Looking for a jacket, gloves, pants, and base layers. what do you boys use for cold weather shooting. Im talking 30s and below.
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cold weather shooting gear
- Thread starter steveptr
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Re: cold weather shooting gear
several hand warmers.
Under Armour cold gear for base layer
Insulated ski pants if its below 20 degrees, jeans if its not
TAD gear ranger hoodie. If its real cold, then my bulky ass Cabelas Guidewear parka
Cabelas Insulated shooting gloves, but i usually shoot without the glove on the firing hand and put it on during cease fire, plus hand warmers
several hand warmers.
Under Armour cold gear for base layer
Insulated ski pants if its below 20 degrees, jeans if its not
TAD gear ranger hoodie. If its real cold, then my bulky ass Cabelas Guidewear parka
Cabelas Insulated shooting gloves, but i usually shoot without the glove on the firing hand and put it on during cease fire, plus hand warmers
Re: cold weather shooting gear
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steveptr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a jacket, gloves, pants, and base layers. what do you boys use for cold weather shooting. Im talking 30s and below. </div></div>
base layer = any synthetic base layer works just fine from condor, EWCS to patagonia, you can find cheap polypro at walmart that works fine. for single day with huge temp swings and little moisture management, wool works good. for optimum performance, patagonia capilene mid weight top and bottom. but I also have a under armor heat gear top I have been using with decent performance.
jacket = any soft shell jacket from condor to wildthings. under the soft shell a puff sweater, make does not matter much, puff is better than fleece as it compresses more for less change in the shoulder stock fit Vs fleece, plus its warmer for the weight.
pants = any soft shell pants, harder to find price point, look at a mountaineering or climbing or hiking shop. i have used 5.11 taclite over a patagonia base layer down to -20f with good results for single day of training close to the rig. i also have a cheap pair of coated nylon pants to go over my soft shell if its really wet and muddy but these days, that says stay home and watch a good film noir.
gloves = i use 200wgt open fleece gloves with seamgrip dots I added in the area I required more grip. iron heat packs are ok until they get damp then they do not produce heat. i am one who never really got cold hands or feet until -40 and colder... these days +40f
i wear my cool guy hat mostly but when it gets cold a simple fleece of 200wgt non wind barrier.
get a good thermos, wrap close cell foam around the thermos with duct tape. preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes then dump the water out and pour in new boiling water. take and insulate a plastic mug with closed cell foam around it or at least on the bottom. dry soup, coffee, hot chocolate, etc an assortment of things to re-hydrate in your mug. nothing like sipping hot coffee at -20 while training. i also snack on crackers since temp does not effect them like most foods with creamy chicken soup in my mug. as far as energy bars, candy bars are cheaper and offers about the same caloric value, keep them in a outside pocket to protect from freezing but not melt. eat and drink constantly Vs a big meal that will zap blood flow and tire and chill the body.
boots = any decent boot will work. lace them up with full body weight before hiking, loosen laces while stationary, stand and sit on closed cell foam pad, rub degree anti arm on your feet before leaving the house to control sweat and cold feet.
shoot prone laying on a closed cell foam pad. for snow, silt, brush, mud, I place my backpack so ejected brass hit my pack and then roll down and onto my pad or shooters mat...way less lost brass.
get and stay well hydrated, take a baby or heart aspirin or garlic pills to thin the blood for better circulation. i know of few who like hot sauce.
mental means have fun even if you think it colds and miserable.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steveptr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a jacket, gloves, pants, and base layers. what do you boys use for cold weather shooting. Im talking 30s and below. </div></div>
base layer = any synthetic base layer works just fine from condor, EWCS to patagonia, you can find cheap polypro at walmart that works fine. for single day with huge temp swings and little moisture management, wool works good. for optimum performance, patagonia capilene mid weight top and bottom. but I also have a under armor heat gear top I have been using with decent performance.
jacket = any soft shell jacket from condor to wildthings. under the soft shell a puff sweater, make does not matter much, puff is better than fleece as it compresses more for less change in the shoulder stock fit Vs fleece, plus its warmer for the weight.
pants = any soft shell pants, harder to find price point, look at a mountaineering or climbing or hiking shop. i have used 5.11 taclite over a patagonia base layer down to -20f with good results for single day of training close to the rig. i also have a cheap pair of coated nylon pants to go over my soft shell if its really wet and muddy but these days, that says stay home and watch a good film noir.
