Layers

[X-Treme]

So, this will be my first season in about 15 years. Got my new M8000, and now I'm looking a little closer into clothin, as I'm guessing my old Choko Jacket and bibs is just not gonna cut it for staying dry etc. With all the talk about layers, could you experts describe in detail to me about how you dress for a day of sledding? Feel free to include brands, "models", etc. Gimme lotsa detail. Talk like I'm a retard, cause sometimes I feel like I am.

 

[neilsleder]

I go to marks work wear and buy my base layers. They are the t-max heat ones. Good price and work good. Then have various mid layers from Motorfist ones to HH ones, just don't wear a hoody! The hood fills with snow and gets wet and also is just annoying. Then I wear all Motorfist riding gear, I got the Rekon pants and Sidehill pull over jacket. I really like the motor fist stuff, but you can't go wrong with Klim!


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[Wilk INStheWEST]

You are probably going to get lots of varying opinions on this one and everyone is going to require a different combination of layers, because everyone is different.
I tend to run on the hot side so I keep my layering very light.
Base layer: this is probably the most important layer when it comes to layering properly. A lightweight technical layer is key to keep get the moisture away from you skin. Something like Under Armour (tons of different brands, sled specific or not) is what you want here. NO COTTON (including socks).

Mid layer: This is where I vary the most depending on what the temperature is. I usually don't wear much of one, as I throw a Fox Titan jacket on for body armour. If it's really cold out, I will throw a mid layer over top of this. Think fleece when it comes to mid layer. This can vary from a light weight fleece layer, to a full on heavy fleece jacket. If it's really cold, I will throw on a down jacket on the trail up and down to help keep me warm. Once I get to where I'm going, I usually shed that jacket and stuff it in my pack. I use down because it compresses really well and takes up less space. I also will throw that jacket back on when we stop for lunch.

Outer layer: This is where you want your waterproof/breathable layer. This is any outerwear that will keep you dry, but allow any moisture your body is producing to get out, so you don't end up wet from the inside and get cold. This can be Klim, Motorfist, ToBe, etc... I prefer sled specific gear for this layer, as it is generally built more robust and will handle abrasion better.

For gloves I wear a heavier insulated glove for riding the trail, but switch them out to a thin (either lightly insulated or non-insulated), wind-proof glove when I'm off the trail. Bring an extra pair of each type, as gloves get pretty wet when you are riding hard.

Not sure if that helps you out, feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any more specific questions.

 

[X-Treme]

This is great info, and totally what I'm looking for. Keep it coming. I'm all ears (or eyes). Question tho..... Does your mid layer include pants, or just a base layer under your bibs?

 

[gibsons]

base layer i wear paradox from costco, or merino wool and that's it under my motorfist jack, but I pack a mid layer jacket in my backpack. For pants I have the klim and motorfist pants under my bibs, plus I wear the paradox long underwear.

 

[QMAO]

I am glad this post was on here as I was wondering the same thing.
I stopped in at Cabellas on my way past today and left with 2 bags that I hope make my riding more comfortable.
I ended up with Sierra Long Sleeve Zip - Icebreaker (US)
and these Apex Leggings w Fly - Icebreaker (US)
Not cheap but they seem comfortable.

 

[KevinA]

I ride with a three layer motorfist combo that works great. next to skin base, a synthetic fleece type mid layer and rekon outer... bibs and jacket. can dress up or down all day and am always warm and dry.

 

[QuintinG]

I started riding 3 years ago and listened to the seasoned riders on here and have not been disappointed. I go with the brp base layer, which is basically thin spandex, for top and bottoms. It was on sale at the time for $20 a piece so good deal. My mid layer is Klim inferno mid layer, pants and jacket. It's nice and light but still warm and wicks sweat off as good as the base layer does. My outer is the top of klim's lineup, Valdez jacket and togwotee bibs, both are thin with no insulation but provide good warmth venting and breathability. I wear klim adrenaline boots with klim mammoth socks and have stood in creeks and rode long days afterwards and i have never had wet or cold feet. I went all out with the klim gear as my dealership gave me a great deal when i bought everything and i have not been disappointed. I've ridden in days of pouring rain, blazing sun and near -30° and I have never felt wet or cold. I don't own any but I know motorfist is as good as klim gear also.

One of the most important things that I was told, and listened to, is to not wear cotton. It holds moisture, from you or the environment, making you wet and cold. Buying high quality gear not only makes your riding experience more enjoyable but could be the difference in life and death in the unfortunate and rare event of being stuck overnight on the hill. It's expensive to gear up but well worth it.

 

[X-Treme]

My outer is the top of klim's lineup, Valdez jacket and togwotee bibs, both are thin with no insulation but provide good warmth venting and breathability.

This is the outer layer that I was thinking about for sure. Just gotta go somewhere and try it all on. Definitely wanna spend some time figuring out the mid layer.

 

[ferniesnow]

For most of my riding (I only ride in the mountains and mostly above -20), I wear the thinnest base layer (I use HH but any of the very thin base layers will doo the job) under the Togwotee bibs and Valdex jacket. Polyester/polypropylene only and as said above, no cotton. On the cold days, I throw a medium fleece top into my bag incase I get cold. Managing moisture is the key. Use the vents and get rid of the excess. Quintin pretty much said it all..........

 

[Wilk INStheWEST]

This is great info, and totally what I'm looking for. Keep it coming. I'm all ears (or eyes). Question tho..... Does your mid layer include pants, or just a base layer under your bibs?

