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?

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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)