View Full Version : Warm Trousers?
Okies went camping on Dartmoor this weekend and I think Leon, Chris, Wayne and Val will agree that it was a tad on the chilly side. I'd actually left one of my layers behind but wasn't too bad... Sam (SWMBO) on the otherhand made up by having about 6 layers on the top half and 3 sets of trousers and was still cold.
Now most of her layers were pretty naf so I'm looking at making things a little more comfortable, I'm ok on top half gear but what do you recommend for keeping your legs warm - Just on a side note and I don't want to get into an arguement on this as its in another thread but I don't even want to consider down for our climate.
Cheers
Matt
I used Ullfrotte 200g and a poly/cotton trousers when I was in Norway and I was never cold.
British Army long johns are pretty good, if you like Y fronts with long legs, in green!!
A pair of tights is a cheap option, but not very fetching on a bloke!! On the otherhand, they're under your trousers, so who would know?
NuclearPower
21-02-2005, 19:27
Well...If it is cold and if you are wet, because of sweat for example or improper clothes, then it's really hard to keep warm, if you are not moving.
If you use too many clothes 3 layers of trousers.:shock: then it might be the cause. It's best to use a pair of a loose woolen sublayer. I never use tight clothes. Even if you are wet, wool will still be a go insulator. However if you use synthetic it is suposed to fit tightly but after a dya or so it looses it's properties. Also, if your feet are wet and/or if you are not wearing gloves and a proper nice and sweet hat .:drillserg .then you will freeeezze.
So...stay dry and protect other parts of your body as well.
The warmest cloth is a rucksack :o):
http://www.patra.co.uk
And she'll love you forever! Their silk long johns as an underlayer are truly a wonderful thing.
Cheers,
Toddy
tenbears10
21-02-2005, 19:34
fleece trousers with a light windproof layer (overtrousers or larger size windproof surplus trousers) should be fairly warm. The other thing to consider is activity, it is hard to stay warm when stationary no matter how many layers you wear so keep moving (get some water or chop wood or just go for a walk). Drink hot drinks or eat hot snacks all will keep you warmer.
Fenlander
21-02-2005, 19:38
I use merino wool thermals....expensive, but worth it! I got mine half price at CCC Outdoors in December. They wick away sweat and body odour, unlike man-made thermal material. :lol:
Craghopper make a GOOD windprofe/showerproof/fleece lined reinforced trouser, http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/scripts/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f %2fwww%2eoutdoormegastore%2eco %2euk%2facatalog%2fOutdoor_Meg astore_Camping_Department_1%2e html&WD=lined%20trousers&SHOP=%20&PREVQUERY=SS%3dlined%2btrouser s%26PR%3d%2d1%26TB%3dA%26SHOP% 3d%20&PN=Outdoor_Megastore_Walking_P ants_and_Overtrousers_98%2ehtm l%23a2428#a2428
i got waterrepeling, windproof, thinsulate insulated and with teflon coated trouwsers, which works great in keeping me warm. Cost me € 11.95 from aldi.
arctic hobo
21-02-2005, 20:39
Chilly? You had a tent matey! :lol:
Here are the trousers I was telling you about: http://www.finnrappel.fi/nanokjackets.htm
Woodlore have the best price for them I've seen :biggthump
Try surplus ECWCS longjohns (£5 or less) very warm, hard wearing, great under lightweights and cheap.
Neil
Matt they are very difficult to get hold off, but see if you can get a pair of quilted liners, they are army issue and generally know as "chinese fighting suit trousers", I'll have a look to see if I can find any anywhere :-)
This lot do them £9 for US, £10 for UKhttp://www.springfields.co.uk/
ColdCanuck
21-02-2005, 21:41
I spend lots of time out in the cold in the winter. For my legs this is what I wear.
First Layer - silk long underwear
Second layer - wool long underwear
Third Layer - Fleece lined Gortex pants
I've been out in -25C to -30C plenty of times with this setup and my legs stay plenty warm. The other really important thing to remember is that you have to keep your feet warm to keep your legs warm. So wear good sock liners and good wool socks.
brucemacdonald
21-02-2005, 21:45
Several options are available. Layering is the most common solution; a pair of merino wool longjohns should be useful.
In addition to Ullfrote there is also New Zealand's Icebreaker:
http://www.icebreaker.co.nz/index.html
My wife has a pair of their longjohns and they are excellent quality, really soft with flat stitching. The Icebreaker site also has a dealer locator for the UK.
Rohan also do insulated trousers, if you prefer.
Best wishes
Bruce
This lot do them £9 for US, £10 for UKhttp://www.springfields.co.uk/
Yep those are the ones, this is the page (http://www.springfields.co.uk/CategoryResults.asp?selCategor y=Trousers+including+waterproo fs&offset=12), not exactly sexy, but when you are cold who cares :-)
In addition to Ullfrote there is also New Zealand's Icebreaker:
http://www.icebreaker.co.nz/index.html
My wife has a pair of their longjohns and they are excellent quality, really soft with flat stitching. The Icebreaker site also has a dealer locator for the UK.
