European explorers first thought that the native Inuit people were lazy. They wouldn't work very hard and they moved at a slow pace when it was cold. But they quickly learned that the Inuit knew not to let themselves sweat when it was bitterly cold outside.
Here in Norway it’s definitely wool that is recommended for cold weather. That’s because wet wool keeps its insulating qualities. So even if you do get wet feet or sweat more than expected, it’s not going to cool you off like other materials. Wool based net underwear can be used for high intensity activities. Synthetic materials do often wick slightly better, but will not keep you warm once wet. In harsh Norwegian winters woollen under-layers are deemed best for anything from kids playing outside in the snow to military exercises.
@@mowsertasI sweat more than most so moisture management is critical for me. Brynje mesh base layer is by far the best option for me. Merino is nice but I saturate it too easily and it drys too slowly so I like merino synthetic blends or alpaca which I find better than merino (but pricy).
@@mowsertasawesome because I’m looking into investing in specifically into that brand as well as my base layer choice so keen to see what your experience is like
100 percent agree. Fun fact, I moved here from Minnesota, USA. And Norwegian winters are actually much more mild than Minnesota's. I had to move above the Arctic circle to get better weather 😑
It is the swings of the temp, if you get and stay below freezing it is easier to stay warm... get your wet/damp item and put it outside for a bit it all freezes and then you shake it off and then put it back on, but if you are in temps that go to freezing and then above melting... you just stay wet and feel much colder, with the wind chill.
I learned this living in a tent for 6 months. I assumed that it was going to be cold at night (Which it was) and wore clothing in my sleeping bag. It doesn't get that cold till around 2 hrs before sunrise, but prior to that the temp only drops slightly and slowly, so initially after you've just fallen to sleep and through the night you're sweating and that's fine while you're warm. Then the temperature crash and then suddenly I found myself waking up in soaking wet clothes freezing cold. I quickly realised what it was mostly likely to be and went from sleeping in my clothes to sleeping naked. Worked a treat. (This was years ago using a traditional summer sleeping bag 1 season made of cotton). Basically it's your start cold technique.
When it's raining and you are exerting yourself, try wearing Froggs Toggs. They are unbelievably light, breathable, and cheap. Great content as usual 😊
Another helpful video. I appreciate how clearly you present your info, share your own experiences, and make your videos interesting all at the same time. I'm a subscriber and watch every video. Thanks for offering info that's easily accessible for backpackers at multiple levels of experience.
Another vote for Brynje base layers and also Paramo smocks, I use these two things and chuck a poncho over the top in heavy rain, which also allows air underneath. I find using paramo like this far superior to Goretex, which always wets out and stays wet in the conditions I hike in.
I just completed a hike in the Namadgi National Park south of the ACT with the Canberra Bushwalking Club. We got snow and it went down to at least -7. It's no joke when it gets that cold.
Thanks for some great advice! I've learned that if I think "na, I'll be fine, I don't need to do x,y,z" it's usually the first sign of me not being fine an hour later 😅 Good thing you were prepared and could change your clothing,getting soaked can really ruine a nice hike (don't ask me how I know 😂)
Great video! I hiked up a mountain in Victoria recently in the rain/snow and after 5 hours, getting wet was unavoidable. However, having the right layerung system was so important to keep me warm (although i realy need those Temres gloves as my hands were frozen!)
Thanks for sharing your hiking experience! It sounds like you had quite the adventure in those conditions. Layering is definitely key when it comes to staying warm and dry! If only the Temres were easier to get!
Solid layering advice, seems like Tasmania weather is akin to the U.S. PNW-winter is 33°F (0.5°C) and constantly raining. My preference is poly base layers under GoreTex, sometimes with a light fleece mid-layer, I sweat too much with almost any movement. This winter I'm going to try Brynje mesh and see how well that works. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for sharing your layering strategy! I have friends in PNW and it does sound similar! I definately prefer the poly too. I am currently trying the Brynje mesh! Have been using the Super thermo singlet and longsleeve and loving it!
Nice video once again Mowser. A very important topic indeed. I agree that constantly regulating your body temperature by selecting and wearing the appropriate clothing, adjusting clothing ie. during periods of exertion versus putting on warm clothing during rest stops etc. is a necessary skill to develop to avoid saturation. Climbers and mountaineers have an old saying: ‘Wetness equals death’. This might sound a little dramatic unless in extreme circumstances but it holds true in respect to avoiding hypothermia, generally. Personally, I prefer polypropylene over wool including merino as wool despite having access to both products. I have experienced that merino wool including treated products takes longer to dry in my opinion. I only use wool for my outer socks, using high quality polypropylene liner socks for wicking. I find that wool including high quality Australian Merino is less suitable than polypropylene in most Australian conditions, especially Tasmania and also the trans-Alpine conditions that exist in the west coast of New Zealand due to the humidity; a problem that is probably not as apparent in drier alpine environments. Good technical reference books written by experienced mountaineers, alpinists and experienced outdoor people with expertise in this area discussing the topic of outdoor clothing in cold conditions that I have found helpful include the following: 1. Mountaineering. Freedom of the Hills. 10th Edition (2024). 2. Being Outside. Tim Macartney-Snape. (1993). Cheers, Regards Michael Butler
Goretex fails because the water particles, being larger than sweat particles, block the pores of the item of Goretex you are wearing ergo excess sweat can't escape.
