How to choose very warm base layer

[Muncher]

So I'm an immigrant and don't know much about layered dressing.

But been told I should get a good base layer - so what is the difference between

http://www.sears.ca/product/dickies-microfibre-thermal-turtleneck-top/A000341355183229Y0

and

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444262 7298&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302704005&bmUID=1257472539607

Is it really worth the difference in price?

How would you choose? Any other advice to keep warm would be good - planning to spend New Year in Ottawa.

[ShadowVlican]

basically, a base layer helps to quickly move sweat from your skin to somewhere else... the ones you're looking at also trap air and act as insulation

i have the MEC expedition level long johns... and they're pretty toasty in the winter!

i'd trust the MEC top (which employs a heavyweight polartec power-dry fabric) to keep you warmer than some "microfibre thermal" material

[islena]

Admittedly I don't generally spend *hours* outside, but I got these from Marks last year and they seem to do a decent job keeping me warm:

http://marksworkwearhouseca.shoplocal.com/mwwca/default.aspx?action=detail&flashbrowse=y&storeid=2577430&rapid=769772&pagenumber=4&listingid=-2088761763&ref=%2fmwwca%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsepagef lash%26storeid%3d2577430%26pagenumber%3d4%26rapid% 3d769772%26prvid%3dMWW-091028ENG

Probably warmer still:
http://marksworkwearhouseca.shoplocal.com/mwwca/default.aspx?action=detail&flashbrowse=y&storeid=2577430&rapid=769772&pagenumber=4&listingid=-2088761897&ref=%2fmwwca%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsepagef lash%26storeid%3d2577430%26pagenumber%3d4%26rapid% 3d769772%26prvid%3dMWW-091028ENG

http://marksworkwearhouseca.shoplocal.com/mwwca/default.aspx?action=detail&flashbrowse=y&storeid=2577430&rapid=769772&pagenumber=4&listingid=-2088761896&ref=%2fmwwca%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsepagef lash%26storeid%3d2577430%26pagenumber%3d4%26rapid% 3d769772%26prvid%3dMWW-091028ENG

Sale prices end Nov 8/09.


(Also, I agree with the previous poster that the MEC ones are likely to keep you warmer than the Sears ones... it's *MEC*. ;))

[biee]

Choose MEC. I just got a pair of long johns last week and it's super warm/comfy. I wear it everyday! :D

[Becks]

Isn't it more important to have warm boots that aren't slippery in the snow? Then, to have warm underpants and a warm jacket, with a hat, scarf, and warm gloves?

[ShadowVlican]

why the dichotomy when u can have all of the above?

it's one of the prices to pay to live in canada (or any other cold region)

[hahn]

i find a tight fitting thermal as the base layer helps a lot with insulating body warmth during cold weather, just make sure it's specially formulated to wick away moisture.

[Bookpreviews]

i find a tight fitting thermal as the base layer helps a lot with insulating body warmth during cold weather, just make sure it's specially formulated to wick away moisture.

Damp clothing si the worst. Like 100% cotton can be pretty bad because you sweat, your clothing gets damp, you are outside...your clothing is cold damp and can start to freeze:mad:

It happens to me a lot when I ski if i do not change my shirts after a few hours sometimes or depensing what I wear.

I have some regular tops by Elita that the Bay sells that are like $20 each made of polyester something or other that help keep you dry.
For sports I have tons of helly hansen, nike tops and those are good.
I have a short sleeve Nike top and have had it 5+ years and really abuse that top- wearing it in the ocean, washing 2 or 3x a week and it is still in good condition.
$50 seems like a lot but I have had this top 5+ years.
Some helly hansen tops maybe 3+ years and still good.

I have some expensive socks that wick moisture and they are great esp if you take the bus, go inside, feet warm up, sweat, go outside 1 hour to wait again...frozen toes w regular socks.
I know some people would not spend $25 for socks but for me after trying 6 different brands they are the only ones that really worked for me.
It was the Wigwam brand socks.
MEC probably sells them.

I think you should probably also think of what you need your layers for.
I have 5 different winter jackets depending what activity I am doing or how cold the weather is.
I have 2 ski jackets. I parka for -40 weather or waiting outside very long and some dressy coats.