Fireman_DJ Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Right, I've been a natural material type person for a very long time. Part of this is due to the fire brigade's requirement of not wearing synthetic clothing under the protective clothing to fires etc. But even long before then, I've worn cotton pants etc. I find myself now at a turning point. I wish to do more outdoor activities in colder weather, which means I need to get rid of the cotton clothing and go synthetic. Which leads to the questions. Which synthetic material is warmer? Which is more durable? Any brands you can specifically highlight with good features? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameronpatrol Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 I picked up some sythetic thermals from Rays out doors 40 or 50 bucks for long sleeve shirt and long pants. brand Wild Country. they dry really fast when wet. but also when wet they are still warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe.358win Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 For hunting gear for the cold,it's hard to go past polar fleece for it's price and warmth.Ridgeline is a good start.Thermals under your cloths is a good idea as well.I use thermals under some light hunting gear,as I find the polar fleece can get to warm when the sun comes up.At the other end of the scale is Stoney Creek for one,better gear with a price to match.I prefer Stoney Creek gear,especially there micro tough pants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireman_DJ Posted June 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Not too worried about cost. It will play a part, in working out how many sets I buy... How does polar fleece hold up to abuse? I'm pretty rough with my gear. The "No Tear Em" brand work pants, tore them within 2 weeks of buying them! Hard Yakka are the same, tears in the crotch and knee areas. These are heavy duty cotton clothing that I tend to destroy. So while warmth is a must, they'll be no good to me if I have to replace them half way through a week long hike. As for thermals, I'm wearing some Marino wool bottoms right now, I also have synthetic ones too, tops and bottoms. They work ok, but a week ago I discovered that after sleeping a few hours in a trench shelter where I was a bit cold, that getting out of the trench was worse. As soon as I got out I was shivering like all hell (I had to attend an upset kid in his bush shelter, once we got walking back to the camp site it was a bit better and the fire was a good bonus). I had thermals top and bottom, cotton work pants (dry) and a thick army wool jumper on plus a fleece balaclava. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameronpatrol Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Ive got the Stoney creek winter top and pants. theyve coped a fair old flogging. and still are good as gold. they are the only clothing that come with a 5 year warranty on rips, bullet holes, babred wire etc. nice and warm. the air vents in the legs are great and ACTUALY work if hot unzip them and you feel the cool air straight away. the top has a nice big pocket for puttig bits and pieces. in the cold im pretty happy to just wear a beater undernieth the shirt and thats it. pants by them selves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adzym Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Smart Wool for base layer.Top and bottom. You can get them in different weights. Good quality active polar fleece. You can get them in different weights Windstopper Jacket or similar. For pants I wear thick cotton... Im looking at getting a pair of fleece camo pants..I get my camo from cabelas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rem350 Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Check out KUIU clothing, don't own any myself but it could be an alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireman_DJ Posted June 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2012 I should also mention, while I will get some in camo, I do intend on using this gear on non-hunting trips with groups of kids, so discreet clothing will be handy. It'll help tone down the fact that everything else I own is camo, the GPS, the compass, the shovel, the gloves, the hiking pack, the hammock (well, you see the general trend here). Cam, good to know about the warranty, but if my pants end up with bullet holes in them then the pants will be the least of my concerns I'm sure!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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