What do you Wear Underneath?

[Capt Phil]

Because I've skied for longer than I've sailed (only 60 years), I found out long ago that mixing the state of the art skiing thermals like a Patagonia silk T with a long sleeve Smartwool under a decent waterproof outer layer works great for the top and Silk long johns cut off below the knee are perfect under a water proof bib. Smartwool knee high socks and good sea boots, or on nice days old topsiders complete the ensemble. Saucy Sailoress has the right idea... cheers, Capt Phil

[thinwater]

Cold is relative; I sail, and stay warm, so long as the water stays soft. Some thoughts:

Sail Delmarva: Winter Sailing

Lots of good sugestions posted.

* Fleece socks. Cold feet make my whole body cold.
* Wind blocker fleece. While very good in the wind and for awhile in ocational spray, it does not breath as well as regular flease. It is also slower to dry.
* Wind blocker fleece. If you get pants and jacket and keep the cuffs tight, it can help with cold water hypothermia. Not good, but much better than regular fleece.
* Power fleece balacava. A lot of heat goes out the neck.

[drgamble]

Patagonia Capilene for a baselayer and Patagonia Regulator fleece for a mid layer. Then toss on your favorite waterproof shell from there. The layers are well fitted and not bulky so you retain excellent mobility. There's also different weights for both the Capilene and Regulator... Stuff isn't cheap but it goes on sale often. Well worth it whether sailing, hiking, skiiing, etc.

[theonecalledtom]

Originally Posted by atoll

have never tried it but nylon womens stockings apparently work well.........

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think you've confirmed the admirals opinion that I should aim for REI and mountainering gear under my foulies (already investing in the more nautical variety here).

The two main choices seem to be fleece or the more puffy variety (not sure what they are called, but I have a vest made of this material). Does anyone use this other type?

puffy jacket - Google Search

[Hud3]

From your link...



Advice: do not wear this into a sailors' bar...

[S/V Alchemy]

And "welcome to Sherwood" to you, too, sailor.

[Capt Phil]

While down may be warm as toast, try drying it out after a dunking, heavy rain or a few hours on the wheel in blowing spray. If that occurs, the best solution IMHO is to throw it away. Even if you wear it under foulies and tape you wrists and neck with duct tape, water still finds its way inside. If you have a thin wool layer, just strip it off and dry over the stove and ready to go on your next watch. Capt Phil

[AK_sailor]

Several have mentioned "Smart Wool". It's good stuff, and lately I have really come to like it for next to the skin. Spendy, but worth it, IMHO.

[thinwater]

I've done plenty of outdoor time over the years and ...

... to me, talking about wool is like talking about wooden boats; traditional and beautiful, but very much in the past. Too slow to dry in a damp environment, too slow to transport moisture, and too heavy when wet. I have it, but modern fleece products have it buried. Wouldn't even wear wool socks.

Good for around the fireplace, at home.

[AK_sailor]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I've done plenty of outdoor time over the years and ....

So have I. (Sea kayaking, river rafting, hiking, X/C and tele skiing, volunteer SAR team, technical climbing when I was younger, etc etc.) Where I live we get ample opportunities to test cold and wet weather gear year around.

Originally Posted by thinwater

... to me, talking about wool is like talking about wooden boats; traditional and beautiful, but very much in the past. Too slow to dry in a damp environment, too slow to transport moisture, and too heavy when wet. I have it, but modern fleece products have it buried. Wouldn't even wear wool socks..

I don't generally go for thick wool (sweaters and whatnot), I agree that fleece works better there. However, lately I have found a thin layer of smart wool (zip neck top and long johns) next to the skin is very comfortable, warm, drys nearly as fast as polypro, and smells better.

Your experience may differ.

[zeehag]

i wear silk long johns or i wear navy SEAL teams long johns--poly propylene with a high neck and zipper. LOL...

[AK_sailor]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i wear silk long johns or i wear navy SEAL teams long johns--poly propylene with a high neck and zipper. LOL...

Glad to hear you are getting into the SEALs underwear!

[theonecalledtom]

So...

1) No down. None.
2) Fleece.
3) Maybe some wool, sometimes but.... avoid the thick navy blue woolen jumpers. Default back to fleece.
4) Add a little silk or similar underneath the underneath

[sarafina]

Depends on how cold, but all the layers build like this for the nastiest the bay can dish out;

generic wifebeater, tights and high speed wicking socks
kayaker's turtleneck and leggings
generic heavy polarfleece sweats
Landsend heavy long hooded parka and ski pants
Landsend fleece watch cap
Landsend fleece gloves
Landsend gortex fleece mittens
Landsend polarfleece neck gaiter that can pull up over my face and nose
generic polarfleece earmuffs
LLBean boots

I can't really wear sailing foulies; too big. I'd be tripping all over myself in them. All my lands end and llbean stuff is kids sizes. Fits perfect! Works great.

I use some of this gear when on my Honda. The wind chill is cold no matter if its the wind that's moving fast or me!!

[theonecalledtom]

hey there sara, how do you find the LLBean boots. In the market for some boots though that's a whole different thread