Cold Weather Layering: Part 1 - How to Choose a Base Layer

[@Bushy_P]

Hunting this year, my buddy sunk the boat we were in and we both went swimming. 3°c water. Quite the shock to the system and it was about 3 hours until we were able to get dry again. I will say 100% that my wool base layers did their job. Socks, long underwear top and bottom and a wool top kept me warm. Worth the investment. It could save your life.

[@N-A762]

Thats crazy good to hear your alright.

[@tattooninja]

Did he shoot a hole in the boat 😅

[@Bushy_P]

@@tattooninja no, the lake we were in has longs of rock rock bars and it’s told him to give one point at least a mile of room. He didn’t. Hit the rocks, tore a hole in the hull, down the boat went. I was able to keep my pack afloat, with my rifle and myself as well. Those dry bags are a life saver if you pack some air into them as well.

[@tattooninja]

@@Bushy_P Ahhhh...I bet your friend listens next time! Dry bags are a must for me...I carry 2 on a frame pack, 1 for sleeping bag, 1 for most other stuff...Not for boating though, just for the PNW rain.

[@Bushy_P]

@@tattooninja 🥲yeah I bet he doesn’t. LoL. Some friends are expensive but worth it.

[@alexs1243]

A grunts biggest philosophical dilemma is always “do I base layer or not ?”. Thumb holes are actually for continued insulation between the sleeve of the base layer and a glove. Love the video

[@charleshoward448]

Another feature that I really like in base layers for skiing and snowshoeing is thumb loops. It helps to keep the sleeves from bunching under other layers as you're taking things off/on. It also helps to make sure that at least your base layer extends into your gloves, which is really nice if you're digging out snow caves, skiing in deep powder, etc...

[@MrKakemann1]

We use a synthetic "fishnet" style shirt and bottoms (brynje), and throw a t-shirt over it (not cotton). Then if you need more, wool top/bottom. We dress for the expected activity. So if you are going for medium/high activity, you are going too freeze if there is no activity. And you throw on more layers if you know you are going nowhere in a while (like a 600gr wool sweater or a puffy jacket). 😉 🇧🇻

[@PeachMorado]

as someone who has used the american ECWCS and norwegian fishnet style base layers in the arctic, the fishnet style base layers were incredible. Like he said, it insulates very well if you have a protective layer over top, then if you need to cool off you just open up your jacket and dump all that heat out. They’re an incredible choice.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Fish net is the way. I never put plastic or wool against the skin, they belong in the mid layer. Consider Alpaca wool as part of your mid layer. It holds up better than merino.

[@cfgMC]

Outdoor Research also has a lot of good options for base layers. Merino/Poly/etc and if you’re .mil you can get a pro account and get everything for around 50% off.

[@americanpatriot6918]

Badlands has a Merino wool blend boxer short that is very comfortable and warm. And because they are a blend with cordura nylon they hold up good. They are usually 30-40 bucks, but if you catch a sale you can get them for 20.

[@RunInTooAWall]

Fan of Hill people gear, fan of spiritus, happy you guys are helping people with this type of info.

[@patrickavondale8653]

Nice hire spiritus! Hill People is a tight company and US forest service dudes are an encyclopedia of knowledge

[@brandandaniels6007]

Thank you for doing this, this is extremely helpful!!

[@SpiritusSystems]

You're so welcome!

[@George-bb9yi]

Excellent! Really nicely done - Kevin knows his stuff and how to communicate it.

[@maxbiggtluffy4955]

As I’m standing out in the pouring rain waiting for the train look what the algorithm has blessed me with !!!😁

[@smonroyy]

We need more Kevin!

[@colegholson2758]

Sitka Core Lightweight Hoody has been my next-to-skin layer for a few years now. It’s a very light synthetic that does an excellent job at wicking sweat. It does have a thumb loop option which is convenient when adding layers, a small pocket on the chest (great for ID, permits), and zipper about the length of my sternum. Two of my favorite features are that the hood is form fitting without feeling too snug, and the hood has a built in face cover that isn’t noticeable when not wearing but also serves as a lightweight neck gaiter when you put the face cover around the front of your neck, and drop the hood - this has been the perfect touch of heat retention for heavy activity in cold temps. If you’re looking for an excellent next-to-skin layer, take a chance on the Sitka Core Lightweight Hoody.

