Winter wear?

[caribou]

Use layers you can take off. If were traveling, we use parkas, bib ski pants, but take them off when working, like rain gear and boating when you hit land..., we just peel a layer with activity. In the cold, you dont want to build up and load your clothes from your perspiration.
Bring a spare set of dry socks, dry gloves..

Dont wear tight fitting stuff, keep it all loose, with room to wiggle your toes.
I wear a tee shirt, a hoody, an insulated jacket/ and another, larger jacket with a hood thats wind proof.
add a belt to keep the wind out of my jackets, lined leather gloves and a wool cap, neck warmer and then a Fur hat, usually Beaver.
My Levis or sweats, and an insulation layer of cheap surplus type. Over that gos a pair of Walls insulated bibs. Carhearts are great , like Walls for windproof and warmth, but snow sticks to cotton, (Carhearts) and not poly (Walls)

My boots are Baffin "Hunters" swamp boots with a liner. I always wear 2 pairs of woolen socks.I also add a woolen insole, and walk all over.

Thats for 0 degrees and moving around gets a layer or two off, untill its time to go, or such.

After that , its a Parka over everything, the insulated pants And the Bibs, mittens instead of gloves, and a ski mask under all the neckwarmer, cap and Beaver hat.

Good to -40f, then you might add a layer....

 

[DoubleMag]

Make heat. Conserve heat. Remove/allow to leave- moisture. In that order.

Have a decent meal before going out. Fuel for the furnace, so to speak. Keep a thermos of hot cocoa, coffee...whatever. Don't skimp $$, Contego is good. A thermos of hot food / soup for mid day lunch. Gear to conserve heat following. Moisture, you MUST let moisture off of body or it will gather, chill, and take MORE heat off you.
I also suggest staying hydrated good ol' H2O.

Look at waterfowl, deer, coyote hunting gear. More sedentary activities then construction!

Parka length quad parka, water/wind proof, insulated. Polar fleece balaclava w/ light thin thermax style under balaclava. Water/wind proof hat. Third finger mittens are best IMHO and can still be found at an Army surplus store.Otherwise I suggest regular mittens oversized enough to put a glove liner under them

Bibs same water/insulated. Boots...deer hunting style 1000 gram + boots. Again, water/wind proof. But do NOT lace them tightly in fact, try very loose to unlaced & tucked laces under foot; you MUST allow the moisture to get out. Ppl do not realize how much feet sweat...until it hits the top of the foot & stays there. Chilly!

Mom dressed us up to where we were sweating before getting outside, and, when we fell we about bounced from all the clothes. ''Wonder why'' LoL

El Cheapo solutions? Sleeping bag trick mentioned ^^ above post. Hand, toe, body warmers. XXL trash bag, cut hole for head & arms. Or, a good old blanket to wrap up in. Works on grandkids football games !!

Good luck!!

 

[Speedo66]

For pants I've been very happy with Wrangler insulated jeans, polyester inside, with flannel against your skin.

As far as feet and upper body, a wicking layer of silk or light synthetic first, then wool.

A warm down parka as a final layer. Don't forget an insulated hat with ear flaps, you may look like Elmer Fudd, but you'll be a warm Elmer Fudd. lol

 

[FL-NC]

Polar fleece layered with soft shell outer garments. The waffle layer long johns currently issued by Uncle Sam are pretty good.

 

[AMraider]

I have had great luck with the surplus White Arctic "Mickey Mouse" Boots if you are not moving around too much. If you work too hard your feet will sweat and that presents problems.

 

[kmw1954]

One more time, feet and head are not the problem. Legs are. One thing that helps the legs and feet are that I wear Knee high compression sock and then very thick boot socks and winter boots. Hands get cold because they keep getting exposed to the weather when checking range passes. Then the next coldest is the face and nose. Which I have found these Covid masks serve a secondary purpose, face warmer! Cap, ear protection and two hoods keep the head covered and warm, especially the back of the neck.

