Base layer

So what is everyone using as a base layer for clothing, with all these high tech garments, moisture wicking etc to prevent sweating on the walk out and while setting up your gear.. And just for general warmth before the floater suit goes on. I find marks work warehouse has t max undergarments that work pretty well if i can find my size always seem to be out of tall 2xl sizes.

Polypropylene fleece.

A tall shot of whiskey if it's as cold and windy as last year.

I'm avoiding anything made of cotton. Once wet doesn't dry fast.

Instead - mostly wool poly(whatever) blend for socks. I wear the same socks regardless of activities.

For shirt and anything against the body - all poly(whatever).

There is no preventing the sweat. Instead good clothing somehow pulls the sweat from body and allows to evaporate / cool.

I look around for deals. Sometimes buy on sale at MEC. Often there is a some good clothing my size at B&D Liquidations in Cobourg. The sell left over Costco clothing at less than 50% of the tag price from Costco. Some really good deals at times.

Once Canadian Tire had some scent remover undershirts (red or green) on sale - regular $70. on sale for less than $7.00. I bought lots. They have silver in then and no cotton.

Nothng beats wool for next to skin. Fleece is awesome for a mid layer but not a base. All the hitech materials in the world still havent been able to compete with wool for warmth and moisture wicking. If youre worried about scratchyness, spend the money on merino wool. Worth every penny and you can wear it a week straight and it wont smell. Synthetics suck. I've tried them all from under armor to arc'teryx to kombi. I've worked in outdoor retail for a long time. I dont anymore so I really dont care what you buy. Just trying to help. Stay away from oil based poly plastic crap. Once you try merino or straight up wool you'll understand.

Oh yeah... and the whiskey guy and the avoid cotton guy are bang on with those two statements.

IceBreaker Merino 260 weight. Buy once, cry once.

I think its made for rich hipster mountain climbers or something because the price is absurd but I got a set at half price and will never wear anything else as a base layer.

I wear it almost everyday in the winter and three years later it still looks new.

They have an outlet store in Mississauga/Oakville.

T-Max gear from Mark's has never let me down. I'm also a huge fan of the Redhead "Lifetime" socks from Bass Pro. $15 a pair, but as the name suggests, they carry a lifetime warranty. My oldest pair will be 8 years old by Christmas and I couldn't tell them apart from a new pair. If they wear out, take them back for a new pair.

Under Armor all the way.Thet have heat & cold gear for all seasons.Bring on the ICE. CHEERS

You MUST use wool socks for sure, the diference is noticeable and worth it.

I used the base layer from Bass Pro, I have the mega extreme (3) and basic (1) depending on the conditions.

AFter that, all I need is a light layer of clothes and then the Rapala suit.
I really only use the jacket when outside or on the quad, otherwise an Underarmour sweatshirt and good waterproof layer.

Layering is the most important thing to remember. Wool and other base layer clothing is still going to get soaked and cold if you put all your clothes on and hike out to your spot in a hurry and then sit there all day.

I am in the military and have operated in the cold weather for extended periods. The most important thing I stress to people is to dress smart. You want to be cool, or even cold when you start your walk. once you start heating up, take a layer off or your hat or gloves. keep cool until you get to your spot. get set up and apply your warm layers as you need to.

I like any bib pant that has zippers down the side so you can open and vent while walking. I usually wear just my base layer and a wind break for the hike. Everything else can go in your Toboggan until you need it.

Costco has the best for the price marino wool socks $16.00 for 4 pairs.

^^^excellent advise! Layers are key. Avoiding sweat is super important.

Hey chuck where is this store in mississauga/ oakville? Merino wool sounds pretty good to me.

Hey chuck where is this store in mississauga/ oakville? Merino wool sounds pretty good to me.

Its at the outlet mall at Trafalgar and 401.

The address for the outlet store is 13850 Steeles Ave. W., Halton Hills. Telephone 905-876-3111.

I had never heard of the store before but their product looks great from their website.

I've used another brand of merino wool socks before and can attest to the longevity and versatility of merino wool -- they're comfortable year round and have long outlived every other pair of socks that I own.