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Topic Date User

Warm Pants? 18-Aug-2008 At 8:38:00 AM skink

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On 17/08/2008 Paulie wrote:
>On 15/08/2008 evanbb wrote:
>>Well, I was wearing 2 pairs of Icebreaker thermals already.
>
>Mate, if you're getting cold with 2 x icebreaker thermals on already then
>there's no hope for you at all ;)

There is hope:

Wearing two pairs of thermals is probably a bad idea. The layering system works well because each additional layer creates some more dead air space. If your layers are a tight stretch-fit, you are wasting some of this potential dead air space. You may also be constricting blood flow to your feet with a double layer of tights on. So the second pair of 260 weight tights would be better replaced with a looser fleecy second layer IMHO.

Also, while 260 weight Icebreaker is comfy and low-smell, I reckon something synthetic like Polartec Powerstretch is as warm but lighter, stretchier and more durable (all my icebreaker stuff gets holey pretty quick).

Legs are kinda tricky, cos it is hard to add and lose layers as your exertion levels vary. I prefer to go light on my legs to prevent things getting too sweaty, and bring extra for the top half (hooded insulated jacket, polypro balaclava, mittens).

The system I have been using on my legs lately ice-climbing at Wye Creek near Queenstown - heavyweight thermal underwear (stretchy Helly Hansen polypro with a brushed fleecy finish), Macpac softshell pants (made of a mix of Polartec Powerstrech and Powershield), and plastic boots. In this setup I skinned in, climbed, added a hooded insulated jacket while belaying and setting up camp in the evening, got the cooker going and as soon as I had no more reason to be outside, got the lower half of my body into the sleeping bag and cooked in the tent vestibule. Day temp was probably -5degC in the shade where we were, probably got down to -15degC that night (was -11degC down in Queenstown), but I was reasonably comfortable throughout.

>
>You lose something like 60% of your body heat thru your head so go invest
>in a good windproof beanie that has ear flaps, I've got a beauty made from
>eco-fleece, it really does make a world of difference.

I don't reckon it is as much as 60% but definitely worth having a hooded insulated jacket, balaclava (the poly-pro ones are excellent) and base layers with collars that go up your neck. I am not a fan of windproof beanies as they interfere too much with your hearing and if you are climbing your helmet does a fair job blocking the wind. When the wind is really howling, I pop up the jacket hood - so best you buy all your hooded jackets with helmet friendly hoods, good luck with this one!