gloves = i use 200wgt open fleece gloves with seamgrip dots I added in the area I required more grip. iron heat packs are ok until they get damp then they do not produce heat. i am one who never really got cold hands or feet until -40 and colder... these days +40f
i wear my cool guy hat mostly but when it gets cold a simple fleece of 200wgt non wind barrier.
get a good thermos, wrap close cell foam around the thermos with duct tape. preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes then dump the water out and pour in new boiling water. take and insulate a plastic mug with closed cell foam around it or at least on the bottom. dry soup, coffee, hot chocolate, etc an assortment of things to re-hydrate in your mug. nothing like sipping hot coffee at -20 while training. i also snack on crackers since temp does not effect them like most foods with creamy chicken soup in my mug. as far as energy bars, candy bars are cheaper and offers about the same caloric value, keep them in a outside pocket to protect from freezing but not melt. eat and drink constantly Vs a big meal that will zap blood flow and tire and chill the body.
boots = any decent boot will work. lace them up with full body weight before hiking, loosen laces while stationary, stand and sit on closed cell foam pad, rub degree anti arm on your feet before leaving the house to control sweat and cold feet.
shoot prone laying on a closed cell foam pad. for snow, silt, brush, mud, I place my backpack so ejected brass hit my pack and then roll down and onto my pad or shooters mat...way less lost brass.
get and stay well hydrated, take a baby or heart aspirin or garlic pills to thin the blood for better circulation. i know of few who like hot sauce.
mental means have fun even if you think it colds and miserable.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
I spent a great deal of time dealing with extreme sub zero temps when I was in the Alaska NG.
I used the wool OG pants and shirt, the Korea War era field pants and parka w/liners, arctic and trigger finger mittens.
After I retired I got rid of them, (they got small anyway, think the wife washed them in hot water).
Now its not Alaska, but Wyoming gets a bit nippy and the wind does blow a bit.
I got on e-bay and re-outfitted with the above gear. Lots of fancy expensive clothing out there that will work, don't know, but I do know the army surplus equipment above DOES work.
I sure like the Army Arctic Mittens for 4 wheeling in the winter.
This stuff works in layers, and layers is what you want.
Best I found for breaking the wind, either on the Bering Sea of Western Alaska or the Wyoming Prairies.
I spent a great deal of time dealing with extreme sub zero temps when I was in the Alaska NG.
I used the wool OG pants and shirt, the Korea War era field pants and parka w/liners, arctic and trigger finger mittens.
After I retired I got rid of them, (they got small anyway, think the wife washed them in hot water).
Now its not Alaska, but Wyoming gets a bit nippy and the wind does blow a bit.
I got on e-bay and re-outfitted with the above gear. Lots of fancy expensive clothing out there that will work, don't know, but I do know the army surplus equipment above DOES work.
I sure like the Army Arctic Mittens for 4 wheeling in the winter.
This stuff works in layers, and layers is what you want.
Best I found for breaking the wind, either on the Bering Sea of Western Alaska or the Wyoming Prairies.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
Avoid anything cotton both against your skin. Also avoid it as an outer layer if there's a chance of precipitation. Once cotton gets wet, you will lose body heat quickly. Game over.
I've shot in the 20*s F and was pretty comfortable. There are a million combinations that will work, but this is what I used at Mammoth last month.
Just a note, at Mammoth we were in the ETM division and were hiking, sitting around, shooting, hiking some more, etc. I planned around trying to keep gear light weight (on a budget), flexible, and breathable. I knew we were going to be getting hot during hikes and could be cold afterwards. This may or may not be your type of shooting, so take it for what its worth.
Base Layer - Under Armor Cold Gear (both top and bottoms). I was very pleased. This was the newer style cold gear that isn't as skin tight as the older style. Did its job, kept me warm and dried out fast.
Pants - 5.11 Stryke. I would not say these are ideal cold weather pants. However, they are very comfortable and offered other features I wanted to use. I also knew that I was going to be wearing base layers and didn't want to over heat.
Mid Layer - Under Armor Heat Gear long sleeve. I was avoiding cotton as much as possible. Again, not an ideal shirt for cold weather, but it was what I had. I knew it would breathe and not hold moisture. I also kept a cotton long sleeve shirt in my ruck just in case I needed another air barrier.
