winter gear - Page 1

With winter upon us and to those that train in the outside in the snow, cold weather, slusshy freezing condition, I would like to know if there are any special winter clothing thoughts that you can share.

The best suggestions I have are layers, light weight, breathable.

My average winter training days don't get below 30 degrees so I can get away with layers and a soft shell jacket. However, we do get a few wet, windy (which brings the temp down a lot) days also.

My layers start with "softwool" long underwear top and bottom. Waterproof hiking boots and thick wool socks (sometimes two layers), followed by jeans, two long sleeved pullovers (one is usually slightly heavier than the other), topped off with the soft shell jacket, glove liners and lightweight gloves. On really cold days I'll wear a hat. On windy / wet days I'll add a rain coat on top of my soft shell jacket.

I also bring a large thermos of something warm to drink and a stadium blanket to drape over my legs while waiting my turn to train.

I like the layers because I can remove and replace them if I get hot.

As stated above, layers are a great idea.  A hat and insulated, waterproof boots are must wear items.

Another great item is insulated bibs.  I never wore them until I winter camped several years ago.  I wear them all the time now.  It's amazing how much warmer they keep you.    

Many thanks to both of your for the information.  My son, when he came back from the army, had a few left over long johns looking thermal underwear.  I guess he use to do a lot of gate guarding or patroling while on base or something.  But damn those things were warm.  They came in a set, top and bottom.  Add a pair of wool socks with some winter boots, a sweat shirt and wear guard jacket, a nice hat with ear coverings and you're toasty.  However, that was sometime ago and have been out of the sport for sometime.  Newer stuff on the market I am sure.  Just checking.  I guess I will have to visit the old army surplus store for some of the old items.  Thanks for the suggestions.  Absolutely right....layered, breathable and light weight.