I’m sort of lost with all of the choices in base layers, Under Armor type tops, etc. Can anyone recommend a warm, but THIN base layer for under a windproof shell jacket? Main use is cold weather bird hunting.
I wear SmartWool Mid-weight NTS, best stuff I have ever owned. If you are moving you may want to look at the light. 
Tons of choices. Look for Merino wool and polyester. Stay away from cotton. I suggest First Lite or Core 4 Element. http://www.firstlite.com/products
https://www.core4element.com/products/
I wore a lot of Under Armour 4.0 for last years ice filming season, and it was pretty good. You’ll pay about $80 some dollars for one piece. It’s super thin and does a good job.
However this year I am going to try something a little different, and I’m actually pretty pumped about it.
They are called mobile warming, I haven’t purchased them yet but will for sure do it for the ice season and late season hunting. They are about 160 per piece, but considering I wear them about 5 days a week in the winter, it is well worth the cost to stay warm.
I’m not sure if it is the best brand, I done some research but does anybody else have experience in this field? Not to Hijack the thread or anything!
There is so much stuff out there its mind boggling. I have a ton of UA that fits the bill. I still have all my old silk underwear that works perfectly fine not to mention all the other odds and ends like north face, etc that also work great. I don’t know what to tell you other than go to the store and feel the material and pick some that you know will be comfortable. In my experience the softer/more comfortable the more expensive. Some of that cheap stuff will rub you raw. In a nutshell all of the old stuff works and don’t use cotton if you are going to get wet or sweat. Convincing people they need a new base layer product is mostly marketing BS.
I have used several different brands over the years and I still think the Under Armor is still the best. They offer it in several different weights and styles. You can find something to fit almost any use that you want it for. I am sure there are others out there that work well also but till I find something that works better i am sticking to the UA
The Mobile Warming product looks interesting. It is battery operated so that is a little scary. My experience with battery operated clothing is not good. ( Gloves and socks ) just something about the outdoor elements and batteries in clothing does not seem to be a good mix. I think I will wait for a few reviews on this product before I spend the money that they cost.
I know batteries and cold don’t mix. I am sick of looking like the Michelin man running around, thought I would give it a try and see how it holds up to the abuse!
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I know batteries and cold don’t mix. I am sick of looking like the Michelin man running around, thought I would give it a try and see how it holds up to the abuse!
Give us all a quick review once you try them. I and I’m sure others would be interested in how good it heats and if it holds up well.
I am still going old school. Silk for my base layer and whatever weight wool is right for the day next. I have oppted for a hi-tech breathable outer layer. I stay comfortable and mobile with a minimum of bulk.
Just got a great suggestion. Was talking with an ex-rep for a company that dealt in high quality Merino Wool. I guess it is naturally anti-microbial, studies have shown that bacteria are more attracted to the smooth, positively charged surface of a synthetic fiber than the scaly surface of a Merino fiber which carries no charge.
I guess you have to pay quite a bit like anything of quality, but he stressed the importance of high quality 100% Merino wool. He said does an amazing job of wicking and insulating, wears it all the time!
Thanks for the suggestions received. I have merino wool on my bucket list.
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