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!