Is UnderArmour base wear worth the money?

 

[Walkalong]

Use layers you can take off.

Yep

 

[Walkalong]

Is UnderArmour base wear worth the money?

Good question, there are lots of cheaper ones that work also, but the concept is sound, I like a thin wicking type under layer I can always take off. I bought some from Cabelas on sale that works well. Not that we have a lot of really cold weather here, but all the better being able to take of layers if needed.

 

[kmw1954]

Yep

That's why the jacket and 2 sweat shirts. Only for the next couple months I see the temps staying pretty flat throughout the day.

 

[Howland937]

Is UnderArmour base wear worth the money

Worth the money, sure. Anything you buy that does it's job is worth the money. Does anything work better? Maybe...does another brand do the same thing more economically? Definitely. All the major "outdoors" stores offer their house brand and if you buy comparable blends in comparable weights, you get a comparable product cheaper.

If the area that gets the most cold is below the waist, above the ankles (or knees) and long johns with jeans isn't working, you have 2 good options.

1) Merino wool blend base layer and some fleece lined jeans/work pants/insulated bibs.

2) double layer under whatever type pants you typically wear. Thin form fitting type like Under Armour, then some a little looser fitting.

 

[lightman]

I've spent my adult life working outdoors, 24/7/365. CarHart is good if wear and tear is a factor. It sounds like your duties at the range doesn't require rugged clothing and CarHart is rugged and heavy. It keeps you warm but its heavy.

I like the idea suggested about the lined jeans. Also look at sporting goods stores for lighter hi-teck stuff. The hi-teck stuff works well if wear and tear are not a concern. Also look for a thin pair of hi-teck gloves since you said you have to use your hands a lot. Also look at Army surplus places for wool pants. I think the pair I have are German surplus.

Just out of curiosity, what type of ear protection do you wear? I figure that if you wear something as much as you probably do that you know whats comfortable. I'm looking for something new for myself.

 

[kmw1954]

I've spent my adult life working outdoors, 24/7/365. CarHart is good if wear and tear is a factor. It sounds like your duties at the range doesn't require rugged clothing and CarHart is rugged and heavy. It keeps you warm but its heavy.

Just out of curiosity, what type of ear protection do you wear? I figure that if you wear something as much as you probably do that you know whats comfortable. I'm looking for something new for myself.

Again yes I am familiar with CarHart and yes it is heavy and very durable. As I will be basically just sitting or standing around in the cold I don't believe the heavy duck canvas is needed. Been looking at different bibs and think that might be a better way to go other than cover-alls.

You all have provided many helpful suggestions now I need to do my research and determine what will work best for me and where to find them.

For hearing protection at the range I am wearing electronic Impact Sport and they are fine for a day but when working three 9hr days in a row my ears start to hurt from the pressure. Would like to just wear ear plugs but that doesn't work well when I an constantly communicating with people coming onto the range.

 

[whughett]

I

Thanks everyone, I'm looking now!I am familiar with the Carhart stuff but don't know that I need that heavy duck material as no heavy physical labor is involved. Have seen light weight nylon type material like the ice fishermen or snowmobilers wear but again am unfamiliar. The jacket I wear is more than warm enough and is below waist length also large enough I can layer under it. Sock and boots seam to be good. Also wearing hearing protection, muffs, has really helped too. I think right now it is mostly my legs I need help with.

I have found, believe it or not that a pair of heavier flannel lounge pants, even pajama bottoms work very well under my jeans in sub 40’s but above teens temps . The loose leg fit and soft fleece feel add a great deal of warmth.

