Mid-layer recomendations

Judders

Judders

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I am looking to buy a propper mid-layer. For years I have used pyjama bottoms or jogging bottoms but 2010 is going to see far more night passages and since my divi from the family business has come in, I thought I might treat myself. So any recomendations?
 
Personally I use FourthElement's Exotherm Artic http://www.fourthelement.com/dry_arctic.php. It was designed for use under a compressed neoprene drysuit but it is brilliant under an outer set of foul weather kit. It is really warm and not at all bulky. One of its great benefits is that it retains about 80% effiency when wet - not that you plan the wave down the back of the neck. I am a wuss when it comes to the cold and I love this mid layer stuff. On the downside, it is expensive, has no wind or water repellant qualities and has not style.
 
Judders said:
I am looking to buy a propper mid-layer. For years I have used pyjama bottoms or jogging bottoms but 2010 is going to see far more night passages and since my divi from the family business has come in, I thought I might treat myself. So any recomendations?
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I wear a Gill base layer, Henri Lloyd Midlayer salopetter a Musto Midlayer Jacket, then an Musto MPX Jacket. Oh and Dubarry boots lol

I had that all on yesterday for a sale to cowes from fishbourne (not far) and was sound as a pound for warmth - I didnt have my ski gloves that was all!
 
winter sailing clobber- seven layers top - three layers bottom

tee-shirt, shirt, thin pullover, fleece, thick pullover, thick fleece jacket, yellow reflective workmans jacket.

lower level, nicks, jeans, jogging trousers, waterproof overtrousers

Boots - wellies - plus two pairs of socks.

Neck - skiing snoody thing and thinsulate hat

Dylan
 
dylanwinter said:
tee-shirt, shirt, thin pullover, fleece, thick pullover, thick fleece jacket, yellow reflective workmans jacket.

lower level, nicks, jeans, jogging trousers, waterproof overtrousers

Boots - wellies - plus two pairs of socks.

Neck - skiing snoody thing and thinsulate hat

Dylan
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Dylan with just one layer of waterproofing in my experience is just not good enough unless you wear a drysuit. A waterproof midlayer is the way forward. but if your going on cost then your idea ALL THE WAY!!
 
Some years ago I found an awesome pair of salopettes made by Montane, similar to Buffalo gear but these were specifically intended for sailing. Unofortunately no longer in their range but brilliantly warm even on their own.
 
If you have the money then spoil yourself rotten, however is buying into Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto going to be any more efficient in keeping you warm than mountaineering clothing like berghaus, north face etc. Base layers, mid layers, and top layers from mountain clothing specialist are far superior and less expensive than the sailing clothing found online or at marinas. Outer layers well you probably need Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto.
 
For the top I've no particular recommendation - I've never found anything that good - but for the bottom I've a definate choice: Ron Hill leggings. Made for serious running and much used by rowers, but under oilies are perfect. Warm when it's cold, sweat wicking, cool when it's hot and allowing complete freedom of movement (I admit they do look a bit camp when worn with Dubarry boots).

The list of "don'ts" includes jeans, which should be banned from on-board imho, being restricting, cold at night, sweaty by day and a dirt magnet, as should rugby shirts - totally useless and an invitation to hypothermia: the signature of a complete landlubber.
 
Sneaky Pete said:
If you have the money then spoil yourself rotten, however is buying into Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto going to be any more efficient in keeping you warm than mountaineering clothing like berghaus, north face etc. Base layers, mid layers, and top layers from mountain clothing specialist are far superior and less expensive than the sailing clothing found online or at marinas. Outer layers well you probably need Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto.
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Except that none of the mountain/outdoor companies make middle layer salopettes. Some make fleece trousers, but that gives the problem of the cold bottom of the back between the top of the trousers and bottom of the fleece.

Also, you tend to be using your legs more on a mountain, so don't need so much insulation there.

I used to wear mountain equipment fleece trousers. But I'm far happier now in my HL fleece salopettes.
 
Judders said:
I thought I might treat myself. So any recomendations?
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Icebreaker merino kit from NZ, buy it in mountaineering shops. You can wear it for weeks and it will not smell. Used by a lot of folk in polar regions for its durability and comfort,. It wicks like modern man made thermals, so works with breathable fabrics. Comes in a range of "weights" so you can build up layers appropriate to circumstances. The underwear is superb.
It's expensive but you only need one of each layer for a 3 month trip because you wont need to wash it. it is very warm so although the layers may appear thin, they are highly insulating.
 
Sneaky Pete said:
If you have the money then spoil yourself rotten, however is buying into Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto going to be any more efficient in keeping you warm than mountaineering clothing like berghaus, north face etc. Base layers, mid layers, and top layers from mountain clothing specialist are far superior and less expensive than the sailing clothing found online or at marinas. Outer layers well you probably need Gill, Henri Lloyd, and Musto
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"Far" superior? How so? Sounds like inverted snobbery. I have a mixture of different brands, some marine names, some not - the technology is all the same. The best "T-shirt" base layer thing I have is Harken and that would cost you a bundle if you paid full price, but of course I didn't. If you want to save money then Peter Storm or Stormlite (own brands of Milletts and Field and Trek respectively) are cheaper than most. I also have one of those Trax salopette and jacket outfits that are fibre pile. Ridiculously warm and very light. You can just wear them under oilies and you'll never need anything else for cold weather and night sailing.
 
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html

ICEBREAKER

Expensive, but worth it.

When I first sailed offshore, it was jeans with a ski base layer "thermals" under them in very cold weather (or pajama bottoms), layered cotton/wool on top (ski polo, thin lambswool jumper or polo, thick cotton shirt & oiled wool jumper) and non breathable oilies on top.

You can bulk up as some of the suggestions above demonstrate, but if you want to minimise the weight and bulk of your clothing, icebraker next to the skin, & a polartech/fleece on top of that and then Musto HPX or top end HLoyd to finish is more comfortable for longer.

There is some great climbing and skiwear that gives wicking/breathability and no matter what you try judders, you will enjoy an improvement from your PJ's, but the best that I've experienced, is Icebreaker.

usual disclaimer about having no interest in icebreaker. I pay full whack!
 
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