very cold weather “over base” shorts

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I'm cutting off a pair or old "polar weight" long john pants to bike pants length (just above my knees) to wear over my regular polyester long johns in zero weather.

This will keep my thighs warmer and protect heat loss from my femoral arteries.

Yeah, I know, sounds crazy but eskimos used to wear fur "overshorts" in subzero weather over their fur pants for the same reason. My solution is an attempt at keeping warm W/O having to wear a full second layer of long johns or pile pants under eVent wind pants.

Also I could wear these alone under pile/fleece insulating pants.

Anyone ever do this?

[Mitch Chesney]

I like the idea, gear re-use is not oft discussed. I would suspect in a year or two you'll improve the design and weight by using down and elastic cinch cords at the knee, shorts that double as your pillow at night.

[Kevin Schneringer]

During the last week of weather here in OK I have mixed my wool base layer pants,Houdini pants and a pair of nylon shorts (in that order) with great results.
Seems like it makes a "hot pocket" of air right around the upper thighs.
I want to try it this winter doing some actual strenuous activities to test this out.

I can leave the nylon pants at home and have a flexible system and save a few oz.
This set up in the chilly mornings then shorts in the afternoon.

[David Olsen]

There was a winter camping book from the 70's that had a pattern for down shorts. Keep the core warm like a vest for less weight.

[David Chenault]

Cloudveil made some heavy powerstretch boxer shorts for a while. They're awesome.

[David Thomas]

By cutting off the ankles, shins, and knees, they will be easier to put on.

I've considered trimming one pair of pants and one pair of exp-wt long UW to mid calf length for use with 12-inch-high boots. Mostly to remove bulk from inside the boots and to allow the pants to overlap the boots on the outside, but also to save some weight. ( I know, 12-inch boots aren't light, but 15-hour days of hiking on a grassy volcano in the North Pacific with lots of stream crossings precludes using my low-cuts.

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