 Poster: A snowHead
|
Hey guys.
Next weekend I'll be in Cervinia and Zermatt, I was there at the same period last year and I froze my butt off, luckily I have heated gloves now 
Checking the forecast it will be -20C at the glacier and I want to upgrade my layers.
Usually I dress base-layer + mid-layer(fleece) + shell. As I'll keep my shell, I can replace either the base or mid-layer for a warmer one.
What do you recommend ?
I think a warmer mid-layer would be better because I can use it for 3 days, the base layer I would get a fresh one every morning. Thought about wearing a gillet on top of the mid-layer but 4 layers is too much for me, gets too bulky.
Should I go for a merino mid-layer? Is there anything warmer?
Cheers!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
IMO base layer is more about wicking moisture away then insulation so yes keep your base layers and look at a different mid layer. Alternatively a down gilet or jacket can be quite good to slip on over everything else before you get on a cold lift ride then take it off for skiing
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
That one looks great, seems quite thick, will look for something similar here 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AndreSilva wrote: |
gets too bulky.
|
It's almost entirely the air that does the insulating, not the fabric, so in order to get more insulation, you need more bulk.
If your base layer is necessary for wicking, you're getting too warm and sweating, and then requiring even more insulation to cope with the cold that results from the sweat chilling. You could always try a system designed to ventilate better - e.g. Buffalo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just add an extra mid layer when it is really cold.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
I would add another mid-layer – you may already have something suitable. I did a day in those kind of temps last season and used:
– merino base layer
– lightweight fleece
– lightweight down jacket
– shell jacket
This is a little bit more versatile, because you can still ditch a layer into your backpack if it gets warmer. In less extreme temps, I wear the same but the down goes in my bag for emergencies/lunch time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One other thing about merino base layers, is that they feel warm against the skin, while other wicking fabrics can feel cool, even when dry. This is one reason that I don't really like to wear them, even when it's warmer, but different people like different things. It may make a difference to you feeling comfortable when it is very cold though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| johnE wrote: |
| I just add an extra mid layer when it is really cold. |
+2. You either need an extra mid-layer, to give an extra layer of trapped air, or a bulkier one, that will in itself provide extra insulation.
And if you don't wear a helmet, perhaps get a better hat! You could be losing a lot of heat through your head, making you feel cold elsewhere
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Depends what I’m doing, if it’s inbounds and cold, heavy merino base. If I’m going to be walking uphill I go for a synthetic wicking base. Personally I don’t think merino is that great at drying out, but is great for non sweaty use.
My most favourite mid layer is polartec alpha direct. Crazy warm and breathable for the weight, but only really works as a mid layer - doesn’t do much without a shell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I use a polartec powerstrech base layer with a hybrid type midlayer for cold days. I currently have a patagonia nanoair and a helly hansen lifaloft air insulator.
I'm not a fan of merino as once it gets damp it stays damp and makes me feel cold.
Also not a fan of heavy fleece mid layers as the tend to be more bulky than the newer hybrid materials.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
OK... I'll give it another try using the ones I have and add a gilet if gets too cold, I already have a warm gilet but never really tried it between the midlayer and shell
Let's see if the bulkiness bothers me too much.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Scarlet, 100% agree with this . . .although I use synthetic instead of down (Patagonia Nano Air) as its also mega breathable and covers a wider variety of temps (I find down sweaty) . . .also carry a v lightweight Mountain Equipment synthetic gilet . . .usually ditched after lunch if the sun gets up . . .Also fleece layer is thin - Polartec micro or 100 max . . .
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@AndreSilva, bulky does not necessary equate to warm if you end up sweating in it . . .try something thinner and you'll be surprised at the warmth it generates eg. Mountain Equipment Frontier or Switch vest . . .
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Came back from Cervinia/Zermatt last week.
So, for the first and second day it was ok, didn't need anything else than the 3 layers, but on the last day the wind was brutal, I added the gilet and it worked good, didn't get as bulky as I thought.
My feet was pretty cold though 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Icebreaker merino everything!
Fleece and synthetic fabrics are bulky and sweaty IMHO. Plus they smell really bad, really quickly.
Never had a problem drying anything merino overnight should you need to wash it.
I wear a merino base T-shirt with long-sleeved over it. I then add a spare long-sleeved merino to the rucksack just incase, with a down gillet if sub -10deg.
The look is completed with a merino set of longjohns, socks and snood..... and merino pants - luxury!
Oh..... and my home-made Goretex thinsulate jacket with all the pockets I've ever wanted )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
