The layering system

[Van-Wild]

Here's a good article on the US military layering system. Its very well thought out and explains how and why layers are used.

I found it handy.....

The PCU Protective Combat Uniform: A Buyer's Guide and Clothing System History - ITS Tactical

During the early part of the war in Afghanistan, US forces were suffering under extreme cold weather conditions; poorly served by their issued clothing

www.itstactical.com

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[Erbswurst]

As you can see here, the experienced older guy stays on the rock, but the youngsters immediately want to try out the new stuff.

 

[Madriverrob]

very interesting

 

[EdS]

Buffalo /Paramo rip off.

Not rocket science, it's pretty much what every UK climber has been wearing for the last 30 years

 

[Old Bones]

Interesting, but as Eds says, its not a lot different to UK climbers or actually hikers standard stuff.

The heavy fleece has often been replaced by a synthetic insulation layer (for climbers, a belay jacket) or a down/synthetic jacket for hikers. Soft shell or hard shell is standard, and a windshirt, light waffled top or micro fleece are all part of the kit.

Its interesting that the US military went to someone with experience with the likes of Patagonia. Archtreyx worked with the US Marines at least a decade ago, and i seem to remember that Kifaru and osprey have worked with the US military as well. Mystery Ranch and other brands have apparently been spotted being used by US Special Forces.

The civilian market might value slightly different things more than the military, but the civilian market is so big and constantly innovating that its the logical place to look.

 

[arf007]

What do people think about wool vs man made product? I find wool good as it doesn't seem to get as hot when the weather warms, yet keeps you warm when it's cold.

 

[Herman30]

Wool is good, I have used merino wool t-shirts in the hot summertime for many years. It does´t fell clammy or moist against the skin even when soaked in sweat.

 

[Erbswurst]

Wool is very comfortable, pretty heavy and very slow drying if it got really whet.

I think wool and campfire is a great option, but wool without campfire is less good than polyester fleece.

 

[Broch]

Wool is my preference as a base layer and instead of a fleece. Marino wool is a great base layer, it wicks very well, doesn't smell, and dries reasonably quickly. Wool instead of a fleece is a bit more of a compromise; it's heavier, less windproof (depending on the knit), and takes longer to dry. On the plus side, out of the wind or with a windproof layer on top, it's warmer, looks cooler , smells nicer and it's not made of plastic (however, the whole subject of 'environmentally friendly clothing' is complicated).

 

[Herman30]

Wool is very comfortable, pretty heavy and very slow drying if it got really whet.

Depends a great deal on the thickness of the material.
I know from own experience that this is not heavy and is quick to dry:

Särmä Merino Wool T-Shirt

Fantastic t-shirt for work and casual use. Merino wool, the king of materials. Check availability!

www.varusteleka.com

 

[TLM]

While chemically wool is wool (or close enough) physically not even nearly so. Fiber diameter affects a lot of properties and in some cases apparently the surface structure differs a bit. As far as I understand vicuña wool is about the top being thin and long.

 

[Erbswurst]

Once I bought second hand an originally relatively expensive looking wool sweater in v- collar office stile and did wear it under a usual cheaper coated rain jacket and moved a lot.

I was surprised how fast the sweater got destroyed at the back. Obviously it's necessary to protect knitted wool with a thin cotton or polyester-cotton mix layer against the coating. Perhaps some kind of plastic windshirt works well too.

But I don't have much experience with the mix.
I just used 100% old school clothing or 100% cotton and plastic.

 

[TLM]

It really seems that fiber diametre is the key to many properties, there are 2 that go down, loft and wear, all others go up. I have a few micro(fiber) fleece shirts and they are very comfortable and do not have the "plastic" feeling.