Winter apparel
 

Outdoor clothing with Polartec Polarfleece® from NOMAR in Homer Alaska I came across this web site on a hiking forum where I also spend some time. Some of the clothing is made for Alaska winter fisheries workers. I would guess it is of high quality. There are several items of interest to me and maybe to some others here.

Here is a company that outfitted the base layers for the Seahawks and the Vikings when they played in below zero temperatures last week.


HEATR® Ski Socks - WSI Sports manufactures high performance clothing Proudly Made in USA

For layers under the wind/rain proof shells I have tried a lot of the modern "wonder" fabrics.

I gave up on all of them and now use the original "super" fabric through the ages. Merino Wool. The scientists are nowhere near keeping humans at the same comfort levels that God created long ago.

Be careful using stuff made for one activity for another. Where I notice this, for example, is a lot of hunting gear is basically made for sitting around- but if you're active, you need layers rather than one heavy garment. Consider also how bulky or packable the material is, that's important in some activities, not in others. Camo's great if you're not wanting to be seen, terrible if you are. Stuff flapping in the breeze is fine if you're walking around, not so good on a bike.

I can tell what is NOT a good combination. Don't use a boating paddle jacket as a cycling rain slicker... EEEWWWW!!!!

Each place will be a bit different. We have a lot of winter weather in the 30's and 40's. Occasionally down to the mid 20's at night.

I'm usually good with just a single layer of fleece or sweater + cycling jacket. If it gets cold, I zip up. Warmer, I open it a bit more. I do like waterproof ski gloves, but don't get too excited about warmers.

Good weatherproof winter cycling shoes are great.