between you and Sarge's reply here ya'all got it 100%.. for ME in MY situation, I keep a pair of 'cuttoff' heavy cotton long john britches, about knee length, and a 'wife-beater' undershirt that I only wear as 'bed-clothes' .. it's been working for me out in the woods for 50+ years. doing everything from 1750s to modern camping.
I would reconsider your position on underwear (Base Layer). The primary purpose of the base layer (which does include socks) really doesn't have much to do with providing warmth. Its primary purpose is moisture management by wicking moisture away from your body and transferring it into a breathable mid-layer or escape via evaporation at your throat (since the bulk of your perspiration is created on your core which has more surface area than your extremities). You should carry at least two different base layers: one to wear during the day, another to wear while sleeping. The base layer you are not wearing should be arranged in your pack or campsite so as to be dry (at or near the top of your pack, or hanging from branches of lines at the campsite) by the time you change into it. IWO, your two base layers each have about 8-12 hours to dry out. You can save weight and bulk by wearing one daytime mid-layer for your entire trip, and separate sleep wear which repeats the drying when not wearing process.
I agree and disagree, just my opinion and it depends on a number of factors... it mainly depends on my trip and plan. Were I backpacking I may pack a total extra change in case of disaster...and then just to get me out of there...not to continue unless it is shorter. In general, if the layering system is planned out well AND you are being observant instead of negligent of heat regulation there is no reason your base layer should be so damp that it would need removed. If your base layer is damp, change out and dry them by the fire on a simple rack. Just as important as planning what to pack right and wearing right during cold weather is planning when to settle in or prepare for camp before it gets dark, around here that sits around 3 or 4 pm depending on October or closer to January so you can tend to your needs and camp setup. Now, I say all this with years of camping and backpacking experiences and failures and most valuable was the following experience and consideration. I worked on an authentic working 1880's farm using only 1880's methods and technology doing considerable manual labor wearing a 100% wool union suit as my base layer and other layers as described in cold wet Ohio winter, tending in mud, muck, pens, and open air. Not one single day did I take off my union suit and find it damp with sweat on the inner part or outer part, and I credit this with adjusting layers as necessary and venting my layers if nothing else. In my first video in this series I said cold weather camping should have plan A, B, and C...C being get out and head home. Plan B could be packing an entire extra set in your pack or in your car depending on your outdoor adventure. Also, as another point, modern base layers have the benefit of drying quickly whereas wool not so much but at least wool when when wet still maintains ~85% of their heat retention value.
I always take a extra outfit. I also change my long underwear for sleep. I was camping once and fell thru ice. It was snowing and couldn't tell it was a water crossing. The funny thing was I was the smallest and behind the bigger older guys. My packing saved me and my trip. I was wet all the way to the chest. My pants froze solid fast. A warm fire change of clothes was absolutely fine. Another thing I always take is a liquid fuel hand warmer. Wrapped in a sock in the bottom of a sleeping bag is a game changer. I believe the most important thing is don't wear a heavy jacket. Laying is the only way.
I would have called it were I in your shoes. Get warmed up and head back home to try again another day. I have seen hypothermia and near frost bite up close and want to stay as clear from it as possible. Hats off to you for your quick action and good planning!
silk, wool or polypropylene for long johns ? I like silk layer under wool (including socks) which is comfortable, stays dry and aids movement and of course helps with itch or wool irritation
Remember the balaclava and neck gaiter are historically accurate for the early 1920s. The first becoming famous during the Crimean War thus the name. The gaiter and a sweater are hard to beat. I combine the two in a turtleneck sweater at times. Hard to beat for traveling so you are not wearing your coat when driving but warm enough to run into a store if needed. If you are not changing underwear then using the foot powder or whatever powder you have will help even in cold weather.
My outfit for keeping out the cold in the UK at present consists of predominantly wool, merino base layer, Pendleton shirt, Harris tweed waistcoat and my Swedish Army M39 Jacket. My trousers are vintage French military, 100% wool with a high waist and braces. Oh and on my head with a buff to keep my ears warm is a tweed cloth cap like yours. I don't know if they ever had a jacket back in the classic camping period with "poachers" pockets on the back like the M39 but I carry a pint flask of tea in one of the back pockets cos I am British :)
They did but funny enough, here they call them game pockets...I wonder if the term poacher's pocket comes from the days where game from Lord's and Noble's lands was a heavily punishable offense and it stuck as a tongue in cheek nod to that...but I'm just an American speculating at something I have limited knowledge of. If you know the origin please share with us!
When I was a kid in the 70s the puffy Michelin Man type winter coats and vests became popular. I always thought the puffy down vests looked cool and since I abhor having to wear long sleeves, let alone coats and jackets, I thought a just a long sleeve shirt under a puffy down vest would be just the ticket. Turns out the vest that I asked for for Christmas, which was a pretty expensive name brand down vest, didn't keep me warm at all and I finally realized the only thing I hate worse than having to bundle up in a heavy winter coat is being cold. That was my first and only foray into vest wearing. I'd love a nice wool hunting vest just for the old timey cool factor but since vests don't work for me, it would be a waste of money.
For me it adds a little warmth for the core while still allowing me to move my arms freely but a nice sweater does wonders and is preferred. My vest is mostly used in fall and spring to take the edge off.
I have been experimenting with them and am of the opinion over all that the ones I edit tend to do better but you may see me use AI ones here and there when I don't have time to make one, but I try to go back and change it. Also some abstract ideas I have can be better conveyed through an AI image "story". I appreciate and value your feedback.
Shawn, Thanks and I appreciate the information. Blessings and Be Safe!
