layers

jenanded

All this talk of travel capsules etc, I am learning about the needfor layering. I will go hunting for camis or thermals etc everyone is talking of now i am learning a coton long sleeve t and a jacket are why I get cold. I amdoing Canada and uk during trip and temps will range from 0 (hopefully not too much) to abou 20 celcius with most of he trip around 10. Do I look for those fine merino layers at the gear shop? Synthetics? Or silk I think i have read about. Do i get camis or sleeved.

13 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from bj1111

Anonymous

I have heard that silk is good too. avoid synthetics they would make you sweat too much. I would get camis and long sleeves if you have the packing room. It would give you more options. I am a big fan of layering but most of my tops are cotton. I really want to try silk as I have heard it can be warmer.

13 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

The lovely thing about silk is that it feels so luxurious and has practically zero "bulk". I wore silk long johns and undershirts for skiing warmth years ago. Think I picked my set up at Sporting Life which is upscale gear shop. Microfleece is also very nice to wear - so soft and cozy.

13 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

I think Lands End should offer some nice choices - where in the world are you? Marks and Spencers also had a great selection of undergarments. Not avilable in Canada anymore, but I think they are still going strong in the UK

13 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

I am in sub tropical australia so think it will be gear shops or upmarket dept store. Might look online... i know they sell fine wool but it tends to itch... will see

13 years ago

annaj

Veteran

Country Road has some great washable merino cardigans at the moment. They are a slim fit, but I layer mine over close fitting tees. They might be worth a try as they wash and wear well. Just be careful with wool as you won't be able to throw it in the dryer at laundromats!!

13 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

Thanks!

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

there may be a uniqlo in oz, but they may not be selling heat tech which is my default advice. depending on how many days you anticipate being in <5c, you may want to hit a target or primark when you get there.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jen - are you coming to Canada first?

You have a friend in Ottawa, correct?

Why not get HER advice? Asking her to keep in mind that you are likely to be feeling the cold more than she would, because you are not acclimatized.

Perhaps she could order you some items from Mountain Equipment Coop or Land's End to be here, ready for your arrival. Anything that did not fit/ did not work could be returned.

Here are a couple of ideas:

A bunch of different base layer options: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/.....eLayer.jsp

Here is the silk underwear at LE: http://www.landsend.com/ix/ind.....=newSearch

I do not find it as warm as synthetics like Heatech or as Merino wool. But you are not going to be outdoors for long periods of time, as I understand it. It is not as if you are skiing or snowshoeing all day -- which is what those other layers are really designed for. The silk would probably be enough for you given your mostly indoor activities. Remember, houses are centrally heated (sometimes to ridiculous heights).

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

circling back...pretty polly fleecy tights. available on amazon.

13 years ago

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