[@joel553009]

Sitka is fire but is the crye of the hunting world lol. Really expensive but buy once cry once

[@BillDay]

First Lite “Game Bag” boxers are a game changer. I got a couple pairs on sale this season, hunted with them from freezing temps up into the 80s, and found them incredibly comfortable across the entire temp range. And they’re “liberating” if you know what I mean for comfort around the family jewels. Bonus points: My wife loves the look when I wear them around the house. 😂 Highly recommended!

[@markc9949]

As an LV119 owner and HPG Tarahumara, its great to see this video. I love both companies and base layers are something I really struggle with. I have horrible circulation despite my pretty decent fitness level and I'm almost always cold. For years I'd just wear thermals, get sweaty and then end up freezing. This was really informative.

[@wyattdeshane]

Hell yeah, prior service marine and current USFS wildland firefighter as well. Actually saw a couple of the Hill People fire packs on the line this year.

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

That’s awesome, that was a goal of mine for a while and glad I could be a part of the process of getting it into the hands of firefighters.

[@jamesbridges7750]

I wasn't aware of the Kuiu bottoms, there are a few insulating layer pants(Helly-Hansen and Cold Skills) that work that way and I absolutely love them. Will have to try the Kuius, glad to see they have a higher Nylon content on the lightweights.

[@emanTX96]

firstlite has some zip offs also if kuiu goes out of stock

[@KitCreep]

PCU Level 1 shorts are like $20 and I think the best cold weather underwear. Theyre midweight so they fight cold but syndrome. Also they’re silver impregnated so they’re anti microbial like wool.

[@eastonwilliams1722]

These are the videos we need.

[@readyme]

Good stuff. I’m a huge fan of the discontinued Patagonia lightweight capeline base layers. They have outperformed everything else I’ve tried for moisture management. I also like stuff made with NuYarn. It outperforms 100% wool that I have tried. Me favorite shirt is the Black Diamond Rhythm shirt. Super light weight and manages moisture and heat like a champ. I have a couple FirstLite wool pieces. They perform ok but they smell horrible when wet or damp.

[@Szala45]

Merino wool for life. Just wash them in 30°C with natural grey soap and baking soda. If they still stink or you use some antiperspirant cosmetics that made them stiff soak armpits with warm water and put there baking soda for a while. Baking soda is great for all natural fibers bc they wont shrink. Also make your own container for your field clothes, base layers, caps etc. and never give them to your gf, wife or mom to wash bc they will put them in high temp some washing gel or strong washing powder bc they stink and it will save you a lot of hardearned $. Great vid, greetings from Poland.

[@SpiritusSystems]

Thank you!

[@nicholasallan9248]

Marino wool retains 80% of its thermal value when wet. Much better than synthetics

[@TheTgo97]

Finally an actual helpful video on the subject

[@Tadpoledude]

Wow this was one of my favorite videos. Great info! Woulda liked to hear more about the synthetic blends and what specifically those are, but loved the video.

[@FIRSTSPEAR1]

Nice quarter zip, Kevin. Nice content, SS.

[@SpiritusSystems]

Thanks 👍 I want one too lol

[@WheelchairOperator]

First Spear plz gibs Wind Cheater

[@FIRSTSPEAR1]

@@WheelchairOperator We're slightly biased, but it's a pretty rad jacket #AmericanMade #BuiltfortheX

[@trentenbias6117]

Micromodal underwear is the shit. Haven’t really done any real testing on colder climates but it’s unbelievably comfortable (especially the ball hammock ones) and does a really great job keeping you dry.

[@rship2805]

Stone Glacier Chinook boxers...wore 1 pair for 7 day hunt, no stink and no stretch or slack built up after lots of hiking, like most wool does.

[@heatherann4390]

I can't wait to try my Marino wool base layer. My mom also gave me a wool emergency blanket from when she was a paramedic on the oil rigs in B.C, I take it everywhere with me.

[@woddyarmin3595]

As a central Floridian, thank you for this!

[@blackmist124]

I have some of the kuiu boxer briefs and i really like them for being able to wear multiple days without getting gross when backpacking or in the field which cuts down on weight and spade. They feel fine in the summer inside and outside in Texas and they still felt warm when i was in the field in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. They come in a three pack and then I’ll take looser boxer that dedicated for just sleeping in

[@jasonbourne1119]

I used the “XGO” brand underwear during ranger school. They were pretty expensive (around $35) for one pair. They advertise anti microbial and flame resistance. I can truly say the anti microbial works, I could wear one pair for 5 days straight and they didn’t get crusty, nasty, or smelly. As for the flame resistance, I’d rather not have that tested haha, so I can’t speak for that. But during the movements, they didn’t get soaked with sweat, which we all know ends up chafing your thighs, and in the cold, would make you colder. Overall, I recommend them as a good pair of field underwear.

