The SNE Outdoor Winter Weather Gear Thread

[Tropopause_Fold]

Ok - been meaning to start this thread for a while. Hopefully mods don't mind and don't move it to OT. I know there is a ton of stuff that folks do outdoors to enjoy the elements. And when it's freezing cold - you have to own the right stuff to make it enjoyable. 

 

Sitting on the lift when it's -10F and blowing 20 knots can be brutal without the right cold weather gear...been there many times. 

 

Me, I've started running and found that once it gets down under 35F, personally, I don't like going with just a t-shirt and shorts. Need better stuff - so any runners can share their ideas.

 

So with Christmas coming soon, I'm curious what good stuff people own? Maybe you'll get some good ideas too and you can ask Santa Weenie to bring you something. Anyway:

 

Best brands?

Best for certain types of days? 

etc.

 

 

[Damage In Tolland]

Ok - been meaning to start this thread for a while. Hopefully mods don't mind and don't move it to OT. I know there is a ton of stuff that folks do outdoors to enjoy the elements. And when it's freezing cold - you have to own the right stuff to make it enjoyable. 

 

Sitting on the lift when it's -10F and blowing 20 knots can be brutal without the right cold weather gear...been there many times. 

 

Me, I've started running and found that once it gets down under 35F, personally, I don't like going with just a t-shirt and shorts. Need better stuff - so any runners can share their ideas.

 

So with Christmas coming soon, I'm curious what good stuff people own? Maybe you'll get some good ideas too and you can ask Santa Weenie to bring you something. Anyway:

 

Best brands?

Best for certain types of days? 

etc.

Dri fit shirts in layers.. but never more than 3 even when below zero and windy

Running tights with basketball shorts over them

Running gloves..1 pair since your hands sweat

Dri fit hat--Does 2 things.. soaks up sweat and keeps your ears from falling off in cold wind

 

And last but maybe most importantly something to tuck in the trousers to keep the weenie area warm..cold winds thru several layers can still do a number in that area

[Tropopause_Fold]

Dri fit shirts in layers.. but never more than 3 even when below zero and windy

Running tights with basketball shorts over them

Running gloves..1 pair since your hands sweat

Dri fit hat--Does 2 things.. soaks up sweat and keeps your ears from falling off in cold wind

 

And last but maybe most importantly something to tuck in the trousers to keep the weenie area warm..cold winds thru several layers can still do a number in that area

cool...

 

brands? 

[Damage In Tolland]

cool...

 

brands? 

I mean really anything Nike, North Face, Brooks,New Balance related..any of the running brands or companies that make gear for cold wx

 

Do you have a Fleet Feet store near you? they could support your entire running wardrobe

[sankaty]

Great advice from Kevin.

 

I'll add my 2 cents:

 

Running:

 

This is what works for me, but obviously, everyone is different.

 

For cold weather running, I love the Sugoi Midzero products.  I have both the zip top and tights.

 

I also have a couple of Under Armour fitted long sleeve crew tops.  I like them becuase they fit close without being skin tight.  I also have lots of short sleeve tech shirts from various manufacturers.

 

Down to about 45F, I'll just wear shorts and a tech t-shirt.

 

Between about 40-45F, I'll switch to the UA long sleeve shirt.

 

Under 40F, I'll add the tights.

 

Under about 35F, I'll add a short sleeve shirt over the UA long sleeve shirt. I'll aslo add a fleece hat and gloves.

 

When it dips into the 20s, I'll ditch the other shirts for just the Mizero zip top.

 

If it's about 15F or colder, I'll add a fleece neck warmer and a Patagonia Nano Puff vest over the Midzero top.  The vest is insulated with Primaloft, which I adore.

 

If it's too cold for that, I'll bike inside on the trainer.

 

Disclaimor: I generate a lot of heat when I run.  A lot of my training partners need to layer up a bit more than I do.  Also, the above is geared for a moderate effort.  For a race or particularly hard training run, I'll lose another layer.

 

Tip:  If you have a Marshalls near you, they can have great prices on Hind, NB, and Nike gear, among others.

 

 

Skiing:

 

For skiing, I use some of the same layers.  On bottom, I wear a waterproof/breathable shell over fleece pants.  On very cold days, I'll add midweight thermal long underwear under the fleece pants.

 

On top I wear the UA long sleeve top and then, depending on the weather, layer some combination of these:

 

Midzero top

Polartec Power Stretch Top (I love this layer for skiing.  It gets the most use and is a mandatory item in my view.  It's great on its own for warmer days.)

Patagonia Puff Vest

 

Then, I'll top it off with either a uninsulated soft shell, a fleece lined soft shell, or Primaloft insulated jacket (mine is EMS).