Thank you, happy trails and be safe yourself!
between you and Sarge's reply here ya'all got it 100%.. for ME in MY situation, I keep a pair of 'cuttoff' heavy cotton long john britches, about knee length, and a 'wife-beater' undershirt that I only wear as 'bed-clothes' .. it's been working for me out in the woods for 50+ years. doing everything from 1750s to modern camping.
Sounds like you've got a system that works for you! Stay safe and warm brother!
I would reconsider your position on underwear (Base Layer). The primary purpose of the base layer (which does include socks) really doesn't have much to do with providing warmth. Its primary purpose is moisture management by wicking moisture away from your body and transferring it into a breathable mid-layer or escape via evaporation at your throat (since the bulk of your perspiration is created on your core which has more surface area than your extremities). You should carry at least two different base layers: one to wear during the day, another to wear while sleeping. The base layer you are not wearing should be arranged in your pack or campsite so as to be dry (at or near the top of your pack, or hanging from branches of lines at the campsite) by the time you change into it. IWO, your two base layers each have about 8-12 hours to dry out. You can save weight and bulk by wearing one daytime mid-layer for your entire trip, and separate sleep wear which repeats the drying when not wearing process.
I agree and disagree, just my opinion and it depends on a number of factors... it mainly depends on my trip and plan. Were I backpacking I may pack a total extra change in case of disaster...and then just to get me out of there...not to continue unless it is shorter. In general, if the layering system is planned out well AND you are being observant instead of negligent of heat regulation there is no reason your base layer should be so damp that it would need removed. If your base layer is damp, change out and dry them by the fire on a simple rack. Just as important as planning what to pack right and wearing right during cold weather is planning when to settle in or prepare for camp before it gets dark, around here that sits around 3 or 4 pm depending on October or closer to January so you can tend to your needs and camp setup. Now, I say all this with years of camping and backpacking experiences and failures and most valuable was the following experience and consideration. I worked on an authentic working 1880's farm using only 1880's methods and technology doing considerable manual labor wearing a 100% wool union suit as my base layer and other layers as described in cold wet Ohio winter, tending in mud, muck, pens, and open air. Not one single day did I take off my union suit and find it damp with sweat on the inner part or outer part, and I credit this with adjusting layers as necessary and venting my layers if nothing else. In my first video in this series I said cold weather camping should have plan A, B, and C...C being get out and head home. Plan B could be packing an entire extra set in your pack or in your car depending on your outdoor adventure. Also, as another point, modern base layers have the benefit of drying quickly whereas wool not so much but at least wool when when wet still maintains ~85% of their heat retention value.
I always take a extra outfit.
I also change my long underwear for sleep.
I was camping once and fell thru ice. It was snowing and couldn't tell it was a water crossing. The funny thing was I was the smallest and behind the bigger older guys.
My packing saved me and my trip. I was wet all the way to the chest. My pants froze solid fast.
A warm fire change of clothes was absolutely fine.
Another thing I always take is a liquid fuel hand warmer. Wrapped in a sock in the bottom of a sleeping bag is a game changer.
I believe the most important thing is don't wear a heavy jacket. Laying is the only way.
I would have called it were I in your shoes. Get warmed up and head back home to try again another day. I have seen hypothermia and near frost bite up close and want to stay as clear from it as possible. Hats off to you for your quick action and good planning!
silk, wool or polypropylene for long johns ? I like silk layer under wool (including socks) which is comfortable, stays dry and aids movement and of course helps with itch or wool irritation
Remember the balaclava and neck gaiter are historically accurate for the early 1920s. The first becoming famous during the Crimean War thus the name. The gaiter and a sweater are hard to beat. I combine the two in a turtleneck sweater at times. Hard to beat for traveling so you are not wearing your coat when driving but warm enough to run into a store if needed. If you are not changing underwear then using the foot powder or whatever powder you have will help even in cold weather.
Excellent thoughts! Thanks!
My outfit for keeping out the cold in the UK at present consists of predominantly wool, merino base layer, Pendleton shirt, Harris tweed waistcoat and my Swedish Army M39 Jacket. My trousers are vintage French military, 100% wool with a high waist and braces. Oh and on my head with a buff to keep my ears warm is a tweed cloth cap like yours. I don't know if they ever had a jacket back in the classic camping period with "poachers" pockets on the back like the M39 but I carry a pint flask of tea in one of the back pockets cos I am British :)
They did but funny enough, here they call them game pockets...I wonder if the term poacher's pocket comes from the days where game from Lord's and Noble's lands was a heavily punishable offense and it stuck as a tongue in cheek nod to that...but I'm just an American speculating at something I have limited knowledge of. If you know the origin please share with us!
When I was a kid in the 70s the puffy Michelin Man type winter coats and vests became popular. I always thought the puffy down vests looked cool and since I abhor having to wear long sleeves, let alone coats and jackets, I thought a just a long sleeve shirt under a puffy down vest would be just the ticket. Turns out the vest that I asked for for Christmas, which was a pretty expensive name brand down vest, didn't keep me warm at all and I finally realized the only thing I hate worse than having to bundle up in a heavy winter coat is being cold. That was my first and only foray into vest wearing. I'd love a nice wool hunting vest just for the old timey cool factor but since vests don't work for me, it would be a waste of money.
For me it adds a little warmth for the core while still allowing me to move my arms freely but a nice sweater does wonders and is preferred. My vest is mostly used in fall and spring to take the edge off.
That AI on the vid looks like matt best in santa garb.
Hahaha! You are so right!
I'm really not a fan of your AI. Generated covers. It really makes me not wanna watch the video, because it's not honest or honorable.
I have been experimenting with them and am of the opinion over all that the ones I edit tend to do better but you may see me use AI ones here and there when I don't have time to make one, but I try to go back and change it. Also some abstract ideas I have can be better conveyed through an AI image "story". I appreciate and value your feedback.