Layering Techniques for Silver Wolves: A Step-by-Step Guide

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

stay warm silver wolves !!

[@ianmurray4081]

I love how your finger can shoot 🥸🥸🥸🥸. In the last bit, pointed up and a gunshot sounded at the same time. That’s a real trigger finger and better than a knife hand ✋ 🥸

[@briarsmoke6046]

These days they make lightweight breathable merino base layers that really work great underneath your layers, keep you warmer than cotton but also wick well and wont make you overheat when you warm up and they’re quick drying. Pricey but they last several seasons.

[@travisbishop8241]

Also, another old trick. If you are wearing bib overalls put a small hand warmer in the breast pocket. Heat the pump and everything is warm. I did this a lot working out in the field and it works very well. Hope that helps someone it sure did me...

[@clivedunning4317]

Great to see you encouraging folk to cover their head and brow. I've seen lots of folk not suffer directly from heat loss , but develop really bad migraine type headaches by exposing their bald heads and foreheads to the cold. Great advice for everyone.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. good advice. Good Morning Blackie .. from a South African living in Switzerland .. Nothing new to many .. handy as a reminder / reinforcement and for the 'newbies' (no disrespect meant .. we all were / are at one time, new to something), valuable advice with some understanding thrown in. Cotton. Used wisely and within it's design intent, is not necessarily the 'bogeyman' that all make it out to be. It's comfortable to wear. In 1980/81, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Charles Burton traversed the Antarctic pulling sleds. Much of their clothing was cotton-based. As Sir Ranulph explained, "we practiced 'moisture management'". I go out in temperatures -8°C / 18°F wearing a cotton mesh vest, cotton SS T-Shirt and a cotton LS T-Shirt (my in house loll-around wear .. we use internal hearing sparingly) topped with Fleece / Wool layer/s (number of layers depending on the thickness thereof) and a windproof outer shell /jacket without any problems. Note though, this is for walking the Pooch, etc .. moving at leisure and not too from home base. Serious Activities such as Nordic Walking and such, the Cotton gets shelved and replaced by wicking quick-drying synthetics .. thin and multi-layered .. plus a lightweight pack with a set of dry clothing therein, packed in zip-loc bags to keep them dry no matter what. Always a pleasure Blackie, watching your posts and learning something from them (at the very least, reminders of 'stuff' forgotten 😏). Untl the next then, take care .. Tommy

[@trynsurviven2440]

I learned the hard way how to dress in layers when I was in my 20’s and have carried that knowledge into my now 50’s. Hoodies are our friend for sure and I love my wool socks.

[@HootOwl513]

I discovered this back when I skied a lot in the '80s: A cheap way to add a silk layer is to find a baggy silk Hawaiian shirt. Called ''Silkies'' in the Islands. The insulating ability of silk is phenomenal. It reflects heat back to the skin. It still breathes. It's perfect for anti-friction, especially if there's wool inviolved. And yes you can pay over $100 for one at a resort. But I fnd them at thrift stores for under $10. A very bright one -- like with orange sunsets and contrasting palm trees -- can be a great signal flag, if you ever need help, deep in the wilds.

[@DaBeech]

In Boy Scouts they called us old time guys "The Wise Old Owls".Stay warm Silver Wolves

[@richardchristian6504]

Hello Blackie, For the past 20 years, (when I turned 50) I made four important up grades to my M65 Winter use field coat and clothing. 1st.: I purchased A new M65 field coat 2 sizes larger than I normally wore. This allowed for layering and no loss of loft from my layers. 2nd. : I turned the field coat inside out and treated it with a spray-on rubberized water proofing material - minus a 6 inch diameter at both arm pits. 3rd: I purchased two Australian Sheep Skin hide throw rugs and fitted them with button hole slits to fit the factory liner buttons making them easily removable and can be used with or with out the standard M65 liner (1 for the back of the jacket; 1 for the front of the jacket-the front rug was cut in half vertically then fitted to each side). The sheep skins are worn with the wool towards the body. 4th.: I attached app. 1 inch diameter Velcro patches to my garments: On my upper body garments I attached the stiff half of the patch, on the lower body garments I attached the fussy half of the patch. I had my wife help me with Velcro patch placement. The patches I used had the adhesive on them. After I had them configured the garments were removed and the Velcro parts were hand sewn to become stable for use. I only use my Velcro garments when the outside temperature is expected to be 50 degrees or less. This system has worked great for me in my winter adventures in Michigan (to -20*), Colorado (to _35*), Wyoming (-40*), Arizona (to -5*), and Texas(to -10*) (actual temperatures) over these past 20 years.