 

I also have a lightweight REI waterproof/breathable hard shell jacket that I like a lot, but I never wear it skiing unless it's actively raining.  I don't understand why the hard shell is the default jacket for skiing for most folks.  It doesn't breathe nearly as well as a soft shell or Primaloft jacket, and I've found absolute waterproofness to be unecessary above the waist in cold weather, even in deep snow or during snow storms.  Pants should be waterproof though, preferable with zip vents for warmer days.

 

A fleece neckwarmer, comforable helmet, goggles (always), and guantlet mittens!

 

Very thin wicking socks.  The ski boot should provide the insulation.

 

OK.  Maybe that was more than 2 cents.  I'm a bit of a zealot about cold weather gear.

 

Edit: Changed Polarfleece to Polartec.  Need to work on my trademark recall.

[Ginx snewx]

 

Great advice from Kevin.

 

I'll add my 2 cents:

 

Running:

 

This is what works for me, but obviously, everyone is different.

 

For cold weather running, I love the Sugoi Midzero products.  I have both the zip top and tights.

 

I also have a couple of Under Armour fitted long sleeve crew tops.  I like them becuase they fit close without being skin tight.  I also have lots of short sleeve tech shirts from various manufacturers.

 

Down to about 45F, I'll just wear shorts and a tech t-shirt.

 

Between about 40-45F, I'll switch to the UA long sleeve shirt.

 

Under 40F, I'll add the tights.

 

Under about 35F, I'll add a short sleeve shirt over the UA long sleeve shirt. I'll aslo add a fleece hat and gloves.

 

When it dips into the 20s, I'll ditch the other shirts for just the Mizero zip top.

 

If it's about 15F or colder, I'll add a fleece neck warmer and a Patagonia Nano Puff vest over the Midzero top.  The vest is insulated with Primaloft, which I adore.

 

If it's too cold for that, I'll bike inside on the trainer.

 

Disclaimor: I generate a lot of heat when I run.  A lot of my training partners need to layer up a bit more than I do.  Also, the above is geared for a moderate effort.  For a race or particularly hard training run, I'll lose another layer.

 

Tip:  If you have a Marshalls near you, they can have great prices on Hind, NB, and Nike gear, among others.

 

 

Skiing:

 

For skiing, I use some of the same layers.  On bottom, I wear a waterproof/breathable shell over fleece pants.  On very cold days, I'll add midweight thermal long underwear under the fleece pants.

 

On top I wear the UA long sleeve top and then, depending on the weather, layer some combination of these:

 

Midzero top

Polarfleece Power Stretch Top (I love this layer for skiing.  It gets the most use and is a mandatory item in my view.  It's great on its own for warmer days.)

Patagonia Puff Vest

 

Then, I'll top it off with either a uninsulated soft shell, a fleece lined soft shell, or Primaloft insulated jacket (mine is EMS).

 

I also have a lightweight REI waterproof/breathable hard shell jacket that I like a lot, but I never wear it skiing unless it's actively raining.  I don't understand why the hard shell is the default jacket for skiing for most folks.  It doesn't breathe nearly as well as a soft shell or Primaloft jacket, and I've found absolute waterproofness to be unecessary above the waist in cold weather, even in deep snow or during snow storms.  Pants should be waterproof though, preferable with zip vents for warmer days.

 

A fleece neckwarmer, comforable helmet, goggles (always), and guantlet mittens!

 

Very thin wicking socks.  The ski boot should provide the insulation.

 

OK.  Maybe that was more than 2 cents.  I'm a bit of a zealot about cold weather gear.

 

Great skiing gear advice. I run on a tread mill, advice drink water and don"t watch the babes in front of you when your wife is on the treadmill next to you. That is all

[Tropopause_Fold]

nice. 

[sankaty]

Here's an example of a Power Stretch top similar to mine:

 

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-eko-polartec-power-stretch-shirt-zip-neck-long-sleeve-for-men~p~6729a/?filterString=s~power-stretch-men%2F&colorFamily=01

 

Sierra Trading Post is a great place to buy gear.  You can easily find coupons to cut about 30% off their already low prices.

 

Good luck!

[powderfreak]

Under Armor base layer for skiing or really anything outside in the winter for me. Variety of layers after that depending on temps. Shell or medium weight lined Patagonia jacket on top for me. Light-weight long under-wear and fleece pants under shell gore-tex pants for the bottom.

I'm a big fan of UA base layers.

[Damage In Tolland]

Under Armor base layer for skiing or really anything outside in the winter for me. Variety of layers after that depending on temps. Shell or medium weight lined Patagonia jacket on top for me. Light-weight long under-wear and fleece pants under shell gore-tex pants for the bottom.

