Synthetic thermals very lightweight with excellent insulation
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Cold Weather Wear - Principal of Layering
Sep05 - If you do not have the stuff, I would suggest you borrow. But if you like to get your own you can get them cheap in places like China and India because such clothing are used by everyone. You could also buy higher cost technical products made of Goretex, Mircofibes, Polartec, Polypropylene etc. and these are longer lasting provided you have the proper care and maintainence. Feel free to consult on how to care for these kind of outdoor products.
The Layer system is the wearing of several layers of clothing which can be adjusted to suit the conditions and activity. Conditions refers to wind, rain or clear skies. Activity refers to walking, running, sleeping or just being stationary.
A typical layer system consist of a first layer of thin thermal wear under your usual T-shirt and pants, followed by a thin sweater or thicker fleece. The last layer would be the windproof jacket. As far as possible, windproof jacket should be breatheable which allows perspiration to pass through. To counter rains, I use the umbrella extensively instead of rainjackets. Additional layers can be used for more insulation.
Synthetic thermals very lightweight with excellent insulation
My usual wear for walking or trekking, even in snow would be my usual T-shirt and pants with my fleece or if its get too warm, my windjacket unbuttoned. You'll be surprised how warm it gets while walking in snow or ice conditions. My usual wear for sleeping would be my thermals, my T-shirt and perhaps my fleece. I then stuffed myselft into the sleeping bag.
Polartec fleece sweater / Breathable rain and wind jacket
When purchasing cold weather gear, read carefully at the type of fabric used. There are many fabrics which are a mix of the various types I have listed below.
Wool - has good insulating properties but dries very slowly, has strong odour, feels prickly on direct contact with skin. Recommended used for sweater.
Polyester - repels water and has low wicking (carries moisture from the skin) ability - not ideal for thermal underwear but great for fleece.
Polypropylene - lightest and thinnest of the synthetics. Repels water with excellent wicking properties. Probably the best material for thermals.
Down - are the underside feathers of the goose which is the lightest, warmest insulation there is but it must be kept dry always. When wet, it loses its insulation properties and will also be very heavy.
Mircofibers - are a mix of the various synthetic materials available at different proportions.
Nylons or PVC - are very common but are usually non-breathable, which makes the user very clammy and damp on the inside. On the other hand, such garments are cheap. The motorcycle raingear that consist of a pants and jacket are a good inexpensive way to keep dry in wet weather.
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