The title may seem kind of funny, but I am completely serious. Has anyone tried underarmor products as underclothing for either cold or hot weather? I have never tried them, but I have seen them and thought about it many times, and I was hoping to hear from someone with some experience with them. Do they really water wick? I have heard that in very cold temperatures sweating a lot can actually be detrimental. With that in mind I am trying to pick my layers carefully.

Also, I noticed they make cold weather water resistant gloves. Despite the price I have been more interested in seal skins gloves because they claim to be very cold resistant and completely water proof.

Before I went ahead with any of these assumptions, I was hoping someone might have experience with any of the above. Thanks!

UnderArmor works well, but is over-priced IMHO. I've found Ex-Officio boxer briefs best for me in hot, sweaty conditions. Check out, e.g.,Sierra Trading Post for deals on wicking tops and base layers.

UnderArmor works in relation to its bulk/weight, but is overpriced due to the name. There are several other makers out there using the same textiles and quality workmanship, but delivering a lower price point.

Just stay the heck away from any fire or heat source. Having that stuff removed from a burn wound would not be on my list of things to do before I die.....

I'm back to predominately cotton on the layers next to skin, except for some Smartwool pieces.

More comfortable.

Bonus that it would be less of a problem if I sit on a campfire.

;-)

Ditto, natural fibers, cotton or wool, next to skin. I don't want anything next to skin under other clothes that could pose a threat to my life. The one exception to the natural fiber rule is nomex. Nomex has some very good attributes and like wool, it doesn't support flame, it just chars. Massif HotJohns long underwear is good stuff, comfortable and cleans just like polyester (hang dry). Massif nomex fleece is good outerwear too.

I'm back to natural fibers as well. Mostly cotton and silk. Nothing feels as good as silk long underwear. And they don't hold stink like polyester.

Agree with price gouging of UA. I too am a fan of Ex-Officio's products. They too come with a price tag, but the quality is there. But on the other hand they can often be found in clearance and sale deals.....try www.campmor.com

Seal Skinz work.......kinda on the wetsuit-neoprene level. They though have the drawback of not breathable at all but you will be dry.


my 2.5 cents.

UA is pricey, I agree. Then again, I have lots of it. I haven't tried their HeatGear, but I have 2 GREAT long sleeve ColdGear. I took them to AK while I was there, and wore them hiking in MI during the winter (about 10-15 degrees). As base layers, they worked well. Don't expect them to "keep you warm" so much as "keep the sweat moving." I've literally gotten into the car, and found the 'pit stains but felt really dry.

However... that being said, when I did stop while hiking for lunch, I did feel the chill come on quickly.

If you can find cheaper, probably OK. I've haunted Ross, TJ Maxx, Walmart, etc for knockoffs. I found Nike to be equal quality for slightly less. Columbia, the Target brand, and the generic Walmart brand are so-so.

All of the various polyester underwear, such as UA seem to do such a great job wicking sweat and then distributing it over the entire shirt that it makes the wearer, usually me, the source of much greater complaining from family members. The body odor after a hard work-out seems to have been distributed over a much greater surface area for passers-by to get a much greater whiff of it.

Much less complaining with cotton T's, always.

Maybe it keeps me cooler when I want to be or warmer when I want to be, but there can be a social consequence.

I have UA Cold Gear and wear it for Winter dog training when it gets into the teens. With dog training, the activity is fast and furious for a few moments, followed by waiting. I am usually outside for 8-10 hour stretches. I feel much more comfortable (warmer/drier) with the UA on than when using cotton as an under-layer. I have never tried other brands, but probably will due to cost of UA.

My two cents...

Cotton u/w is a non-starter for cold weather activities. It gets wet and doesn't wick, it just stays wet. When you start to cool down you chill -- not good.

I purchased Underarmor when I was deployed to Cuba. With the 100+ degree days, every day, and with all of the equipment we carried, I could get 3-4 days out of a T shirt. A regular cotton shirt, I got a day, tops. The sweat, once it dried on cotton, made the shirt stiff & abrasive. And, it smelled something HORRIBLE. The UA shirts remained pliable, didnt chafe, and didnt smell. My vote would be for UA, as I personally love the stuff.

+1 Ex Officio boxer briefs. Maybe the best underwear for men ever made.

These have no real properties for cold weather but IME hot or cold, they don't loose shape after hours of vigorous hiking or running and that means no chaffing which means they hold up.

I have a UA cold weather long sleeve mock turtle neck and its just okay. Could get the same results from a cheaper brand.

Gloves? Not much help there. Having gloves on you I think is more important than if they are waterproof and such. My water proof gloves are cycling ' lobster lobster' glove made by Pearl Izumi.

I wore D-3A army issue gloves, (black leather) for years with the issued wool liners and they did fairly well. Still have all my fingers!

I wore UA in Iraq in bitter cold and brutally hot conditions. It was one of those comfort items that I wasn't worried about price on. I started out wearing issue briefs and was way more comfortable in the UA. I did buy one pair at a time until I had about 10 pair. Quite an investment in underwear. I fealt bad until my wife told me how much she spends on her underthingies.

Well, that appears to be battle tested. Additionally, thank you for your service. This maybe a topic drift, and before I get my knuckles slapped for an OP drift, I would love to hear about what you think are the better long haul packs out there that can take the abuse. You guys were out in the field for long stretches at a time. If it is one of those no-no's PM me, because I would really value your insight.

OH DEAR GOD, PLEASE DON"T SAY ALICE!!!!!!!

ALICE is old school.

So am I

In fact, I am old enough to remember the M151A2.

You know, The JEEP

Wow. I am impressed. That is way back, no offense.

Smart (user censored)

Censor: Poster knew better, and beat Blast to the punch.