[tracker]

I really want to change my cool/cold weather clothing for this winter/spring. I have in the past used a wool military pullover when packpacking in the desert location. Anybody have any other hints on fleece or other fabrics. I mostly BP and do some hiking with my wife.

[MaryPhyl]

In the last few years I have changed over to synthetic fabrics. I like polartec power stretch better than the fleece because it is just as warm and it is less bulky and weighs less. There are nice nylon pants now that cut the breeze. If you buy them with legs that zip off they can be worn year round. I use Frogg Toggs for rain gear and as a windbreaker. These would not be good if you are rough on things like pushing through bushes because they are a bit delicate and might tear. My husband tears his and he is a walking mass of duct tape. If it is too warm for the power stretch then I take silk. Many folks like Patagonia silk weight things but I cannot talk myself into the money.
Fleece is good for hats and gloves--it dries quickly. I wear cool max shirts--sleeveless in summer and long sleeve in winter. I have a white desert shirt I like to wear. It is made by sequel in Durango Colorado. It is mesh on the bottom and the underside of the sleeves is mesh. It has big pockets with velcro on them. I am wearing it in the picture of me by this post.
I like double layer no blister cool max sacks.
If there is any of this stuff you are interested in I can probably find where you might buy it on the net.

[tracker]

Thanks for the info. I've been looking into Coolmax stuff. I'm hoping for a shirt or two @ Christmas time. I already have two pairs of convertible pants and I luv em. I bought at sam's club for about $13 bucks each. The best deal I've ever seen. Its just the shirts and jacket that I can't seem to pin down right now. I will look into the polartec. Where can I get them?

[Randy]

Tracker:

I like the new windblocker fleece a lot, as it saves having to wear a shell over the top on windy days. I recently bought a 200 weight windblocker jacket at REI and have basically retired my older model. Lotsa layers is the key. A bottom layer of synthetic polypropylene underware is a good start-using either the middleweight or expedition weight-or carry both like I do (Big pack!). REI's MTS or Patagonia's Capeline lines are good examples of the genre. BTW, the synthetic undies are great for hiking all year, they don't hold sweat like cotton. A button down nylon shirt-or, on a very cold day one of the micro fleece shirts (similar to the old cotton "chamois" except synthetic and hydrophobic) topped by a windblocker fleece jacket of 200 or 300 weight (bigger number, heavier weight) will get you pretty close.

A gore-tex or other proprietary waterproof/breathable shell and pants covers it all. Cotton is to be avoided at all costs. The "Fabric of Death" is nature's own evaporative cooler. The same features that make it so comfortable on a hot summer day turn it into a short cut to hypothermia on a cold wet windy day. Adding or removing layers of the above,depending on your level of exertion is most of the battle. A nice extra is a down vest, which stuffs up into a small, light carry, keeping the torso warm. The best ones feature a "microfiber" material which helps shed water and block wind. Mountain Hardwear makes a really nice one.

We often forget how much heat is lost though the head and hands. A nice fleece or wool/poly blend stocking cap is a great help (also if one tends to sleep cold in a three season bag) as are a pair of gloves. I like the fleece ones with the little rubber pads, so when I fall down on the trail trying to keep up with Mike, I have some traction on the way up. Finally, a wet pair of boots doesn't help. Whatever waterproofing is suggested for a boot type helps keep the sox dry. I like a thin polypro liner next to the skin and a wool or wool blend outer sock from someone like Wigwam, Thorlo or Smartwool.

The above are not in the Army surplus price range. Remember- the Army takes low bidder.... Both Sierra Trading Post and REI-Outlet offer discontinueds, irregulars and last years models for much less than retail.

When all else fails, nothing beats a dog for putting out BTUs in a small enclosed space. -Randy

[Lizard]

I am not a big fan of fleece. It is inexpensive and hydrophobic, but at the same time it is bulky and leaks wind like a sieve (except for Windbloc fabrics, but those are even bulkier and heavier). What I use is a sythentic-fill jacket. These block out wind very effectively and compress nicely in your pack. They are generally lighter as well. Examples would be the Patagonia Puffball and the MEC Northern Lite 2.

The Frogg Toggs are nice for hiking on trails, though they are a bit fragile for bushwhacking. If you decide to get polypropylene rainwear, I would suggest looking into Propore rather than Frogg Toggs. The Propore jackets are specifically made for hiking so the design is more well-thought out.

[Nighthiker]

Layer for the weather. I agree with Randy. I may wear polypro thermal underwear and a nylon outer garment. Wind or rain I will add an outer shell or use a poncho. I also use fleece type garments ad wear cotton garments, but proper layeringis the key to a comfortable and safe outdoor activity.