Best Thermal Underwear/Base Layer

[levain]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy777

We live in a world economy - everyone needs to deal with it.

My first and only concern is what is best for me and my family.

If US manufactures can't keep up - so long Charley.

The only reason auto makers made such a vast improvement in build quality was because of the foreign competition was kicking their A$$ - they were more than content to stuff junk down our throats prior to that. Think Vega, for one.

The simple truth is, competition breeds better, more innovative, lower-priced products.

Those that can't cut it perish (Darwin's law of natural selection, and all that)

All things being equal - of course I would buy US.

That being said, I refuse to buy second rate products and old technology, simply 'cause they are made in the states.

But that's just me - YMMV

.

Oh, this should be good.
btw, I happen to agree

[Ceri JC]

Originally Posted by levain

Oh, this should be good.
btw, I happen to agree

Yeah, the best Merino wool comes from NZ, anyway.





Seriously though, am looking at thermals for use in real cold. A Canadian friend who has spent a lot of time in the cold recommended Icebreakers. Good to see they're considered highly here too.

[oalvarez]

i'm a big fan of the Forcefield product line as a base layer.....on top of that i layer Patagonia Capilene and Arcteryx zips/jackets, weather depending. i do not have a need for wired gear given the climate i ride in. have never tried the LD line but it seems as though many of you have and like it.

love these threads.

[bmac]

Originally Posted by _cy_

1. is it comfortable? could you live in that shirt for a week? ... itchy wool shirts are no longer your only choice.
.

I bet you have not tried a merino wool shirt. Take a chance and you won't regret it.

Originally Posted by pingvin

I've converted more and more to wool except when hot. Merino wool as first layer. And instead of a thick fleece as second layer I put on another thin wool layer and if necessary, a thin inner shell that is ultra thin and light but make a HUGE difference (http://www.thermalshop.co.uk/product...__jacket_black , my favourite gear ever)

If even colder (we are now below freezing point) I, put the liner in the jacket. Even colder (when rellay cold or transport at higher speed it's no way around heated gear. For me anyway, freeze easily.

For hot weather, I'll leave it to those living in hotter areas for advice :-)

Same here. I have tried a ton of different stuff and now I wear merino wool almost all the time. It is hard to beat.

Originally Posted by Digitdion

Merino wool base layer is the only way to go!
Get on the web and read up about the benefits of it. It's all true.

Agreed!


A lot of the synthetics work very well but the problem I have with them is they absorb body order faster than anything else I have ever worn. While using synthetics at home during moderately warm weather I find myself changing shirts halfway through the day to avoid the smell. I have kept a lot of the synthetics but most days I wear merino wool.

[cchoc]

My heavy weight thermals are Duofold and my medium and lighter weight are Capilene. I also have a pair of Marmot tights that are great for the cold. My youngest son is a big fan of Icebreaker.

[TheWorstKind]

I like my LD shorts a lot. But not for keeping me warm or cool or dry....I like 'em because my butt doesn't get sore from riding all day. And for what it's worth, I have stayed dry in my crotch wearing the LD Comfort shorts on all rides I have worn them on.

[oalvarez]

Ibex merino wool products are very comfy as well.

[swingset]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy777

We live in a world economy - everyone needs to deal with it.

My first and only concern is what is best for me and my family.

If US manufactures can't keep up - so long Charley.

The only reason auto makers made such a vast improvement in build quality was because of the foreign competition was kicking their A$$ - they were more than content to stuff junk down our throats prior to that. Think Vega, for one.

The simple truth is, competition breeds better, more innovative, lower-priced products.

Those that can't cut it perish (Darwin's law of natural selection, and all that)

All things being equal - of course I would buy US.

That being said, I refuse to buy second rate products and old technology, simply 'cause they are made in the states.

But that's just me - YMMV

.

And that's why I said it's the best stuff made, so you can burn some more calories going on about your global mindset if you like....but I recommend them because I've tried tons of options, and their base layers are exceptional - and get this - cheaper than most imported stuff. Great folks to deal with, too.

[swannie]

I too have tried alot of different brands...and settled on the quik wick and sub zero products from Go Athletic....it works as well as anything and the prices are good. Customer service has been awesome....and made in the USA is a plus!

[Calgary06]

Cotton waffle...

I found the synthetics didn't regulate heat as well as wool. Currently everything I have is Icebreaker. Love it.. I'm good down to -40 with a couple of layers of it under a Gore-Tex shell. I'll also wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt under my moto jacket in the summer. Keeps me warm in the morning and cool once it warms up. Super soft, stretchy, no itch and no stink.




don't put it in the dryer...

[pingvin]

Originally Posted by Calgary06

I found the synthetics didn't regulate heat as well as wool. Currently everything I have is Icebreaker. Love it.. I'm good down to -40 with a couple of layers of it under a Gore-Tex shell.

Assumed that was -40 F till googled the eqivalent Celsius...which is also -40. That's cold!

[RestlessRider]

Wool is the way to go. I would recommend Smartwool, they come in 3 different weights. Zippered version for the top is great as it keeps close to the neck and you can zipper down when it is cold.

[Pete_Tallahassee]

"LDComfort™ shorts and tights are made to come up higher in the back"

This is what sold me. I just ordered a top and the tights plus a pair of socks.
I almost went with the wool but read a review that said they were sending them back because their back was exposed when bending over. LDComfort sounds like motorcycle specific gear.
I'll post my thoughts after I ride in them for an extended period.

Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions.

[t6pilot]

Like my LD shorts keeps the boys happy. Wife likes them also for other reasons. Pricey but worth it. 30-110F no issues. Hate monkey butt

[Okeedokee]

Originally Posted by Digitdion

Merino wool base layer is the only way to go!
Get on the web and read up about the benefits of it. It's all true.

I use "Wool Power" Merino Wool long underwear imported by Gransford Brux Co. in Summerville SC, USA.
This stuff is great!
It's made in Sweden and it's pricey but well worth it. They make it is 200, 400 and I believe 800gr weight fablic. Being in the sunny South, the 200gr weight works fine for me. I have also worn it hunting in blizzard-like conditions in north-Texas and it worked great there, too.
And when they say you can sweat in it for a week and it will not stink, they mean it!
Been there, done that.