 

[buck460XVR]

While Carhartts and similar type work clothing is excellent stuff, there's a lot of good cold weather hunting apparel that is just as good at keeping you warm and makes movement easier. The biggest difference is durability. Do you need the durability of heavy 12 oz cotton canvas? Being in construction for 40+ years I've owned a lot of Carhartts. Much of the time, by the time they got broken in and confortable, they were almost wore out. Most work type Carhartt bibs/coveralls and jackets are not water resistant, and even their insulated is not insulated well. One reason so many ice fishermen have gotten away from them. Most good hunting cold weather wear is. Like anything, you need to weigh cost of investment into amount of usage it will see. Right now, most good stuff, whether it be work wear or hunting wear is on sale. Buying the best you can afford may mean you won't need to buy again. I prefer bibs and a jacket over coveralls because they allow more movement and you can remove the jacket or other layers easier. Many times the bibs themselves are all one needs. Get a good set of medium to heavy weight base layers that wick moisture. My standard is a heavyweight moisture wicking unionsuit with a light sweater and a hooded sweatshirt over them. Then Thinsulated waterproof hunting bibs and a Thinsulated waterproof jacket. Waterproof also generally means windproof. New materials make so waterproof stuff breaths and is quiet. No more wet from the inside out. Hat/gloves/good socks and a warm pair of boots(a whole 'nother thread). The Carhartts come out in place of the hunting stuff when I'm shoveling/blowing snow and cutting firewood, because of the durability.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have always been impressed and confident in my under Armour fleece hunting gear. Easy on and off too.
I wear mechanix gloves with xl fuzzy cheap yellow chore gloves over them.
Ball cap with toboggan hat over.
Wool socks and muck arctic sport boots.
For not-quite-as cold weather, I like upland hunting chaps over my jeans.

 

[Armored farmer]

Is UnderArmour base wear worth the money?

I say yes. They are tough too. I've had mine for many years.

 

[JTHunter]

If you are in the habit of perspiring doing this, you might want to consider a base layer of polypropylene underwear. It is soft and snugly comfortable without the "bulk" of normal thermal underwear. It wicks any sweat away from your skin so you don't get cold, then if you put a low to medium weight wool layer on next, you should be fine.

 

[DustyGmt]

A decent pair of thermals to start. I like the Carhartt rain guard heavy duty hoodies to wear under my north face poly shell/jacket. Fleece lined Carhartt duck pants with the carpenter pockets. If it was outdoor hiking/hunting or any kind of adventuring I would stay away from anything cotton and go with wool/poly but since it's just range wear you can get by with what I've outlined above.

A pair of Kinco or Mechanix gloves and a pull down fleece face covering of some sort too if it's gonna be really cold. I do outdoor electrical in the Vermont winters and it gets pretty brutal and I stay comfortable. If you're in any kind of trade you could get a Milwaukee or Dewalt or insert brand here heated jacket. Uses the same battery as your drills..... stay warm.

ETA: Also, a spare heavy flannel to keep in the pickup on real nippy days or any extra layers, just in case. As the saying goes, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it

 

[daniel craig]

Sounds like what you need is a merino wool base layer. The type made and sold by a company called minus33 Makes a really good set. The nice part about Walt when you’re alternating between periods of activity and sitting still is that it still has insulating properties when wet. So when you’re moving if you do sweat and the wall gets wet you won’t get cold.

Avoid cotton.

Cotton/polyester blends are ok as long as it’s mostly polyester.

Pure polyester is...ok. It’ll keep you warm but you’ll sweat your nuts off quickly and then get cold.

Spandex/Underarmor type stuff is ok.

Silk is excellent as a base layer but is expensive and fragile.

Merino wool is lightweight and soft (not scratchy like other wool) and is best as the layer directly against your skin. There are different thicknesses and blends so make sure you get some 100% wool and designed as a “base layer”.

After that I’d wear a normal pair of non-cotton pants. Here’s where a poly/cotton blend is good. Tactical pants are often made of polyester blends.

For an outer layer you mostly want something that is wind and water resistant but won’t make you sweat. I like ski/snowboard pants because they’re thin and not bulky.

Remember, when layering make sure nothing is tight because restricted blood flow will make you cold.


