Winter is Coming! Best base layer under breeches?

[TarheelJD]

So winter is approaching, and I find myself looking for a warm, yet very thin, base layer to go under my breeches. Any recommendations?

I have never been a fan of the bulk created by fleece lined breeches, so I am trying to avoid those.

I have a couple of pair of a Kerrits base layer that go to the knee so they don’t create an extra layer under your boots, but they no longer fit me, and I believe Kerrits discontinued them (and in any event, they were not that warm). It used to be that silk long underwear was a great option, but I’m not sure, with all the new technical fabrics out there, that silk is the best way to go.

I am in Atlanta, so I don’t need anything that would sustain me through frozen tundra - just something good for someone who hates the cold when temps are in the 20s and 30s.

TIA!

[Scribbler]

Thin microfibre long underwear. That will be about as warm as silk and readily available (around here anyhow) at Walmart and work wear stores. Or thin wool long underwear from an outdoor sports company. Or fleece long underwear.

I think it’s true that fleece lined breeches feel stiff than regular breeches with long underwear. But you might want the breeches to be a generous fit. I buy my fleece lined breeches in my real size but I have a couple pair of breeches I was given that are just a bit too roomy and they fit long underwear beautifully.

[tabula_rashah]

Under Armour Cold Gear base layer- both the shirts and tights. They are pricey but they work really well

[EmilyM]

LLBean expedition weight thermal pants or silk long underwear work best in my opinion

[HereComesZach]

I love 32 degrees leggings and thermal shirts. I find them at costco, but they’re also on amazon, and very affordable. I definitely notice a difference in comfort when I’m using them.

[gottagrey]

Agree w/ above suggestions, cuddle duds are nice too - any of the thinner liners

[Simkie]

I really like the heat tech stuff from UniQlo.

[aknightstale]

My biggest go to is Under Armour’s heat gear leggings. They’re thin and keep you warm (provided you’re moving around). I just bought two pair of Kerrits winter fleece breeches and looooove them…they’re not bulky either.

[candyappy]

Long underwear comes in many choices and some are so thin it is amazing that they work so well.

That would be my first choice ( and it is)

[cutter99]

I’ve been wearing Cuddl Duds for years and love them!

[EVneo]

@HereComesZach

I love 32 degrees leggings and thermal shirts. I find them at costco, but they’re also on amazon, and very affordable. I definitely notice a difference in comfort when I’m using them.

Seconding these guys! They’re not expensive, either. What I do to help prevent bunching and bulk is put on long johns, tall socks, then breeches.

[alfonsina]

https://www.minus33.com
Minus 33 brand long johns and tops are made of silky smooth and soft merino. They feel wonderfully warm and luxurious. They come in different weights for different temperatures. Less expensive than rival brands of merino. Wool also doesn’t get smelly (at least for many wearings) and as a natural material, isn’t putting little bits of plastic fiber down the drain with the washing machine water.

[Ajierene]

I concur with the under armour suggestions. My base layers are about 10 years old and just starting to look like they may need replacing now. I have a few pairs of the 2.0 that I wear and a size to big of the 4.0 (I think…to be honest, the labels have worn off…) I wear the 2.0 in Spring/Fall and the 2.0 and 4.0 in dead of winter.

I also bought breeches in different sizes. My summer ones are my size. My fall/spring ones are one size to big and my dead of winter ones are two sizes to big. This allows for layers under them without squishing because if you are squishing yourself, you are restricting bloodflow and defeating the purpose. I also have winter chaps/boots that are a bit big so the clothes fit in them.

I also have a pair of wool shorts that are to big and I wish I had a pair that fit but they were acquired by someone else on a trip to Europe. They are great, though, as my butt tends to get cold but my lower leg is fine as it has the extra layer of boots or chaps. So the wool shorts keep my butt warm.

When it’s 20 out, I am generally in 4 layers…I get cold easily. I’m in the Mid-Atlantic region if that helps.

[TarheelJD]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I bought a couple of options from the UK that were recommended by Horse and Hound, and I will try a couple of these as well!

These are the ones I ordered:

https://www.equetech.com/equestrian-…?code=LTR-3-WH

https://hottogs.co.uk/product/nude-thermal-leggings/

[Guilherme]

The silk or wool/silk combos from Cabela’s are modestly priced and extremely effective.

https://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?CQ_page=0&categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=silk%2Blong%2Bunderwear&CQ_view=list&CQ_ztype=GNP

They also have glove liners, sock liners, and balaclavas.

G.

[DinkyDonk]

Microfiber Cuddle Duds…absolutely the best thing I’ve ever used for doing anything out in the cold where you need additional layering.

[demidq]

I hate the seam down my inside leg with most base layers so I wear thick cotton tights under my breeches in winter.