Episode 75 | Winter Layering for the Legs

I started my hiking career in the WA Olympics and Cascades in the 70s, and long underwear under shorts was the most common way to dress in all but the coldest and wettest weather, then rain pants on top. We used fleece as winter insulation because we didn’t have many high-loft options other than the quilted Early Winters pants.

If it’s really cold I’ll wear polyester long underwear under my nylon pants.

But, I hate having layers like that polyester or fleece or … because they are very heavy for the warmth

I made some pants with 2.5 oz apex synthetic insulation which is much warmer for the weight.  6.4 ounces.  I wear them under my nylon pants.  I wore it when it was 25 F and they were quite warm.  The only problem was it then warmed up above 32 F and they were too warm.  Next time I do a trip under 25 F I’ll wear them.

I like the idea of leg warmers Adrian.  Besides the weight issue, I like to keep the nether region cool and dry as possible.

I used to wear shorts

I switched to pants for sun, bug, and scratch protection.

Thanks Ryan for this episode.

I have a very similar winter layering system for my legs I use primarily for ice climbing but also hiking and backpacking, which others here can visualize in this winter layering guide.

Winter Layering Guide – Pants (Activity vs Temperature)

Winter Layering Guide – Pants (Fit, Features, Function)

Although I’m using Arc’teryx in my layering system since their clothing fit my upper/lower body type the best (YMMV), plus some good Black Friday sales, for my sleep system in -20F and lower, I do use a Rab Argon Down pant to help fill the extra side sleeping space in my Nemo Sonic sleeping bag with this lofty down pant, in combination my Rab down jacket and use a lightweight Therm-a-Rest synthetic blanket in a quilt configuration overtop of my sleeping bag to help absorb moisture vapor/condensation away from my down bag.

Another difference from Ryan’s system is I will use an integrated base + windshell pant, like the Arc’teryx Proton Pant or Rab Incline Vapour-Rise Pant, which both utilize lightly insulated, highly breathable Teijin Octa insulation which feels comfortable next to skin and provides good thermal management across wide temperature range and activity levels, in combination with their respective integrated shell fabric which is abrasion and weather resistant but with good CFM.

Then, similar to Ryan’s system, and as shown in the links above, full side zip shell and/or full side zip lightweight insulated synthetic pants used on top, based on temp/wind/precip/activity.

Cheers!