What layers?

Capt. Clueless

Capt. Clueless

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 Aug 2015
Messages
4,454
Location
Bury st Edmunds
Visit site
I'll be going up to my boat towards the end of this month for a week or so. I know that several layers of clothing are beneficial, but is there a particular type of fabric that will retain more heat that others? Sometimes, I feel like the Goodyear man when all my winter gear on, and not that flexible, and am sure I could keep just as warm, with lighter stuff, but not running to the cost of professional gear. I am a poor man, and am "Man at Primark and charity shops". Any suggestions on what to look out for please?
 
Can't helm with suggestions on specific fabrics, but for what it's worth I have several old fleeces whose arms and collars I have trimmed away, for use when many layers are required. I realised that most of the "overstuffed" feeling applied only to my arms and around my neck, and by getting rid of these I could add another layer to my body without stiffening my elbows and throttling myself with yet another stand-up collar.

Pete
 
When I used to fit out my wooden boat in March - sometimes in snowy weather - I found that woolen long johns and a thermal vest under a thick woolen work shirt was a good start, then warm trousers and a number of jumpers depending on how cold it was. How many layers also depended on still getting an overall on top.
 
I wear an ordinary tee shirt as a base, long sleeved tee shirt from Asda or Tesco next, followed by a sweatshirt and then a fleece with a waterproof layer over the top. Pyjama trousers with Asda/Tesco jogging bottomsover them for the nether regions. If truely cold I'll add a down body warmer I've had for years. Old army socks (only bit of clothing I still own from those days) to keep the feet warm. Them again, a waterproof layer overall if required. Woolly hat, no bobble.

Michelin man is my hero and I do look like him by the time I kitted up.
 
I spent my winter fuel allowance on underwear from British Thermals . British made in Leicester, cheapish and good quality. I've also got some insulated trouser from Aldi which are good but only available as and when.
The cut down fleece idea is brilliant - you can get them for next to nothing from charity shops.
 
the basic principle is

base layer - thermal longjohns and long sleeve top next to skin....wool/merino great but pricey...try Aldi quick, or synthetic baselayers good too....try low end outdoor shops or T K Maxx.......or online

mid layer (s) - this is where you want your one or two or three layers of fleece- charity shop stuff is fine......Aldi good for thermal work trousers

shell layer - this is your windproof and waterproof outer layer that stops warmth getting out and water getting in....."oilies" in sailing terms.....this layer is crucial so if you have to spend money this is where id focus it....the other layers can be bought very cheaply but if this one doesnt do its job they are useless. sailing waterproofs can be silly money but no real reason why stuff made for walking/climbing out of the same materials wont do the job......you wont get a fluorescent dayglo green hood though! again, ebay, t k maxx and even charity shops will throw up bargains
 
Tim O said:
the basic principle is

base layer - thermal longjohns and long sleeve top next to skin....wool/merino great but pricey...try Aldi quick, or synthetic baselayers good too....try low end outdoor shops or T K Maxx.......or online

mid layer (s) - this is where you want your one or two or three layers of fleece- charity shop stuff is fine......Aldi good for thermal work trousers

shell layer - this is your windproof and waterproof outer layer that stops warmth getting out and water getting in....."oilies" in sailing terms.....this layer is crucial so if you have to spend money this is where id focus it....the other layers can be bought very cheaply but if this one doesnt do its job they are useless. sailing waterproofs can be silly money but no real reason why stuff made for walking/climbing out of the same materials wont do the job......you wont get a fluorescent dayglo green hood though! again, ebay, t k maxx and even charity shops will throw up bargains
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, I managed to get a Compass "sea gear" coat for a tenner out of a charity shop.
 
I don't think that what you use matters much; you could probably use newspaper if you had to, but different cloths will affect your comfort. I can't wear wool next to my skin, so my base layer will be one of the usual thermal undies. Fleece is lighter than most other fabrics and will be most people's choice for middle layers, and the outer layer will probably need to be breathable if you are going to be active. A full set could cost you the best part of a grand, or next to nothing.
 
Cycling leggings work. Then you can wear the waterproofs over them. On the top half I always start with merino long sleeved shirt, then the fleece. I have a pilot's coat from Seasure which goes over the those. But that's a bit expensive for a one off.
 
Start with a good base layer. For really cold weather I use Gill i2 base, for medium cool a lighter wicking base. Massively warmer than just a conventional cotton t-shirt.
Fleece lined Craghopper trousers also good value and warm, plus dry very quickly
 
Leighb said:
When I used to fit out my wooden boat in March - sometimes in snowy weather - I found that woolen long johns and a thermal vest under a thick woolen work shirt was a good start
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, my usual yard working kit is one of these padded shirts:



They're comfortable and surprisingly warm.

Pete
 
As an all-weather motorcyclist in years gone by, the secret for a very "inactive" activity is the use of Under Armour compression LJ's and top. When you leave the boat though, don't remove the Under Armour for at least three hours once you get indoors... If you do, you get very cold very quickly (don't know why)
 
I am in the middle of putting on a roof on a new build, completely open to the south downs so a bit chilly at the moment, I use 2 t shirts then a fleecy 'onsey' i was given when i purchased a crewsaver drysuit years ago, topped off with padded shirt with a hood, (has F & F label in it so i think that is asda) yesterday i was too hot in that so had to take the padded shirt off

Never thought to look in a charity shop for fleeces, i will do that as i tend to wreck them on site :encouragement:
 
I've always found that a boiler suit gives the most warmth per £ ....probably by eliminating any waist - level draughts . I guess that any onesey would be equally effective. I'm assuming that it's boatyard work that you have in mind so no waterproofness required.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top