So, I moved from El Paso (where it will probably be in the high 80s low 90s for another month) to the east side of the Cascades where it is a very coldish 33F this morning (typical January in El Paso) and I am thinking that preparing AZ indoor is going to suck unless I buy some real winter clothing.
So, yes, I know some of you see really cold weather where you are, but I really don’t do well in the cold, so I need to get something that really protects…Clothing of choice? Preferably something that won’t turn me into the Michelin man? Heck, anything I could use for both riding and XC skiing?
Surprised that you are not hip to this, an experienced vet like yourself, but having lived in such a warm place for such a long time I can see how you would be.
There is a whole bunch of stuff that you can get and most of the leading technical apparel companies have a good selection, but the one really nice thing to have is a light weight jacket with a bit of thermal protection that is wind resistant on the front and not on the back. These are typically sold as a winter riding jacket but they also work extremely well for XC skiing. You can use base layers underneath to vary how much cold you can stand.
+1 to what the other poster mentioned, and add a balaclava to your list to keep your neck/throat warm. Get one with a face opening large enough that you can use it as just a neck warmer if your head starts to sweat too much.
I currently live in Wisconsin for what it’s worth; I’ve been running outside when it’s well into the sub-zero temps, and have attempted to ride when it’s been in the single digits. I say “attempted” because snow makes things tricky for a number of reasons - makes the roads more narrow, hides surface imperfections, and so on. Stick with the trainer when possible, and ride on those “nice” days.
Anyway… layers - here’s what I’ve found to work really well:
TOP
Giordana sleeveless base layer ($20)
Underarmor HeatGear mock turtle neck ($50)
Reebok Windblocker (stretch-fit) ($25)
“One More Mile” fleece ($15 - on sale right now)
BOTTOM
Underarmour HeatGear tights ($50)
Giordana Silverline Roubaix (when riding) ($225)
Knee-length shorts ($20)
GLOVES
Pearl Izumi Pittards Elite ($45)
I usually wear a beanie-type hat and if it’s extremely cold, a fleece neck warmer that I got from a local snowmobile dealership. My legs don’t tend to get cold unless I’m riding, so the single layer of UA + shorts provides enough warmth for running. I picked-up the Reebok windproof shirt/jacket on sale at Kohls… I bought several, and love them. They’re super thin but stop nearly all wind.
The One More Mile fleece is great as well - super lightweight, but wow, does it insulate; and they’re on sale right now. I questioned how well these would work when I bought them, but I’ve been happy with them. At $15, it’s worth a shot no matter what.
x2 on windproof (for the bike); if you eliminate the windchill and layer up a bit underneath…well, i find i can break a good sweat in sub-freezing weather. and shoe covers of some sort are a must as well.
Hey Francois,
Multiple layers of wind and water blocking clothing make a huge difference in my comfort level, especially if I’m going to be out for many hours. Here are my 5 favorites for skiing:
Softshell fleece in both tights and jackets. Both come in a variety of configurations. They are very light, very warm but breathe enough for aerobic activities. The soft shell exterior is usually wind-bloc and water repellent. It is a remarkable and useful combo here in the Pac NW. Sugoi has an outstanding softshell cycling jersey. Sporthill also has excellent garments for both xc skiing and cycling. The clothes for each cross over extremely well. Arcterx has some of the finest jackets available but is also hugely expensive. Check out Fitness Fanatics or Mountain Gear in Spokane for lightweight ski wear, beanies, and socks. (FF is also a Tri/bike shop) LBS should have cycling stuff.
as other poster have mentioned, layering is key… but learning to layer will take time and trial and error. more so for running…
moisture wicking base layer, breathable mid layer and a windproof/breathable top layer is the best way.
i use a HH base layer top and bottom, castelli windproof full bibs, a sugoi mid layer half zip top, castelli windproof jacket and maybe my running room coat if needed for more wind blockage. craft winter thermo shoe covers, castelli pioggia gloves, gore wear riding hat and a neck protector, or my running room belaclava.
I am still struggling with the feet on long rides… have wool socks, thermal booties and plastic bags to cut down on the wind, but still never seems like it is enough. I am thinking about trying these out some heated insoles this year.
As suggested already, layering is key. Your best bet on Base is to nut up and buy a Craft ProZero base layer, long sleeve. Works for bike and run. I bought all (and I mean every brand) of leg/arm warmer and tight from Backcountry.com last winter (because I can return it straight to their warehouse in Utah where I live) and found that the Pearl Izumi has the most comfortable and best protective gear when it comes to warmers. Gore makes a good skull cap and the Xenon gloves have windstopper and work well. Best gloves though for both bike and run are Black Diamond with windstopper. Good down to effing cold temps. The Castelli Spazio jacket is form-fitting, very visible (red) and has excellent windstopper properties. Pearl Izumi’s toe covers are great.
And if you buy NOTHING else at all buy a pair of the power stretch fleece tights from DeSoto.
Thanks for all the advice. By the way I really don’t like being cold. Ask desert dude. I was riding with arms warmers leg warmers booties and a vest in March in Phoenix.
Well then, it’s not just clothing you want but possibly packs of hand warmers, toe and / or foot warmers, and possibly even body warmers. Any ski or outdoor shop should have them - just open the packet expose them to air and they’ll last for hours. Just don’t put them next to bare skin. It’s been a while since I’ve read the ingredients list but as I recall it’s some sort exothermic chemical reaction involving iron.
It was 37 F. here east of Seattle on Sunday morning at 7 Am driving to the Black Diamond Oly. What’s the morning temperatures out your way these days?
Will add the windvest with mesh in the back which helps, the 180s gloves with the windproof shell and anything at all from ibex, www.ibex.com - especially base layers and gloves. Second the balaclavas and just layers and layers
