10 models of the best men's thermal underwear for cold weather: differences, which one to buy, price, reviews

What is special about thermal underwear for hunting or fishing?

So, you have decided not to buy a universal set of thermal underwear and approach the choice of thermal underwear consciously, taking into account its further use. It’s worth noting here that there are many offers on the market that are targeted at a specific group of consumers: only for hunters, only for fishermen, or for sports. Do not fall for such a pseudo classification, because it was invented solely for the convenience of promoting a particular product. Any such advice should be taken solely as recommendations, and in order to successfully navigate this sea of ​​information, we will try to answer the most popular questions related to the choice of thermal underwear.

So, we have already written about the general functions of thermal underwear or “base layer” in an article about the principles of “layering” in clothing. However, for our purposes, we will need a kit that not only performs the basic functions of protection against moisture and overheating, but also has additional characteristics.

Thermal underwear that combines the properties of sets for sports and everyday wear is called “hybrid”.

What are the additional characteristics of thermal underwear that a hunter or fisherman should pay attention to? There are several of them, but the most important are the following:

• Increased wear resistance. This is ensured by an optimal combination of properties such as elasticity and strength of the material.
• Light texture. Thermal underwear for hunting and fishing does not restrict a person's movements and does not create discomfort during prolonged wear.
• Providing reliable hydro- and thermal protection. Even when the fisherman sweats, thermal underwear wicks moisture away from the skin, leaving the body dry and warm
• Easy to care for. When going fishing or hunting for several days, this is an important factor.
• Special fabric composition and cut, minimum seams.

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As can be seen from the list of desired characteristics, the main emphasis when choosing thermal underwear should be placed on the type of fabric.

How to choose thermal underwear - parameters

An important parameter when choosing any clothing is the correct size. If the underwear does not fit tightly to the body, the body will not be able to maintain itself. A size that is too small will constrain and limit movement.

Men's size chart:

What fabrics are included in thermal underwear?

Despite the positive connotation of the concept of “natural fabrics” and the disdainful attitude towards “all synthetics”, in the case of clothing for active pastimes, it is synthetic impurities that provide such characteristics as wear resistance and moisture wicking*.

So, the main types of fabric used in the production of thermal underwear sets:

• Cotton
• Nylon (Synthetic polyamide)
• Polyester
• Merino wool

A set of thermal underwear, as a rule, contains several types of fabric. To better understand the composition of the kit, it will be useful to learn about the individual properties of each material.

Thermal underwear for hunting or fishing: optimal fabric composition

Having learned the properties of various fabrics, we can confidently make a choice in favor of a suitable set. However, we still have to decide on priorities, because the most common sets made of synthetics, cotton or wool have their adherents and opponents.

Synthetics

Plus – effective removal of moisture from the fisherman’s (hunter’s) body. The downside is that it doesn’t retain heat well (as they say, it “gets cold”).

Synthetic set - most suitable for “active” fishing or running hunting. In this case, physical activity allows you to warm the body, and thermal underwear serves only as additional insulation. Its main purpose is to remove sweat from the skin.

Cotton, wool

Plus - low thermal conductivity. That is, these are excellent thermal insulators. The cotton set is also suitable for people with allergies to synthetics. The downside is increased moisture absorption, which leads to heavier thermal underwear. In addition, it will take quite a long time to dry, which will create additional problems during a multi-day trip to nature.

Cotton or wool - it is better to choose such thermal underwear for “passive” methods of hunting (from ambush) and fishing (winter). Or as a set for the base layer, if synthetic products are worn on top.

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Properties and composition

Thermal underwear itself does not provide warmth; this is a typical misconception associated with the name of this type of clothing. By the way, this term is widespread only in the territory of the former post-Soviet space. Abroad they use the phrase Base Layer (literally, base layer).

Thermal underwear serves as thermal insulation and to remove moisture from the body, which became possible thanks to the special cellular structure of the fabric from which it is made. Those cells that are in direct contact with the body remove moisture, and the top layer distributes it as much as possible over the surface, where it evaporates. This is facilitated by a special weaving of fibers (“waffle”, “ribbed”, “mesh”). In addition, the cells retain air, which serves as an ideal protective layer.

Polypropylene is best suited for creating thermal underwear. After it comes polyester (otherwise known as lavsan), developed back in the USSR. In the USA, the special fiber fabric is called dacron, in Japan - tetoron, in England - terylene, in France - tergal.

To increase wearing comfort, merino wool or cotton can be added to synthetic fabric. When making thermal underwear for winter fishing, the seams are made flat and are located on the outside, like the labels, which is done to ensure that the clothing fits as tightly as possible to the body.

The main thing is that the suit fits: we select the size of thermal underwear

When going outdoors for a long time, it is advisable to take a spare set of underwear with you. You can always figure out where to change clothes, how to dry your removed clothes. One, lighter, is put on immediately, while still at home. It is convenient to move along a route, look for a place to drill holes, and so on. But a replaceable set of thermal underwear is for relaxation, it should be “more serious” and not allow a person to freeze when activity decreases.

Nowadays, more and more purchases are made online and there is a high probability of not getting your size when buying thermal underwear. Here it’s worth playing it safe and first trying on a similar model from the same manufacturer or ordering a couple of sizes “to try on.” After all, the peculiarity of such equipment for fisherman and hunters is that it is most effective only if it is selected exactly according to height and build. Believe me, a scrupulous approach to choosing the size of thermal underwear will pay off in full, because even the most expensive set will not realize its functions if it hangs, squeezes or rubs.

To find your bearings in sizes, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table of the most common sizes in international and European formats.

