fancy it at £160 though.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
DJL, I'll second the recommendation for the RAB lightweight down jackets. I have the RAB Alpine Microlight, it's awesome and a great midlayer to bosh under a shell. I found the alpine cut isn't ideal for skiing wearing it as an outer layer as it's cut pretty high to accommodate a harness so lets a bit of a draft in. It's been great for climbing as well.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
beanie1, When it is really cold I wear an instructor's long raincoat over the top of everything else. It is baggy enough that you get a big air pocket.
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
beanie1 wrote:
Right, I'm ordering my kit for this season. Trying to make use of the BASI discounts, so will get gloves from Hestra, and probably everything else from Cotswold Outdoor.

What do people think of the following:

Down jacket
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110230 (not down - synthetic)
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-womens-microlight-alpine-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110174/id_colour/163
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110011
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2C110009

Gloves
Hestra Heli ski female 3 finger

Base layer
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2A110138
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/2A110244 (rather pricey - but is it worth it?)

Otherwise, what other brands / models would you recommend?

Thanks!



Ear-covering hat, full neckwarmer, wristwarmers, layered thermals and heated boots are the five main things needed to stay warm in extreme cold.

Keep major blood vessels and extremities hot to stay hot.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I bought some of these (waistcoat and hoodless jacket): [url] http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/FSC02210E01.do?qtext=down&x=0&y=0 [/url] in mens sizes (be careful, sizing is a bit all over as I think its is sized for the Japanese market) and they work very well as a midlayer under a hard shell, and cheap enough not to worry about too much. Much less technical than the stuff you are looking - ie no drawcord hem , but as the hard shell powder skirt does that for me i had no worries. I think it looks as if you can get hem in HK as well, though can't comment on pricing: http://www.uniqlo.com/hk/product/women/tops/down

Good Luck!
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
beanie1 wrote:
I think i must really feel the cold. In Niseko there was no point me going fast - in a schuss the cold air hitting my face made me feel dizzy and physically sick Sad

In amongst the trees in powder is the only place to head Happy


It's the damp air - cover your face properly. oh and no cotton t shirt Wink
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Whitegold,
Because I'm in the "Ramblers" I too get a a 10% discount from Cotswold.
I didn't really rate it for ski stuff but ...
I bought a jacket from them late 2010 by "Protest" it wasn't expensive and it wasn't my style.

It looked more like a shooting jacket with cheque tweedy look and a hood, but it is absolutely brilliant!
Its got more pockets than you can ever use up even if you go scrumping.

I found it ideal at -29 in Canada and it was especially good for long flights when you just want to pull the hood up and shut out the world.

See if they have any left.

Pleasant people those Canukes, they handed out tea bag type things you stuck in your boots or on the back of your hand to keep the blood from freezing.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Whitegold,
I love my Hestra gloves, but they did not manage to keep my hands snug on their own.

I suppose because they look cool they keep your hands freezing!
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
ICE BREAKER 280 merino base layer.
Sweet Wizard Jacket

+/- Medium Weight Merino if v. cold.

Same properties on the bottom.

Honestly feel that spending a bit more on higher quality kit makes for good value when its reeeaaally cold
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Quote:

tea bag type things

they're great - I always have some in my pockets, just in case.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
A beard
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
When it's REALLY cold, I pull out my North Face McMurdo parka. Even the hood is down filled:

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/mens-mcmurdo-parka-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/1B110148?cm_mmc=Google-_-GoogleBase-_-GoogleBase-_-1B1101484646

I also wear it in the evenings around the resort, as you can wear it over a t-shirt in -8 and still be comfortable, which means when you get to the bar or restaurant, you're not left dealing with additional jumpers or fleeces Smile

it's less practical as a ski jacket as it's longer than most, and doesn't have a snow skirt, but in the sort of conditions when I'd need my McMurdo, I'd not care.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Walter-Spitty wrote:


I think I might know why you are feeling so cold.

If you are talking about the actual brand Skins, do NOT wear them as the base layer or they will make you feel much colder. I don't know why that is, but they are absolute rubbish as a base layer in my experience - they make me feel freezing cold. I'm talking about the original Skins from a few years back, not the newer ones marketed specifically for snowsports (which I haven't tried).


I used the thermal Skins last year and they are a vast improvement over the previous non-thermal versions. As an alternative for base layers, have a look at the Thermo-flex layers that Rooster sailing sell. I use their poly-pro top as a thermal layer and it is very warm, even when wet. I might be tempted to take it with me this winter as a base layer under the skins.
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Icebreaker is where it's at for the cold, anything that is pure merino will provide the most heat as said above if it looks to pricey for you just remember you only need one set for a week, If still too pricey make sure that you wear merino next to the skin in your layering and it will help with warmth.