[@Seamus3051]

Thanks Blackie, for sharing your knowledge, and expertise. Thanks, in particular, for your comments & suggestions regarding the dreaded "midnight rambles" 🙂 Stay well & safe .. Cheers.

[@floobious80866]

Be gud blackie, keep well n warm, were doing the same with your help!

[@itllkeal]

Thanks Blackie

[@williamdroom5789]

A fishnet baselayer that traps dead air and lets moisture travel to the mid layer keeps you warm and dry.

[@inregionecaecorum]

In my latter days as in my youth I am very much into wool. Not long ago I purchased a vintage Swedish army wool jacket, the one with two pockets on the front and two on the back, and I can tell you it is the business for this weather, for layering a single layer underneath and for weather proofing my ventile smock over the top. I own a lot of wool shirts and merino T's and stuff. Never mind what I wore in my twenties, I can remember keeping warm in the cold winter of 1963 in a duffel coat and wellies, but with bare knees!

[@ianmurray4081]

As a silver back, I have a natural layer of awesomeness insulation🥸. Living on the east coast of Canada and getting all those wonderful North Atlantic Ocean 🌊storms …aka wet, freezing weather and loads of snow ⛄️ laying is a must. I’ve tactically acquired most of the ECWCS kit and run merino wool long underwear ( long johns) socks, watch cap and gloves. Got a great pair of Mickey Mouse 🐭 boots. 🍺🫵🤟🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸🤟🫵🍺

[@PaulDekleva]

Layering is the key. I gave up wearing blue jeans while camping back in the mid eighties. I use polypropylene top and bottom. Wish I had have gotten a fine merino set. I wear beanies (toboggan) all winter day and night. Woollen socks are my preferred socks all year round. If my head gets too cold I put on a ushanka.

[@hagman1077]

Hello Blackie- good points here for all silver wolves to adhere to. Two main points from field experience in Alaska and military is this: DRY AND LAYERS, not constrictive fitting, but somewhat loose fitting. Change them socks out from time to time and your feet will take you a long way- Good Stuff Blackie- be safe down there-

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie, Great Video and Information, Thanks For Sharing on layering. I appreciate Silver Wolves Series. But I appreciate all your videos. God Bless You and Mrs. Blackie.

[@smoothvern165]

Great ideas here, and excellent timing

[@ScottCarlson-cz7wj]

Thanks Blackie. As a kid in the 1970's, I wore my Dad's 1960's 82nd Airborne M-65, along with a hoodie, in the Minnesota fall and winters. Loved that jacket!

[@TBOR101]

Blocking that cold wind is a neccessity as it rips away body heat, even in the warm months a slight breeze blow through and someone will experience a chill. Outer Layer is the most important for myself to keep the wind and cold air from robbing my body heat, even if my base layer is cotton.

[@randy-9842]

Blackie, you sure make a ton of sense. I've always enjoyed all four seasons and could stand greater heat and colder cold than most folks ... when I was young. These days, not so much. The one thing that has changed the most for me (to my surprise) is that I need a lot more "protection" for the nape of my neck. You're spot on about that!!

[@ahabstar]

The two things to staying warm is lift and loft. Lift is the separation from the cold such as a sleeping pad or an under quilt for a hammock. With clothes is is the insole of your shoes or wind proofing outer layer. Loft is simply the trapped air your body heat warms. Like the loft of a down blanket or coat. Dressing in loose layers gives the loft. Wind protection and boot insulation gives the lift. Simple inexpensive gloves is latex with a pair of old brown jersey gloves. Or if you can the old military wool liners with leather work gloves. Sure mittens are warmer overall, but hard to work with mittens on.

