Category Archives: Base Layers

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Great Gear: The Right Clothes for Playing Outdoors in Winter Weather

Written by Pam Mandel
Published on

There are so many places to buy outdoor gear, online and off, and so many varieties. Prices are all over the place, last year's top of the line snow pants will end up on clearance at 75 percent, while this year's models (Oh! We changed the pocket closure from Velcro to zip!) hover around $200 USD. Companies push new technologies or gimmicks or styles, and we buy it – after all, we'd like to be warmer, drier, better ventilated, or just better looking.

Breaking the Base Layer Mold: Icebreaker Offers Snowshoers the Solution

Written by Ryan Alford
Published on

Icebreaker makes wearing Merino Wool sexy.  No, really.  When I wear Icebreaker's line of GT200 Sprint Crewe and Legging, I feel slimmer and ready for sexy snowshoeing.  Icebreaker has created a line of active clothing and base layers that perform beyond the everyday options.  And it's all made with Merino Wool fabric from New Zealand.  This performance fabric combines the benefits of synthetics (lightweight and quick drying) and the natural benefits of Merino (warm, breathable, odor resistant, and biodegradable).  

Layer-Up, Ladies! Hit the Trails with Under Armour Tops and Bottoms

Written by Elise Oberliesen
Published on

Looking for ways to combat the cold while hoofin' it on the trails? Start with the right layering system that traps warm air in. The Under Armour ColdGear Extreme Top, (retails for $69.99) is a nice addition to any snowshoer or outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe.

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Integral Tight

Written by Debbie McKeown
Published on

Even before I put on Mountain Hardwear's new Integral Tight, I knew I really wanted to like it. Like many snowshoers, I'm trying to incorporate as many earth-friendly products and habits as possible into my life. So, when I noticed that the fabric content is a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester, I was already excited about it.

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Power Stretch Zip T and Boot Length Tight

Written by Debbie McKeown
Published on

I'm reluctant to admit the number of days I recently wore Mountain Hardwear's Lightweight Power Stretch Zip T and Boot Length Tights without laundering them. On a two-week Himalayan trek, they were the base layer that I reached for almost daily. They simply cannot be beat for odour repellence, softness and warmth, while their wicking properties are also excellent. I always felt dry and comfortable despite the varying temperatures I encountered, from deep morning chill to afternoon sun. The stretchy fabric is non-constraining and smooth, making it easy to slip outer layers on and off.

Gear Review: Moving Comfort Sports Bras

Written by Sara Montgomery
Published on
Moving Comfort was established in 1977 when its founders wanted to make a line of workout clothing designed specifically for women's bodies and movement. Since then, the company has stayed true to that vision, with their motto “A fit woman is a powerful woman."

Gear Review: GoLite Phantom Jacket and DriMove L/S Top

Written by Ryan Alford
Published on

I'm always delighted to test gear that's well made, bulletproof and waterproof. I've tested outdoor gear from Marmot (a favorite), The North Face, Columbia, to Arc'Teryx and a handful of other elite manufacturers. And so I finally got my hands on some GoLite gear. Although the Snowshoe Magazine gear-testing department is small, we have the honor of working with some of the best companies in the business. My initial thoughts and experiences with GoLite are phenomenal and I can only hope to get my hands on more.

Gear Review: PolarMAX Acclimate Wool Base Layer

Written by Derrick Spafford
Published on

Wool has long been recognized for its ability to keep you toasty warm in cold weather conditions. It has been a staple in my snowshoeing wardrobe from the very beginning. 

Do Superheroes Wear Underwear? CW-X Sports Bra and Briefs

Written by Sara Montgomery and Derrick Spafford
Published on
Last month, Derrick reviewed CW-X tights and shirts, and likened them to something Superman would wear (click here). I've been wearing CW-X too, and while I can't say I feel especially like Wonder Women, I do think it's great stuff. It makes such a difference in keeping the potentially hypothermia-inducing moisture at bay when you start to sweat in the cold. As a woman, I've had a problem though. My underwear - particularly my sports bra - is getting soaked. In my quest to stay dry, comfortable and safe, this is my weak link. Since these are the layers closest to my skin, it's been a real problem. I decided to see if CW-X sports bras and briefs could help me out in this department.

Gear Review: CW-X Conditioning Wear

Written by Sara Montgomery and Derrick Spafford
Published on
If Superman was a snowshoe runner, he would definitely wear CW-X Conditioning Wear!

Outdoor Research Gear Review

Written by Sara Montgomery and Derrick Spafford
Published on
Winter this year, although late arriving, is now firmly entrenched. Deep snow, plunging temperatures and windchills have given us ample opportunity to test Outdoor Research gear in all kinds of extreme conditions. We have taken the gear out snowshoe running on snowmobile networks, across windswept frozen lakes, in rugged backcountry, and in races.

Gear Review: SportHill Pursuit II Top, Junior XC Pants, 3SP Gloves

Written by Ryan Alford
Published on
I first tested my SportHill garb by going for a night's run; it was about 20 degrees and I was working up a sweat. I donned a Pursuit II Top, Junior XC Pants, and a pair of 3SP Gloves. I couldn't wait for the snow and my chance to use my SportHill outfit for some intense snowshoeing. A week later, I got my wish.