Mid-weight long johns are considered to be the most multifunctional type. They’re suitable for intensive activities in cold weather and regular use in warmer conditions. Light-weight long johns are the thinnest and often the most affordable. You will need to consider how you will layer your clothing and the lowest temperatures you will expect on your trip. Cons are that it’s prone to abrasion and may absorb odors.īase layers are divided into different weight categories, which indicate their thickness.

Silk is lightweight and feels soft and luxurious. They’re excellent for skiing and snowshoeing. Silk long johns are good for outings in moderately cold weather, but they won’t suffice when it gets extremely cold.

The only real downside of merino wool is that it’s a delicate material, so it is less durable than the synthetic and cotton options. Merino wool long johns are more expensive, but they’re also warmer, breathe better and dry more quickly. This makes merino wool clothing a lot softer than clothes made with regular wool. Merino wool is essentially a fancy type of wool made with fine fibers of wool from a specific breed of sheep. This is why it’s recommended to opt for long johns that are a mix of cotton and synthetics, rather than 100% cotton. It dries very slowly, which poses dangers on the trail in winter. On the downside, however, cotton does not insulate when it gets wet. It provides necessary warmth in cold weather and is a durable material. It has great characteristics, but also some that make it less ideal for outdoor activities.Ĭotton is a great insulator. If worn repeatedly and not cleaned regularly, they often begin to smell.Ĭotton is a material that’s both revered and criticized by outdoor enthusiasts. The biggest downside of synthetic long johns is that they’re prone to absorb odors. They are tough and durable, which is an important factor to consider. These types of fabric are lightweight and soft, comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. Synthetics include polyester and polyester blends, which can consist of spandex, nylon or polypropylene. Long johns made with synthetic materials are often cheaper. We’ll explain the pros and cons if each material below. Choosing between materials is arguably the most important decision you’ll have to make. All of them have their own characteristics and specifications.

Just like base layer tops, long johns come in four different types of fabric-synthetics, cotton, wool and silk.

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