I'm a big fan of UA base layers.

I picture you in a big l one piece snowsuit with a metal clip /belt fastened in the front

[Ginx snewx]

I picture you in a big l one piece snowsuit with a metal clip /belt fastened in the front

For some reason i figured you ran with these underneath during those 20 below zero Mt Tolland dark mornings, right out of bed slip on the running gear over your PJs

[mreaves]

My winter outdoor sport is snowmobiling but the under layers are similar. Under Armour base layer and then sweat pants and a longs leave turtle neck or mock. I have a Choko jacket and bibs. For the feet, I wear Darn Tough socks and Kamik or Sorel boots. I've never really been cold while riding except when we stop. Of course there is a helmet and some pretty heavy duty leather gloves too.

[Damage In Tolland]

My winter outdoor sport is snowmobiling but the under layers are similar. Under Armour base layer and then sweat pants and a longs leave turtle neck or mock. I have a Choko jacket and bibs. For the feet, I wear Darn Tough socks and Kamik or Sorel boots. I've never really been cold while riding except when we stop. Of course there is a helmet and some pretty heavy duty leather gloves too.

Oh yeah I forgot. Always run in wool Darn Tough socks winter or summer. Never cotton socks. Darn Tough replaces your socks when they wear out with no questions asked.

[Tropopause_Fold]

yeah i've got a few UA things. like their products. a bit $ but worth it. 

[powderfreak]

Oh yeah I forgot. Always run in wool Darn Tough socks winter or summer. Never cotton socks. Darn Tough replaces your socks when they wear out with no questions asked.

Agreed. We get Darn Tough socks for work at the ski area and those have been fantastic the past couple years. I would definitely recommend that brand. Anything cotton in the winter is a bad idea no matter where you wear it. It gets wet from sweat or snow and you'll freeze.

[mreaves]

Oh yeah I forgot. Always run in wool Darn Tough socks winter or summer. Never cotton socks. Darn Tough replaces your socks when they wear out with no questions asked.

The Darn Tough factory is about 20 minutes away from me. Every year they have a sock sale two weekends in November. Socks for $8 - $15. Lines out

the door. I've never had to test the gauruntee

[mreaves]

Agreed. We get Darn Tough socks for work at the ski area and those have been fantastic the past couple years. I would definitely recommend that brand. Anything cotton in the winter is a bad idea no matter where you wear it. It gets wet from sweat or snow and you'll freeze.

Made in Northfield, VT.

[powderfreak]

I picture you in a big l one piece snowsuit with a metal clip /belt fastened in the front

These are some of my sample outfits for work...

And when it's snowing really hard and I want to put photos on AMWX, I add the fanny pack (but facing forward for easy access) to carry my camera gear.

[Damage In Tolland]

The Darn Tough factory is about 20 minutes away from me. Every year they have a sock sale two weekends in November. Socks for $8 - $15. Lines out

the door. I've never had to test the gauruntee

I did this past summer. I ran 4 marathons in the same pair along with lots of training and they got holes in them. I mailed them out in an envelope and in 2 days received a brand new pair express mail

[Tropopause_Fold]

Alright Darn Tough on the list. Never even heard of them

[Ginx snewx]

Skinny socks skiing, wick out, never heavy socks

[mreaves]

Alright Darn Tough on the list. Never even heard of them

http://darntough.com

 

 

Edit: Just looked at the retail prices online, no wonder I only buy these at the factory sale!

[MaineJayhawk]

Techwick base layers and SmartWool socks for me - personally tested to -33F. Definitely no cotton as peeps have mentioned.

[Hitman]

Agree on the under armor and darn tough. Skiing, I almost always wear a midlayer top that has monkey grips, holes for the thumbs to keep the sleeve from sliding and covers the wrist.

[Cold Miser]

L.L. Bean Snowshoes.

 

[sankaty]

I might have to check out the Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Ultralight.  I've been skiing in Eurosocks Superlite, but they do wear out eventually.

 

Hard to bet against the Euro, though.

[NECT]

Skinny socks skiing, wick out, never heavy socks

Yep. And layers is the bottom line. I've been skiing since before gore-tex (as have you I imagine). You don't necessarily have to spend top dollar on high tech clothing (but it helps). Just wearing thermals and a couple layers on top of that for cold weather and a gore-tex outer layer will get you through most anything. Since I'm cheap, I'll go skiing with thermals, jeans, and a decent pair of ski pants with no problems. On top, thermals, a turtleneck, a sweater (or some other thick layer) and a good ski jacket. The toughest part is good gloves, and a way to cover your head/face. Decent ski boots and socks take care of my feet.