[@actionsonobj]

Great idea for a series. This type of stuff is really only available through SERE courses or payed for classes

[@philliplamew3945]

I use a merino wool shirt as a base layer at work in the colorado plains and I love it

[@prepsho5007]

Thank You for this video! Underwear was under the radar for me and now I will focus on this more!

[@wafflebunny123]

Been thinking of getting a baselayer since I sweat alot in general and especially in the cold with a warm jacket on is annoying, now I know what to look for thanks guys

[@protectpersevere2030]

Very informative stuff and i look forward to the rest off the series

[@Training_Tsuna_]

Gonna bookmark some kuiu stuff and wait for xmas, i guess. This helped me think of solutions for temperature issues i had when backpacking the other week

[@michaeldennis1021]

Excellent you know your stuff,very clear and knowledgeable thanks 🇬🇧

[@veteranprecision6532]

This is intriguing to me. Kuiu's wool 200 zip downs put the wool on the inside, and the poly on the outside. Other mid layers I am more used to the poly being the more inner layer, and the wool being the outer layer. i.e. the First-Spear hoodlum hoodie or Woobie jacket.

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

Polyester is going to be more durable and wool is going to be more comfortable, so maybe that's why Kuiu did it like that. Just a guess. The opposite with polyester on the inside and wool on the outside will be better for flame resistance but not durability,.

[@veteranprecision6532]

@@kevinmcdowell3446 Thanks for the reply. I think I just wasn't paying attention when I ordered the merino bottoms from Kuiu. I think the "Pro" with the poly outer is just supposed to be a more mid-isnulation later/base layer combo? The air pockets of the poly out seem like they should be lofty, and I imagine it should help dry the inner merino layer by wicking the moisture out further from the body? I just bought a set of the Aclima Woolnet garments from overseas to try out for xc skiing, I'm on the hunt for a a mostly wool insulation layer though. Something to replace the more puffy style jacket. The FS Hoodlum hoodie and woobie hoodie has had my eye for some years now, I just can't decide if the wool net 1st, wool second (200gm) top would be better with more wool directly next to it. Or if having the wicking inner poly layer of the hoodlum hoody would be more beneficial for further moisture management. If I had my druthers I would probably get the hoodlum hoodie and stalker vest to wear under my wind cheater and winter layers.

[@empizzle8]

Excellent presentation, looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@SpiritusSystems]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TARandFEATHERS]

I look forward to the follow-up videos. RockOn.StayFree.

[@SwedishM90enjoyer]

Ahhh looking forward to Kevin content, loved the stuff he worked on with HPG

[@andrewgable7273]

Thanks for that!!!! Great run down. I love wool. Long johns, base layers, insulators, etc. Great stuff. A good water repellant outer layer, and done. I still wear 2 sets of Devold Expedition weight (not that thick, but 2 layers) tops and bottoms I've had now for 8+ years. I crotch blew out, cut restitched it, and good as new. Check them out. Highly recommend. Semper Fi!!!!!!

[@Morris615]

I swear by Beyonds power wool base layers, its got the perfect blend of synthetic and wool

[@williamanthony4512]

Hey, the carhart fleece, wool blend force heavyweight base layers are the best. 200 gsm

[@etspartan]

I’d recommend the under armor men’s tech with a 9 inch inseam. Keeps you from chafing in the field. Despite being 100% poly it doesn’t smell after a wash either

[@DecentRecruit]

Calvin Klein MicroFiber Briefs are my favorite to hike in. Just long enough to prevent chafing. And wicks moisture decently.

[@HoldWhatYouGot0321]

First Lite’s Game Bag boxer briefs are 65% wool 33% nylon 2% spandex, they also have a “pouch” to keep the lads in their own compartment and not sticking to a leg causing the ol’ one-legged wiggle.

[@RahimLadhajuma]

Definitely needed this with winter coming around here and for hunting season coming up/Hiking! Thanks 👌🏼Always love your content!

[@farmerwayne1404]

The "suggested" rule of thumb for me starting my day hiking is, keeping cool. If im standing outside for a while and I feel that I need to put on a jacket, thats the proper clothing to climb up a hill with a pack on. If its dry out, i keep a light puffy attached to the side of my pack. And if I stop i put the jacket on immediately. When done take off ,replace and move.

