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How To

How to Buy Thermal Underwear

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(17 Ratings)

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

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Thermal Underwear
  • Waterproof Hats
  • Waterproof Hiking Boots
  • Waterproof Jackets
  • Waterproof Pants
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Waterproof jackets
  1. Step 1

    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.

  2. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

    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  

ricarooni said

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on 8/5/2009 I found the best deal on warm and moisture wicking thermal wear is at www.polyprothermals.com They carry all 100% military issue polypropylene thermal from head to toe, turtlenecks, crew necks, pants, neck warmers, balaclavas hoods, socks, and gloves all at discounted rock bottom prices.
http:/polyprothermals.com

Anonymous

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

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

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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