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Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

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21–30 of 314 posts

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#22
post #3

After 5 winters of Berlin, I have decided to treat myself proper heat tech clothing. The difference in comfort is such that I barely feel any kind of fatigue or depression that the cold temperatures used to put on me. It has changed my perception of winter and I couldn't have spent my money any better. This is a costly investment though, be warned. For the curious, the keyword that started it all: "layered clothing"…

Any specific suggestions on brand/tech/material?

In addition to what's already been answered, Odlo and Ice breaker are on the higher price point, but definitely worth the price.

If you have Decathlon nearby, start with them and ramp up as needed.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#23
post #3

After 5 winters of Berlin, I have decided to treat myself proper heat tech clothing. The difference in comfort is such that I barely feel any kind of fatigue or depression that the cold temperatures used to put on me. It has changed my perception of winter and I couldn't have spent my money any better. This is a costly investment though, be warned. For the curious, the keyword that started it all: "layered clothing"…

Totally disagree with the layers philosophy. Way too much fuss. In mid-winter London I wear a t-shirt and a jacket. Perfectly warm. Just get a good jacket. Easy on, off, no ceremony.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#24
Ah, yes, because winter isn't miserable enough.

>The relationship between thermal comfort and clothing weight explains why we tend to prefer a higher air temperature to adding more clothing. [...] This clothing layer (which is actually worn in combination with briefs) has the largest potential to substitute a heating system. [...] Because it fits tightly around the body, long underwear has an optimal "pumping coefficient".

When I was a child, we used to go skiing and then hang around in our long underwear. It is warm and flexible, but it's also tightly woven and form-fitting, which traps moisture inside. There's more to comfort than weight: even in a cold room, sitting with your back against the couch can accumulate sticky sweat.

>Synthetic thermal underwear should be washed regularly - a process that consumes energy. This is less an issue for indoor use than for outdoor sports, because couch potatoes don't produce sweat.

Anyone who's ever reworn a pair of sweatpants for a week inside knows intimately the rancid depths of this falsehood.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#25
Costco started carrying these ultra thin, stretchable crewneck short sleeves shirts. The brand I have is called "32 degrees cool", but I think they have other brands now like Bench, that sell this same blend of material, black or white color.

Compared to an a cotton undershirt the difference in comfort is amazing. Basically you don't feel any of the stitches, or anything pressing on your armpits. And its super light weight. You can sleep in it, its so comfortable.

And its also cheap, 3 or 4 pack for under $20.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#26
post #3

After 5 winters of Berlin, I have decided to treat myself proper heat tech clothing. The difference in comfort is such that I barely feel any kind of fatigue or depression that the cold temperatures used to put on me. It has changed my perception of winter and I couldn't have spent my money any better. This is a costly investment though, be warned. For the curious, the keyword that started it all: "layered clothing"…

Any specific suggestions on brand/tech/material?

If you want to dip a toe into this without spending much, 32degrees has a a pretty good sale right now. In the men's baselayers section you'll find shirts for $7, leggings for $9). I think they're one of those Costco brands. I've heard that some of their stuff pills up after a few washes, but that's not really a big deal for me at this price.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Any specific suggestions on brand/tech/material?

Living in the Canadian Rockies, we regularly see temperatures in the -20c (-4f) and colder range. I'd highly recommend looking at: [1] - Outdoor Research - https://outdoorresearch.com [2] - Patagonia - https://patagonia.com [3] - Arc'teryx - https://arcteryx.com And as others have mentioned, it's all about layering!

I'd also recommend Mountain Hardware. Some of the North Face's more expensive stuff is good too: my sleeping bag comes from them.

Look for companies that are long standing and have good warranties. These companies have good reputations to protect, and are aware that buyers of outdoor gear tend to be very loyal to companies that treat them well. My family personally swore off Columbia after two of their coats failed us catastrophically, for example.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#28
post #3

After 5 winters of Berlin, I have decided to treat myself proper heat tech clothing. The difference in comfort is such that I barely feel any kind of fatigue or depression that the cold temperatures used to put on me. It has changed my perception of winter and I couldn't have spent my money any better. This is a costly investment though, be warned. For the curious, the keyword that started it all: "layered clothing"…

What did you go for?,- I live in Northern Europe too.

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#29
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Any specific suggestions on brand/tech/material?

The suggestions by the sibling comments are great. I'm also in Berlin and I use Uniqlo's HeatTech undershirt and long johns under jeans/shirt. They're pretty cheap (€10 each) and it makes a lot of difference. I never feel cold. A good jacket is also essential. Downfeather Jackets are my favourite. Other than that it's just a hoodie between shirt and jacket, scarfs and "hand-shoes". The Coronavirus mask also helps dur…

"Hand-shoes" Read "gloves".

I smiled reading that literal translation of "handschuhe" <3

Re: Insulation: First the body, then the home (2011)

#30
post #3

After 5 winters of Berlin, I have decided to treat myself proper heat tech clothing. The difference in comfort is such that I barely feel any kind of fatigue or depression that the cold temperatures used to put on me. It has changed my perception of winter and I couldn't have spent my money any better. This is a costly investment though, be warned. For the curious, the keyword that started it all: "layered clothing"…

Interesting. Could you share a list of products you have bought?
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