[@ZackXJ]

very helpful video, a lot of videos talking about base layers seem to neglect the underwear part of the discussion so thanks for including that, been looking for some high quality boxer briefs.

[@AdaptorDieChannel]

Thanks Kevin!

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

🤙

[@landrecce]

As far as boxer briefs, I recommend SAXX. They're totally amazing. Game changer.

[@georgebarnes9204]

For boxer briefs, I've found the Buck Naked briefs from Duluth Trading are the most comfortable and breathable I've found

[@Khemtime]

Yes! Keep this sort of content coming.

[@bass779]

Love the cross pollination with HPG!

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

Used personally bought merinowool in the Marines. With proper care I got 270 days of use on average with my wool stuff. Y’all keep that in mind when picking layers I used smart wool and MTN ops that I snagged on discount

[@woddyarmin3595]

270 days of what kind of work?

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

@@woddyarmin3595 general military field days in winter/fall Wool is biodegradable so it can’t last forever

[@HotelBravo556]

Love this type of content. Str8 fax knowledge drops.

[@thefrogstronaut]

Varestuleka viscose boxer briefs in my experience have very good odor resistant properties for being made of a synthetic-ish fabric. They’re very affordable for the performance, I only wish they were cut a little longer because they do something ride up my legs.

[@Sparrow51403]

I need to know what y’all think about this. I Ruck with not a lot of weight. Usually around 50-60 pounds total. I usually wear a Gorka 3 or Gorka E as my regular tops and bottoms, and an athletic shirt as my base layer. However. If I put a thin wool base layer or a thin wool long sleeve shirt on, I’m too warm for 20 degrees and overheat, but if I just wear an athletic shirt I’m far too cold. Also my Gorkas are NOT lined.

[@justadude4033]

Pretty dope that Ian McCollum’s brother works at Spiritus

[@UsmcDevildog-rd1yt]

I have always been a big fan of the frog system

[@cole141000]

With my work, usually at lunch you can just take off the bottom layer and put them back on at a break before the end of the day if needed

[@MegaBeast18]

Great Video, thank you. This topic is not covered enough in depth.

[@2K9s]

Old school stanfield's trifilar long undies are the base layer you never knew you wanted but needed.

[@klajoye481]

I’m real picky with my boxers haha. From 100% merino/synthetic/big name hunting brands, I’ve landed on the exofficio briefs. They give you enough support and can be rocked for a few days 🤙🏼

[@1Larriva]

Best field underwear for multi day that I have found over the years: Arcteryx wool briefs Lululemon silver wool brief (I’m serious they are great) Smartwool 200 marino wool briefs

[@WilliamDell95]

All these videos are great, this is no exception. The only issue I have with layering videos is that they all relate to some sort of cold weather. I have not been able to find a Florida weather layering video. I can't imagine running around In the everglades or similar Florida parks in just a base layer, unless I'm wrong?

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

Depends on what you’re doing. If you’re not in cold weather there is not much need to layer. If you’re just hiking, you’ll likely be good with a sun shirt and a rain layer (in south florida warm weather). The shirt you choose should still have moisture wicking capabilities and dry quickly. If it’s more of a tactical purpose, I would opt for a lightweight short sleeve shirt baselayer then a field shirt over it. The field shirt is more of just a rugged barrier to protect your skin.

[@WilliamDell95]

@kevinmcdowell3446 I do a combo of both, just backpacking but trying to stay dry from the random SW FL sunshower and the occasional tactical ruck in the woods to stay in shape

[@leviharrison4127]

Have been rocking the Lululemon everyday underwear for a few years now, sometimes they wear out quick but 5 pairs will last me the whole year for sure.

[@michaldudas7174]

3/4 lenght long johns are great, you can change into dry socks and the ends of your long johns aren't wet and wicking that moisture up! ;)

[@DeadPixelStudios0]

solid stuff, but y'all should check out brynje for base layer, while americans freeze their ass off i norway with all that winter gear on, we wear brynje as base layer and regular kit and stay warm in the middle of winter, also side note. Those gear lockers looks dope, any templates for those or ?

[@SpiritusSystems]

Thanks for the tip! We're always looking for new gear to test out. The lockers are a custom design

[@DeadPixelStudios0]

@@SpiritusSystems Any time. and i need one lol

[@kyleclark5128]

Awesome content! Much needed series.

