My cheap, thin base layer I have now (thanks, wal mart!) is only good to about 40*, and I’m looking to get out below that threshold this winter. I’ve heard good reviews about Craft base layers, but what are the exact types that folks recommend? My guess is Pro Warm, but I’m wondering what people are using. Also, what underwear or tights are recommended?
And once you all tell me what to buy, can you tell me where the cheapest places to buy it would be?
Craft is great stuff.
I find that unless it is 10* I can layer the medium weight GoreTex top with a heavy windbreaker and be fine. I also wear the GoreTex woven underwear under my tights and it keeps the package pretty comfortable. My underwear have held up nicely considering the use they get.
I’ve always just sought out sales for my Craft stuff. I’ve bought it on sale at Trisports.com(on the sale rack) and the big sporting goods shop in San Francisco(can’t remember their name).
I really like craft base layers for running. I have a couple of the pro-zero tops, that with a wind jacket and I’m good to the low 20s. a second shirt will get me into the teens (hat, gloves, tights as well of course). I’ve had the best luck with hind and new balance running tights / pants. For underwear I bought several pairs of brooks ‘runderwear’ 3 years ago and they are holding up well. There is a windproof panel in the front that does the trick.
Check out www.sierratradingpost.com (no affiliation) for pretty good deals on winter gear.
I ran & xc skiied in WI last winter mostly with Pro Zero and Wind Stop baselayers. Pro Zero seems good down to about 15-20F when paired with a jacket or other warm top. If it is colder than 30F and windy, the Wind Stop gore-tex stuff (which is just a gore-tex front panel on a Pro Zero base layer) is awesome. Nice for Spring cycling, too.
I tend to “run warm” as a rule. If you are one of those types who chills easily you may want to check out the Pro Warm.
As far as where to get it: Try Sierra Trading Post, craft-usa.com (clearance section), or steep planet. Their stuff is never exactly cheap anywhere you look, especially in fall and winter.
I used to work nights outdoors in the winter.
I had one under Armour cold gear mock. Wore it with a sweatshirt upto -8*F. I would go home wash and dry it each night. I did this with the same shirt for 2 straight years.
It was awesome.
sportsbasement?
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Me as well, ran in WI winter and xc skied, their base layers are excellent and COMFY! Their windstopper outerwear works great too, especially when I still ride when the wind chill is -30.
My cheap, thin base layer I have now (thanks, wal mart!) is only good to about 40*, and I’m looking to get out below that threshold this winter. I’ve heard good reviews about Craft base layers, but what are the exact types that folks recommend? My guess is Pro Warm, but I’m wondering what people are using. Also, what underwear or tights are recommended?
And once you all tell me what to buy, can you tell me where the cheapest places to buy it would be?
the gore tex stuff, as has been mentioned already, is outstanding.
it’s great because it also serves a dual purpose for spring cycling. it really cuts down on the wind when you’re biking, or on a windy day when you’re running.
i would suggest getting full length long underwear to help protect your knees from the cold. your joints deserve the protection! the long sleeved base layers for the upper body are preferably, in my opinion, to the short sleeved ones.
I got stuff from their clearance shop directly. http://www.craft-usa.com
All their stuff is great.
I bought some long sleeve Thermax double layer base tops from a sporting goods store. Found them in the hunting section. Had them for 15 years, and still using them. Super warm and, obviously, very durable.
that’s it! BTW: you can buy Craft clothing from their website and sometimes they’ve got great deals on closeout items via the website.
Tight baselayer, windproof layer and then the outershell. Follow that up with the windproof skullcap and glove liners and you are good to go. I have tried the Craft Windproof pants but I grew out of them. They were great too. I ran in Wisconsin here with those clothes down to -10F without and discomfort.
In over 25 years of running in New England winters, I think the Craft Pro Zero base layer is the best base layer I’ve ever used. I must own 10 of them. Funny thing is, the only place I find them in stores around here is cycling shops. The running stores almost never have them.