How to Buy Thermal Underwear

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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What you put against your skin has a lot to do with your comfort and safety in the wilderness. Buy wisely.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Thermal Underwear
Waterproof Hats
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Waterproof Jackets
Waterproof Pants
Waterproof Gloves

Step1

Determine what thickness or "weight" to buy, depending on conditions and activity: the colder the temperature and the less activity you'll be engaged in, the thicker the underwear.

Step2

Look for "wicking" underwear - material that spreads out moisture and dries quickly.

Step3

Ask about odor retention. Older materials such as polypropylene tend to get stinky; several newer materials hardly retain any odor.

Step4

Find materials that are easy to care for - that is, those that are machine-washable and, preferably, machine-dryable.

Tips & Warnings

Spend generously. You'll thank yourself the night after that cold front that wasn't in the forecast sweeps through. Plus, a quality piece of thermal underwear will last for years.
Avoid cotton at all costs. It's a terrible insulator when wet.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I bought some thermals which are 50% Viscose and 50% Polyester. I highly recommend the material ratio, they are light weight and absorbent, but very warm (and yes, go for a tight fit). I found the review in WHICH magazine. And I found a site on the net that sells them very cheap. Definitely worth it.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Neoprene thermals give some people a rash. Always make sure your thermals are tight but breathable and comfortable. You should be able to move in any direction easily.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Be aware that neoprene thermals can give some people a rash. Make sure your thermals are tight but breathable and comfortable. You should be able to move in any direction easily.

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