Jacket - 2 part, fleece liner and shell. The fleece liner also converted into a vest. Very nice option for hiking! That feature alone is why this particular fleece came with me. Options. Its not actually the fleece that goes with the shell, but they worked together just fine when it got really cold. The shell was a Columbia jacket - water proof & wind proof.
Rain gear - FroggToggs. Since my Columbia shell was water proof, I only toted my FroggTogg bottoms. I used them a couple of times. Once to keep my pants dry while shooting a stage where we had to crawl through a little mud. (I didn't want to be cold later because I got wet.) Then later when the wind started blowing they actually worked quite well as a wind barrier.
Gloves - fleece with grippy palms. Also carried a heavier set, but ended up not needed them.
Hats - again, options. Mesh ball cap, fleece toboggan, neck gaiter. If the wind gets blowing, a neck gaiter will be your best friend.
Avoid anything cotton both against your skin. Also avoid it as an outer layer if there's a chance of precipitation. Once cotton gets wet, you will lose body heat quickly. Game over.
I've shot in the 20*s F and was pretty comfortable. There are a million combinations that will work, but this is what I used at Mammoth last month.
Just a note, at Mammoth we were in the ETM division and were hiking, sitting around, shooting, hiking some more, etc. I planned around trying to keep gear light weight (on a budget), flexible, and breathable. I knew we were going to be getting hot during hikes and could be cold afterwards. This may or may not be your type of shooting, so take it for what its worth.
Base Layer - Under Armor Cold Gear (both top and bottoms). I was very pleased. This was the newer style cold gear that isn't as skin tight as the older style. Did its job, kept me warm and dried out fast.
Pants - 5.11 Stryke. I would not say these are ideal cold weather pants. However, they are very comfortable and offered other features I wanted to use. I also knew that I was going to be wearing base layers and didn't want to over heat.
Mid Layer - Under Armor Heat Gear long sleeve. I was avoiding cotton as much as possible. Again, not an ideal shirt for cold weather, but it was what I had. I knew it would breathe and not hold moisture. I also kept a cotton long sleeve shirt in my ruck just in case I needed another air barrier.
Jacket - 2 part, fleece liner and shell. The fleece liner also converted into a vest. Very nice option for hiking! That feature alone is why this particular fleece came with me. Options. Its not actually the fleece that goes with the shell, but they worked together just fine when it got really cold. The shell was a Columbia jacket - water proof & wind proof.
Rain gear - FroggToggs. Since my Columbia shell was water proof, I only toted my FroggTogg bottoms. I used them a couple of times. Once to keep my pants dry while shooting a stage where we had to crawl through a little mud. (I didn't want to be cold later because I got wet.) Then later when the wind started blowing they actually worked quite well as a wind barrier.
Gloves - fleece with grippy palms. Also carried a heavier set, but ended up not needed them.
Hats - again, options. Mesh ball cap, fleece toboggan, neck gaiter. If the wind gets blowing, a neck gaiter will be your best friend.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
Base layer either polypropylene, capilene, or smartwool NTS. Skip the boxers or briefs for less material around the waist.
Mid layer might be a fleece layer if needed. Terramar is an inexpensive brand that I get from Sierra trading post. I light the fit of their grid line. Not too bulky and sufficiently warm. I also have an old cold weather fleece from the Dutch army. It's a wool poly blend. It's my favorite.
Outer layer may be soft shell or cabelas wooltimate depending on conditions.
I keep a set of goretex around too. A couple years ago I bought a set of cabelas outfitter goretex after hunting season was over, and they went on sale. It's the best rainwear I have ever owned.
For the kinds of hunting and shooting that I do, a varied of the Alaskan guide series from cabelas is the top notch in my experience, but I have never used real high end mountaineering stuff. The cabelas gear is expensive, but can be had after season on sale. I've never had any quality problems with it.
Hands and head depend on the conditions. Generally a radar cap of some sort and anything from shooting gloves to ecwcs trigger mits on the hands. They are always cold.
Boots tend to be rocky brand. I've been wearing their flexible athletic performance line in the 800 weight thermolite. I really like them so far. Best combination of stand hunting to stalking boots I have ever owned. Merino wool socks too!
Good advice was given on the thermo bottle too. Use it.
