Latest posts for the topic "Base Layers!"

Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:34:29 GMT

After spending weeks worrying about lack of snow and warm temperatures I am now worrying about how cold it will be in Cervinia over Christmas and new year. I have seen reports of it going to be -30 at the summit.

My worry is the Mrs feels the cold at the best of the time let alone those kind of temperatures.

What base layers are the best out there for the extreme cold??

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:50:25 GMT

Hi Mattski

There is a great thread on these forums about this. Take a look

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/11022.page#96013

There is a bit of spam on it, but the intentions are good :)

:)

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:19:37 GMT

And one bit of kit that is often forgotten but makes a huge difference is SILK liner gloves!

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:32:02 GMT

I bought some of those and found they made little difference. I have a problem that I get white fingers when they get cold. Holding a cold pint can even cause it!

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:11:07 GMT

A fleecy pair of mitts over my usual gloves works for me.

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:12:00 GMT

When it gets past -15 it all feels the same.

I love my silk liners, although they have holes, perhaps that's why a couple of fingers get chilly.

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:15:51 GMT

Yes at below -15 even my electric boot warmers don't seem to work.

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:26:21 GMT

Merino base layer, and over layer.

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:40:55 GMT

At those temps I normally use an insulated jacket and pants. Underneath I wear, Bottom - micro-fleece thermals and and regular fleece pants over (sometimes silk or wool light weight long johns under those). Top - I wear a thermal turtle neck, a micro fleece top, and a soft shell jacket, or heavy fleece (sometimes a quilted jacket).

Boot gloves are great and really help. Charcoal toe warmers work very well, and charcoal hand warmers too. I have even used the hand warmers in interior mesh pockets of jackets in extreme conditions. A thin micro-fleece balaclava is good to make sure you have no exposed skin.

So much depends on the other weather factors. If the sun is out, or if it's dull and overcast, and especially the wind. Even though there doesn't seem to be any humidity, it can also affect how cold you feel.

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:58:44 GMT

Goodness me Trencher, do you have a circulation issue? - )

Re:Base Layers!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:08:22 GMT

The main purpose of the base layer is to transfer moisture away from the skin to the next layers, so it should be close fitting and made of something that wicks moisture; such as polypropylene, polyester or merino wool, it doesn't need to be very thick. To keep warm wear as many insulating layers as necessary, its best if these aren't too thick and not too tight. It doesn't really matter what these are made of as long as it isn't cotton.

Don't take too much notice of those long range forecasts; there only predictions based on computer models, Swiss Meteo can only forecast Saturday's weather with 60% certainty. In any case when it's that cold up there it's often windy as well, so they have to shut the Kleine Matterhorn cable car and the link to Cervinia.

Re:Base Layers!

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:46:25 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Goodness me Trencher, do you have a circulation issue? - )

Windy evening sessions at -30, you don't need any circulation problems to get cold. I've also been stuck on a lift for 30mins in those conditions. That's when you really appreciate being prepared (or wish you had been).

Re:Base Layers!

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:55:47 GMT

Only skied in -23, it was a bit cold on the lift, but no extra layers

Re:Base Layers!

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:24:25 GMT

Once it gets to -10 I tend to pop on the thermals; Primark do ones for GBP2.50 tops and bottoms that do exactly the same as branded ones that are sold for over GBP30.

The Merino base layers are fine if you have skin like a rhino. Otherwise they will itch like you know what.

I have Horizon baselayers, purchased from TK Maxx at GBP8 last year in the sale, normally something like GBP40 rrp. They've got a Merino content in their material, but the amazing thing is they prevent me from sweating, as bizarrely my body sweats when I'm cold, not hot!

ON cold ski days I wear thermal vest and long johns, normal sallos, baselayer, microfleece mid layer and either my heavier ski jacket which is lined or a softshell jacket with a waterproof/windproof layer over the top.
Its all about the layers, darling.

Re:Base Layers!

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:28:32 GMT

I used to have, actually it's still floating around somewhere in a bag, one of those neoprene face masks.
Keeps the face warm when it is truly horrible weather, but, I must admit, if/when it is like that now I tend to run back to the bar!
Far more sensible way of keeping warm :thumbup:

Re:Base Layers!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:09:14 GMT

I have bought me and the Mrs some Skins S400 Thermal 3/4 tights so will put them to the test at Christmas in the cold of Cervinia and report back