Base Layer

“Before you freak out, the following thread IS about GEAR, not CIA Bin Ladden Look alikes or WolfBares. If you xpected something else, please leave now...

I've been thinking of replacing my Army Polypro base layer (great stuff) with some PowerStretch stuff, but I don't want to get stuff that will not be as warm. Anyone tried this stuff?.

Here are some links: Pants
and Shirt

I'm looking because I can use it as a base or outer and it is a little lighter than what I carry. But comfort and warmth are more important than weight.”

“The beauty of Campmor is that if you don't like it you can send it back. wear it on a day hike, if it's NG, wash it and send it back.

I have some of their stretch pants, fleece lined. Love em. I wear them under my winter TNF bibs and thats all I need. I am warmer on top that on my legs so I use something much lighter for a shirt base layer, but with zipper like this one.”

“The beauty of campmor's store is you can play with any of the stuff in the store to. They wille even let you go outside and light up a stove.”

“Let me know how it turns out. I'm considering getting those, too and I have the same concerns.”

“I got some of the Columbia Micro Fleece and love it. Did you find any negatives to the army stuff? It looks like great stuff on the rack.”

“I love the Army polypro. One May I was in an ice storm on MT Rogers in the stuff. Nothing but polypro and a rain suit and felt fine. I love the stuff. Only problem ever is the old polypro stink, but I just live with that.

One of my concerns with the PowerStretch is looking like Spiderman or something.

I'm just trying to lighten up and have less bulk. Oh, and many day hikers and locals get freaked out when I wear something that looks like long underwear as outer wear, Can't freak out the dayhikers or locals.

For camp in super cold weather I have some modified Army field pants and jacket liners. They are the poop. And at $10 for the set - cheap.”

“"have some modified Army field pants and jacket liners."

Is this the wolrd famous USA Army "smoking jacket"? Birch has one of these he wears sometimes and he looks very dashing in it. All he needs is a pipe and slippers! LOL! Stuff works though, can't argue with that.”

“Lucky you, Mr.Nigal...that Columbia Microfleece is almost exactly like MH's "thin" fleece but for 1/3 the cost. I wanna get me a pair of the pants version for under my pants shell.

There's a reason why Patagonia's "R" fleece series got rave reviews (hint hint). Have you considered those fleece, Mr.ROck?”

“"Patagonia's "R" fleece"

On a federal pay scale? LOL! That stuff is the bomb!”

“I've been looking at the Patagonia "R" Radiant jacket. Anyone try it?

The rest of my hiking gear is Patagonia. Luv the stuff.”

“I finally scored some silk undies (tops and bottoms) from STP. They are oh so comfortable. I've used them about a half-dozen times now, in various conditions, and they are ALWAYS dry. I've heard they too can get a little stinky but have not had them on long enough to find out. However, they are definitely my base layer from here on out.”

“Actually I had thought about Patagonia R fleece. But the piece I was looking at said it was made of - You guessed it - Polartec PowerStretch.

So, being poor, I did a search and found these. That is why I'm asking about powerstretch in the first place.

As for the field pants and jacket liner. It is made of similar material as a poncho liner. I modified my jacket to a pullover like configuration - 10.4 very warm and compressable ounces. I just got the pants liners and haven't modified them yet, but there isn't much to do, and they are 8.9 ounces. If you ever decide to get some - go one size smaller than you normally wear.”

“Stick with the green ones!
At least for a while-I answered a survey about a new layer from Mountain Hardware that is in development-
I love anything issue-if the weight is OK.”

“I have a friend who has the silk base layer, too. But guys, watch out. If you wear just the bottoms and no skivvies, your buddy will slide right out the front for everyone to see. My friend had that happen in front of some dayhikers. Fortunately he grabbed his hat in time not to scare them away...”

“Silky drawers on the trail?

There's no silky drawers on the trail!”

“Man, I would never wear those puppies on their own. They're transparent!”