Long John's

[Harvestman]

I use them a lot in winter. Even the cotton ones which most people above don't like. Cotton is decent as a windproof when worn as an underlayer.

 

[rik_uk3]

The one piece 'Union suit' are good but make sure you get one with a crap flap.

 

[demographic]

I wear a version of long johns under my motorbike leathers, allows them to wick sweat away when its hot and stops them sticking.
The same Long Johns are good for working out of doors in really cold winters.
Was working on a roof during one of those very cold winters we had a few years ago and as there was a bit of standing about (the place had quite high winds also) with the job they were very good to keep my body temperature up.

Not sure I'd want to wear them if I was walking up fells where I would produce a lot more heat.

 

[rorymax]

I am a believer! I will be honest I wear them in winter but then again I cycle and camp out more than most in winter so perhaps I appreciate them more
.Personally I have e bay ones, different army surplus ones and Merino ones The only ones that get any specific consideration are the heavvier German army ones which are too warm for UK conditions really. The e bay ones are great as a starting point
At this price there is not a lot to lose http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Ther...t=UK_Men_s_Underwear&var=&hash=item3f1ce610dd

Gosh, that is so cheap that I will buy them as a first time try out, I'm planning to do several winter camping outings this year, if I am not warm I am not going to enjoy it.

Thank you.

rorymax

 

[rorymax]

I'm glad I asked about Long-John's, your insight is very helpful.

Thanks to all of you for your very useful comments.

rorymax

 

[BlueTrain]

I have a half-dozen pair of very old-fashioned long drawers, summer weight. I think they're Czech, probably about 40 years old. They're woven, not knit and have a drawstring waist. They're rather like pajamas. I like them for wear under thin summer-weight trousers inside and out. But when the weather turns freezing, which is will in another month or less, I have the long johns I was issued when I joined the army in 1965 and they're pretty much sufficient for winter here. But I have a thicker, more recent army issue pair, too, that I also use. Cotton is perfectly fine for the bottom because your legs won't perspire like your upper half.

For the upper half, however, wool is probably good enough. I have no experience with more modern synthetic materials. But a cotton undershirt, thick, thin, sleeveless, long sleeved or short, will become very uncomfortable if you break a sweat. If you're anything like me (you probably aren't), a two-mile hike on a windy 45-degree day with a pack will leave you with a damp undershirt. Of course, that only becomes a problem when you stop. The trick is to do everything to avoid perspiring and that's more important as the weather becomes colder. In theory, if one were on an all-day tramp with a stop to make camp in the evening, you could take off your damp undershirt and replace it with either a thin sweater or anything that's dry and be happy but I suspect most people wouldn't do that, including me. People seldom follow their own advice.

 

[Hugo]

I have EDZ ones £38 each as is the top, the same in Aldi £ 16 each, both are very good all Marino wool. I did a test and wore them for a few weeks without washing them, there was no smell at all which surprised me.

 

[Tengu]

I use the army surplus, you cant get me out of them in the winter.

 

[tiger stacker]

There is nothing like running up and down streets, wearing long johns to make you appreciate them.