[iam.mike]

We have recently published an article that covers the topic of layering to stay warm in winter, as well as winter performance fabrics.

You can find that article here:

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/best-winter-performance-fabrics/

If you have any additional thoughts or information about specific fabrics listed, or others we have not, please share that information with us here. We'd love to hear from you.

Thank you in advance!

 

[medhat]

Nice read. Here are some personal observations.

1) Gore-Tex

For breathable waterproofing, nothing (yet) beats Gore-Tex. I've wished for years that is weren't so, but there's a reason they ask for (and get) a premium, and why for manufacturers from The North Face to LL Bean, their top tier items that claim waterproofing are all Gore Tex.

2) Fabric Weave

While a very comprehensive list of performance fabrics, there's also something to be said for the specific weave of said material.

Nike, for example, in some of their heavy duty winter run gear, has a very rugged, almost brick-like (5-6mm) waffle pattern for the material, which seems to be very effective at creating air pockets that retain heat yet still breathe. I love this stuff for near/sub zero adventures.

3) Wool

Wool hasn't given up the ghost. In addition to Smartwool, who makes soft and non-itchy socks and such, wool nowadays can be lightweight, breathable, washable, and typically less stinky than synthetic counterparts.

4) Layering

I think the layering recommendations are spot on. That flexibility makes winter activities much more bearable. Even more flexible are outerwear pieces that increasingly are incorporating hidden vents, zippers, and varied materials in offering increased insulation in some areas (torso) while less in others (armpits, etc...).

 

[iam.mike]

@medhat - Thanks for your thoughts. Agree on nearly all accounts.

I agree with your sentiments about wool, especially regarding wool socks.

That said, I have tried many super-premium wool undershirts, and they still feel a bit itchy to me.

If I'm looking for a thin insulating undershirt or long underwear, I generally look to something made with acrylic yarns instead.

Brands like Uniqlo (Heattech) and 32Degrees make some very nice, thin, lightweight acrylic-based heat-retaining/thermal underclothing.

 

[Color 8]

I love SmartWool tops, but the static electricity is CRAZY. Is there anything that can be done about it ? I hang-dry them etc, but i could stick them to the wall if I run out of space in the drawers.

 

[Oldsarge]

I'm so glad it doesn't get cold enough here for me to even need to examine the possibilities. Last fall's elk season saw enough cold that we decided that the best way to respond was to load up the truck and head for home. Even both last year's and this year's deer seasons had a foot of snow but the temps never dropped below zero. Perhaps the Christmas after next I'll take a cruise up the Rhine that will make me go shopping for a good parka but not yet. I will, however, save the article, just . . . in . . . case.

 

[Hellbent]

Ullfrotté! It’s the best I have experienced. I have tried a lot of different stuff over the last 30 years. But In the end I returned to the fabric I used to wear as a little boy.

 

[Howard]

It gets so cold here in New York sometimes that it's always required to bundle up as much as possible and one layer that will keep you warm is probably a Goose Down coat, this will insulate you and keep you from getting cold.

 

[iam.mike]

@Hellbent - very cool find! A blend of Merino and Synthetics, coupled with the terry loop inner lining & air pockets makes a lot of sense to me.

Think I'll add that to the article!

 

[Oldsarge]

I'm not sure what the coming autumn will bring but I can see where Ullfrotté could find a place in my hunting gear. That's an impressive article.

 

[StephenRG]

Brands like Uniqlo (Heattech) and 32Degrees make some very nice, thin, lightweight acrylic-based heat-retaining/thermal underclothing.

FWIW I have a track hoodie from 32Degrees that is not only warm, it is very well designed. The brand may not have the cachet of the usual suspects - Nike, Under Armour, etc. - but it doesn't have the price either, and after my initial experience I will certainly be getting more pieces from them.