HikeArizona.COM

I live in Flagstaff and I love hiking but I don't get out much in the fall/winter when it is cold. Reason? I sweat PROFUSELY under pretty much any conditions, especially hiking. Being soaking wet in the summer time feels fine, but in the winter it chills me to the bone. What are some clothing opions for cold weather hiking that will keep the outside wind and temperature out, without just becoming saturated with sweat, ala a sweatshirt? (mostly I'm concerned about upper body).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

A wicking layer should contact the body, followed by an insulating layer then a wind breaker of sorts if needed.

The wicking layer may be pricey. I'd suggest googling around and buying on-line as your size and preference is more likely to be IN stock.

In response to Newdayrising's reply:

I have a multitude of options chosen from the following based on temperature, wind, and activity level. The items with asterisks are my basic hiking configuration for 20's and 30's. I nearly always wear hat or headband and gloves.

Base (0-1 used)
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* Silk, capilene, polypro turtleneck of varying weights.

Mid (0-3 used)
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Mountain Hardwear Transitions windstopper top
* Running top (Hind Drylete or thick polypro)
* Windpro fleece jacket
down vest
down jacket

Shell (0-1 used)
-------------------
Lightweight waterproof breathable (Marmot Precip)
GoreTex shell.
(both have pit zips, which I generally leave open)

check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com for deals on hiking clothes. you can pick up brands like North Face, Patagonia, Marmot and Golite pretty cheap. click on the "outdoor gear" link then on to Hiking gear and finally mens clothing. The Snow Sports links also have base layers. I scored a $30 Marmot mid weight shirt for $7

In response to Newdayrising's reply:

I thought I was the only one who sweated like that! <actually, all my hiking buddies do too but I'm the only one who admits to it!>

My advice to is to get a really good base layer and don't skimp on cost. I bought some silk long johns for cold weather hiking made by Terramar and wore these to the GC when it was 20 degrees. I layered a short sleeved wicking shirt on top of this and a fleece jacket to top it off and I was actually too warm. By the time I was 3 miles into the GC, the fleece jacket was gone and I was very comfy in the silk and short sleeved top. By the time I was driving down I-17 near Sedona, I was too warm from the silk top and was changing in the car.

Sierratradingpost.com has great deals on Terramar stuff. Silk is the key and wicks the moisture away without making you chill. But you have to layer ALL breathable layers. If you wear the silk and put 100% cotton on top of that.....you'll just trap all the moisture.

Trishness wrote:

Sierratradingpost.com has great deals on Terramar stuff. Silk is the key and wicks the moisture away without making you chill. But you have to layer ALL breathable layers. If you wear the silk and put 100% cotton on top of that.....you'll just trap all the moisture.

The Terramar silk long unders at Sierra Trading Post are an excellent value. My whole family wears them.

In response to Newdayrising's reply:

I also am a 'sweater'.

During a recent trip to Mt Baldy with daytime temps from the low 50s to mid-30s, my REI Powerstretch top was perfect. When I was moving, it was adequate by itself until the wind picked up. Then I added an ultralight windshirt. I used a fleece vest during extended stops.