[@missourirebel9669]

Maybe I am different but what I wore in my twenties and thirties in the winter is still what I wear now that I'm nearing 60

[@57WillysCJ]

What old timers used and I find works well is 1) a felt insole. Many wore four or more buckled overshoes with a felt liner. 2) wear loose pants in the winter. Bib overalls athough cotton work wonders at keeping the chest and back warm. Many today wear insulated coveralls. I wear insulated bibs so if I start to get hot, I can take my coat off and continue to work cormfortably. Much easier than tieing the top of your coveralls to your waist. If you have problems with your lower back getting exposed, buy some good suspenders. Todays pants are low waisted so we have that problem. Same with skinny pants, no room for long underwear. Lastly something I haven't tried but I have heard great things about is fishnet log underwear. Sounds funny but the Swedish army uses it. Wiggy's has been preaching it for years. It isn't cheap for sure.

[@worm_vaquero]

Agreed. I made "shoe packs" as prescribed by Mark Baker's Longhunter series.

[@shadowcastre]

This is one of those controversial subjects and you made some good points. However.... 1) Wool is king and is the best winter material. 2) People need to understand that as the layers go on... The next layer must be larger and have a way to ventilate. 3) Synthetics have there place but are a bacteria factory within a few hours especially when used next to the skin. 4) Cotton has been given a bad rap! You cannot treat it like your synthetics and expect the same outcome. I live in the cold North and wear Cotton as my base layer every day summer or winter... I have not had an issue yet. 5) Get any material wet with no way to dry it... You will have issues! Thanks for the video...

[@marcushibdon2415]

HI BLWCKIE THANK FOR THE LESSONS I CAN USE THIS IN MY EVERY DAY LIFE THIS WINTER

[@drcsep]

Very important informative video… thanks so much 👍

[@bretjohnson6188]

Thank you, Blackie. One note: some fleece-type long handle underwear of foreign manufacturer do not have the nature's call opening, and those foreign ones that do often pucker open during daily activities. To stay in budget and solve that issue, i found low riding synthetic designer underwear to keep things contained until needed. Then, a simple thumb gesture can reach through the pucker to access what is needed.

[@forestgnome55]

Good stuff! Thanks!

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Blackie , thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@kennethwilson8633]

Suspenders instead of a belt will help with leg circulation and warmth…Have fun stay safe.

[@braddockery2293]

Where I live , bibs and modified jogging pants work well on the bottom. Top depends on the Camo.

[@charlesechols6354]

I have always layed my bottoms with my socks. Synthetic, termal bottoms then wool over the bottom's cuff. Keeps them from crawling up my legs.

[@floobious80866]

One thing I always have to have is that I never tuck my shirts in as it makes me overheat an get unwell! An not let my head get too hot... But the layers have to be proper.

[@Captain-Electro]

🧅🍰 layers 👍

[@williamdroom5789]

In a pinch the white styrofoam platters that the butcher packages meat in can be trimmed to fit as an insole.

[@peterslabinger6221]

Hi blackie, I have a question about working in the cold. I live in Chicago and our winters can get to -5 degrees plus wind chills. I am working outside in this weather all day not freezing but went I come inside into a heated building for a couple of hours my body starts shivering and seems like I can’t get warm. What my body doing? When I was outside in the cold weather, I was fine.

[@misolgit69]

I would love to discover the derivation of 'long handles' for long winter underwear

[@inregionecaecorum]

I assume this refers to what we would call a pair of long johns here in blighty.

[@stevestumpy6873]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jrramsey5308]

What kind of hoodie did you get?

