Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: mko72 on September 28, 2013, 09:32:18 PM

Title: Base layer question
Post by: mko72 on September 28, 2013, 09:32:18 PM
Hi all, going to try out breathable waders for the first time tomorrow and they are NOT insulated. 

What are you thoughts on base layers?  Jeans? Long Underwear? sweat pants?  I don't own micro-fleece "wading" pants either.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: BNF861 on September 28, 2013, 09:47:01 PM
Fleece or wool is best. They will keep you warm, and help wick moisture away from your skin.

I wear fleece pajama pants, or wool stanfield bottoms or both depending on the temperature expected.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: DanJohn on September 28, 2013, 10:09:46 PM
Marks Work Warehouse has a really nice base layer set of Merino Wool bottoms and long sleeve top, but they are 50 or 60 bucks a piece. I have a set of Stanfields that are 30% Merino, but they are cold in Winter. I need to get that set, or find some fleece.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: mvelasco on September 28, 2013, 10:48:51 PM
my layering for this time of year is: columbia omni heat light baselayer and my simms rogue hoody. bottoms are long johns and fleece bottoms.
winter is the same but add a fleece top and instead of my hoody its a wading jacket.
 that omni heat baselayer is so versatile that if it goes from really brisk to hot(like last week) it will adjust accordingly.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on September 28, 2013, 10:59:18 PM
Patagonia merino wool from mountain equipment co-op. Good stuff, keeps me warm even on those cold days steelheading.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Suther on September 28, 2013, 11:02:31 PM
Wool is warm even when wet. That can't be said about a lot of fabrics.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Animal Chin on September 28, 2013, 11:47:44 PM
Wool and fleece will keep you warm when wet. Merino wool is the gold standard but you're going to pay for it. Mountain Equipment Co-op or maybe Marks is your best bet. I bought some mid-weight fleece pants at MEC for $25 (Watchtower line.. I think) and they are excellent.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Matt on September 29, 2013, 12:01:55 AM
Never ever cotton, once wet, its worse than nothing at all.  Fleece is ok, but stinks (wash every day if against skin).  Wool is best, merino itches the least.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Suther on September 29, 2013, 12:46:58 AM
Fleece is made out of 100% PET - The same plastic that pop bottles are made out of...

So Fleece is either recycled, recyclable, or both. Interesting....
Also, Fleece was specifically designed to mimic the properties of wool while avoiding the itchyness, and this it does a very good job of. Fleece also absorbs very little water which allows it to still be warm while wet, and is also highly breathable and quick to dry.

If lightweight is ideal, fleece is a damn good choice.

If heat is the number-one factor you want, you can't beat some quality wool though.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: fishtruck on September 29, 2013, 09:10:37 AM
I bought some Merino top and bottoms from Costco for around $20-25. Stayed warm steelheading last year at -6 degrees.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Dr. Backlash on September 29, 2013, 10:50:54 AM
Filson's Merino Wool - based out of Seattle.  Very high quality material and super soft - I love them!  Be careful with some other types of Merino Wool because I've found not as good quality as Filsons (Mec for instance)
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Tex on September 29, 2013, 12:01:00 PM
I've done LOTS of experimenting, and I'm pretty confident about this plan for wearing under breathable waders:

Moderate temperatures: merino wool long johns
Cool temperatures: fleece pants
Cold temperatures: merino wool long johns with fleece pants over top

Merino wool is my favourite base layer - nothing else compares IMO.  Icebreaker is the best quality I've found, but you pay for that quality.  A pair of long johns or a long sleeved shirt will set you back upwards of $80.

Note that fit is important when it comes to base layers.  You want them to fit close/snug to your skin, but not so tight that you're cutting off circulation.

Fleece pants can be bought almost anywhere, and though not all are created equal, IMO you don't need to spend a ton of dough to get similar benefits. 
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: scouterjames on October 14, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
I bought some Merino top and bottoms from Costco for around $20-25. Stayed warm steelheading last year at -6 degrees.

X2 - for the price they are very good!  They are not the high end, but like I said; dollar to warmth, a good bet.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Damien on October 15, 2013, 12:26:54 PM
I bought some Merino top and bottoms from Costco for around $20-25

X3, i have two pairs of their bottoms and three of the tops, black, blue and the new grey w/red stitching they have in stock now.

I wear these against my skin, then a fleece sweater and some lined track pants, then my shell jacket and waders.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: MoeJKU on October 15, 2013, 02:33:16 PM
Sitka Gear.

Traverse bottom- for pants
Traverse hoody - for upper later.

These double for me with hunting.

Then wool socks.
and you will be fine and have lots of mobility.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: jazzhead on October 15, 2013, 05:59:25 PM
I just got myself a breathable wader and wondering what I should base I should wear too.

I read somewhere that wearing jeans in waders will damage it. It this true?  Does that mean cotton material will wear off insides of the wader? or is it just only jeans?

Would wool or fleece get too hot when the weather is sunny like the last weekend?
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Damien on October 15, 2013, 06:04:40 PM
Have you tried reading THIS EXACT THREAD?
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Tee on October 15, 2013, 06:11:05 PM
I use merino wool apparels from Ice Breaker from top to socks. No smell of sweats from several times of use without washing.  Prior to this, I had used fleece but smell was the reason I changed to merino wool.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: BNF861 on October 19, 2013, 04:16:33 PM
I bought some Merino top and bottoms from Costco for around $20-25. Stayed warm steelheading last year at -6 degrees.

Was just at costco in abbotsford. They currently have Paradox merino blend base layer tops for 19.99 and bottoms for 14.99

Keep in mind, these are a merino blend not 100% merino, but make a pretty decend base layer for the price. Beats the cotton t-shirts that most people wear.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: sumasriver on October 19, 2013, 05:57:26 PM
Costco   - these are 10% merino wool.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: TheFishingLad on October 19, 2013, 07:23:28 PM
Marks Work Warehouse has a really nice base layer set of Merino Wool bottoms and long sleeve top, but they are 50 or 60 bucks a piece. I have a set of Stanfields that are 30% Merino, but they are cold in Winter. I need to get that set, or find some fleece.

Dan I have that set I used for Rigging up north. The bottoms I feel are too short from the bottom of the crotch to the waist band. Makes for some snug plums. Can be a bit itchy too if to much standing around.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: Hoop71 on October 19, 2013, 08:20:36 PM
Was at Costco downtown and they have the "True North" brand of long sleeved base layer.
100% Merino wool and made in Canada to boot!

The best thing, only $19.99 each!!
Picked up a couple today.
Title: Re: Base layer question
Post by: sumasriver on October 19, 2013, 08:48:25 PM
Costco  paradox merino wool base layer is   11 %  merino wool  - rest is poly....

I think Costco may sell a few brands that vary in % of merino wool  / poly      ratio.