base layer and running shorts

[dirtbag]

Has anyone backpacked in a base layer bottoms such as patagonia silk weight base layer and wore a lightweight running short over them for cool weather trips? I see there are tights that can be used, but if I don't have to spend money on new clothing and I can get away with this why not? Then I can eliminate needing underware because my silkweight base layers would serve that purpose also. If I get too warm..In October NY/NJ/PA area, I could just stop a minute, remove the base layer and just wear the running shorts. Seems to me I should be ok with this system as I am always running on the warm/hot side. Any thoughts or opinions?

[Nick Gatel]

You won't win any fashion contests. People might make fun of you.

I have been doing it for decades despite the possible ridicule :)

[Mitchell Ebbott]

You'd probably want some sort of shell pants if it's going to be cool. Most tights are at least a little bit windproof, but base layers aren't at all. This would be a good candidate situation for those dance pants Dale posted about a little while ago.

[Allen C]

My sytem these days is a pair of running shorts with the brief cut out, cap 1 boxers, montbell wind pants, and if I want more warmth the cap 2 long johns. good for spring through fall in the sierras. I basically replaced a heavy pair of zip off nylon pants wth a very light windpant plus light running shorts combo which is lighter/more versatile/more comfortable, but probably not as durable. The shorts often go over the windpants and/or tights, both to protect the lighter fabrics and to keep the shorts' pockets accessible.

If rain is likely, replace the windpants with rain pants. If you are going to be wearing the tights most of the time, you could definitely eliminate the boxers.

[Justin Baker]

I use fleece lined running tights that I pull over shorts. Easier that way, no need to take off shorts to add or remove. I don't recommend long underwear without shorts as it's not too durable. Running tights are pretty durable.

[Daniel D]

>You won't win any fashion contests. People might make fun of you.

Years ago, that's all we wore, more so in the snow and wet environments, you look even sillier dressed in only base layers, shorts and gaiters, but that was common practice. I still occasionally dress the same even though I have soft-shells etc.

[dirtbag]

Uughh..I didn't want to have to buy anything new, but I decided to try out GoLite Castlewood tights. I figure I will wear them with my patagonia running shorts over them. I want the pockets. I removed the liner in them when I got them because it irritated mt inner thigh. If I get to warm then I will simply stop for a minute and take the tights off and just use the shorts. No underware needed. It is a lightweight setup and seems to be pretty versatile for what I need. I will be hiking in middle of October in PA. I am always hot and sweaty..so this system should be what I need. I will have my rain pants if needed and I will also have patagonia silk weight base layer (for sleeping). I honestly do not worry or care what others on the trail my think of my looks and how I am dressed. So long as I am comfortable and traveling as lightweight as I can I will be happy!!

[Nick Smolinske]

As long as you're losing fashion contests you could consider a skirt instead of shorts. Then you don't have to take it off to switch the base layer.

[dirtbag]

Geeeze…you are right!! It would be so simple. .I don't think I could do it though..hmmmm..

[Nick Smolinske]

Ooh, here's another idea that's even more ridiculous than a skirt – modify running shorts so you can attach/detach the middle part of the shorts to make them temporarily a skirt. I can't figure out how to do that without risking some serious chafing though.

[Jake S]

How about a horizontal row of 3-4 snaps right above the pubis.

Bonus points if you can make it look like a cod piece. :D

[D M]

Loin cloth and leggings….ha I dare you!

[Brad Rogers]

That is a thru hikers special. I see it all the time on the AT.

[dirtbag]

So the GoLite Castlewood tights worked PERFECTLY along with a pair of running shorts over them on my 30 mile WEST Rim trail hike in PA last week. I think this is going to be my new go to clothing system for spring and fall hiking trips here in the NE.

[Eli Zabielski]

I'd say it's a pretty popular system. I see more people doing this than using wind pants, I'd say.

If you're just looking for something to wear in camp and for the first 10-30 minutes in the morning, check out Montbell down pants (7.7oz). You DEFINITELY won't win a fashion contest but sweet jesus they are nice. Not something you'd want to hike in all day though.

[dirtbag]

Yeah I have/use borah Gear down pants. Never would I hike in them though.

[Paul Magnanti]

"Has anyone backpacked in a base layer bottoms such as patagonia silk weight base layer and wore a lightweight running short over them for cool weather trips?"

Super common more so in the past.

I still rock this look on occasion….even if I look dorkier than my already dorky self.

p>

[Larry Swearingen]

Arrrr Mags,
Ya look like one of Robin Hoods Merry men there.

Larry (OldnSlow)

[dirtbag]

It works and it's comfortable and it's versatile. .so i shall do

[Christian Edstrom]

I wear this all the time. Joe, when we do a NYC get together, we'll have to convince Bob to join our merry band of tights-and-shorts-pranksters and then everyone will seriously think we're on the lam from Bellevue!

Especially fashionable if you add gaiters…

[dirtbag]

Sounds good. Lol.

[Matthew Black]

Yeah, the thread is a little old, but this was a 90's staple.
Alpine start for first Whitney attempt.Many hours later, early on the switchbacks when I realized that I wasn't going above 12,500 feet.

[Richard May]

I'm hoping to play with the combo this winter. There's an extensive article about it here on BPL:

Backpacking Tights Part 1

Backpacking Tights Part 2

But if you really want to rock the fashion world use fishnets too.

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