If you wanna really throw some money at it columbia do a battery heated jacket... Took it out im cham in january and don't think I've ever been quite so tostey! Think we have some going for half price on our web site!

From memory it heats down the spine and around the kidneys
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
A longer beard.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
And if you can't grow a long enough beard in time, buy a pair of Oakley Airbrakes and clip these to them:http://www.coolframes.com/get_image.php?fid=57548&color=57-667&alt=!!! - I think it should be called "Gandolf"

or get a head over...
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
mishmash,

I think a nice grey striped beard looks a whole lot better Very Happy
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Yes, I'm sure you are right - but I m trying to politely point out that our *lady* OP may not be able to produce one in time for her 2013 trip to Japan Skullie

more seriously, I think everyone should have a look at the Uniqlo £50 ish ultra light down layer as a mid layer/ pack layer...I mean, obviously only those of us wont be growing a decent beard in prep for a full on season!!**

** no connection other than i have bought it myself in the past and I am not trying to sell it here,elsewhere, blah blah unlike that thread about Hintertux ...
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Better beard prostheses: http://www.beardski.com/store
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I used to get cold easily, but then I discovered Primaloft, and I haven't been cold since.

Top
Base layer, Primaloft jacket (Keela Belay jacket), non insulated shell. If really cold, a synthetic mid layer between the base layer and Primaloft.

Bottom
3/4 length running tights (a major discovery - warmer and more breathable than thermals) and non insulated shell.

Hands
Leather gloves with liners (cheap ones from Decathlon - I bought ten pairs at £3-4 a pair, so that one one wears out, I always have a spare).

Head
Helmet only, Buff if cold horizontal wind.

Primaloft and glove liners. Have I said that already? Primaloft and glove liners.
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Merino layers are the best IME for staying warm & dry.
Wait for the sales at Uniqlo and get a standard 100% merino sweater for less than a tenner....but turn it inside out while skiing.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I went to Ellis Brigham and Cotswold outdoor today for a rather expensive shop. Then claimed the VAT back at the airport Happy

ANyway, I have bought:

- Helly Hansen Warmth base layer top and bottom
- Icebreaker Real Fleece 260 Merino zip jacket
- RAB Alpine Microlight

Then I plan to wear my hard shell over the top. These are all thin layers so if needed I can wear another thin fleece too.

I will report back on effectiveness next February!
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
HH cold weather base layer
T-shirt tucked in
Fleece
Shell jacket
North Face Puffa jacket

Lycra shorts
Saga Pants
Socks
Boots

Buff
Goggles
Skull cap
Helmet

Hestra gloves
Silk inners
ski holidays
 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Back in Feb, we had a weekend where it was minus 30. My brother came over for a cheeky skiing break - I think had it not been for that we'd have stayed in. Anyway, I wore my usual kit which is completely unspectacular. It's:

Some bog standard Berghaus base layer top.
Nothing-special Helly thermal legging thingies.
North Face TKA 100 microfleece jumper (brown).
Falke something-or-other socks.
Schoeffel trousers.
Halti Kalle Pallander signature jacket (not retail spec, demo with explicit 'no guarantee' from TK Maxx for seventy quid)*
A daft hat with a big bobble.
Some gloves.
A snood over the lips and nose.

The only cold bit, was my toes. i.e. in amongst all this generic featureless gear was enough good tech to keep me warm in some pretty absurd conditions. But my feet really suffered, and we had to stop in every cafe we encountered just to defrost ourselves.

In summary: heated boots.

Another observation. I've got some Icebreaker glove liners that look like a black snooker referee's gloves. If I wear them under my normal (Level) gloves, I always get cold. Without them, I don't.

*OK, chances are that Halti jacket is a decent bit of kit.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
I can't remember whether I had a beard or not at the time. I might have only had a moustache.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Mr Piehole wrote:
In summary: heated boots.

Two of the people I was skiing with that weekend got frostbitten toes, one quite badly. Both now have boot heaters.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I'd hurry down to UniQlo where poss. Not only do the have some dirt cheap Merino for the ladees, for the unisexuals amonst us they are now having a sale on Ultra Light Down:


http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/FSC02210E01.do?qtext=ultra+light+down&qnew=&qdiscount=&qlimit=1&qmulti=&qrange=&qcolor=&qsize=&qicon=&qstart=0&sort=goods_disp_priority

Don't all rush at once - Im going for three of them in fetching shades
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