Base layer either polypropylene, capilene, or smartwool NTS. Skip the boxers or briefs for less material around the waist.
Mid layer might be a fleece layer if needed. Terramar is an inexpensive brand that I get from Sierra trading post. I light the fit of their grid line. Not too bulky and sufficiently warm. I also have an old cold weather fleece from the Dutch army. It's a wool poly blend. It's my favorite.
Outer layer may be soft shell or cabelas wooltimate depending on conditions.
I keep a set of goretex around too. A couple years ago I bought a set of cabelas outfitter goretex after hunting season was over, and they went on sale. It's the best rainwear I have ever owned.
For the kinds of hunting and shooting that I do, a varied of the Alaskan guide series from cabelas is the top notch in my experience, but I have never used real high end mountaineering stuff. The cabelas gear is expensive, but can be had after season on sale. I've never had any quality problems with it.
Hands and head depend on the conditions. Generally a radar cap of some sort and anything from shooting gloves to ecwcs trigger mits on the hands. They are always cold.
Boots tend to be rocky brand. I've been wearing their flexible athletic performance line in the 800 weight thermolite. I really like them so far. Best combination of stand hunting to stalking boots I have ever owned. Merino wool socks too!
Good advice was given on the thermo bottle too. Use it.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
Check out the Arc'teryx RHO top and bottom...the green one, not the black/wool one. The green one made out of their polortec stuff is warm for a base layer.
Check out the Arc'teryx RHO top and bottom...the green one, not the black/wool one. The green one made out of their polortec stuff is warm for a base layer.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
TAD Recon Hoodie (Ranger Hoodie LT): Midlayer
TAD seam taped Stealth Hoodie: Outer Layer (This is for water protection so the snow doesn't melt and soak into the fleece)
TAD Neck Gaiter
Long Sleeve Shirt: Base Layer
Jeans
Work Boots
Cheapo fleece gloves
I was fine at the range at 15 degrees F with mild wind. That was at a static range with me sitting. The only thing I would change are the gloves. My hands were numb by the time I was done and packing up.
TAD Recon Hoodie (Ranger Hoodie LT): Midlayer
TAD seam taped Stealth Hoodie: Outer Layer (This is for water protection so the snow doesn't melt and soak into the fleece)
TAD Neck Gaiter
Long Sleeve Shirt: Base Layer
Jeans
Work Boots
Cheapo fleece gloves
I was fine at the range at 15 degrees F with mild wind. That was at a static range with me sitting. The only thing I would change are the gloves. My hands were numb by the time I was done and packing up.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
For base-layers nothing beets 100% Merino wool. The best mfg. of these that I've found is IceBreaker- from New Zealand. IceBreaker products are, by far, the best wool kit made- they make base-layers and mid-layers that outperform any synthetic of similar weight for skin wettedness, insulation and odor management. Other wool base-layers, like Smartwool and Patagonia work well but not as well as 100% Merino. Folks who are allergic to wool have a few choices in synthetic fibers- polyester, polypropylene and nylon -best to worst in that order.
Polyester microfiber/ spandex blends do a decent job on moisture. So does polypropylene. But nylon blends soak sweat up and hold it against your skin. Polypropylene blends are great but again, odor becomes a problem. Nylon has a great feel but crap moisture wicking performance. So if you're sweating, stay away from nylon.
All synthetics will stink after a days sweat, high quality wool (100% Merino) won't.
Cotton-aka The Death Fabric- has no place in your cold weather kit..
I don't work for IceBreaker but I'm in apparel research for a sporting goods corporation. I shoot competitively in temp extremes and belong to a local SAR group- we perform in all weather conditions although, for some reason, people like to get lost when the weather is a it's worst!
For base-layers nothing beets 100% Merino wool. The best mfg. of these that I've found is IceBreaker- from New Zealand. IceBreaker products are, by far, the best wool kit made- they make base-layers and mid-layers that outperform any synthetic of similar weight for skin wettedness, insulation and odor management. Other wool base-layers, like Smartwool and Patagonia work well but not as well as 100% Merino. Folks who are allergic to wool have a few choices in synthetic fibers- polyester, polypropylene and nylon -best to worst in that order.
Polyester microfiber/ spandex blends do a decent job on moisture. So does polypropylene. But nylon blends soak sweat up and hold it against your skin. Polypropylene blends are great but again, odor becomes a problem. Nylon has a great feel but crap moisture wicking performance. So if you're sweating, stay away from nylon.
