With the cold weather approaching fast I'm looking for a fairly high quality base layer set and the best socks I can get my hands on
With being a type 1 diabetic I really feel the cold in my toes so money isn't really a massive problem. Cheers.
With being a type 1 diabetic I really feel the cold in my toes so money isn't really a massive problem. Cheers.
In reply to Post #1
Looking for a base layer system myself, my Nash zero tolerance one has finally had it, which I have to say has been superb
I was looking last night and Daiwa have one around the £40 mark, nearly got one, has good reviews but since you have started this thread I will hold on for a while
Looking for a base layer system myself, my Nash zero tolerance one has finally had it, which I have to say has been superb
I was looking last night and Daiwa have one around the £40 mark, nearly got one, has good reviews but since you have started this thread I will hold on for a while
In reply to Post #1
go on amazon/ebay and by some quality merino layer
go on amazon/ebay and by some quality merino layer
merino wool base and sealskin socks
In reply to Post #3
Thanks for the replies but was really looking for a brand to make things easier. Cheers.
Thanks for the replies but was really looking for a brand to make things easier. Cheers.
I got a Helly Hansen breathable merino base layer system for about £70 from memory, is dry thin and effective so definitely a recommendation from me. Skeetex do breathable merino socks of which I also brought some and have been very happy with.
M&S always did very effective base layers which I used to wear working outside in the winter too, a pair of very good insulated but breathable boots would also stave off the cold.
There has been lots of threads on boots on here, if you use the search bar above.
M&S always did very effective base layers which I used to wear working outside in the winter too, a pair of very good insulated but breathable boots would also stave off the cold.
There has been lots of threads on boots on here, if you use the search bar above.
I use helikon base layer and bridgedale summit socks made with merino wool
Get some UK British marine artic warfare socks. They're the ones with the red stitching on the top. I wouldn't bother with any fishing tackle companies cold weather gear. Have a look at mountaineering equipment. RAB do their Original Pile Jacket which is worth a look, and they do it in a fishing green.
Harkila do.a polar fleece that might be worth a look.
Harkila do.a polar fleece that might be worth a look.
In reply to Post #1
Another vote for merino wool base layers. Most outdoor shops will have a range.
Another vote for merino wool base layers. Most outdoor shops will have a range.
I use icebreaker oasis merino in 200 but you can get 260 weight as well which will be warmer. It really does what it says, keeps you warm when you need it and cool in the heat. It also doesn't start to smell horrible like synthetic after a while, sometimes synthetic doesn't even smell good after a wash
Couple that with some snugpak sleeka salopettes and sleeka shirt, then a fleece mid layer for the really cold days/nights.
Bridgedale socks are worth a look too, the trekkers are really comfortable but socks are a very individual thing I have found.
Couple that with some snugpak sleeka salopettes and sleeka shirt, then a fleece mid layer for the really cold days/nights.
Bridgedale socks are worth a look too, the trekkers are really comfortable but socks are a very individual thing I have found.
In reply to Post #1
Rich
check out EDZ merino. they have some stuff on sale, that's when I pick mine up. very hardwearing 100% merino
my kid's top and bottom base layer lasted daily wear for years as he's a skinny cold person
I have top and bottoms from them and a vest. much cheaper than bigger known and marketed brands but the same quality.
aftersales very good too. I bought a cheaper cream base layer in a sale and it wasn't quite the stronger edz branded sporty top type I expected. and it had a hole in the armpit where it had unpicked. took a photo and emailed them
and I said I would send it back and buy the more expensive usual style that had lasted my kid so long. they wouldn't have it. and sent me the new one free of charge.
Rich
check out EDZ merino. they have some stuff on sale, that's when I pick mine up. very hardwearing 100% merino
my kid's top and bottom base layer lasted daily wear for years as he's a skinny cold person
I have top and bottoms from them and a vest. much cheaper than bigger known and marketed brands but the same quality.
aftersales very good too. I bought a cheaper cream base layer in a sale and it wasn't quite the stronger edz branded sporty top type I expected. and it had a hole in the armpit where it had unpicked. took a photo and emailed them
and I said I would send it back and buy the more expensive usual style that had lasted my kid so long. they wouldn't have it. and sent me the new one free of charge.
In reply to Post #10
never had any icebreaker but agree with all said about Merino
Bridgedale socks are also brilliant. but to the OP .make sure there is plenty of room for them in the footwear. or it works against you. most of the time I wear the warmest Bridgedale with crocs lol
never had any icebreaker but agree with all said about Merino
Bridgedale socks are also brilliant. but to the OP .make sure there is plenty of room for them in the footwear. or it works against you. most of the time I wear the warmest Bridgedale with crocs lol
In reply to Post #1
I've got a pair of North Face merino wool base layer bottoms. Wore these t'other day and are perfect underneath my waterproofs. Socks: went for a pair of Heat Holders. £6 or £7 from Amazon. Any merino wool based item will be up to the job. Also went for a Minus 33 Merino Wool hat from Amazon too. £33 but again it'll keep your nut warm. Also got a Helly Hansen base layer top for about £30. Don't go for the carp brands, go for the outdoors brands like Montane/Rab/North Face etc.
