OutdoorHub Editor: Keenan Crow 12.03.20
When winter weather blows in, most people head indoors and begin their annual hibernation for the remainder of the season. However, if you were raised hunting and fishing, you’re probably aware this time of year provides many fruitful hunting and fishing opportunities – if you can brace the cold. So, with late season hunts right around the corner and hard water reports starting to file in, we dug through Amazon’s list of best cold weather long johns to find the right gear for your winter adventures.
In the list below, you will find a number of highly-rated and field proven thermal underwear sets for both men and women that will come in handy whether you’re swinging for the fences one last time during late season firearm, or sitting on ice in an ice fishing shanty.
1. Carhartt Force Midweight Thermal Base Layer Pant
A solid midweight base layer to add to your wardrobe with a very approachable price tag. And because it’s built by Carhartt, you know you’re getting a product that’s durable and will last season after season. I use a midweight base layer regularly when hunting, whether on its own or sometimes when it’s really cold I’ll actually wear the midweight underneath my heavyweight stuff. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have multiple layers to throw on rather than not having enough!
Pros/Waffle knit traps heat – Fast dry wicks away sweat and fights odor – Rugged flex technology for ease of movement
Cons/Imported – Made of Polyester
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2. Carhartt Men’s Force Heavyweight Thermal Base Layer Pant
For when the mercury sinks into single digits, these heavier long johns from Carhartt are excellent for the layering strategy I suggested above. The heavyweight fabric traps heat and features rugged flex that moves with you and fast dry technology to wick away sweat.
Pros/Poly-wool blend regulates temperature – Fast dry wicks away sweat and fights odor – Strategic seam placement for maximum comfort and reduced chafing
Cons/Slightly thin for a heavyweight base layer
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3. LAPASA Merino Wool Thermal Long John Set
Merino wool is an amazing fabric. In fact, if we’re talking ‘base layers’ I suggest you start with a layer of Merino wool right up against your skin.
Merino wool specializes in keeping your body temperature at a stable temperature, and does so in a really fascinating way. When it’s cold outside, the natural crimps and bends in the fibers trap air, insulating you. When it’s warm outside, it transports sweat quickly away from the skin, helping to keep you cool and dry.
I recently started using a similar approach to my layering system, and I will never go back to not using Merino wool ever again!
Pros/Provides effective insulation and warmth when temperature drops – Made to be breathable, so you don’t need to worry about overheating in it.
Cons/Requires additional layers
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4. MEETWEE Women’s Winter Base Layer
For the ladies out in the woods, this base layer set includes heavyweight thermal tops and bottoms. Made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, these long johns are designed using double-seamless technology with top quality thermal properties, while the inner extra thermal fabrics provide added heat retention.
Pros/Comfortable – Super warm – Ultra Soft
Cons/Lightweight – Requires Additional layering – Runs slightly small
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5. J JINPEI Heated Thermal Underwear for Men and Women
If you’re like me, you’ve probably been looking forward to winter and ice fishing for several months now. Being from Michigan, ice fishing is something I actually look forward to all year. I love getting out on the ice, surrounded by winter’s beauty, and reeling in some tasty perch for dinner. Of course, like most pursuits, you’ll have to earn your quarry out there, and that often means long hours sitting on a frozen lake – Brr!
But don’t worry, we got you covered!
If you’re expecting seriously harsh conditions, or for whatever reason can’t ever seem to stay warm out there, perhaps you should consider this heated base layer set. The shirt and pants are rechargeable and can run for 3.5 – 6 hours off a 4-5 hour charge. They heat up fast at the touch of a button and offer three different temperature settings.
These are a real game changer in the ice shanty!
Pros/Comfortable – Machine wash capable – Keeps you warm for hours
Cons/Feels slightly stiff/ bulky
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