Here’s my reframe: It’s the drying out that can be dangerous. Dry out on your terms, or Mother Nature may do it on her terms. And you may not like her terms.
"be bold start cold" is good advice to not get so sweaty and to not be the guy who needs to stop after 15m of walking. Have you tried any of those mesh/fishnet baselayers?
@@mowsertas Great. I am curious about using some lightweight mesh(ie like cyclists use) under a sun hoody for hiking in the 45-55F. Then swap out the sun hoody for ME Kinesis, Aerotherm, or R1 at the base of a rock climb. I have heard that cyclist use Fintech mesh vests under jerseys even in the summer. This has me curious about using these lightweight mesh layers in spring/fall weather.
I still use the Temres gloves that I talked about in this video: ruclips.net/video/_qWXrjH9vTo/видео.htmlsi=sDsbxNrQfrMC85No and have also talked about boots (ruclips.net/video/CIGA0lBcBMY/видео.htmlsi=GQSDThijcOZyE2jp) as well as socks (ruclips.net/video/V1epOl1grkU/видео.htmlsi=EmW5kTIRWP4h_1z5) a little bit in those videos. Will add a more comprehensive video to the ideas list! The Temres gloves are great but very hard to get currently unless you purchase from the states (links in that gloves video).
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I love the the saying "Be bold, start cold".
so good!
European explorers first thought that the native Inuit people were lazy. They wouldn't work very hard and they moved at a slow pace when it was cold. But they quickly learned that the Inuit knew not to let themselves sweat when it was bitterly cold outside.
Great info to always remember!
Here in Norway it’s definitely wool that is recommended for cold weather. That’s because wet wool keeps its insulating qualities. So even if you do get wet feet or sweat more than expected, it’s not going to cool you off like other materials. Wool based net underwear can be used for high intensity activities. Synthetic materials do often wick slightly better, but will not keep you warm once wet. In harsh Norwegian winters woollen under-layers are deemed best for anything from kids playing outside in the snow to military exercises.
Absolutely! Lately I have been testing out some Brynje base layers and absolutely love them
@@mowsertasI sweat more than most so moisture management is critical for me. Brynje mesh base layer is by far the best option for me. Merino is nice but I saturate it too easily and it drys too slowly so I like merino synthetic blends or alpaca which I find better than merino (but pricy).
@@mowsertasawesome because I’m looking into investing in specifically into that brand as well as my base layer choice so keen to see what your experience is like
100 percent agree. Fun fact, I moved here from Minnesota, USA. And Norwegian winters are actually much more mild than Minnesota's. I had to move above the Arctic circle to get better weather 😑
It is the swings of the temp, if you get and stay below freezing it is easier to stay warm... get your wet/damp item and put it outside for a bit it all freezes and then you shake it off and then put it back on, but if you are in temps that go to freezing and then above melting... you just stay wet and feel much colder, with the wind chill.
We learned this as young teens and it was hammered in hard training in the military.
I learned this living in a tent for 6 months. I assumed that it was going to be cold at night (Which it was) and wore clothing in my sleeping bag. It doesn't get that cold till around 2 hrs before sunrise, but prior to that the temp only drops slightly and slowly, so initially after you've just fallen to sleep and through the night you're sweating and that's fine while you're warm. Then the temperature crash and then suddenly I found myself waking up in soaking wet clothes freezing cold. I quickly realised what it was mostly likely to be and went from sleeping in my clothes to sleeping naked. Worked a treat. (This was years ago using a traditional summer sleeping bag 1 season made of cotton). Basically it's your start cold technique.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s fascinating how much we can learn from living in nature.
When it's raining and you are exerting yourself, try wearing Froggs Toggs. They are unbelievably light, breathable, and cheap. Great content as usual 😊
Thanks for the tip! Will check them out!
Be bold start cold! 😁
Another fantastic video, with great tips. Agree with every single one of them, Mowser 👍
Thanks 👍
Another helpful video. I appreciate how clearly you present your info, share your own experiences, and make your videos interesting all at the same time. I'm a subscriber and watch every video. Thanks for offering info that's easily accessible for backpackers at multiple levels of experience.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you find the videos helpful and accessible. Your support means a lot!
Another vote for Brynje base layers and also Paramo smocks, I use these two things and chuck a poncho over the top in heavy rain, which also allows air underneath. I find using paramo like this far superior to Goretex, which always wets out and stays wet in the conditions I hike in.
Brynje mesh merino base layers -game changer
Fantastic info Mowser, absolutely spot on 👍
Thanks 👍 Glad you enjoyed!
I just completed a hike in the Namadgi National Park south of the ACT with the Canberra Bushwalking Club. We got snow and it went down to at least -7. It's no joke when it gets that cold.
You are correct there!
Thanks for some great advice!