Also, I tend not to wear a mid layer on my lower body, I go from base layer to pants/outerwear if I’m going to be moving at all. I have big legs and it’s too cumbersome to downgrade layers on the legs without taking my boots off.

 

[daniel craig]

Polar fleece layered with soft shell outer garments. The waffle layer long johns currently issued by Uncle Sam are pretty good.

love the waffles. Need a wind proof outer layer though.

 

[dh1633pm]

You live in WI and don't know how to dress for the Winter? Must have moved from another state. I have been living in Central New York not all, but most of my life. Dressing for the cold always seemed to come naturally. My dad always said that he never made me put on a hat or gloves when I was growing up. He always thought the cold would be a better reminder. And it is a cruel overlord.

You have received excellent advice from everyone here. You still have to put it into practice. I concentrate on head, hands, and feet. The core is easier to deal with. If you head is cold then your cold. If you feet are wet or cold then your cold. Same for your hands. Need stuff that will help keep the snow off you. Snow melting on you just makes you wet. Nothing worse then going out and getting snow in your boots. If you core is cold you just add extra layers like everyone already said. With layers comes weight. Weight makes sweat, sweat makes cold. Acclimate to the cold as well. It helps.

 

[kmw1954]

You live in WI and don't know how to dress for the Winter?

If you core is cold you just add extra layers like everyone already said. With layers comes weight. Weight makes sweat, sweat makes cold. Acclimate to the cold as well. It helps.

You are the second to bring this up and I ignored the first one. Being from Wisconsin or how long has nothing to do with handling the cold.

First off, I am 66 years old and have lived here my entire life. Cold was never a problem but then I never had to work outside in it for the whole day. Use to be I could do what I am doing now and handle it perfectly fine. As kids we would play ice hockey all day and never get cold. I've even fallen thru the ice thigh and had to walk home soaked so that by the time we got home my pants were frozen solid.

Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with Peripheral Vascular Disease and have artificial grafts going to each leg. Which means I have reduced blood flow to my legs. Next I had an open heart triple bypass almost 4 years ago. Even inside a 70* house there are times I am cold.

So your assertion about where I live is completely false. In 66 years I have never had to buy special clothing to be able to work outside.

 

[doubleh]

I'm retired and my solution is to just stay inside when it's cold. I spent my entire working except for two years life outdoors and learned this. Stay away from cotton anything in cold weather except for a couple of uses. I wore Walls insulated bibs and coats in winter because welding and cutting sparks tend to bounce off cotton where they just melt the synthetics and it wears much better than synthetics. No fire danger? Synthetics are lighter, warmer, and more comfortable than cotton. Wool is good too, especially for socks.

 

[kmw1954]

Oly Wow. just did a quick search for Merino wool socks and base layers. Prices are scattered all over the place. Socks from about $10.00 a pair to over $40.00 a pair. Base layers the same thing. I also see a bunch of different blends. How do you determine which is best?

Next I was looking at bibs and ski pants, need more research. Feel like a complete dope and realizing how much I don't know. I want something good but I also don't want to overbuy. I will be spending most of this time inside a covered building so it will be somewhat wind protected. And again it won't be doing heavy outdoor work where I need heavy canvas duck to prevent rips/tears or burning holes.

 

[daniel craig]

Oly Wow. just did a quick search for Merino wool socks and base layers. Prices are scattered all over the place. Socks from about $10.00 a pair to over $40.00 a pair. Base layers the same thing. I also see a bunch of different blends. How do you determine which is best?

Next I was looking at bibs and ski pants, need more research. Feel like a complete dope and realizing how much I don't know. I want something good but I also don't want to overbuy. I will be spending most of this time inside a covered building so it will be somewhat wind protected. And again it won't be doing heavy outdoor work where I need heavy canvas duck to prevent rips/tears or burning holes.

Wool blends tend to be lackluster in my opinion. I’d go full wool. Oh and when it comes to layers a lot of companies categorize thusly: lightweight -> mid weight -> expedition so keep that in mind when shopping. Lightweight is the base layer.