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Base Layers and Thermo Underwear

Mildcat

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Anybody use CW-X? I bought some Insulator Zip-t's from SAC. When I was putting it on I thought it was going to be really tight but once it was on it stretched and moved so well. There were no points where it would bind or snag. Totally comfortable. Holds everything in place too so it looks like I'm actually in good shape. :grin: I can't wait to see how it feels on the hill.
 

bvibert

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Anybody use CW-X? I bought some Insulator Zip-t's from SAC. When I was putting it on I thought it was going to be really tight but once it was on it stretched and moved so well. There were no points where it would bind or snag. Totally comfortable. Holds everything in place too so it looks like I'm actually in good shape. :grin: I can't wait to see how it feels on the hill.

I just got mine from SAC (or one of those sites) last night. I thought the same as you, seemed like it was going to be too tight. It looked more like a child's size. It definitely holds everything in and seemed comfy. I'll be buying more if I can find a deal on them.
 

gmcunni

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i picked up a pair of medium weight thermo pants at costco over the weekend, paradox was the brand i think. $20.
 

Mildcat

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I just got mine from SAC (or one of those sites) last night. I thought the same as you, seemed like it was going to be too tight. It looked more like a child's size. It definitely holds everything in and seemed comfy. I'll be buying more if I can find a deal on them.

Ha, we probably bought them at the same time because mine came in Monday too. I actually bought one on SAC a couple of months ago and liked it so much I bought two more when I saw them on Tramdock. The thumb loops are a nice touch too. I've been waiting for the bottoms but haven't seen them in a while.
 

severine

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Ha, we probably bought them at the same time because mine came in Monday too. I actually bought one on SAC a couple of months ago and liked it so much I bought two more when I saw them on Tramdock. The thumb loops are a nice touch too. I've been waiting for the bottoms but haven't seen them in a while.
I'm waiting on the 3/4 length bottoms as well. The Divas have rave reviews for the bottoms really helping with muscle fatigue on the slopes.

ETA: That said, this year I invested in Helly Hansen prowool that was on tramdock/SAC. Haven't tested them out skiing yet, but the top (I didn't have the bottom yet) worked great while camping this past weekend in cold temps overnight.
 
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Warp Daddy

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I'm really happy with Under Armor and Rossignol technical underlayers --super lite , super wicking and warm .

One of my favs is from EMS. It's a technical gear top that also covers your hand with a opening for the thumb -- really nice on a cold day if you have to take your gloves off for some reason -- your covered
 

bvibert

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Ha, we probably bought them at the same time because mine came in Monday too. I actually bought one on SAC a couple of months ago and liked it so much I bought two more when I saw them on Tramdock. The thumb loops are a nice touch too. I've been waiting for the bottoms but haven't seen them in a while.

One of my favs is from EMS. It's a technical gear top that also covers your hand with a opening for the thumb -- really nice on a cold day if you have to take your gloves off for some reason -- your covered

I love the thumb loops! I've passed up many a good looking base layer because they didn't have them. My favorite top for the last few seasons is one from EMS. The no longer make it, but the material is very similar to the CW-X top I just got. I wore it every time it was clean and sometimes when it wasn't. That's why I'm so psyched about the CW-X top, I may have finally found a replacement for my favorite (which is a little on the big side now anyway). I'll be looking for them to come up on SAC again.
 

Mildcat

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I'm waiting on the 3/4 length bottoms as well. The Divas have rave reviews for the bottoms really helping with muscle fatigue on the slopes.

ETA: That said, this year I invested in Helly Hansen prowool that was on tramdock/SAC. Haven't tested them out skiing yet, but the top (I didn't have the bottom yet) worked great while camping this past weekend in cold temps overnight.

Yeah I thought the 3/4's looked pretty cool too. Wouldn't have to bunch up the pant leg to keep it out of my boots.
 

severine

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Yeah I thought the 3/4's looked pretty cool too. Wouldn't have to bunch up the pant leg to keep it out of my boots.
Brian keeps telling me that others just cut the bottoms of the pants off but I like the cuffs.

That said, I tried on the Helly Hansen prowool bottoms last night... VERY nice!
 

billski

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Brian keeps telling me that others just cut the bottoms of the pants off but I like the cuffs.

I too cut the full lengths pants (I think mine are hot tamales or someting like that -fleece type) off at boot-height. When I was looking to buy, they were either out of stock or ridiculously expensive so that's what motivated me to cut. They haven't fallen apart at the cut. I did no hemming (no time/skill/patience/matter)
I should have done it year ago. It is so much more comfortable and easier dressing. Slow learner here... :dunce:
 

thetrailboss

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Nice. I usually use a mix of stuff. Was Patagonia for a while...but their bottoms did not last well...so now I use EMS Bergelene Bottoms (cheaper) and Patagonia, etc tops. My experience has been that the tops work well and last forever, but that I wear through bottoms from all the skiing. I have also tried the Duotherm bottoms, which I got for $10 a pair at TJ Maxx last year. They are warm and work well. I have a couple LL Bean tops...including one fleece top that is SO warm.
 

riverc0il

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I never thought of cutting the bottom 1/4 off long underwear, holy crap that is an idea I should have thought of a long time ago. Having legs go down below my ankles and having to pull up and stretch the cuff around my calfs to get my ski socks on and the long underwear above the boot is a freaking pain in the butt. 3/4 legs would be a dream. Surprised more skiing long underwear doesn't capitalize on that idea.

For base layers... it is one of the few categories of gear that I am brand conscious on. I went through a lot of crap that just didn't work for me or only worked okay. Finally decided to pay for the more expensive stuff and man it was so worth it. Use Patagonia Capilene crews for base layers and SmartWool Ultra Lights for socks. My warmth and perspiration needs were improved night and day immediately upon deciding to go with better quality stuff. Despite the high price tag, well worth it. This is one area of equipment where folks should not skimp.

Good point regarding UA coming out of no where to take a commanding lead in the market place. I am not sure what UA's early business plan is... but they seem to have capitalized on warm weather base layers across a lot of sports before I started seeing UA cold weather base layers becoming popular. I think BergWear will have an uphill battle as a winter wear specialty. But so much depends upon a good business plan, distribution channels, marketing, and image. Even in a saturated market place, any one can jump in and claim a piece of the pie if they do things right.
 
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