Winter Thermals

Hey Everyone,

As some of you know I have an allergy to the cold (I break out in hives) and don't really show up during the winter because my winter garb has been rather lacking. I want to change this.

I'm starting to look around online for some winter thermals for under my costume and ways to make my costume look better during the winter. What brands of thermals do you use? Materials? Other things I should know before I buy something. My goal for this winter is to not be steeling Matt's cloak every event but have enough warm clothing of my own to keep me from breaking out too much.

Thanks for your help!

-Ann

WinterSilks.com

Also, www.knightrealms.com/logistics/50-clothi...-your-character.html

I spent 20 minutes trying to find that link and failing horribly... Thanks Geoff.

I love underlayers from www.patagonia.com - Both the sets Sam and I have have lasted for at least 5 years of wear, and I still love them.

Patagonia baselayers do not come cheaply, but they are worth the investment, as Kristen said. I have put mine through rigors that far exceed anything that happens to us at KR and they have never failed me.

Mammut is another brand with an excellent reputation, but I don't have any personal experience with their wares.

Oh, in particular, check out the zip-neck baselayers. Zipped up they are much warmer than the crew necks and unzipped to various lengths they give you better temperature regulation options.

You guys rock, good looking out.

I'm going to have to 3rd patagonia here. Awesome for KR, practical for when the oil heater in the crappy, mismanaged house you're renting doesn't work for half the winter... I mean, not speaking from experience or anything here...

Synthetic thermals usually itch me so while I hear great things about Patagonia.. I prefer Icebreaker wool. It's super soft and keeps me exceedingly warm. I picked mine up at modell's and a REI store.

While it's too late now, it can be good in the Spring to go shopping for thermals, when they go on clearance sale.  If you're lucky, you may also be able to get them this season if a store is making room in stock, or closing down, etc.

The other thing to consider is the upcoming holidays.  If you need something, and your Aunt Mildred keeps getting you sweaters, you might be able to put a nice set of thermals on your holiday list.  They don't come off as LARP gear like a sword or such would, and more mundane folk might not have a problem getting them for you. Just say they are for Skiing / Hiking / Camping.

WOW Thanks everyone. I've got a bunch of things picked out on their websites- mostly their clearance, I just have to narrow it down to the 1 or 2 thermal outfits I want at this point! Between photographing a wedding next weekend with Matt and a excessively beefy pay check I should be able to pick up thermals and a cloak and be ready for winter.