warm/dry clothing suggestions request
ok tootsville (idk if that's a thing, but hey),
i am in #Wales for winter. it's not proper cold rn, but it's certainly more chilly, & will be getting more so.
i used to have dragon blood, be able to cope with North Welsh deep winters. then i lived in Oz for 9yrs, and now i am a wuss. plus i am working outdoors all day and don't want heating on at night = cold bones 😔
what's your warmest, dryest, most *affordable* #WinterClothing?
thanking you kindly x
warm/dry clothing suggestions request
@feesable my joints trouble me when I have too much bulk around them, so I try to go for really light but effective stuff. I live in Minnesota and like to go on dates, so with covid and the winter, I've needed to up my game. It's work to be warm while sitting down and eating dinner outside when it's around freezing.
Most of this will be for warm and not dry. Here, so long as you have good boots, you won't get wet in the winter, there just isn't the (liquid) water for it.
My favorite is layering thermasilk as an underlayer. Tractor Supply Co has the best prices on it, but it is still a little expensive, about $35 usd per top or bottom. They do seem to last well (I got my first top about ten years ago). I recommend sizing up on the bottom half/halves. These also look pretty nice under a skirt or similar, IMO. In practice, I usually wear a pair of leggings under normal pants, and then a shirt under a normal long sleeved cotton shirt, and then layer a top or two over that.
My other super secret weapon is using a stomach warmer. I prefer ones that wrap with velcro rather than elastic. I got mine here (https://mongolianstore.com/product/brown-camel-belt/) for $25 usd + shipping. I did need to add a small panel so that the velcro wouldn't rip the wool (I am smaller than the person it was designed for). I really like mine, though. That site also has nice socks and yak leg warmers.
I will also buy more inexpensive long underwear (bottoms, a size up) and cut them off at the knee as to retain mobility a bit better. I usually buy these at fleet farm or whatever farming shop is nearby. They're more expensive at outdoors stores.
Occasionally, an outdoors store near me redesigns their socks. I try to stock up then. REI has good merino hiking socks, I would recommend sizing up due to shrinkage while washing.
If Wales is damp (it is, isn't it?) wool is quite good, even when wet. I just don't tend to deal with a damp cold as often.
Don't be afraid to pick up/use some hand warmers. You can get re-usable ones, disposable ones, and zippo ones. I usually just use the disposable ones.
There also now exists outerwear with batteries and heaters built into it (coats and boots I think?). I haven't used these and can't speak to them, but you might enjoy their warmth.
Good luck!
