Long underwear?

Sounds like snow pants would work for those scenarios too, without having to remove layers to get them on.

I use Polypros for cold weather, they are inexpensive and warmer than the silk or Merino wool base layers that I have. I haven't yet tried Capilene 4, which is supposed to be warmer still for the weight. I couldn't justify the cost being that I haven't been doing much winter hiking.

I have merino Icebreakers that are heavy weight. I think they weigh 8ounces and are amazing for snow exploration when paired with a silkweight poly long underwear ontop to give a slight shell to your insulation. Although taking your pants off in order to adjust your temp is a pain but that's part of the fun of being outdoors.

Have you looked into the Army R1 cold weather issue fleece thermals? They have the same grid fleece as the patagonia version. If you keep an eye out you can find them cheap. This is the style I'm talking about http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=281790531614&globalID=EBAY-US

Cabela's has a large selection of long underwear, the biggest I've ever seen. I still have Cabela's polyester mid weight and polar weight long johns from 12 years ago that I've used for everything from XC and alpine ski patrolling to hunting and winter camping.

ok so I have now done some more research based on some of the feedback here. So the straight polar ted is much cheaper but the smartwool and Capilene have interesting properties and they are similar in costs. Thoughts one vs. the other?

Wool is less durable and holds more water when it gets wet so it takes longer to dry out. Some people itch when they were wool next to their skin. I'd go with the Capiline if I had the money, the REI underwear if not. billy

that is good because the Polar tech is about $80 a set where Capolene is about $100-120 a set and smart wool is about $200 a set. Any thoughts about if the smartwool is worth the extra expense? Based on what I am seeing the Capilene appears the best bet….

I like wool for a top layer. It's anti odor, resists bacteria build up, (polyester is the exact opposite) just feels nicer on the skin after a long sweaty day of hiking. Like it's keeping me cleaner. For bottoms I don't care, I just go with polyester. But I do have an extra pair of wool boxers.

I'm a big fan of the MEC T2 and T3 long underwear. Polar Powerdry Grid fleece. In the great white north here I generally am wearing either the T2 or T3's everyday from October to April. And with the Canadian dollar low it might be worth placing an order.

I have wool and capilene. Since you will be using it as an active layer as well as stationary I would opt for the capilene. It will dry faster and potentially last longer with care. It will also have some odor fighting capabilities as well. Not to mention you can find it affordable now days.

Be sure to check Sierra Trading Post – They usually have a decent selection of last year's long johns, at generally good prices. If you sign up for their coupons you can get 30-35% of their prices. They tend to have both synthetic and merino, in different weights, though you can never tell what they might have at any particular time. Here's a link to their Men's Base Layer selection: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mens-base-layer~d~7455/ And their Women's Base Layer selection: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/womens-base-layer~d~7460/ I have no connection to the store other then occasionally buying something there.

I second STP, we get all our outdoor underwear there (for hiking and kayaking), usually at greatly reduced cost. We've been very happy with what we got there, and you're only out $5-$10 or so if something doesn't work for you. I imagine the quality is not as good as the best stuff, but how much better can underwear get? In truth I just can't spend $30 for a wicking t-shirt when STP sells them for like $5 and they seem to work fine.