Merino wool should be on your list. I've got smartwool 250 base layers that I take with me when I'm going to be in the wilderness solo or even with a group but so far out help would be a day away best. In my opinion, a wool long sleeved top & bottom base layer should be a minimal kit carried when in the wild. Other wonderful options are "puffy" jackets of varying designs, weights, and costs. Keep in mind this kind of thing is a perfect example to save money on because you can find lightly used gear on ebay or facebook groups that are more than half off of new.
Until they get wet. In this day and age, there’s no reason to not make use of the plethora of technical fabrics available for cold and wet weather clothing. Well, there’s one reason, cotton is cheap, wool and technicals arent.I'm probably not much help, because I really didn't do anything special for "freezing-ish" temperatures, other than double up on sleeping bags. I'd just wear the standard waffle shirts and britches under regular jeans for fall, with insulated coverall over that (if it was winter camping).
P.S. I have flannel-lined jeans now which would pretty much eliminate the long john bottoms.
I'm sure you're right, but since "outdoors in cold weather" has pretty much been limited to being out on the deck (like now ) or leaf blowing/shoveling snow, they work. I do have one "undershirt" that is one of the moisture-wicking types and I do have to say it's probably warmer than the waffle shirts.Until they get wet. In this day and age, there’s no reason to not make use of the plethora of technical fabrics available for cold and wet weather clothing. Well, there’s one reason, cotton is cheap, wool and technicals arent.
I always figured that even if I get wet and miserable from head to toe in the worst case scenario the merino would still hold some of the heat in so I could live through the night. More times than not, I'll switch from whatever sweaty nasty clothes I'd been wearing all day and jump into the DRY merino top & bottom just before getting in my sleeping bag for the night.
Also a wool watch cap on your head when sleeping and a dry pair of socks.
Not too tough any more. I just throw it in the floor and my laundry maid washes it in the machine.Wool also requires special washing.
I don't do base layers and wool is too heavy. Wool also requires special washing.
Invested in a pair of bibs and a parka. No need to layer up anymore. Also a pair of lined pants makes it nice for when bibs are off. Parka is a three in one and can be adjusted as needed or taken off completely.