[@johnbelmore1178]

I'm always cold because of blood thinners I had a stroke and a heart attack so I have a stint and I'm on blood thinners

[@JohnLindsay-zg6lv]

My work in the south up north lol no way long johns and wool heavy wool sweater then a m65 some days just a hoodie. If the sun's out it's not this day 28 and snow ❄️❄️❄️ wind 5to 8mph my days off put on wool pants big bills Long johns wool 1958 wool field shirt army wool sweater and m65 if wind not to bad if it is rain jacket keep wind out Looking make or buy a frock hunter out of wool blankets not found right one yet

[@mikedendooven6484]

What is long handle underwear?

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

Don’t forget your insulated insoles

[@jamesbowen5573]

It's funny but you're wearing almost exactly what I wear on the pipeline when I get stuck up in North Dakota. Keeps you pretty warm. I don't like thermal underwear, I used to where are the military thermal underwear. But the truth is my legs don't usually get that cold as long as I have a good thick pair of blue jeans on. And when it does get really cold I wear a pair of pajama bottoms. They are loose fitting and not restrictive like your traditional long johns. Plus you don't have to wear underwear. I would have a couple sets of them and I could wear two if I really needed them but usually I would not. The only part of me that ever got cold was my hands. You get down to 15 degrees or lower and leather gloves regardless of the lining or the inserts still keep your fingers cold. Best ones I found was the military kind that would work as gloves or mitts. However they're not Leather So you're probably not going to wear them out on the pipeline if you're actually performing work. Fortunately I'm a welding inspector and I don't work on my tools anymore. I'm still stuck out there 12 to 16 hours a day though when I do go on a job. I always carry a military Poncho for when it rains the only downside is it gets the bottom part of your pants wet. You can avoid that by coating the bottom of your pants legs from your knees down with clear Flex Seal. When I was a kid I would ride my motorcycle even in a blizzard. I didn't have a lot of money so when I got off work I would get too big trash bags cut a hole in the top for my head and two on the sides for my arms and then cut the bottom out of the other tuck it up over and into my belt going down into my pants like it was some kind of skirt. And then I take a couple of smaller trash bags and tape them on my legs in the same fashion. I would always end up being wet in a crotch by the time I got home but it was a lot warmer than trying to do it wearing any other gear and by the time I got home it didn't matter if I was wet or not as long as I wasn't Frozen. I am really hoping I have outgrown all that. At 55 I don't need to be doing that crap anymore

[@AA-gj3kt]

Lightweight wool long underwear go on as soon as the locust leaves fall and stays on until the locust blooms.

[@ROE1300]

I don’t disagree with your message that “what we could do at 20, we cannot do at 70”. However, as a 73 year old I find it hard to believe anyone older than 40 doesn’t already know what you are suggesting for dressing themselves and anyone under 95 has forgotten how to dress themselves. Just because we are in our 60s, 70s, or even 80s does not mean we have forgotten life’s lessons. I recommend you stop treating those of us between 60 and 80 like we are between 5 and 10 and start providing info on how to accomplish task is an easier “old timer” manner. No offense, but you are speaking to those of us older than 70 like we have never had any life experiences.

[@tomhowe1510]

I'm 6'8" 300 life long hunter here. 4xlt all day. $$$ I use exactly what works because it can be expensive AND to heavy. Even military surplus it tiny guy sized. I want everyone to weigh my wool stuff. Add some rain. It will kill you dead in the woods, as a silver fox, hunting. Ill bet 4'x8' = 32sf, is my square foot wool sweaters. 60+lbs of wool. Forget it. Youll die. Seriously. (Shits heavy. That could be why it's such a good wet insulator, your sweating). I use a base merino wool long jon, long tee, ARMY SYNTHETIC LINERS, camo or m65 outter. Good to 20s Sitting. Some temps, I do only use raw sheep wool (ebay), and stuff in all my pockets, something airy and waay lighter than wool sweater. Carry a cheapo clear $1 poncho and tin foil in your pocket for a mini super shelter or rain shelter. It works in North Michigan. I still carry bread bags for my feet. It works. Trust me. Weight can kill a man. (Ask McNamara)

[@floobious80866]

Always smart with stuff, why always somebody shooting in your backyard?... Good relaxing audio quality! 🔩💬💖