Shopping/Packing List

[Kano]

Weekend trip coming up.

We're going to Grand Targhee in a couple of weeks (bus trip -- keg on bus, DH is all over this event, when I haven't been able to talk him into it for years!) It looks like we get 2 1/2 to 3 days of skiing.

Anyway, need to figure out what to bring, what needs buying...

First thing on list to buy --

ski bags, boot bags.boot dryers

Got helmets
got neck gaiters.

Helmets have been plenty of warmth -- should we be considering balaclavas?

Got gloves, plenty of gloves.
Contemplating mittens.

Do they make "windproof" long underwear? Or mid layers? Wicked wind yesterday has me certain it's time to shop for more serious underlayers! What I've got isn't doing the job...

Kano

 

[Robyn]

Absolutely get balaclavas. I don't wear it frequently but on frigid days it can make or break you. My aunt and uncle just recently discovered them and are in love!

 

[Quiver Queen]

Got helmets
got neck gaiters.

Do they make "windproof" long underwear? Or mid layers? Wicked wind yesterday has me certain it's time to shop for more serious underlayers! What I've got isn't doing the job...

Kano

Sorry, no such thing as windproof long underwear. Your base layer needs to be relativly close fitting and wicking/breathable; some go silk weight (extra light) all the time, others go a little heavier (mid-weight or expedition weight) when it's real cold. There are many name brands out there, eg. Patagonia and Chili's, and they can be expensive--but I often get no-name brands on sale @ Kohl's that are of the same fabrics and breathability. I make wind-proof the outermost layer, as it makes sense it would tend to keep in your heat better than if something non-wind-proof were on the outside. On top then one or two middle layers, probably a fleece on top of the base layer with a wool, fleece, or down jacket just under the windproof layer for the coldest of days. On bottom I'll often put expedition weight on top of my silk weight for those cold days. Glove liners are also a necessity to have available for gloves or mittens.

 

[Swamp Dog]

also look at Craft and UnderArmor for base layers. They're a bit on the spendy side but do the job.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Too late for you to do this before your trip, but online/catalog Sierra Trading Post has fleece underwear that's equivalent to Hot Chilis, etc., at half the cost. No windproof underwear exists to my knowledge but I do wear a fleece as mid-layer in cold conditions that has a wind-block laminate. Also own the vest, same material. Mine are from Lands End and are a real good value (Marinac is the name of the product). Again, way less than some of the status brands, same function. Balaclava for sure, they can be stuffed in a pocket if unnecessary, but a day-saver if needed. Have a ball!

 

[Kano]

Thank you all!

Oh, MSL, no it's NOT too late for Sierra Trading Post! (unless they're out of stuff completey)

I'm in Boise, and we have one of their few brick and mortars about 20 minutes from our house!

I was pretty sure windproof underlayers was an unlikely dream -- we had WICKED wind new year's day that had me wishing -- it found its way through ALL the zippers! (I was wondering who'd opened my pit zips. They weren't open) Your suggestion of a wind-block fleece to replace the "regular" fleece shirt on this kind of day is a good one! It wasn't really cold out, though the weather guys here would all have you thinking so. Like DH said on the way up the other day, if the temperature's above zero, it's not cold. (I don't think we've run into that in our years here) I know it's all relative, but growing up in Minnesota, these 20-something days that they claim are frigid -- well, those of you who know better, you probably laugh like we do!

I DO need to add some fleecy long underwear, and help some delightful pink ones get a bit more snug (they WERE when I bought 'em!) and I think the windblock fleece for the windiest days will be a great addition.

Time to get off this computer and go to the trading post!

Kano

 

[HotChocolate]

Kano,
Check REI also
8300 W Emerald St
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 322-1141
I purchased 2 pairs of the (fleece) MTS Expedition weight base layer pants at approx. $30 each and 1 zip mockneck for around the same price. I have used them once so far while rollerblading and they are super warm and cozy. I fell in love with a set of (pink) Markers heavy weight fleece baselayer, but they were $70 each. I felt like I got a great deal at REI the only difference being color and brand name.

If you are petite you must check the children's section for them! The XL in kids is the same size as a small in women's and they are priced less and may offer some different color choices.:D

 

[Gloria]

Weekend trip coming up.



Do they make "windproof" long underwear? Or mid layers? Wicked wind yesterday has me certain it's time to shop for more serious underlayers! What I've got isn't doing the job...

Kano

Windproof longies:
Mountain Hardwear transition featherweight zip t and pants ( have both love them, wear them biking and running as well, I was surprised to find the bottoms actually fit under my pants the week after xmas, but they did ) Can be worn alone or under.
Patagonia- Velocity series also has products similiar to MH's

 

[Gloria]

Here you go, they make a jacket and a zip tee also, the zip tee is what you'll want for layering.
https://www.backcountry.com/store/M...ights-Womens.html?CMP_ID=PD_SMX001&mv_pc=r141

https://www.backcountryoutlet.com/o...Shirt-Womens.html?CMP_ID=PD_SMX002&mv_pc=r141

I bought the top first and loved it so much I sucked it up and got the pants, use them almost every morning.

 

[Greeley]

Windproof longies:
Mountain Hardwear transition featherweight zip t and pants ( have both love them, wear them biking and running as well, I was surprised to find the bottoms actually fit under my pants the week after xmas, but they did ) Can be worn alone or under.
Patagonia- Velocity series also has products similiar to MH's

I second the Mountain Hardwear transitions. I have 2 sets of these for running and am taking them on my next ski trip. They are well worth the $$. I have run in them in the nasty midwestern wind and am always dry & comfortable. Fo running I usually just wear with a base layer down to about 10 windchill. I plan on wearing them as a mid-layer for cold ski days over a Smartwool base layer.