[@SpiritusSystems]

Glad to hear it!

[@andrewp9648]

Looking forward to your other cold weather videos.

[@SpiritusSystems]

Coming soon!

[@339Ryan]

The answer is always Merino Wool. Can't beat it!

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

I swore off Merino wool a few times in my life after accidently throwing wool in the dryer, but really it is the best. You just have to be careful with the care process.

[@richardschoellhammer]

Excellent information! I’m a big fan of my Exofficio Briefs. Been excellent for the last several years.

[@ryandmaal]

Thank you, it was very informative and gave me some new ideas. For shirts and boxers I use Bergans, Smartwool and Woolpower.

[@frankholzer6180]

Great Informations, can‘t wait to see the Rest of the Series

[@SpiritusSystems]

Thanks for watching!

[@billynomates920]

thanks. new subscriber. second video. second comment. i'm not going to go on one for one, but i really appreciated the rain layer video and this one is the next one i could do with some advice. was never a problem before but i'm mid-forties now and more moist and squidgy. 🙁

[@freightshakerclassicxl2728]

By far i like the meriwoool boxer briefs they have the best elastic band and for 100% wool they really are durable.. in addition they have the longest leg that I've found in a wool breif as I don't like the more European cut stuff especially in the field ..

[@jeffschultz8817]

I like exoffico bixer briefs. No insulating qualities but they dry fast and don’t get stinky even if you have to wear them for 2-3 days

[@wadek3860]

More Kevin please

[@jonwebsterabbott]

Best underwear are Costco board shorts. Lightweight, quick drying, and if you need to tear off your other layers you still have pockets and beltloops. The zippered pockets can also double as a security pocket if you are in places where pickpockets abound

[@GTWGamer]

Great video! Been trying to put together a layering system myself lately. Very helpful

[@nomadic959]

My synthetic TMNT briefs have always been my staple field under garment🥷🐢

[@packer492]

This is a great video thank you

[@SpiritusSystems]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brookford3028]

Dick Dastardly sure knows his shit. Looking forward to his next video

[@SpiritusSystems]

haha

[@CxS_Nico]

Fruit of the Loom is the best for minimal ball sweat in the field.

[@mrsquirrel5308]

Brynje Thermo Wool is the best baselayer I’ve found

[@chadh403]

Really good info. I need to check out the Kuiu bottoms. They will be handy as I am a Firefighter and winter sucks.

[@davidabernathy3197]

Josh’s patch was eyeing me the whole video

[@preacher1776]

In the south/central-Texas region, wool is fantastic. Remember your wool socks. Junior, you need FOUR MINIMUM! Feet. Neck Hands. Balls. Extra socks warms them all.

[@muebleoalgo]

"Cotton kills", and it's true. A girl who was hiking in Ushuiaia died of hypothermia for not being advised by the company that carried out the guide in one of the most difficult mountains. It was a huge negligence on many parts when taking inexperienced people on one of the most difficult tours. Both the owners of the company and the guide face jail. Spiritus Systems people knows what they're talking about.

[@brendansmith8319]

Great info! Any thoughts about silk or silk and wool blend base layers? Loved your work at HPG.

[@suspenc34]

first lite makes some excellent merino base layers

[@CookieManCookies]

I wear the walmart brand GAND1 boxer breifs, it's 90% polyester and 10% spandex. What's great about it, is it has alot of perferations to breath. I am curious about switching to merano. I typically swap them out after 12 hours of work.

[@sholomminsky]

loved this video watched it several times would love if u put a list of some of the products u talked about in here in description

[@SethWashburn]

Minus33 also makes really nice Merino wool base layers

[@journeyman7189]

RE-watching the series. Excellent information. You mentioned that a field shirt over top of the more fragile base levels is a good option. I can see that being so during the hotter months where a field jacket or anorak is just to warm. Is there a certain fabric or blend that your field shirt should be in order to be durable enough to push through bush and be a relative quick drying fabric? Nate

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

50/50 blend of Nylon and Cotton or "NYCO" is pretty durable, breathable, and dries quickly. It's really the standard for field shirts and you won't go wrong.

[@CptBlkBrd]

Great video! Love the content you guys are putting out. Really looking forward to the rest of this series. 🤘

[@SpiritusSystems]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@samimurtomaki5534]

How about cotton mesh top base layer? I have one on me while watching the video and winter is coming. I think I'll try this thing. Most likely the layer directly on this one and the overal moisture permeability must be considered.