All synthetics will stink after a days sweat, high quality wool (100% Merino) won't.
Cotton-aka The Death Fabric- has no place in your cold weather kit..
I don't work for IceBreaker but I'm in apparel research for a sporting goods corporation. I shoot competitively in temp extremes and belong to a local SAR group- we perform in all weather conditions although, for some reason, people like to get lost when the weather is a it's worst!
Re: cold weather shooting gear
For mid-layers most any material with a loft will work well. For shooting, I prefer thinner wool or synthetic fleece layers to one thick layer. That allows me to peel layers as needed for the changing environment or metabolic load.
If you don't intend to wear a jacket- as in for the no-wind days, stay away from the windstopper-type membrane products. They do a great job cutting the wind but they really impede vapor transport away from the skin. Surplus wool sweaters work on a budget but they tend to get smelly. Cotton has absolutely no place in your apparel kit for cold weather.
For mid-layers most any material with a loft will work well. For shooting, I prefer thinner wool or synthetic fleece layers to one thick layer. That allows me to peel layers as needed for the changing environment or metabolic load.
If you don't intend to wear a jacket- as in for the no-wind days, stay away from the windstopper-type membrane products. They do a great job cutting the wind but they really impede vapor transport away from the skin. Surplus wool sweaters work on a budget but they tend to get smelly. Cotton has absolutely no place in your apparel kit for cold weather.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
Outerwear is a crap shoot. On a budget, some of the US, UK and Swiss surplus gear made with GoreTex works well. So do most of Columbia and REI vapor- permeable, waterproof outerwear. For shooting specific gear ArcTeryx (particularly their LEAF line), TAD, Otte and Outdoor Research top the list. For the money, it's hard to beat Sitka Gear...they have a very well designed layering system that is made for the outdoorsman and has a ton of articulation/flexibility designed to the knees, legs, elbows and shoulders and have good wear protection in high wear areas. The Sitka Gear kit is designed by a former ArcTeryx designer. As someone mentioned, Cabelas makes a good cold weather system.but I've never had a chance to look at it closely. Some of my fellow Oregonian shooters have been happy with the latest Carhart high-end kit.
Whatever you choose, make sure it has plenty of articulation, plenty of large tooth zippers and pit zips. Don't believe all the hype about breathability in outer-layers fabrics. While GoreTex and other membrane fabrics do transport vapor, nothing beats an open vent or pit zip to really get rid of the sweat vapor and to prevent it from condensing on the inside of the outer-layer.
Outerwear is a crap shoot. On a budget, some of the US, UK and Swiss surplus gear made with GoreTex works well. So do most of Columbia and REI vapor- permeable, waterproof outerwear. For shooting specific gear ArcTeryx (particularly their LEAF line), TAD, Otte and Outdoor Research top the list. For the money, it's hard to beat Sitka Gear...they have a very well designed layering system that is made for the outdoorsman and has a ton of articulation/flexibility designed to the knees, legs, elbows and shoulders and have good wear protection in high wear areas. The Sitka Gear kit is designed by a former ArcTeryx designer. As someone mentioned, Cabelas makes a good cold weather system.but I've never had a chance to look at it closely. Some of my fellow Oregonian shooters have been happy with the latest Carhart high-end kit.
Whatever you choose, make sure it has plenty of articulation, plenty of large tooth zippers and pit zips. Don't believe all the hype about breathability in outer-layers fabrics. While GoreTex and other membrane fabrics do transport vapor, nothing beats an open vent or pit zip to really get rid of the sweat vapor and to prevent it from condensing on the inside of the outer-layer.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
It's worth the money to spend on quality cold weather gear if you are in a cold environment. A lot of good brands mentioned above^^^ Always dress in lose layers and the outside layer should keep you dry and block the wind. Ventilation is also important you don't want to sweat if you are moving a lot. Layers allows you to dress up and down as the conditions change.
It's worth the money to spend on quality cold weather gear if you are in a cold environment. A lot of good brands mentioned above^^^ Always dress in lose layers and the outside layer should keep you dry and block the wind. Ventilation is also important you don't want to sweat if you are moving a lot. Layers allows you to dress up and down as the conditions change.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PDXGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For base-layers nothing beets 100% Merino wool.
