Best fleece to go under shell (for skiing)
Discussion
Hi All,
Apologies for he strange timing, now that we are just warming up for summer but I want to talk about ski wear!
Instead of buying a replacement ski jacket that after 10 years, gave up the ghost this year, I would like to use my uninsulated Goretex shell this coming winter, and layer underneath it.
I would usually ski in Dec/Jan/Feb, so can be a pretty cold time of year. Problem is, the shell I have is quite a slim fit, and I need to make sure I am wearing the right layers underneath without restricting movement or looking like a michelin man.
Usually when skiing in my old, thicker jacket I would wear a merino base layer and a standard mid weight fleece. I think I would need more insulation under just a shell. I will probably wear an extra base layer, but my main question is about finding a warm, low bulk, mid layer.
I'm not too familiar with modern clothing technology, but is there a revolutionary thin but well insulated fleece mid layer I could be looking at?
Instead of just fleeces, should I be looking at the softshell/windproof jackets instead, as they seem to be less bulky than say a Polartec 2 or 300 jacket, but seem very expensive and a bit of overkill doubling up windproofing in the mid layer?
Apologies for he strange timing, now that we are just warming up for summer but I want to talk about ski wear!
Instead of buying a replacement ski jacket that after 10 years, gave up the ghost this year, I would like to use my uninsulated Goretex shell this coming winter, and layer underneath it.
I would usually ski in Dec/Jan/Feb, so can be a pretty cold time of year. Problem is, the shell I have is quite a slim fit, and I need to make sure I am wearing the right layers underneath without restricting movement or looking like a michelin man.
Usually when skiing in my old, thicker jacket I would wear a merino base layer and a standard mid weight fleece. I think I would need more insulation under just a shell. I will probably wear an extra base layer, but my main question is about finding a warm, low bulk, mid layer.
I'm not too familiar with modern clothing technology, but is there a revolutionary thin but well insulated fleece mid layer I could be looking at?
Instead of just fleeces, should I be looking at the softshell/windproof jackets instead, as they seem to be less bulky than say a Polartec 2 or 300 jacket, but seem very expensive and a bit of overkill doubling up windproofing in the mid layer?
Depends an a few factors. I skiied in Whistler this year for the first time, in January. The temp dropped to -25c with winds gusting upto 60kmh, giving a wind chill factor of absolutely f*ckin freezing. I had a top quality gore-tex shell, decent wicking base layer and four fleeces on and was still frozen to the bone.I've never been so cold,ever. I normally have a pretty good tolerance to cold.
I'd take an extra layer or two, you can always put in your rucksack or pocket if you find yourself warm enough.
I'd take an extra layer or two, you can always put in your rucksack or pocket if you find yourself warm enough.
Hi Prand, look here: http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html I am a skier from New Zealand and know my gear esp for the under layers your talking about. These products wick away moisture, keep you warm but with maximum movement too. 100% marino wool products do this. I promise you wont be dissapointed. The quality and fit of these garments are stunning.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thanks for the reponses guys. I am already sold on the benefits of a merino base layer, which I have a selection from wiggle.com which have kept me warm, dry and odour free in all sorts of activities.
It looks like the answer may well be to get myself down to a big shop and try a couple of 100 polartec layers (can get a bit sweaty & stinky skiing as I do push myself!), I'm going to check out the tight fitting, thicker fleece jackets (Marmot and arcteryx seem to be best), and also investigate thicker merino mid layers. An extra layer in a rucksack is always a good bet. I've got a buffalo light jacket and that just fits underneath, and am considering using that too.
Th eproblem is I just hate getting cold when I stop skiing on lifts and in outside bars, and I'm worried that I'm going to suffer with just a shell.
Luckily I'm not expecting to ski in North America any time soon so I don't need to be "that" warm. A friend has just returned from a boarding season in Canada there and 30 below sounds proper gnarly with facemasks, balaclavas, major risk of frostbite etc, but clear skies and 10 metres of pristine powder with seasons running to May/June makes up for it I gather.
It looks like the answer may well be to get myself down to a big shop and try a couple of 100 polartec layers (can get a bit sweaty & stinky skiing as I do push myself!), I'm going to check out the tight fitting, thicker fleece jackets (Marmot and arcteryx seem to be best), and also investigate thicker merino mid layers. An extra layer in a rucksack is always a good bet. I've got a buffalo light jacket and that just fits underneath, and am considering using that too.
Th eproblem is I just hate getting cold when I stop skiing on lifts and in outside bars, and I'm worried that I'm going to suffer with just a shell.
Luckily I'm not expecting to ski in North America any time soon so I don't need to be "that" warm. A friend has just returned from a boarding season in Canada there and 30 below sounds proper gnarly with facemasks, balaclavas, major risk of frostbite etc, but clear skies and 10 metres of pristine powder with seasons running to May/June makes up for it I gather.
Edited by prand on Wednesday 20th May 10:57
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