Warm long johns?

Twister

Well-known member
Aug 24, 2002
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I never wore longjohns before, but now I might have to do some work outdoors. I'm looking for something warm but at the same time thin not bulky. Thanks for any pointers..Not something that's going to break the bank.
 
I had long johns from Mark's workwearhouse...use it all day under breathable waders and up to waist winter river fishing...never felt cold...
 
At this time of the year, you'll be lucky to find long johns available in retail stores. If your work outside is just temporary in nature, then I'd suggest looking at getting a pair of cheap rain pants or wind pants and wear these over your regular clothing. The idea being to keep out the wind and to trap some warm air around your legs.

If you are going to get proper long johns, just avoid anything made from cotton. They hold onto sweat/moisture and will make you cold rather quickly. I prefer long johns made from 100% polyester fleece.

Taiga Canada and Mountain Equipment Coop are two good places to look for long under wear (base layers).

Cheers
 
When I did winter camping around Ottawa I decided flannel pyjamas were as good as longjohns and way more comfortable. Still are. You can buy them really cheaply.
 
Taiga Canada and Mountain Equipment Coop are two good places to look for long under wear (base layers).

That's where I bought mine, they're thin and super warm. I wear them every day when the high is 5°C or below.
 
Athletic Works from Walmart, I forgot I gave mine away and needed a pair for skiing. Bought XL for $9 . Very comfortable and kept me dry and warm for about 8 hours of skiing.


84% polyester, 16% spandex, make sure there is no cotton to very little. Back in the 90s almost froze to death during a winter survival using DND issued 100-% cotton long johns.

https://www.walmart.ca/search/thermal underwear/N-115
 
Without a doubt....

Stanfields

I'm outdoors a LOT, including very remote areas of Canada in the winter time. You want to keep it simple. I've tried several types and these work for me.

1. Cotton. Very comfortable, and it breaths which helps if you get too warm.

2. Made in Canada (in Nova Scotia I believe). Not China or Vietnam. Right here in Canada.

3. They last and are well made.

I got mine at Mark's but I see you can buy them on line.
 
I never wore longjohns before, but now I might have to do some work outdoors. I'm looking for something warm but at the same time thin not bulky. Thanks for any pointers..Not something that's going to break the bank.


You can go to Icebreaker store. They got one in Toronto. It's very good quality merino wool.
278B Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A1
 
Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's have great long johns . They even have the tops to match . They come in different weights . Light , medium and heavy . Have used them for years when I used to hunt in December . Out in a winter storm , no problem .

Kind of pricey but well worth the price . You can find them on sale at times on their web sites . If you order from Bass Pro Shops you pay in US dollars or just go to the store . Cabela's Canada on-line orders ,CDN or just go to the store .
 
If you're not going to break out into a sweat or have close access to a warm place, you can cheap out and buy cotton.

If you're going to be sweating away in the middle of nowhere with no access to a warm place, you need to buy synthetic or wool.

If catching on fire is an issue, use cotton or wool. Synthetics will stick to your skin unless you are buying some expensive fire retardant mix.

Cotton is a killer in cold temperatures if it gets wet. Wool is the best material, but is not as durable as synthetic and is usually more expensive.
 
You can also try cotton tights or even pantyhose under your jeans. Not joking - I know a guy who used to play football and he told me many football players wear pantyhose underneath their uniforms when playing in the cold.
 
Once a buddy of mine talked me into outdoor camping in the winter. he was into outdoor fishing, on ice and the entire bit. We had a great time, lots of beer and stayed warm as he gave me these thermal pants to ware. wow it was so warm. he gave me as a gift but he said he got them in so specialty store. They were so cool. like being indoor in a warm place and we were In 40 below weather. Also we had the same thing in jackets. It was years ago. I bet you can get this stuff anywhere these days, Walmart, or online for outdoor ware.

It would be kind of cool to have a sexy lady in a warm tent up north. I would love to keep her warm.
 
Good snow pants are great for outdoors since they form an air pocket and let your perspiration escape without causing sweat. If you wear snow pants with long johns it interferes with how they need to function and causes you to start retaining moisture. Just make sure you check to how many degrees they are rated to and follow instructions on their use. When its really cold outside long johns do fuck all but make you sweaty which can cause ice build up.
 
Dakota brand from Mark's Work Warehouse. If you can't find anything, consider cheap pajama bottoms from H&M or Old Navy.
 
...

If you're going to be sweating away in the middle of nowhere with no access to a warm place, you need to buy synthetic or wool.....

Since the OP mentions working outside I'd say this is the key part. Stay away from cotton if sweat is involved.

Best place to go and not break the bank is Marks.

And don't be afraid of a bit of bulk. Tight longjohns don't do as much since there is less warm air being trapped.