Thermal underwear size chart for men

Choosing good thermal underwear is a rather complicated procedure that requires a professional approach. It is useless to evaluate all its pros and cons simply by eye. This is why many trust reputable manufacturers. In this case, the likelihood of running into a product of dubious quality or that does not meet the stated characteristics is minimal. Of course, a set of thermal underwear from a popular manufacturer will be more expensive, but excessive savings in this matter will remind you of itself when it’s far from home, and there’s nowhere to change clothes or get additional equipment.

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Selection rules

On sale you can find options for men's and women's thermal underwear. Models often differ not only in appearance, but also in composition. Women's underwear includes more wool fibers to provide warmth. Models for men are made taking into account anatomical features so as not to cause discomfort when worn.

There are several options for thermal underwear; the specific model is selected depending on weather conditions:

1. Single layer models. They have only one layer, which is mainly responsible for removing moisture. It is better to wear such underwear when it is slightly cool outside, otherwise the effect will be minimal.
2. Double layer underwear. Designed to be worn at sub-zero temperatures. One layer is responsible for retaining heat under clothing, the other prevents moisture from accumulating and leaves the body always dry.
3. Three-layer underwear. In terms of its characteristics, it is practically no different from two-layer underwear, except that it has an additional third anti-allergenic layer.

Dimensions

Most often, thermal underwear produced by well-known global manufacturers is marked by size, just like standard clothing. The size is designated by the letters XS, M, L, XL, XX, and the size chart that corresponds to these designations is available in the fitting room or from the store salesperson where you purchase the underwear.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Important! If you couldn’t find information about the size yourself, ask the seller all your questions. A store employee will help you choose the most suitable model depending on your specific needs.

Make sure that your underwear fits as closely as possible and fits your body. Thermal underwear that is too small will cause discomfort; if it is too large, it will have zero effectiveness.

Materials used

The following materials are mainly used in the production of thermal underwear:

1. Wool and cotton. Natural materials are rarely added to thermal underwear fabric; if present, it is in minimal quantities due to a number of disadvantages (change in shape and size after washing, lack of wearing comfort, significant weight).
2. Bamboo and eucalyptus. Plant fibers added to the material provide antibacterial properties to the linen. Such fabrics are resistant to wear, have increased strength and perfectly absorb excess moisture.
3. Polypropylene and polyester. Most often used in the production of thermal underwear. The finished fabric fits the body well, allows moisture to pass through, does not deform when washed and does not cause allergic reactions on the skin.
4. Polartek. An innovative fabric for the manufacture of thermal underwear, there are several types of material depending on the percentage of natural and artificial fibers in the composition. The material does not allow the body to sweat, retains heat, the finished underwear can be used in any weather conditions.

Popular thermal underwear manufacturers

The range of thermal underwear is very wide, and often in stores you can find not only sets, but also individual elements of equipment. Therefore, the choice can be made for every taste and season. Including for various types of active recreation, taking into account the specifics of hunting or fishing.

When choosing individual elements or a set, it is advisable to purchase combined fabric options. Thermal underwear made from just one material has limited use. Since fishing and hunting are carried out by the same person in different ways (from a stand, in the fields, and so on), it is advisable to choose universal products, the fabric of which is made from natural fibers in combination with synthetic ones.

In this regard, there are many laudatory reviews about thermal underwear based on Coolmax threads. The highest quality and unsurpassed moisture wicking are the main reasons for choosing this type of thermal underwear. The only downside is, perhaps, the price (for example, a kit from the Polish manufacturer Viking will cost 6,300 rubles) - it, as many fishermen and hunters believe, “bites”. How to tune a Niva for hunting and fishing: a list of modifications and design improvements

Here is a small list of brands popular in our circle with examples of prices per set (in rubles, by region: Moscow)

• “Norveg” (5,480) - these products from Germany are considered universal in use;
• “Norfin Nord” (3,580) – fleece thermal underwear, just right for winter hunting;
• “Janus” (5800) – natural fabric, well suited for use in autumn;
• “Craft Active” (2,260) is an artificial fabric, but provides good insulation. It is advisable to choose for hunting from ambush or ice fishing;
• “Nova Tour” (set – from 2,890). This is a whole line of products in the “thermal underwear” category from a Russian manufacturer. This includes sets of products worn on the naked body (the same T-shirts + long johns), various suits.

Merino wool set from Norveg

This list of manufacturers is compiled as an example, based on reviews from hunters and fishermen. It’s easy to get acquainted with them by going to any of the thematic forums. In reality, the list of thermal underwear manufacturers is much wider.

For example, the products of “Aclima”, “Bola”, “Fjällräven”, “Devold”, “RedFox”, “Termoswed”, “Ultramax”, “Guahoo”, “Shimano”, “Marmot”, “Odlo”, “ Laplandic", "Craft", "Gratex", "X-bionic". Therefore, in reality there is a choice, and quite a large one, at any price.

Care

To ensure that your thermal underwear does not lose its working qualities and lasts as long as possible, you need to properly care for it.

• 
  Don't take it to the dry cleaner.

• It is best to wash by hand, and under no circumstances twist it - just let the water drain.
• In the machine, use only delicate mode without spinning and no conditioners or bleaches that can react with artificial fiber.
• The water temperature should be no higher than 60 ° C (optimal 30-40 ° C).
• Do not iron or dry on heating appliances, in dryers, or near an open fire. This leads to compression of natural fibers and fusion of synthetics.
• The frequency of washing with constant use is once a week. And then your underwear will serve faithfully for many years.