Cold Weather Apparel
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BearBio
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What is warm to you? Do you need 30 below? or 30 above? I had 4 lb down in a jacket and never had cause to use it, even in trips to the Sierras.
It was 23 above this morning and I left wearing a fleece sweatshirt and a t-shirt. Wore the same thing at 15 above last month. Earlier, I wore a wool jacket (no liner) at 10 above.
People vary and people develop tolerance.
Generally, the wool will be less warm. But, if it gets wet, the down is worthless and wool stays warm (shearling). Will it be wet where you are or a dry cold? Windy can also make a difference. Head covering? Does it have a hood or will you need a cap?
What is the function? Going out socially? Or working? Sweat can make down worthless. In and out, or staying outside?
A few thinks to think of.
It was 23 above this morning and I left wearing a fleece sweatshirt and a t-shirt. Wore the same thing at 15 above last month. Earlier, I wore a wool jacket (no liner) at 10 above.
People vary and people develop tolerance.
Generally, the wool will be less warm. But, if it gets wet, the down is worthless and wool stays warm (shearling). Will it be wet where you are or a dry cold? Windy can also make a difference. Head covering? Does it have a hood or will you need a cap?
What is the function? Going out socially? Or working? Sweat can make down worthless. In and out, or staying outside?
A few thinks to think of.
Alnamvet68
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Down is warmer, hands up....I mean down.
Thanks!BLACKHAWKNJ
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I prefer wool myself. One thing I learned in the Boy Scouts was that you dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up.
Smith357
US Veteran
The key to staying warm in cold weather is dressing in layers.
Jst1mr
Member
Ron -
These guys got it right. No way you should need shearling or down for what you're doing. Remember, shearling coats kept our WWII bomber crews warm at minus 40F in unpressurized, partly open planes....good goose down is more than capable of the same.
Find some nice fleece or polypropylene as an under layer (wicks any moisture away from your skin), nice medium weight wool jacket, followed by a nylon shell if you need more wind protection. Also, be aware that the majority of heat loss takes place through your head, so a good hat is necessary. Make sure you cover those areas where major blood flow is close to the skin - wrists, and especially your neck and throat area (a scarf is great!), and finally, you will never be warm if your feet are cold - good wool socks and insulated boots.
These guys got it right. No way you should need shearling or down for what you're doing. Remember, shearling coats kept our WWII bomber crews warm at minus 40F in unpressurized, partly open planes....good goose down is more than capable of the same.
Find some nice fleece or polypropylene as an under layer (wicks any moisture away from your skin), nice medium weight wool jacket, followed by a nylon shell if you need more wind protection. Also, be aware that the majority of heat loss takes place through your head, so a good hat is necessary. Make sure you cover those areas where major blood flow is close to the skin - wrists, and especially your neck and throat area (a scarf is great!), and finally, you will never be warm if your feet are cold - good wool socks and insulated boots.
sipowicz
Member
Good info..it dipped down below 75 here today and I was wondering the same thing.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Polypro long johns are wonderful, especially under woven wool or Worsterlon. You can get them in various weights.
My tolerance for cold has gone WAY downhill in the last couple of years as my circulation has deteriorated in my old age. For me a hat is vital, and so are good gloves. My favorite hat is a fine old Pendleton wool felt job I've worn for over twenty years.
Has anyone tried neoprene gloves? I want something very warm but thin enough not to complicate CC.
My tolerance for cold has gone WAY downhill in the last couple of years as my circulation has deteriorated in my old age. For me a hat is vital, and so are good gloves. My favorite hat is a fine old Pendleton wool felt job I've worn for over twenty years.
Has anyone tried neoprene gloves? I want something very warm but thin enough not to complicate CC.
LittleCooner
Member
Depends on the intended usage, hunting or working, etc. I have been in Goose Down since '65 for hunting and casual and work outside down to about 0, Dress in layers, Goose down is good from 55 degrees on down and when you pull it off, it is light and packs down into a small carry package. Always dress in layers and remember, you can pull it off if you have it, but if you leave it at home, you freeze. Just never did the shearing due to the weight that must be contended with when you pull it off. If you work and can throw it in the truck or locker, it could work fine. You choose.
I personally never need any more than a long sleeve shirt over a t shirt covered with a hoody. That's for when the temps drop into the teens.
I have had down, polyfill, fleece, shearling, you name it. For my money, nothing equips me for a Minnesota winter better than a Filson Double Mackinaw:
Double Mackinaw Cruiser | Filson
My sweetie gave me one for Christmas about eight years ago, and I have lived in it all winter ever since. Rain won't hurt it. Sparks from a pine campfire won't hurt it. If you leave kibble in the pocket, the dogs will hurt it, but that is about all except for the inevitable wear and tear of years of hard use. You can layer underneath it, but usually won't need to until the wind is howling and the temp is below zero. It is heavy, and you will probably want to lay it on a stump or something if you are working hard.