I can second the Icebreakers. They are fantastic. I got mine from Field and Trek (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/find.asp?manufacturer_id=Icebr eaker) in Brighton.
Cheers,
Martin
You can pick up US army woollen trousers from a site called GI Jungle for a few dollars and these are excellent.
I recently bought two pairs a size larger than needed and boiled them down to the size I wanted, the wool is good quality and under may snow trousers was all I wore or needed to wear even down in the minus's!
I used Ullfrotte 200g and a poly/cotton trousers when I was in Norway and I was never cold.
What are these and do you know anywhere that sells them?
Jack Ullfrotte are woollen long johns and very expensive.
tenbears10
22-02-2005, 09:14
I can second the Icebreakers. They are fantastic. I got mine from Field and Trek (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/find.asp?manufacturer_id=Icebr eaker) in Brighton.
Cheers,
Martin
They look great but as with everything produced and sold at reasonable price abroad they are :***: expensive by the time they get to Britain. £90 for a thermal top :shock:
greg2935
22-02-2005, 10:23
I do not know much about -25C as I've never been out in it but I have wandered around the UK in winter, what I usually use is thin longjohns and a semi-wind proof trouser (the fast drying type), however for some reason I have never understood, two thin layers of socks (or one good quality thick sock) seems to provide more warmth than the longjohns. i.e. if your feet are warm, your legs will be too. Anyone know why? or am I the only one here like that?
Greg
get her a pair of skiing trousers - Tresspass or Tog 24 are good and cheap, plus most shops will start to sell them off soon as it is getting close to the end of the season.
Yep those are the ones, this is the page (http://www.springfields.co.uk/CategoryResults.asp?selCategor y=Trousers+including+waterproo fs&offset=12), not exactly sexy, but when you are cold who cares :-)
Do you not need the Army extreme cold trousers to go with these or can you use them with any set of trousers?
Cheers for the info everyone, definately been a help.
You can use them with any trousers.
They can be a little bulky as they are designed to wear over longjohns/thermals.
i.e. if your feet are warm, your legs will be too. Anyone know why? or am I the only one here like that?
Nope, you're not alone. it's a medical fact. As you get colder feet, the blood retreats from the extremities and the skin surface to maintain a nice warm body core. As your legs are long and have a large surface area in relation to their size, the blood loss is noticeable quicker. The same is true if the rest of your body and head cool down, warm blood will be prioritised to the body core, hence frostbite sets in quicker in the fingers and toes.
There is a saying I heard once, "If you've got cold feet,put on a hat."
cheers,
Martin
Jaks correct, you can wear them under any trouser, I have seen people wear them over trousers as well.
They have a zip that runs up both sides that will allow you to put them on without fully taking off your other set of outer trousers or boots so they are quite handy.
Just a thought but I remember back in my army days when we went to the falklands we all wore tights - yep ladies tights, the thicker the better - warm as toast, cheap as chips and very quick drying. Keep your feet warm too.
OK - NOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR JOKES!!
Gary, I don't know many guy's that have worked in cold conditions that were in the forces that haven't worn tights, ron hills have a similair effect.
But, I was there the other day and for that the only thing would of been the good old "chinese fighting suit", to be honest I used mine infrequently when in the army, but when I got back the other day it was something I looked into getting because I have used the old quilted liners in that sort of cold and they worked well.
arctic hobo
22-02-2005, 15:08
Jack Ullfrotte are woollen long johns and very expensive.
They aren't that badly priced! And judging from the enormous popularity in Scandinavia they must be pretty good, although I will admit I have not used them myself.
brucemacdonald
22-02-2005, 16:02
As you get colder feet, the blood retreats from the extremities and the skin surface to maintain a nice warm body core. As your legs are long and have a large surface area in relation to their size, the blood loss is noticeable quicker. The same is true if the rest of your body and head cool down, warm blood will be prioritised to the body core, hence frostbite sets in quicker in the fingers and toes.
There is a saying I heard once, "If you've got cold feet,put on a hat."
And conversely, if you are feeling hot, you should take your shoes and socks off to let the heat disperse from your feet.
Best wishes
Bruce
Never worn tights as in ladoes tights
My Ron hill DXBs keep dry and wick any sweat away fast. It also feels comfy under my all in one suit. But nobody else seems to think it's very bushcrafty.
Long Johns seem the best bet
They aren't that badly priced! And judging from the enormous popularity in Scandinavia they must be pretty good, although I will admit I have not used them myself.
Even in sweden people cough at the price - but then I think they are less effected by the snobery of the product than we are.