All depends on the temperature. 90% of the time it is just a base layer under the bibs. I also wear armoured shorts and full knee/shin protectors.

 

[MOMMA]

here is an article I wrote on layering. Hope it helps. Good info in this thread for sure!

Dressed for success | SnoRiders

 

[pistoncontracting]

Lots of good info.

Before you start throwing loads of money out though, just ask your self how much you intend on going, and using all your fancy stuff. You might be suprised how well your old choko stuff will still work.

But, if money is no big deal, and you wanna run with the cool kids, the only thing I could add from personal experience is this- steer clear of the base layer from costco, at least the shirt. It has a zipper neck, and I find it VERY annoying.
And gloves- Heavy, old school leather mitts for the trail. Simple peavy mart, with the snott wipes on the back are my favorite. A couple pairs, in case you run into rain, or your buddies find there fancy ones are not working for them.
Off trail, thin windproof. I find liners a pain when your fingers get wet. At any rate, I take as many pairs as I can carry, usually four pairs. Your hands are your tools, and if they are cold and frozen, your cold and frozen.

Boots are very important, as important as gloves. I've been wearing Irish Setter elk trackers for the past 3 seasons and love them. As long as there water proof, and lightly insulated, your good to go. If you don't want to spend a whole bunch, insulated rubber boots work pretty good to....

 

[Bnorth]

It's pretty much all been covered all ready so I will repeat, do not wear cotton anything, no socks, no long johns, no underwear, no t-shirts or hoodies. Just say no, leave the cotton at home.

For base layers I've worn Klim, Costco, Helly Hansen, etc etc. Ski-Doo sent me some to test a couple seasons ago and those have been my go to since. Bit of a looser fit so very nice for not restricting movement as well as capturing more air seems to keep me warmer. I almost never wear a mid layer unless it's in the -15 to -20 range.

 

[MOMMA]

Lots of good info.

Before you start throwing loads of money out though, just ask your self how much you intend on going, and using all your fancy stuff. You might be suprised how well your old choko stuff will still work.

But, if money is no big deal, and you wanna run with the cool kids, the only thing I could add from personal experience is this- steer clear of the base layer from costco, at least the shirt. It has a zipper neck, and I find it VERY annoying.
And gloves- Heavy, old school leather mitts for the trail. Simple peavy mart, with the snott wipes on the back are my favorite. A couple pairs, in case you run into rain, or your buddies find there fancy ones are not working for them.
Off trail, thin windproof. I find liners a pain when your fingers get wet. At any rate, I take as many pairs as I can carry, usually four pairs. Your hands are your tools, and if they are cold and frozen, your cold and frozen.

Boots are very important, as important as gloves. I've been wearing Irish Setter elk trackers for the past 3 seasons and love them. As long as there water proof, and lightly insulated, your good to go. If you don't want to spend a whole bunch, insulated rubber boots work pretty good to....

no offence intended but the outer layer is crucial. I do love Motorfist and have for many years. E-vent flat out rocks. Waterproof, breathable and windproof. that technology is more advanced. There are others out there.. such as Gortex type fabrics found in Klim and the fabrics that SkiDoo and Tobee are using with the principal that the outer layer must be waterproof AND breathable. true fact it is cold if you are soaked from the outside and the inside. the "fancy stuff" is not so much fancy but functional. Mother nature is a bit more harsh in winter weather than in the summer.

 

[pistoncontracting]

no offence intended but the outer layer is crucial. I do love Motorfist and have for many years. E-vent flat out rocks. Waterproof, breathable and windproof. that technology is more advanced. There are others out there.. such as Gortex type fabrics found in Klim and the fabrics that SkiDoo and Tobee are using with the principal that the outer layer must be waterproof AND breathable. true fact it is cold if you are soaked from the outside and the inside. the "fancy stuff" is not so much fancy but functional. Mother nature is a bit more harsh in winter weather than in the summer.

Totally agree.

But if a person isn't a real aggressive rider, and doesn't intend on riding quite a bit, and doesn't want to spend hundreds, or thousands of dollars on gear, then the old choko stuff with a couple upgrades will be just fine.

But hey, if I was selling the OP stuff, I'd probly have a different response.

 

[Wilk INStheWEST]

Totally agree.

But if a person isn't a real aggressive rider, and doesn't intend on riding quite a bit, and doesn't want to spend hundreds, or thousands of dollars on gear, then the old choko stuff with a couple upgrades will be just fine.

But hey, if I was selling the OP stuff, I'd probly have a different response.

If he just plans on riding trails, the Choko stuff will serve him well. If he plans on doing any sorts of mountain riding, then he's going to need to upgrade his outerwear.

 

[TDR]

Great points by everyone. From my experience last December with my 14 year old, no more cheap outer layers in the mountains. Going up and coming down Renshaw in the rain. He was drenched. Never again. New Motorfist pants and a Klim shell. If something should happen up top it could become life or death. Being wet and spending a night on a mountain does not rank high on my fun-o-meter.

 

[pistoncontracting]

If he just plans on riding trails, the Choko stuff will serve him well. If he plans on doing any sorts of mountain riding, then he's going to need to his outerwear.

*WANT, not need.

 

[pistoncontracting]

*WANT, not need.

And if the OP decided to invest in new outer layers, then I would recommend KLIM. Not necessarily the best product, but there warranty is the best, hands down.
A little expensive up front, but they will replace it year after year if it fails.