Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Base layer Base layer
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 58
A good place to get Icebreaker
If you´re not in a rush to get your stuff, this site Lightweight Backpacking Gear at ProLite Gear has pretty deep discounts on Icebreaker, and the sales change from week to week. You just have to wait a bit for what you want to go on sale. Not sure how shipping out of the States works.

-Jeff
__________________
www.Jeffs9thSemester.com
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 93
Thanks for the website Jeff.
__________________
Canada to Argentina 2010:http://nomi-beto-adventures.blogspot.com/

Website:www.MotoLara.com
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
EDZ Undersuits
I wear an EDZ undersuit always. Not really sure of its thermal qualities, but it stops your bike gear rubbing on your skin.
My favorite thing when it gets that bit too cold is just a simple waterproof overjacket. Keeps the wind out, and makes a huge difference.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 4 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
with a hein gericke suit with thermal linings, ive never been cold enough on the bike to warrant using the layer system.
BUT; the layer system certainly works well and is versatile, for instance, i wouldnt want to break down in the middle of nowhere and have to hike miles wearing my get up, because ive only got a t-shirt on underneath!

also, you never need thick winter gloves because summer gloves, with marigolds over the top (black, of course!) and cotton flimsies underneath will keep you warm and dry. cotton flimsies are those thin white cotton surgical gloves, you get them from chemists or safety wear stores to wear under heavy work gloves
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 4 Oct 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
I'll do a plus one on the Helly Hansen gear and they now do it with an anti-bacterial treatement, so no smellinesses and rashes for me.

Mind you I've also got a fantastic set of bamboo long johns and long sleeve t-shirt (yes that's right I did say bamboo). They came from the Carrefour supermarket and they're their own brand - Tes, but I'm sure there must be other brands out there. The perk to bamboo (it really is bamboo) is that it's apparently very anti-bacterial and very quick drying, packs small, and feels soft. I've also got a couple of bamboo (yes really, it's bamboo) towels which are light pack small and dry quickly, and seem to manage to dry me even when they're damp.

Just have to make sure you don't get chased down by starving pandas.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 4 Oct 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Gerbing is your friend
Not to de-rail the "Base Layer" topic but you can't really talk about riding in
serious cold without mentioning modern electric jackets. I've used a Gerbing jacket now for 10 years.

I rarely use multiple layers anymore. In extreme cold (like maybe minus 8C or so) I still have to layer up but the Electric jacket extends your comfort about two layers worth. At this point my hands and feet tend to freeze, but if your core stays warm you can usually still ride.

I use a thin base layer (I like Silk, long sleeve) next to my skin then the Gerbing, then my riding jacket. With a good winter jacket with vents closed, this works down to about 40F (4C) with Gerbing up to full. This allow for lots of freedom of movement and you never feel overdressed or cramped.

If it gets colder I add another thin Merino Wool sweater over the Gerbing. This keeps the electric jacket pressed next to your body and really works!

Patrick
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Britain
Posts: 73
I'm another convert to "silk underwear beneath an electric waist-coat/vest" (mine is a BMW not a Gerbing). With an insulating layer on top if needed. This combination copes with all temperatures, and as Mollydog says, allows for freedom of movement.

I'm intrigued by the bamboo comment from alexlebrit. My missus recently bought some bamboo socks and says how soft and comfy they are. Too soon to say how durable they are and I don't plan to sniff her socks. Not that there is ever anything wrong with your socks, dear, if you are reading this.

I like DAVSATO's rubber gloves suggestion. I'm increasingly coming round to thinking that you can't have truly all-round, do-everything jacket or gloves or boots. I'm now looking at getting an unlined, vented, armoured textile jacket for touring. When it's cold, I'll chuck a sweater or fleece on underneath, over my electric vest. When it rains, I'll chuck a cheap non-breathing 100% waterproof top over the top (as per leeVTR). All I need to do now then is get some extra-large rubber gloves that will fit over my leather gloves.

Even though I believe silk is the ultimate base layer, I'll try Icebreaker if I see some cheap. And maybe some Lidl/Aldi merino too.

Useful thread this, I've gleaned quite a few ideas.
Last edited by SpitfireTriple; 7 Oct 2008 at 19:58.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
base gaskets Tenere99 Yamaha Tech 2 6 Aug 2008 16:09
waypoint manager to unit base map jamieT Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 16 Jul 2008 01:23
saharan gps base map henryuk North Africa 1 12 Jan 2008 09:15
DR base gaskets? pottsy Suzuki Tech 6 19 Jul 2007 13:05
GPS base map changing? Shelton Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 25 Jul 2002 17:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:54.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top