I've got a pair of North Face merino wool base layer bottoms. Wore these t'other day and are perfect underneath my waterproofs. Socks: went for a pair of Heat Holders. £6 or £7 from Amazon. Any merino wool based item will be up to the job. Also went for a Minus 33 Merino Wool hat from Amazon too. £33 but again it'll keep your nut warm. Also got a Helly Hansen base layer top for about £30. Don't go for the carp brands, go for the outdoors brands like Montane/Rab/North Face etc.
In reply to Post #1
I've been using icebreaker Merino products for many years, the higher the number, 200, 260, 320 the thicker and warmer the product rating will be.
but there are many other good brands using merino, Hestra, EDZ, Helly Hansen, Mountain warehouse.
And don't forget the extremities, a nice pair of glove liners, a thin beanie, and/or maybe a thicker one.
Good thin/thick socks, take several spares, In case you work up good sweat in your boots getting to the swim, and getting sorted, you can change into a nice dry set once you have set up.
Then you can dry out those 'fresh' ones in the bivvy, or sleeping bag, or one in each trouser/jacket pocket.
I've been using icebreaker Merino products for many years, the higher the number, 200, 260, 320 the thicker and warmer the product rating will be.
but there are many other good brands using merino, Hestra, EDZ, Helly Hansen, Mountain warehouse.
And don't forget the extremities, a nice pair of glove liners, a thin beanie, and/or maybe a thicker one.
Good thin/thick socks, take several spares, In case you work up good sweat in your boots getting to the swim, and getting sorted, you can change into a nice dry set once you have set up.
Then you can dry out those 'fresh' ones in the bivvy, or sleeping bag, or one in each trouser/jacket pocket.
Just a question for people using mountaineering base layers then. I have a few, Rad etc., mainly moisture wicking. The zero tolerance suit I had was like a fleece suit, perfect for sleeping in. Are you sleeping in just the merino stuff, is it that warm? I certainly wouldn't want to sleep in the tops I've got in the cold!
In reply to Post #15
I've slept in mine. Had to take off an outer pair of bottoms that was over the merino base layer as I got too hot in the sleeping bag. I get into my sleeping bag nice and toasty so they're not being exposed to anything cold by the time I'm in the bed chair and sleeping bag.
NB: I don't perspire much as a human. In fact, my body is good at minimal perspiration. But others might not so that's worth taking into account.
I've slept in mine. Had to take off an outer pair of bottoms that was over the merino base layer as I got too hot in the sleeping bag. I get into my sleeping bag nice and toasty so they're not being exposed to anything cold by the time I'm in the bed chair and sleeping bag.
NB: I don't perspire much as a human. In fact, my body is good at minimal perspiration. But others might not so that's worth taking into account.
In reply to Post #15
The base layer is only part of a layering system, the base should help to maintain body temperature while wicking away moisture so if sleeping in a base layer you still want a good bag which ideally needs to be breathable to keep the wicking process going. Same goes for mid and outer layers, remember though a lot of the climbing, cycling and hiking gear is for active people that are generating body heat as their pursuit is physical while sitting in a bivvy or stand by the rods is not raising your body temp so on cold days I would recommend a good down jacket to keep really warm. As a biker for over 40 years I've tried all sorts and still wear a merino base layer and when it's really cold I use a electrically heated midlayer jacket powered from the bike through a controller and always wear a gore-tex Pro shell top layer.
The base layer is only part of a layering system, the base should help to maintain body temperature while wicking away moisture so if sleeping in a base layer you still want a good bag which ideally needs to be breathable to keep the wicking process going. Same goes for mid and outer layers, remember though a lot of the climbing, cycling and hiking gear is for active people that are generating body heat as their pursuit is physical while sitting in a bivvy or stand by the rods is not raising your body temp so on cold days I would recommend a good down jacket to keep really warm. As a biker for over 40 years I've tried all sorts and still wear a merino base layer and when it's really cold I use a electrically heated midlayer jacket powered from the bike through a controller and always wear a gore-tex Pro shell top layer.
In reply to Post #17
I think Aldi may be selling merino wool base layers as from tomorrow, not sure if it's in store or online.
I think Aldi may be selling merino wool base layers as from tomorrow, not sure if it's in store or online.
Have used M&S merino for years both biking and fishing. Good stuff. If you are going to use gear regularly in tough conditions and wash it, I wouldn't touch Mountain Warehouse gear.
In reply to Post #16
That what I was interested in mate. The fleece suit I had was superb for sleeping in, just that. Sounds like the merino layers are similar. Must admit, looking at the Daiwa one still
That what I was interested in mate. The fleece suit I had was superb for sleeping in, just that. Sounds like the merino layers are similar. Must admit, looking at the Daiwa one still
In reply to Post #17
remember though a lot of the climbing, cycling and hiking gear is for active people that are generating body heat as their pursuit is physical while sitting in a bivvy
Exactly what I was thinking mate
remember though a lot of the climbing, cycling and hiking gear is for active people that are generating body heat as their pursuit is physical while sitting in a bivvy
Exactly what I was thinking mate
In reply to Post #1
Woolpower, you'll thank me when its freezing
Woolpower, you'll thank me when its freezing
Skeetex merino wool tube socks always keep my toes toasty
I like to layer as it gets colder and found some base layers too warm in early winter So I have settled on snugpak 2nd skins with dry fit stuff over them and merino socks with or without heat holders. Sometimes just one layer can turn a cold day into a comfortable one.
