Which thermal underwear?

[Trik]

I feel the cold - anything below 20C is a bit chilly So, having established that fact, I am looking for some warm underwear (women`s or unisex leggings and long-sleeved top) as a base layer for when I am out photographing wildlife this winter. I will probably be inactive for longish periods, so need not be concerned about getting too hot. Also, the underwear must be machine washable. I have tried M&S so-called thermals, but they aren`t warm enough for me, and have looked at some expensive, but beautiful, Merino wool sets (made in New Zealand, I think) which were guaranteed not to stink after 3 weeks of constant wear, but they were hand-wash only (after 3 weeks!?). Any recommendations please?

Thanks
Trik

[Mr Mag00]

hi
i use icebreaker merino base layers for cycling/walking and skiing have machine washed thems loads of times over the last 4 years no problems they are great and well worth the expense

[Trik]

Thanks for the reply. Did they shrink in the wash, can you remember? I was wondering if I should get a couple of sizes up, just in case they do...

Trik

[Richard G.]

I find even the finest merino to be too itchy next to the skin.
Odlo have some superb thermals, have a look at the warm/x-warm stuff on this page. Seem to be a couple of stockists down your way.

[fairplay]

I ride a small motor bike everywhere and now the cold weather is here I have started using my thermals again.

For the past 15 years I've always used BHS thermals, they do shrink over the years, so I always buy a size too big, but they work for me.

Neil.

[Trik]

Thank you all for the recommendations. I have decided to go for the Odlo extra warm, as I suspect I would also find wool next to the skin uncomfortable, like Richard G.

Thanks again
Trik

[richnfamous]

I find merino very good but pricey. If you've got a Lidl near you, they've got some fancy thermals which are different thicknesses in different areas at 10 quid for a top (longsleeved only I think) or longjohns. I've just got myself a pair of longjohns and they seem pretty good, although it's not really cold enough to tell yet.

[JeffH]

I've tried various brands over the years and would recommend Patagonia's Capilene baselayer range for seriously cold conditions (eg. winter hillwalking) or Damart's Thermolactyl range for milder conditions. Stay warm

Jeff

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

hi
i use icebreaker merino base layers for cycling/walking and skiing have machine washed thems loads of times over the last 4 years no problems they are great and well worth the expense

I have the Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 Merino wool and too have washed them a few times with no adverse effects. I even tumble dry them on low and have seen no shrinkage at all.

For me they are a tad itchy so I have to wear a Nike nylon base layer underneath.

I saw the Lidl ones ricnfamous mentioned at Lidl at the weekend and my missus bought some. She says they are excellent

[Trik]

I have already ordered the Odlo x-warm, but will see how they perform before buying another set. They are as expensive as the Icebreaker merino ones, so they had better be good! I will also check out the Patagonia Capilene range. Over the years, I have found that so-called thermal base layers made for use in the UK just aren`t warm enough for me; I guess it all depends on how efficient your personal heating system is I think mine must be faulty - I can be wearing four layers, including thermal underwear, and still be cold. And that`s indoors with the CH on! Perhaps I was a reptile in a previous life Come to think of it, I am very fond of snakes...

Thanks again for the replies.
Trik