What layers do you wear?

[trvlnut]

I am in the process of upgrading my ski clothes. I bought a really nice soft shell arc'teyx last year and it kept me pretty warm, but not warm enough.

Thought I would get some input from ya'll about what you use for layers. I was thinking of picking up some new mid-layer underwear and a fleece jacket. Do you think this will be warm enough for December skiing in Utah?

Also, I need to update my kid's layers. Should I do the same for them? They're set-up is a little different since they have insulated coats.

Gracias.

Oh, what brand do you use and does it fit the woman's body?

 

[tradygirl]

I live in Utah and this is my typical set-up on a cold resort day:

1) Patagonia capilene long-sleeve 1/2 zip base layer (wicking)
2) Arc Teryx long sleeve mid-weight fleece
3) Fleece vest if it's really cold
4) Isis waterproof shell with hood
5) Balaclava and helmet (I don't wear a neck gator)

If it's a little warmer, I can get away with the capilene, vest, and soft shell jacket. I usually have an extra layer in my backpack in case I get cold.

It never really gets that cold here, especially in December. I don't remember it getting into the single digits until Jan or Feb.

 

[Pequenita]

I noticed a few years ago that everything that I wore was synthetic except my underwear....and that at the end of the day, my rear was always cold. I don't know why it took me so long to realize I was wearing cotton and not synthetic.

Now, I wear on the bottom the synthetic underwear followed by:
1) some really old aqua blue lycra tight; and
2) Obermeyer ski pants

On top I wear:
1) athletic tank (wicking)
2) coolmax long sleeve shirt (wicking)
3) super thin wool sweater/or thicker wool sweater
4) mid-weight fleece
5) Marmot pre-cip jacket w/ hood
6) helmet

I was fine in this get-up (fleece hat in lieu of helmet) in Breckenridge a few years ago when it was so cold, the only people skiing were the non-locals. I found myself getting too warm and had to con my then-boyfriend to unzip the pits in the jacket. I'm sure that was the cause of the breakup.

All of the above fit my body well last season; I think the bulk in my quads has increased this off season, so I will have to see about the pants. The pants (and helmet, I guess) are the only things that are skiing specific.

I just purchased a Marmot DriClime vest to probably use in lieu of layer 3. I think. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'll keep you posted about the fit. I plan to use it for some cold-weather running as well.

 

[pinto]

Generally I use a combination of base layer, vest, fleece or soft shell, and hard shell. I too have an Arc'teryx soft shell, but unless it's warm, I wear it under a hard shell.

If it's really cold, I have an insulated Patagonia that keeps me very warm without the need to layer too much. I think it's the Rubicon Rider (this year's name; I think it was called something else last season).

On bottom, it's generally a pair of fleece tights (weight depends on temp) and Gore-Tex shell bottoms. Again, if it's quite cold, I have some insulated pants, too.

I tend to get cold, though, so this might be overkill for many of you. The shell stuff (with zip vents) works well if I'm hiking and working up a sweat, though.

Forgot to answer your other questions: I layer the kids, too. How old are yours? My daughter (9) generally wears a fleece zip neck underwear top, a softshell, a vest, and her jacket (which is very lightly insulated). We can shed the vest, jacket, or softshell depending on the temp. Insulated pants. My son (12) is much warmer-blooded than we are ... so, light fleece or capilene underwear top, vest, and softshell. Both wear balaclavas under their helmets on most days.

AND, my brands are mostly Arc'teryx on top (I love the long arms!) ... also Salomon. I have some Salomon pants, and also some Five Seasons pants that are too short (they are the insulated pants I picked up at Marshall's for $30, so too short is okay I guess). The Patagonia fits pretty well, too, although it's a little short. I pretty much bought on fit and especially what I could find on sale. So I guess it depends on what fits you. I'm happy enough with the quality (esp the Arc'teryx).