Thermal underwear?

[tenaya]

Oh Flist! I need some advice. Mom and I have decided to spend a week in Fairbanks in March to try to see the northern lights. We are Californians and thus, are a little anxious about the colder weather up there. I thought, "I'll buy some thermal underwear!" But when I googled it, I discovered a wide price range.

So, for people that buy/use thermal underwear, what is your favorite type? Are there brands that I should totally shun? All help is deeply appreciated.

Actually, while I got you here...how about cleats for the footwear so we don't slip on ice so much? Last thing I want is for Mom (77 years old) to slip and break something while on vacation. Are there ones that are great? Ones that aren't worth a plug nickel?

Again, I will be grateful for any advice.

Thanks!

Comments

[dragonfly]

Cuddlduds. They unfortunately are sold under other names, but they'll say Cuddlduds in small print and are reasonably priced at Target stores. Possibly other places as well, but I can always get them at Target.

Cuddlduds are thin but warm, and the lycra ones are so slippery that it's easy to get your other clothes on and off over them. Some of them have lace at the wrist and ankle cuffs that can be kind of pretty peeking out.

I swear by them.

As for footwear, I can't call them inexpensive, but look for Yak Trax (Tracks?). They slip on over most footwear and provide good traction, though they are not actually cleats.

[amalthia]

A lot of people are wearing these skirt jackets from Sweden or Norway to cover their jeans, it was in the newspaper last year. I think at the moment those are more popular than thermal underwear (because wearing them can get too hot if your inside but still not warm enough outside) plus you have two pair of pants. I can ask someone at work about the skirt/jacket thing.

I got my thermals at JC Pennies. I think they were about 20-30 dollars. I probably overpaid.

sholio actually lives in Fairbanks so she may actually have better info. I rarely have to wear thermals since the temps hardly get that low in Anchorage.

p.s.

[amalthia]

I have the Cuddl duds brand. I liked that they came in different designs and they are cute.

link you may find interesting

[amalthia]

http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/650538.html

I'm also looking for a good deal on this type of insulated skirt because it gives you more freedom of movement and protects against the wind. :) Though I think this may be on the pricey side compared to thermal underwear.