Military Polartec Cold Weather Thermals Base Layers

[USMC2378]

Does anyone use the military Polartec base layer top or bottoms when hunting or hiking in colder weather? What’s your experience? I have been using the top and I’m very impressed wicks moisture very well and dries quick.

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-polartec-silkweight-base-layer-shirt-new?a=2290030&szc=3xl&clrc=183&utm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_medium=pla&utm_channel=pmax&utm_channel=pmax&utm_campaign=22549037255&utm_campaign=22549037255&utm_product=wx2*07345711833xl&utm_product=wx2*07345711833xl&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22542629217&gbraid=0aaaaadzpao2ywtr6nddctlycud1g0lpgs&gclid=cjwkcaiawqhibhaeeiwax9ctecbw_eot6xflrqm881cyqls6yegci71-mwb3do6jzifvdqgk25bkmbocugiqavd_bwe

 

[matthewmt]

I've used the bottoms mostly for working in but have also used the waffle fleece tops/ bottoms and feel like a lot of the mil stuff has been pretty solid.


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[ThorM465]

If these are the same army hand me downs we got issued in the mid 2000's, then not a chance in hell.

 

[Dave0317]

I’ve got probably hundreds of days wearing that stuff over the last decade plus, and in several different places.

I’d choose merino over that for hunting in a dry climate and lower activity level. But for hiking hard in the cold and getting sweaty, but still needing to dry fast, it’s hard to beat the synthetic stuff.

For the price, I’d say definitely own a set.
The grid Fleece is a good intermediate layer as well.

 

[yfarm]

The polartec silkweight level 1 is my go to, the grid fleece level 2 is a little thick for me. If the 1 is not enough I use a winter weight polartec running tight as it moves better under clothing. Don’t like that tight restricted movement feeling. The silkweight slide very well under your pants so no restricted motion. The 1 with a performance pant keeps me warm moving down to zero, if not moving use an overpant. If moving in real cold use the 1 with a 100 weight fleece loose fit pant ( think pajama pants with tapered legs) with a level 4 or 5 windpant over the top. Have been in blizzards with below zero windchills and warm and dry with easy movement. Buy on ebay all three for about $75 for acu camo, multicam is higher.

 

[Grassymike]

Late to the party .... I really like the level 1 long johns and base shirt. Also have a couple of the level 2 waffle fleece 1/4 zips , use them as mid layers they breathe and dry out quickly. Level 3 "muppet fleece" is an excellent breathable piece for extra warmth. Also is really good insulation layer under a wind layer or soft shell. Best of all is these are dirt cheap on Ebay or in thrift stores.

 

[Davyalabama]

The silk and the fleece --- I've moved to the Aclima fishnets and just add more merino layering.

 

[JoeK]

I find both the silkweight and the waffle fleece are solid budget options that perform as well as any high dollar fancy brand synthetic layer and they are very durable. I wear the silkweight under my normal work pants (thriftshop BDU) for working in the few weeks of winter I usually get. Wafflefleece are too warm for any exertion but they do handle the moisture well if you get sweaty and are real cozy for sleeping in. At night it does get cold enough in the desert. I've got a bunch of the mil baselayers from thirft shops or sportsman's guide for 5-10$ on sale.

 

[Woods Sleeper]

Not base layer, but I’ve been looking at the fleece jacket and some are listed as polar tech and some (knock offs I’m assuming) aren’t. The non-polar tech is $30 dollars cheaper usually. Have any of you had experience with this layer, and is the extra $30 worth it for the polar tech?

 

[7mm-08]

Not base layer, but I’ve been looking at the fleece jacket and some are listed as polar tech and some (knock offs I’m assuming) aren’t. The non-polar tech is $30 dollars cheaper usually. Have any of you had experience with this layer, and is the extra $30 worth it for the polar tech?

News flash - it is! Polartec is the the standard all other companies attempt to emulate (unsuccessfully I might add).

 

[UnckleBob]

Not base layer, but I’ve been looking at the fleece jacket and some are listed as polar tech and some (knock offs I’m assuming) aren’t. The non-polar tech is $30 dollars cheaper usually. Have any of you had experience with this layer, and is the extra $30 worth it for the polar tech?

I am in the process of losing weight and expect to be in the next size down by spring. I got a knock off fleece jacket to save money. I planned to buy a good jacket for next year.

I wore it to my daughter's soccer game on Monday. I was really cold. My older, polar tech fleece (no longer fits) would have been perfect in that weather.

 

[Woods Sleeper]

I am in the process of losing weight and expect to be in the next size down by spring. I got a knock off fleece jacket to save money. I wore it to my daughter's soccer game on Monday. I was really cold. My older, polar tech fleece would have been perfect in that weather.

Well, I’m glad I spent the extra thirty dollars. Polartec jacket coming Monday, too bad summer already seems to be hitting Iowa.