I am about due for another.
Double Mackinaw Cruiser | Filson
My sweetie gave me one for Christmas about eight years ago, and I have lived in it all winter ever since. Rain won't hurt it. Sparks from a pine campfire won't hurt it. If you leave kibble in the pocket, the dogs will hurt it, but that is about all except for the inevitable wear and tear of years of hard use. You can layer underneath it, but usually won't need to until the wind is howling and the temp is below zero. It is heavy, and you will probably want to lay it on a stump or something if you are working hard.
I am about due for another.
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labworm
US Veteran
Cold weather 20 degrees and below.
Long sleeve cotton Tee, a good quality flannel shirt, and like others have mentioned, a good wool jacket or coat. For the dome, a knit hat. Does the trick for me and I travel comfortably.
Long sleeve cotton Tee, a good quality flannel shirt, and like others have mentioned, a good wool jacket or coat. For the dome, a knit hat. Does the trick for me and I travel comfortably.
Ditto on what everybody says. I have a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser (not the double like Marshwheeling) and it does pretty well under most conditions.
When it starts getting cold (10-20 below 0), I go with the down coat and, like everyone has mentioned, layers. And like Jst1mr said, I also wrap up with a good scarf and a good wool knit cap. (One of the few times I'm not wearing my Stetson.)
I also prefer heavy wool pants...and I mean heavy. I've got a pair that I bought from L.L. Bean about thirty years ago, and they're still going strong. You have to keep 'em up with suspenders but, by golly, they sure keep the legs warm when the wind is whipping through.
I wear Gortex/down mittens when it's real cold (as in below zero). Otherwise, a good pair Primaloft gloves or something similar will usually do the trick. I've never liked neoprene and stay away from it...but that's just my opinion.
When it starts getting cold (10-20 below 0), I go with the down coat and, like everyone has mentioned, layers. And like Jst1mr said, I also wrap up with a good scarf and a good wool knit cap. (One of the few times I'm not wearing my Stetson.)
I also prefer heavy wool pants...and I mean heavy. I've got a pair that I bought from L.L. Bean about thirty years ago, and they're still going strong. You have to keep 'em up with suspenders but, by golly, they sure keep the legs warm when the wind is whipping through.
I wear Gortex/down mittens when it's real cold (as in below zero). Otherwise, a good pair Primaloft gloves or something similar will usually do the trick. I've never liked neoprene and stay away from it...but that's just my opinion.
labworm
US Veteran
Ditto on what everybody says. I have a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser (not the double like Marshwheeling) and it does pretty well under most conditions.
I wear Gortex/down mittens
Not all but many people don't know that mittens are much more warmer that regular fingered gloves.
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Ron,
In really cold weather for here, (Indiana) i break out my
Carhardt tan work jacket. It won't let the wind cut through
and it's more than enough for 20 degree days. If it gets
colder than that i wear a hoodie underneath it.
But then i'm cheap and wear Carhardt instead of "The North Face"
gear etc....
Chuck
In really cold weather for here, (Indiana) i break out my
Carhardt tan work jacket. It won't let the wind cut through
and it's more than enough for 20 degree days. If it gets
colder than that i wear a hoodie underneath it.
But then i'm cheap and wear Carhardt instead of "The North Face"
gear etc....
Chuck
True dat, but ever try to shoot anything other than a
Fitz special with mittens on????
Just razzin' you my friend.
Chuck
labworm
US Veteran
Reminds me of a time when one of my brothers and I were camped up in the mountains in the snow. It was cold enough where we were both wearing mittens and not gloves.
Anyway, right before turning in, we both went outside to get rid of a little extra liquid, so to speak. As my brother fumbled around with his zipper, he made a very profound remark which I shall never forget. In disgust and exasperation, he said,
"The only thing you can do with mittens on is wet your pants!"
Alnamvet68
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I have had down, polyfill, fleece, shearling, you name it. For my money, nothing equips me for a Minnesota winter better than a Filson Double Mackinaw:
Double Mackinaw Cruiser | Filson
My sweetie gave me one for Christmas about eight years ago, and I have lived in it all winter ever since. Rain won't hurt it. Sparks from a pine campfire won't hurt it. If you leave kibble in the pocket, the dogs will hurt it, but that is about all except for the inevitable wear and tear of years of hard use. You can layer underneath it, but usually won't need to until the wind is howling and the temp is below zero. It is heavy, and you will probably want to lay it on a stump or something if you are working hard.
I am about due for another.
That is one fine jacket; the price though,sent me straight to my liquor cabinet.
