Is Uniqlo HeatTech as good as proper thermal underwear?

[deweydells]

Not exactly style and beauty but I'm working on a project that will mean spending all day outside in a couple of weeks. Think twelve hour days standing outside in exposed places or in buildings that haven't been heated for years. I really feel the cold and so I need to get some proper thermal underwear.

I like Uniqlo heattech but I wear it inside under jumpers. Would proper thermal underwear be a lot warmer? Or do I need to go for a ski type merino base layer?

[pinkfrocks]

I think you will find that most thermal wear sold by 'outdoor' specialists is man-made and not wool. No 100% sure but check it out. Look at specialist companies that cater for expeditions etc.

You could always double u- merino and Heat Tech.
I sometimes layer Heat tech- 2 tops together.

[deweydells]

Thanks pinkfrocks, I'll check out the hardcore stuff aimed at expeditions. I'm not normally a fan of man-made fibers but anything in the interests of staying warm!

[moggle]

The good thing with merino is that it really doesn't smell after a day of wear, so you don't need to have as many. Man made stuff you would need a fresh top every day. When skiing I just have two merino base layers that I alternate and hang up to air on the 'off' days. So although it's more expensive to start with, it might work out less so in the long run. I have bought stuff from Embers merino before, good quality, British made and looks like they still have some sale stuff on their website.

[deweydells]

Thanks, moggle. I've had a look at Embers and that looks like just the thing I need.

[angeltulips]

Personally I'd go for a merino base layer and then you can layer a heat tech top over the top. For merino I like icebreaker stuff - it's pricey but lasts forever and is unbelievably warm.

[Saurus72]

My DH rides a motorcycle all year round and swears by M&S thermal underwear - he found the uniqlo stuff no good at all, and also said it didn't feel very nice.

[Bunbaker]

We have booked a trip to the arctic and I have just bought a load of clothes from Decathlon. The base layers with a high merino content looked the business.

[HermioneDanger]

Merino is in the sale at Mountain Warehouse at the moment - just £15 for a top that keeps me warm when stuck on the slowest chairlift in the world at temperatures too far below zero to be happy outside! Merino really is the answer.

[RaisingSteam]

Aldi might have some merino baselayers left?
I agree, get merino top and bottoms and be prepared to wear both. When I used to work on building sites I would wear tights, long johns, jeans and water proofs and about 5 layers on top .

[deweydells]

Thank you for all these ideas. I've just ordered a merino baselayer top and leggings from Mountain Warehouse. They should keep me toasty and a great price too.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Decathlon has some really good prices on ski-wear at the moment . I bought some for DD (ski-trip in Feb) might go back for some merino bases for her.
I looked in Costco too, more ££ and fewer sizes.

The Uniqlo fleeces are good (Heatech) got some in the sale.
And she has a down jacket that folds to a tiny pouch (as a layer under her jacket if she wants)