 

[Kano]

Kano,
Check REI also
8300 W Emerald St
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 322-1141

Ahh, yes, across the street from Target -- right there in my shopping circle! I get bike stuff there, haven't done winter wear shopping there yet! I did check the online catalog last night, and it looks like a good place to make a stop this next few days.

I purchased 2 pairs of the (fleece) MTS Expedition weight base layer pants at approx. $30 each and 1 zip mockneck for around the same price. I have used them once so far while rollerblading and they are super warm and cozy. I fell in love with a set of (pink) Markers heavy weight fleece baselayer, but they were $70 each. I felt like I got a great deal at REI the only difference being color and brand name.

Sounds perfect! Though pink is almost worth the extra dollars!

If you are petite you must check the children's section for them! The XL in kids is the same size as a small in women's and they are priced less and may offer some different color choices.:D

Nope, not petite -- darn it!

Kano

 

[Gloria]

Sorry, no such thing as windproof long underwear. Your base layer needs to be relativly close fitting and wicking/breathable; some go silk weight (extra light) all the time, others go a little heavier (mid-weight or expedition weight) when it's real cold. There are many name brands out there, eg. Patagonia and Chili's, and they can be expensive--but I often get no-name brands on sale @ Kohl's that are of the same fabrics and breathability. I make wind-proof the outermost layer, as it makes sense it would tend to keep in your heat better than if something non-wind-proof were on the outside. On top then one or two middle layers, probably a fleece on top of the base layer with a wool, fleece, or down jacket just under the windproof layer for the coldest of days. On bottom I'll often put expedition weight on top of my silk weight for those cold days. Glove liners are also a necessity to have available for gloves or mittens.

Some brands may seem expensive, but to invest in something like a patagonia regulator is actually pennies on the dollar when you take into consideration the fact that it is both your base and insulating layers. I tried wearing a vest with mine once, I was way to hot at the end of the first run. And what freedom not to have all the bulk of multiple layers. I absolutely love mine. Very very rarely do I ever need to add anything with it. If it's below zero I will add a capilene or wool layer under it, but the vest even at these temps is way to much. So essentially when you add up the price of multiple layers and subtract the cost of a piece like the regulator, it is actually much cheaper.

 

[Jilly]

I like to make sure that my clothes can do double duty. Ski sweater can also be worn at night for dinner. Gave up a few years ago about using ski jacket though. So think about an extra jacket for night time. You may not get your ski jacket dry after a wet day out. As for balaclavas, they make one that fits under your helmet so its thin, but warm and no bulk. As for windproof long johns, that's the duty of your final layer - ski pants to be wind and water proof. Long johns are for insulation!

 

[Kano]

I like to make sure that my clothes can do double duty. Ski sweater can also be worn at night for dinner. Gave up a few years ago about using ski jacket though. So think about an extra jacket for night time. You may not get your ski jacket dry after a wet day out. As for balaclavas, they make one that fits under your helmet so its thin, but warm and no bulk. As for windproof long johns, that's the duty of your final layer - ski pants to be wind and water proof. Long johns are for insulation!

An extra jacket -- good thinking Jilly!

Ski pants did a fine job blocking wind, though my underlayers could have been a bit warmer. (I've learned that I didn't buy warm enough stuff when selecting base and mid layers this fall. Someone mentioned I might discover this as a lighter skier this winter, and whichever diva it was, she was right!) The nasty situation I was dealing with the other day was wind getting through zippers in my jacket the other day, and that's what got me wondering about windproof underlayers! It was as if my pit-zips were wide open up there in the wickedest winds I've ever ridden the lift on!

It's entirely possible the winds we've been having this week here in southern Idaho are kind of a fluke, but I can't help but feel it's a good contingency to plan for!

Kano

 

[Kano]

Here you go, they make a jacket and a zip tee also, the zip tee is what you'll want for layering.
https://www.backcountry.com/store/M...ights-Womens.html?CMP_ID=PD_SMX001&mv_pc=r141

https://www.backcountryoutlet.com/o...Shirt-Womens.html?CMP_ID=PD_SMX002&mv_pc=r141

I bought the top first and loved it so much I sucked it up and got the pants, use them almost every morning.

Wow, I like the look of this top! This looks like something I want - oops, need!

Kano

 

[Jilly]

I have 3 different weights of bottom base layer. Sierra designs has 2 one is standard weight, the other expedition weight. Then I have light polar fleece from a company here in Canada called Mark's Work Warehouse. They make stuff for the outdoor workers. If its below -10C that goes on. I wear 3 layers if its -10C on top. Base layer, zip turtleneck (fav is Salomon's motomesh) and heavy polar fleece or soft shell, then the jacket. We regularly ski at -15 tol -20 at Tremblant. In fact my avitar pic was one of the coldest days last year. I lowered the fleece "bandit" for the pic.

 

[Bravosarah]

Windproof underwear - top pant No women's version yet tho :( (..but I still want them!)

 

[IttyBittyBetty]

Windproof Tights

In addition to the Mountain Hardwear Trasitions, there are numerous running and cycling tights that have a windproof front. Go to a bike shop or running store.