I am sure a lot scandinavians love them too - but I can only speak from experience and having worn them I dont think they are value for money nor overly great. I love my icebreaker stuff, its light and very effective its still expensive but imop at least it work!
Courses for horses.
bambodoggy
22-02-2005, 17:19
Just a thought but I remember back in my army days when we went to the falklands we all wore tights - yep ladies tights, the thicker the better - warm as toast, cheap as chips and very quick drying. Keep your feet warm too.
OK - NOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR JOKES!!
Tights in the Army seems to be a mainstream thing.... alot of our lads wore them during basic training....not too keep warm but to stop chaffing and nappy rash...
Back in Cadets when I did the Nijmegen marches a few of the boys there swore by them...
I always went for thin bike shorts myself.... and Ron Hills for cold...
And, as it happens...one of my staff is an old boy of 69...he's ex RN and he is actually wearing tights now....dirty old git dropped his trousers this morning to show us all...!!!! lol
Chip Dale
22-02-2005, 18:26
As an ex squaddie, i can fully endorse the wearing of tights as a thermal trap layer and to reduce chaffing. There is little to no restriction in movement.
Ron Hills & Johns can cause restrictions and if they get wet, you really know about it.
Just make sure that if you use a lycra under layer there is no part of it exposed
maybe I could use the stuff will holes in it for tinder
greg2935
22-02-2005, 18:39
I should have made the connection, that was an old african saying! By the way nice to see you here Bruce.
Greg
Chinky fighting suits were meant to be handed into the stores, but I've kept mine! The trousers are great and the quilted jacket is good too. It is made of the same material as the DPM Parka Liner, very warm, but as previously stated, bulky.
And I said at the beginning of this thread that tights were a cheap option, and lots of folk have seconded this. I knew it wasn't just me being all pervy!!!
Spamel,
I wouldn't say they were bulky, just 'roomy' to allow you to wear other layers underneath.
K I quite like the look of the extreme lines, purely for the fact that I can remove them when walking (We both get quite warm when walking). next silly question of the day is does anyone know which of these is leg size and which is the waist size, if the first is the waist size, I'm out but I can still get a set for sam?
76/82
76/94
90/82
90/94
90/104
90/106
K I quite like the look of the extreme lines, purely for the fact that I can remove them when walking (We both get quite warm when walking). next silly question of the day is does anyone know which of these is leg size and which is the waist size, if the first is the waist size, I'm out but I can still get a set for sam?
76/82
76/94
90/82
90/94
90/104
90/106
Can't remember of the top of my head, but you may be looking at seat and waist measurements, Jak may remember, in the meantime I'll check around.
ColdCanuck
22-02-2005, 19:15
I've never worn tights, but I know the first layer against my skin in the cold is always something very light and highly breathable. So tights would probably work pretty well. If your being active, moving the condesation away from your skin is pretty important. The layers help move the dew point away from your body keeping you warmer. Actually its not the layers, but the loft they add. Even if your clothes don't feel wet, if the dew point is too close to your skin, you'll get cold.
If you are not being active, then you can use "puff" pants. They are by far the warmest things I've worn. Many manufacturers make ones like this :
Puff Pants (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3 Efolder_id=675399&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=685227&bmUID=1109099184023)
They don't breath really well. So they are great for sitting around camp, but not so good for high output activities.
As far as I can remember, you're right Leon. Damn, mine are in the loft...
Spamel,
I wouldn't say they were bulky, just 'roomy' to allow you to wear other layers underneath.
Sorry, I meant bulky to pack.
Sorry, I meant bulky to pack.
A good compression bag will normally sort the problem of bulk :biggthump
simonsays
22-02-2005, 19:52
Never worn tights as in ladoes tights
My Ron hill DXBs keep dry and wick any sweat away fast. It also feels comfy under my all in one suit. But nobody else seems to think it's very bushcrafty.
Long Johns seem the best bet
<sigh>
I love my Ronhills but look utterly stupid in them (They are the ultimate 'does my bum look big in these' trousers)
simon
beachlover
22-02-2005, 20:04
<sigh>
I love my Ronhills but look utterly stupid in them (They are the ultimate 'does my bum look big in these' trousers)
simon
As leon said in the post prior to yours:
A good compression bag will normally sort the problem of bulk
As leon said in the post prior to yours:
A good compression bag will normally sort the problem of bulk
:o):
Being serious for a mo. I'll brave the cobwebs and try to find mine tomorrow and check the sizing of the liners.
Well I've ordered a set 90/104 just to see what the size is like, I can always resell them back on again if they're miles out.
Well I've ordered a set 90/104 just to see what the size is like, I can always resell them back on again if they're miles out.
They have a drawcord at the waist to help with the size and they are not massively long in the leg, sometimes slightly larger is a far better idea especially if SWMBO is wearing three pairs of trousers :wink: