Merino wool all the way.

You will need a light weight top probably a wool t shirt. A mid weight base layer top I prefer one with a hood.

Next is a good puffy layer. It can be down or synthetic. If you will need to carry it and the weather will be dry I highly recommend down if your budget allows. If there is the possibility of rain definitely go with synthetic.

You will also need an outer shell that is water and wind proof that is breathable.

For your lower half you will need merino wool in your underwear style of choice. I prefer boxer briefs. A mid weight layer for pants as well. If you will be moving and then sedentary for a while I also suggest a pair of puffy pants with full leg zips so they can be removed or put on without removing your shoes.

For pants good wool or synthetic pants.

Accessories include glove liners and gloves sock liners and heavy cushion merino socks.

Then a watch cap of some kind just no cotton.

Suggested manufacturers include rei first lite kuiu ll bean.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

Your location claims "PA," so you are somewhat accustomed to cold weather, no? Those really aren't very cold temperatures, IMO. Particularly the high 20's to mid-30's. Unless it's blowing like snot.

Fortunately, the suburbs of Philly aren't as harsh as the rest of the state, but even then I don't do much outdoor activity this time of year. Aside from trap, and sporting clays, where I have a nice warm clubhouse to retreat to, there isn't much of a need for much more insulation than jeans.

What I'm trying to accomplish is a reduction in the amount of clothing I need to carry with me. Every couple of days, we'll hike about 8 miles roundtrip, to run the airplane for about an hour , and give our mechanic the opportunity to look for split water lines. In years past, I've had to pack a ton of jeans, because they'll only be wearable for a few days before they stink, and can stand upright on their own. Since laundering isn't an option (it's nearly 50 bucks to have a pair of pants cleaned) I figured that some lightweight synthetics, that I could wash in the bathtub, would be a good option.

quote:

Originally posted by Sauer Kraut:
As others have said, stay away from cotton. And I would say also no Old Navy. For cold weather you need quality, REI will have some decent stuff.

Wool is your friend. I freakin hate acrylic anything. From the top...

100% wool watch cap. Any brand will do, as long as it’s all wool. Here’s one at REI

Smartwool brand has some very nice base layers. Again at REI since you are going there. Expensive but worth it. You only need 2, may be able to get by with one.

With temps in the 20s I would go light weight on the lower body. Only 2 layers. Do not wear the cotton workout pants as a layer! Way too heavy for those temps. Especially if you are active/hiking. Smartwool 150 base layer pants

If you currently are wearing a jacket, you need a parka, something that covers your hips/butt/below the waist. This keeps the cold off your back and blocks the wind better. L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka for a budget friendly one. or the Canada goose others have mentioned.

For shirts, any midweight sport shirt. This one. or a lightweight sweater.

Underwear—ditch the cotton. Check out ExOfficio.

REI will have good wool socks. Again don’t go too heavy. Gloves Medium weight fleece

I think you may be dressing too heavy for temps in the mid 20s to 30s. Especially if you are hiking and on the move. If it goes low teens and you are not as active add a layer up top. Adjust the layers and have good quality wool/polypropylene base layer to keep the moisture moving away from your body. Wet=cold and miserable.

Sounds like a fantastic trip. Get some quality clothing and enjoy the outdoors!

Thank you for finding some creative ways to spend my money! I will definitely be picking up those gloves today, and you've given me quite a bit to check out when I get to the store. It is a great trip, I just dislike the questionable weather aspect. The cold is harsh on the jet, and the possibility of not getting in and out on the days that the boss wants to be there make this one difficult. It really is a nice place.

I took this two years ago:

Check out this Video

I can save you the time and expense not to mention the hassle, boredom and cold.

Send me in your place.

quote:

Originally posted by JJexp:
Every couple of days, we'll hike about 8 miles roundtrip, to run the airplane for about an hour , and give our mechanic the opportunity to look for split water lines.

Ah, so active when outdoors. Ok: Lightweight polypropylene, definitely. You'll overheat in anything medium in no time.

quote:

Originally posted by JJexp:
In years past, I've had to pack a ton of jeans, because they'll only be wearable for a few days before they stink, and can stand upright on their own. Since laundering isn't an option (it's nearly 50 bucks to have a pair of pants cleaned) I figured that some lightweight synthetics, that I could wash in the bathtub, would be a good option.

Well, that's partly because you weren't wearing a breathable under-layer, but point taken.

I've never had to worry about that, because I've never been in quite that situation, but I'd say some kind of high-tech, breathable mid-layer, with a wind-proof outer layer, then. They should be able to guide you at REI.

I might be inclined to try this: Every day, when done for the day, rinse-out the rinse-able stuff immediately in cool water; lay on a towel, roll up and squeeze-dry in the towel; set out to dry, and switch to another set.

I use all high-tech, breathable fabrics for working out. Even if I sweat so heavily my shirts are soaked-through at the end of my workout: I do what I described above and re-use the same two sets throughout the week with no odour problem at all.

Btw: If you really want to be comfortable in that climate, work on acclimating yourself to the cold. It'll probably take only a couple weeks or so.

I purposely expose myself to mildly-uncomfortable cold as winter approaches for that reason. Thus, for example, when something needed to go back to the car, parked a couple hundred feet from the house, last night, I just grabbed it and walked to the car and back. No coat, jacket or gloves. It was not a problem at all.

Temps were somewhere in the mid-twenties. Wind was calm.

I was wearing bluejeans, a medium-weight cotton flannel shirt, 32° tee underneath, my Dan Post boots and light-weight Smartwool OTC socks.

I was not over-heated inside, either, and they had the thermostat set to "Caribbean."

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

I might be inclined to try this: Every day, when done for the day, rinse-out the rinse-able stuff immediately in cool water; lay on a towel, roll up and squeeze-dry in the towel; set out to dry, and switch to another set.

I use all high-tech, breathable fabrics for working out. Even if I sweat so heavily my shirts are soaked-through at the end of my workout: I do what I described above and re-use the same two sets throughout the week with no odour problem at all.

I'll definitely give this a try, both for my work out gear and the outdoor stuff. Usually, I just pack enough workout clothes to get me through without a wash, but it'd be nice to cut that in half.

quote:

Originally posted by JJexp:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

I might be inclined to try this: Every day, when done for the day, rinse-out the rinse-able stuff immediately in cool water; lay on a towel, roll up and squeeze-dry in the towel; set out to dry, and switch to another set.

I use all high-tech, breathable fabrics for working out. Even if I sweat so heavily my shirts are soaked-through at the end of my workout: I do what I described above and re-use the same two sets throughout the week with no odour problem at all.

I'll definitely give this a try, both for my work out gear and the outdoor stuff. Usually, I just pack enough workout clothes to get me through without a wash, but it'd be nice to cut that in half.

Only works with high-tech, breathable fabrics, right? Don't try that with cotton

My stuff is mostly all Under Armor. Some Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I think a gore tex pants and jacket for the top layer. It will stop the wind and from getting wet and still breathes. I have a nice set from Colombia. I would wear this over jeans on the bottom and over a long sleeve shirt, thermal shirt, then gore tex jacket....

What they said!

GORE-TEX is your friend!

It wicks moisture, keeps you dry, and provides a wind barrier.

I would serious invest in some top notch layered clothing for this trip.

quote:

Originally posted by goingbroke:
GORE-TEX is your friend!

It wicks moisture, keeps you dry, ...

Nit: Gore Tex does not wick, per se. What it does do is allow water moisture, but not water, to pass through its membrane.

Performance underwear, wool socks with liners, gloves with liners, and a good hat.

I like Patagonia long underwear, but there are many competitors nowadays.

+1 re REI.

Yoop weather: As low as -4 at night and daytime highs in the teens. Currently 27. Heat wave!
Lots of good suggestions thus far so I will add this: You can scrimp on lots of outdoor gear but cold weather gear aint the area to go cheap.
This includes boots, gloves, socks and hats. Since the OP mentioned he wanted to go light, I recommend jackets and parkas using an insulation called PrimaLoft. Light, warm, lends itself well to layering and unlike down, warm when wet. With a PrimaLoft liner and a good Gore-Tex shell, I am good to go to -10. I wear an UnderArmor Tee shirt to cut down on overheating and Smartwool lightweight bottoms with nylon pants. All this turns the wind too.
One big problem with cold weather stuff is you cant try it before you buy it. And what works for some people may not work for others. I get "used to" cold pretty quick and am often comfortable when others are not. There have been other mentions of avoiding becoming sweat soaked in cold weather. Take that to heart. Stay dry to stay warm.

I can fix all your problems...just stop at ROA on your way to Europe and when we land in Switzerland I will take you to REI and let you use my 20% discount to call it even...

Seriously, you have received some good advise here.
I would also add getting some good wool socks like Rohner (which are made n Switzerland) and a good Goretex boot that you have already broken in...

G650??

I was surprised at the Cabelas version of 'light weight polypro' as layering was my goal. Found that light weight pull over very pleasant even on warm days. Have become fan of polypro except for a few characteristics:

1) the darker colors all get 'too hot' in springish weather where there's more sunlight on the arms.

2) some version tend to pill/and/or snag easily;

3) the thumb-hold sleeve models do have useful purpose at times;

There's a ton of them out there from a lot of different companies, all with slightly different fitting specs. I like the ones from Egypt via Cabelas.

Tried different weights, but found for my non-expedition casual outdoor wear even the mid-weight is plenty most of the time with such as a wool vest as needed. It got so cold the last few weeks here I was pleased to wear wool shirt over the polypro.

Silk slip over even light weight, for my was just too damn warm. In cold outdoors with mild walking it became too warm before long.

Just discovered the material in Chinese made "Frogg Toggs". Just got a light weight shell a few months back, and totally impressed in even heavy rain, how well it works. Rolls up into small stuff stack. Best $34 I've ever spent on rain gear. Convenient hood attached & folds into collar.

Maybe you can find an eider down jacket over there?

I've written about this in several other threads as I've spent over 20+ years in the outdoor industry.

Looks like you've identified the importance of staying away from cotton, however going the Old Navy route which good for the checkbook, you may regret half-way down the trail. Since you seem to be doing this on a yearly basis, it may be wise to invest in a few things, especially since you live in a region that experiences 4-seasons a year. Most people have offered solid suggestions, I'll offer my $.02:

Since the temps your gonna be in is around 30F and hiking, I would suggest a wearing a soft-shell as your outer layer. Soft shells are inherently not waterproof but, very water-resistant and wind resistant, if you're active and building up a good amount of sweat, a soft-shell will be relief. They're a stretch woven nylon so it'll wear easier than a hard-shell (like that 3-in-1 that you have) but, will breath better (which equals comfort) and is more abrasion resistant than a puffy insulated layer or, waterproof hardshell. Layering underneath, you'll wear your thermals (base layer) and another thin shirt, perhaps a 1/2-zip then wear the soft-shell. If it's colder than expected, you can toss on a thin vest underneath the soft-shell. Some suggestions at different price-points:

TNF Apex Bionic- Most popular soft-shell on the market, mainly used as everyday wear by office workers however, functions just fine on the trail.
TNF Apex Risor- A more active and lighter version of the Bionic.
Marmot Approach- A bit lighter than the Apex Bionic and Marmot's most popular.
Arc'Teryx Gamma MX- One of the better designed soft-shells, also a premium in material type, and price. May be cut too slim for certain body types.
OR Ferosi- On the active side, consistently in the top-3 annually for most popular and OR's most popular.

If you're kicking the tires on getting some merino wool, keep an eye on clearance specials from Ibex. They're one of the three big Merino wool brands in the outdoor industry however, they're teetering on going-out of business. I'm a big fan of their long-sleeve t-shirts and I have several of their Shak 1/2-zips and vests.

Lots of good advice already posted here. I would second the recommendation for merino wool. It's takes a while for it to stink, even in strenuous activities over several days. It also can be rinsed out in the sink to prevent odor.

Pit zips in a hard shell jacket are perfect for the type of activity you describe. Knee high smart wool socks and jeans are fine unless it's really precipitating. Then I'd want wool pants. They breathe good and shed water.

For me, if I can keep my neck warm, everything else is tolerable. I use a fleece neck gaiter or a scarf. Combined with a good fleece or wool toboggan and thin gloves, I'm good to go.

Hope you enjoy your trip. I love the Alps and Tyrol. Friendly people, good food and great beer.

I'll take the suggestion to stay well away from cotton underwear one step further: Stay away from denim jeans as well! When jeans get wet, there is no way to remain comfortable.

I have had wonderful levels of comfort from the Merino Wool mentioned. Light weight, non-scratchy next to the skin and quick drying. Rinse out at night, dry in the morning! A bit spendy for quality goods though! Buy once, cry once!

Hope you have a great trip this year! And remember, you could still be flying cancelled checks or cadavers in the middle of the night on either coast!

Don

I will vouch for the anti funk properties of wool. It is quite amazing, a week in Rocky Mountain elk camp in wool is about equal to 2 days in civilization in cotton or synthetics.

I'll ammend my previous rec's. Merino wool underwear, 2 sets of you simply will not wash out, one if you will. Believe in the anti funk it's real. Add three pairs of merino wool socks, do not get them thick enough to make your boots too snug. Forget liner socks, they serve no purpose with merino wool except to start stinking. If you can find wool pants you'll be golden, as there is no way in hell they'll get funky in only a week. If you want to go all in a wool fisherman so sweater as a mid layer under a wind blocking parka.

Fashion will be your only down side. Wearing what will become a uniform for a week.

I have to stay away from ANY wool, I only do synthetics. Just reading the wool recommendations has me itching. I've tried Merino wool, doesn't matter. Wool and I don't belong in the same hemisphere - on any part of my body.

The biggest thing to me when in the cold doing pretty much anything but sitting (as suggested before by riley, yooper and others), is PLANNING TO STAY DRY.
When doing anything physical, if it feels comfortable now, start peeling layers. Feeling a slight chill beats the hell out of freezing your butt off once you've started a sweat. Then it's too late.
I carry a "santa bag" for my warm hunting clothes and snacks for when I'm walking to my stand. (this may be impractical for you in your situation)
When I get there, as I cool down, then the warm stuff comes out.

Find yourself a Swiss girl to keep you warm.

Failing that, I love merino wool as a baselayer, but considering it's only two weeks, the polyster underoos will probably work.

I haven't seen one good recommendation for a nice wool sweater. You can wear that as a mid-layer, then add a fleece 1/4 zip. Your North Face with the Thermoball liner has primaloft in it, so would be fine for your shell provided you aren't rolling in snow.

Some surplus Swiss Army wool pants. Looks kinda biz casual
https://swisslink.com/swiss-ga...ess-pant-2-pack.html

quote:

For me, if I can keep my neck warm, everything else is tolerable. I use a fleece neck gaiter or a scarf. Combined with a good fleece or wool toboggan and thin gloves, I'm good to go.

AMEN. If the back of my neck and shoulders are cold, I am hosed.

You lose a lot of heat via your shoulder, neck and head areas. A scarf is a good way to protect your neck and keep the warmth from escaping. A neck gaiter is great for ears, chin, cheeks.

A good wool watch cap or thinsulate hat (minimum 40gram) is necessary.