Cotton-aka The Death Fabric- has no place in your cold weather kit..</div></div>
This!
The base is the most important. Start, and don't skimp, here.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PDXGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For base-layers nothing beets 100% Merino wool.
Cotton-aka The Death Fabric- has no place in your cold weather kit..</div></div>
This!
The base is the most important. Start, and don't skimp, here.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1shot2kill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hoodie
blue jeans
mechanics gloves
I'm good down to -10F</div></div>
With no sun, stagnation, or shelter, this sounds really uncomfortable.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1shot2kill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hoodie
blue jeans
mechanics gloves
I'm good down to -10F</div></div>
With no sun, stagnation, or shelter, this sounds really uncomfortable.
Re: cold weather shooting gear
No reason to spend a months pay check on a clothing system for a day at training, caveat is very close to the rig. Spend the saved coin on ammo. Wally world, second hand shops, GI shops, all offer cheap synthetic clothing that will work. $10 polypro can be found and it works just fine. Even cotton base layer will work for a day if right beside the rig or shelter. $10 sweat shirts and pants can be found and they work. Add a cheap $20 wind proof, couple pair of gloves, socks, Degree on the feet, loosen your boots while stationary, a closed cell pad from wally world, thermos and snacks and you are set to go train.
As you train, take notes and upgrade to those products and systems that enhance training or comfort.
Once you leave the rig and shelter and/or add multiple days does the quality come into play.
Polypro does not do a good job of controlling the micro climate next to the skin as it does not absorb or move sweat from the skin to the next layer. Bi-fabric with Capilene the best, the inner layer sucks moisture off the body, pushes it to the outer layer of Capilene and continues to push it to the next layer, actually the body does but the fabric uses its fabric to help. Wool is OK until high exertion and sweating then it becomes over whelmed. Wool is not real good as moving moisture. Wool being a natural fiber is great over huge temperature swings. Ibex uses wool/synthetic fabric that I had great success with.
For venting, the chimney effect works best; as the air around the body warms up it rises so open up around the neck and around the waist, as the warm moist air rises and leaves around the neck it draws cold dry air up. This will help cool and regulate around the core. Pit zips that are long down near the waist are best Vs those just along the arm and pit, really comes into play if wearing a pack or some kit around the body.
Layers are great idea until wearing something around the body; pack, harness, load belt/vest, then removing and adding layers cannot be done without removing the kit from the body. This is where high performance clothing and system must work as a unit, the reason soft shells were adapted from the Scottish that had been using soft shells for quite some time before being common now.
No reason to spend a months pay check on a clothing system for a day at training, caveat is very close to the rig. Spend the saved coin on ammo. Wally world, second hand shops, GI shops, all offer cheap synthetic clothing that will work. $10 polypro can be found and it works just fine. Even cotton base layer will work for a day if right beside the rig or shelter. $10 sweat shirts and pants can be found and they work. Add a cheap $20 wind proof, couple pair of gloves, socks, Degree on the feet, loosen your boots while stationary, a closed cell pad from wally world, thermos and snacks and you are set to go train.
As you train, take notes and upgrade to those products and systems that enhance training or comfort.
Once you leave the rig and shelter and/or add multiple days does the quality come into play.
Polypro does not do a good job of controlling the micro climate next to the skin as it does not absorb or move sweat from the skin to the next layer. Bi-fabric with Capilene the best, the inner layer sucks moisture off the body, pushes it to the outer layer of Capilene and continues to push it to the next layer, actually the body does but the fabric uses its fabric to help. Wool is OK until high exertion and sweating then it becomes over whelmed. Wool is not real good as moving moisture. Wool being a natural fiber is great over huge temperature swings. Ibex uses wool/synthetic fabric that I had great success with.
For venting, the chimney effect works best; as the air around the body warms up it rises so open up around the neck and around the waist, as the warm moist air rises and leaves around the neck it draws cold dry air up. This will help cool and regulate around the core. Pit zips that are long down near the waist are best Vs those just along the arm and pit, really comes into play if wearing a pack or some kit around the body.
Layers are great idea until wearing something around the body; pack, harness, load belt/vest, then removing and adding layers cannot be done without removing the kit from the body. This is where high performance clothing and system must work as a unit, the reason soft shells were adapted from the Scottish that had been using soft shells for quite some time before being common now.
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