In reply to Post #20
Many moons ago I bought the Sundridge Iglloo suit that came with a free Sundridge Sleepskin.
, (thermal top and bottoms).
These were excellent and last winter I bought the Daiwa ones, (Sundridge still do them too). They are a bit thicker material than the original version but are still good. I think you have a choice of a hood or a snood now too.
Many moons ago I bought the Sundridge Iglloo suit that came with a free Sundridge Sleepskin.
, (thermal top and bottoms).
These were excellent and last winter I bought the Daiwa ones, (Sundridge still do them too). They are a bit thicker material than the original version but are still good. I think you have a choice of a hood or a snood now too.
In reply to Post #1
i've got snugpak base layer long johns and the long sleeved shirt, quite often i'm too hot, snugpak is good gear
i've got snugpak base layer long johns and the long sleeved shirt, quite often i'm too hot, snugpak is good gear
In reply to Post #26
Thanks for all the replies and info, it's very much appreciated 👍
In the end I've gone for the snugpak base layers which seem good and a good price too. Happy days, thanks again.
Thanks for all the replies and info, it's very much appreciated 👍
In the end I've gone for the snugpak base layers which seem good and a good price too. Happy days, thanks again.
In reply to Post #25
There the ones mate, hood or snood. Like the look of the snugpak too, seem reasonably priced, quality stuff. Think I might see if I can find some Daiwa ones to have a look at
There the ones mate, hood or snood. Like the look of the snugpak too, seem reasonably priced, quality stuff. Think I might see if I can find some Daiwa ones to have a look at
Anyone got the navotas base layer?
In reply to Post #18
Just called at Aldi, bought 100% merino wool top and bottoms for £18 each.
Just called at Aldi, bought 100% merino wool top and bottoms for £18 each.
In reply to Post #1
I got the tracker reax baselayer last year and comfy to sleep in and kept me warm
I got the tracker reax baselayer last year and comfy to sleep in and kept me warm
As far as socks go these are definitely the best I've had by a country mile
Smartwool Mountaineering Socks
Smartwool Mountaineering Socks
. What is Bridgedale's warmest sock?
Tested at -25°C, Explorer Heavyweight Knee are the warmest Bridgedales in the range.
LINKY POO 
Tested at -25°C, Explorer Heavyweight Knee are the warmest Bridgedales in the range.
LINKY POO
In reply to Post #33
I have a pair of those they are not as good as the Smartwool ones IMO
I have a pair of those they are not as good as the Smartwool ones IMO
In reply to Post #34
They both looked good so I got a pair of each from amazon. I'll let you know how I get on with them. Thanks for the info. Cheers Rich.
They both looked good so I got a pair of each from amazon. I'll let you know how I get on with them. Thanks for the info. Cheers Rich.
In reply to Post #1
A thick pair of tights.
A thick pair of tights.
In reply to Post #32
These are spot on socks, very warm, comfy and never smell bad even after wearing for couple days on the bank...
Used them skiing as well never had cold feet 😁
These are spot on socks, very warm, comfy and never smell bad even after wearing for couple days on the bank...
Used them skiing as well never had cold feet 😁
In reply to Post #35
Tried a lot of base layers & socks over the years from both angling & non-angling companies, yet was never happy with any of them until I tried the Fortis base layers & socks. Never been cold when wearing them & at times have been almost too warm to wear anything on top of them when there has been ice in the margins & kettle frozen solid! I find I can sleep in just these during the winter & not be cold when I exit the bag for "call of nature" or for a fish in the coldest conditions, as well as being just the right temperature in the sleeping bag to allow me to sleep without waking up ith sweaty bits.
When fishing, it is important to keep your feet warm and that your shoes can protect your feet from the water. Water combined with bad weather will quickly make you cold. The choice of shoes is also important for the safety of your feet, as the sole of the shoes must be strong to avoid splinters. I have been looking for good fishing shoes for a long time, but I managed to find a good model here https://thehobbykraze.com/outdoor/float-boat/best-water-shoes-to-buy/ ; after reading the information on the best shoes, I chose the one that is perfect for me.
www.subzero.co.uk - Excellent base layers and mid layers which are made in the UK. They often sell seconds with slight defects which have been fixed for very reduced prices.
My brother is a ski instructor (9 seasons in) and will only wear the £5 thermals from Primark. Him & all his mates all use them as they reckon they're the best at keeping you warm.
I used them in -7 this year on a 5 day session where the whole lake froze and I still have my toes!
I used them in -7 this year on a 5 day session where the whole lake froze and I still have my toes!
Reading ALL pages