I've learned that if I think "na, I'll be fine, I don't need to do x,y,z" it's usually the first sign of me not being fine an hour later 😅
Good thing you were prepared and could change your clothing,getting soaked can really ruine a nice hike (don't ask me how I know 😂)
I'm glad you found the advice helpful! It's always better to be prepared than to face unexpected surprises on a hike!
Great video! I hiked up a mountain in Victoria recently in the rain/snow and after 5 hours, getting wet was unavoidable. However, having the right layerung system was so important to keep me warm (although i realy need those Temres gloves as my hands were frozen!)
Thanks for sharing your hiking experience! It sounds like you had quite the adventure in those conditions. Layering is definitely key when it comes to staying warm and dry! If only the Temres were easier to get!
Solid layering advice, seems like Tasmania weather is akin to the U.S. PNW-winter is 33°F (0.5°C) and constantly raining. My preference is poly base layers under GoreTex, sometimes with a light fleece mid-layer, I sweat too much with almost any movement. This winter I'm going to try Brynje mesh and see how well that works. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for sharing your layering strategy! I have friends in PNW and it does sound similar! I definately prefer the poly too. I am currently trying the Brynje mesh! Have been using the Super thermo singlet and longsleeve and loving it!
Mesh has been a thing for cyclists for years. Often find mesh baselayers cheaper from cycle stores than hiking stores
Nice video once again Mowser. A very important topic indeed.
I agree that constantly regulating your body temperature by selecting and wearing the appropriate clothing, adjusting clothing ie. during periods of exertion versus putting on warm clothing during rest stops etc. is a necessary skill to develop to avoid saturation.
Climbers and mountaineers have an old saying: ‘Wetness equals death’. This might sound a little dramatic unless in extreme circumstances but it holds true in respect to avoiding hypothermia, generally.
Personally, I prefer polypropylene over wool including merino as wool despite having access to both products. I have experienced that merino wool including treated products takes longer to dry in my opinion. I only use wool for my outer socks, using high quality polypropylene liner socks for wicking.
I find that wool including high quality Australian Merino is less suitable than polypropylene in most Australian conditions, especially Tasmania and also the trans-Alpine conditions that exist in the west coast of New Zealand due to the humidity; a problem that is probably not as apparent in drier alpine environments.
Good technical reference books written by
experienced mountaineers, alpinists and experienced outdoor people with expertise in this area discussing the topic of outdoor clothing in cold conditions that I have found helpful include the following:
1. Mountaineering. Freedom of the Hills.
10th Edition (2024).
2. Being Outside.
Tim Macartney-Snape.
(1993).
Cheers,
Regards
Michael Butler
Thanks Michael. Those are great books! I tend to agree on the polypro!
Brynje merino string base layers. Magic.
Yep. Been using those and loving them!
@@mowsertas It's like our grandfathers actually knew something 🤔
Goretex fails because the water particles, being larger than sweat particles, block the pores of the item of Goretex you are wearing ergo excess sweat can't escape.
Here’s my reframe: It’s the drying out that can be dangerous. Dry out on your terms, or Mother Nature may do it on her terms. And you may not like her terms.
"be bold start cold" is good advice to not get so sweaty and to not be the guy who needs to stop after 15m of walking.
Have you tried any of those mesh/fishnet baselayers?
For my next hike, I'm going to try a mesh base layer based on others' positive experiences with it.
Have been testing out some Brynje mesh base layers this winter. Have been awesome. Review coming some time in the future after a bit more use.
@@mowsertas You got the ones with the shoulder patches, didn't you?
"Dress for in 15 minutes" is my rule of thumb
@@mowsertas Great. I am curious about using some lightweight mesh(ie like cyclists use) under a sun hoody for hiking in the 45-55F. Then swap out the sun hoody for ME Kinesis, Aerotherm, or R1 at the base of a rock climb.
I have heard that cyclist use Fintech mesh vests under jerseys even in the summer. This has me curious about using these lightweight mesh layers in spring/fall weather.
Thanks for this -but what about hands and feet? Would love to see you do a video on gloves and also keeping the feet warm.
I still use the Temres gloves that I talked about in this video: ruclips.net/video/_qWXrjH9vTo/видео.htmlsi=sDsbxNrQfrMC85No and have also talked about boots (ruclips.net/video/CIGA0lBcBMY/видео.htmlsi=GQSDThijcOZyE2jp) as well as socks (ruclips.net/video/V1epOl1grkU/видео.htmlsi=EmW5kTIRWP4h_1z5) a little bit in those videos. Will add a more comprehensive video to the ideas list! The Temres gloves are great but very hard to get currently unless you purchase from the states (links in that gloves video).
@@mowsertas thank you very much! your videos are super helpful - planning a trek in Patagonia where there can be 4 seasons in a day
Great video
Thanks for watching!
Go the stubby shorts!
I dont hsve a problem here in the north of scotland when i have my buffalo mountain shirt or my special 6 shirt on.
Nice video
Thanks!
@@mowsertas 👍
Another ripper Mouser!
Thanks! 🙏
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Wearing gore-Tex?
Yep, gore tex jacket and pants
If you don't want gore-tex, have a look at Keela
@@Jimmy_Cream thanks, I’ll check it out.