Woolly Pully vs Fleece vs Ranger Shirt as Mid-Layer?

[jackorion]

Hey all,

So I do a lot of bat survey work which means I'm often out at night and not always moving around much, so it can get a bit chilly. Last few weeks I've been wearing a merino wool baselayer under a light fleece with a Swanndri Ranger Extreme on top, and I've just bought a s/h Bushshirt which is great as it adds a little rear end and thigh warmth too!

but I'm looking for a mid layer that's a bit more toasty than my berghaus microfleece - I also have the Swanndri Ranger shirt (non-extreme) which I could throw on under the bushshirt, but that feels like it might be a bit bulky, so I was thinking about a wooly pulley or something similar to wear underneath... any thoughts? There's not normally much action other than walking around a bit so getting too warm is not really a problem, but I need to move around quite easily and so getting too bulky is a problem

 

[Billy-o]

You could take a look at the lightweight insulation layers made by Patagonia or Arcteryx - 100/200 wt fleeces, down 'sweaters', artificial fibre versions of same. Many options there as starting points. Haglofs, Helly Hansen etc, etc offer more affordable options.

If you are looking for a woolie, the sweaters made of merino and possum - same as the Mears beanies - are totally excellent (comfortable, light, wicky). Might have to import from NZ directly.

In fact the old adage, if you have cold feet put a hat on, might suit you. A decent light and comfy wool hat, might be just what you are looking for.

https://www.bfgcdn.com/1500_1500_90/005-2028/patagonia-retro-pile-jacket-fleece-jacket.jpg

 

[JB101]

As above, wear a hat / cap to reduce heat loss.You want to trap air inside to provide warmth so a thicker jumper would help .Also you want to make it windproof otherwise the hot air can get 'blown out' so a thin pertex type shell could be used or combine the 2 with say a lightweight army thermal smock top (which I rate) & they also have a longer back .

e.g https://www.cadetdirect.com/british-army-lightweight-thermal-smock-light-olive

 

[Ozmundo]

I have a inexpensive fleece lined check shirt, Rydale clothing I think, or a thinner Ridgeline fleece shirt. I wear either as a mid layer under my Swandri on cold night out.
The Ridgeline one is quite smart looking, should I accidentally find myself in a hostelry on the way home.

Pertex wind shirts are just great to have in a pocket pretty much anywhere.

 

[jackorion]

Thanks guys - always have a wooly hat and a snood scarf on as well! I have a Rab pile jacket but the zip has broken which would otherwise be perfect, might have to stump up for another one or see if I can work out a way to fix it - my wife's normally really handy at repairing clothes but the construction of the jacket makes it a bit of a job to replace the zip according to her...

 

[Morph]

Let Rab Repairs do it for you

 

[FerlasDave]

I am a big fan of a gilet. Often I wear a fleece one on top of a thick flannel shirt for a bit of extra warmth. Have you thought about that as an option?

 

[Paul_B]

Thanks guys - always have a wooly hat and a snood scarf on as well! I have a Rab pile jacket but the zip has broken which would otherwise be perfect, might have to stump up for another one or see if I can work out a way to fix it - my wife's normally really handy at repairing clothes but the construction of the jacket makes it a bit of a job to replace the zip according to her...

Alpkit stores have repair services and they repair other brands too. Contact your nearest store. They'll certainly be able to replace a broken zip.

 

[Paul_B]

I'm a bit fan of a good woollie pully. I was bought one by my parents about 18 to 20 yo. It came from a Greek island and was full of natural oils. So densely knitted it was windproof. Very warm and shed snow in a blizzard nicely. Although walking in winter I found I had to dust off the snow as I headed downhill or it would form ice and be a devil to knock off. However it was so insulating if you're in the cold snow just sat on the outside.

If you can find a nice, thick and densely knitted pullover in pure new wool with the natural oils still in. Well I think such a garment is widely underrated.

 

[Laurentius]

I don't think you can beat an old fashioned wooly pully. I stopped buying fleece some time ago for environmental reasons.

 

[jackorion]

Let Rab Repairs do it for you

Yes I've sent an email to them this evening - I've actually only had it since February last year so, who knows, they might even do it under warranty...

 

[SaraR]

A woolly jumper of a suitable thickness would probably be perfect for you, but otherwise a gilet (fleece, Paramo, or synthetic or down filling) might be enough be easier over your current set-up. It adds a lot of warmth without restricting your arms at all.

I’ve also got an Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody, which is amazing and so versatile.

 

[Aristotle]

A mid-weight wool jumper of some sort with a zip neck.

 

[gibson 175]

wooly jumper would be my choice but the fit must be comfortable to go with what else you are wearing and only you can decide what is a comfy fit. I prefer inset sleeves ( more fitted-easier under coats or other garments. Alternatively raglan sleeves are more roomy but I find they bunch up and are uncomfortable if put a coat on top. Also some wool has more natural stretch and give depending on how it is knitted-again ,personal preferance.

 

[Falstaff]

I can recommend the Buffalo Mountain shirt - Pertex outer and fibre pile inside, very warm on its own or with a thin vest/Tee, and easy to move around in. Picked mine up second hand on Marketplace.

 

[Moondog55]

From a different perspective, my experience is that the mid-layer makes little difference if your top layer isn't windproof. When I was issued a woolly-pully and it was cold we tended to wear them under our jungle greens if we weren't issued the M-65 field-coat.
So while all those alternatives work I'd actually suggest something lightly insulated and windproof like the Buffalo lightweight parka or a proper mountaineering down jacket from Rab

 

[johnnytheboy]

Men's Cirrus Alpine Insulated Jacket

Our classic do-it-all, easy-stash synthetic jacket feels warmer than ever, with resilient, high-lofting insulation providing all-mountain versatility.

rab.equipment

Brilliant mid layer

 

[Kilbith]

Of course a good wool jumper is great, but did you think about a "long johns"?

It is often easier to add something on your legs that another layer on top. Also they are great when you are mostly static.