all in ones

dualyn · Post by **dualyn** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 5:59 pm

Hi Folks,any idea where i could buy some all in one thermal base layers.
Observing gets a bit cold this time of year.

Cheers Duane.

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:06 pm

Hi Duane,
Damart??

Or take a trip to Finland or Norway or Canada. They have it all there.

There must a place in the U.K. also.

I used to wear all cotton M and S long johns and cotton vests in Finland.

Acrylic is a killer and in real cold it is only wool that works or animal fur.
And felt Finnish Felt long boots but it must be well below zero for those.

The main thing is to wear several layers. As many as seven at minus 35C.

So two or three pairs of socks. Underpants plus long johns.
Maybe two vests.
And a warm hat.
I was mercilessly ridiculed for wearing a Russian hat at 7,800 ft on La Palma, but I have spent many winters at minus 20C to minus 34C so I just kept wearing it.

Boots with wool inner and metallic looking inner soles to reflect heat.

And a very good maybe Canadian outer zipup anorak with inner lining.

The sleeves should close tight as well as a flap to cover your mouth and a good lined hood.

Move around. Take 5 minutes indoors every half hour.

A long scarf wrapped twice around with the knot at the back not the front.

Build an observatory? or at least have wind breaks.

There are even battery heated boots and gloves nowadays.

Enjoy the winter.

Regards, David

dualyn · Post by **dualyn** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:01 pm

Thanks for that David,got a few ideas from that,hopefully i wont be out at -34,although i have been at -20,stars like diamond dust Beautiful.

All the best for 2012,Duane.

starmap · Post by **starmap** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:10 pm

Arctic issue parka from military surplus shop is a good thing. Imitation ones are reasonably priced, and okay for UK. You need the real thing for the arctic though.

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:49 pm

Just been speaking to a Swedish friend.
He says Down Jackets, I think from Eider duck feathers are best or Canadian goose featherjackets.

He uses the Block It, I think, Swedish site for Dunnjacka or down jackets.
The Ads are usually in Swedish some english. These are fixed prices although you can bargain.

Or mainly he uses the Tradira Swedish site, Swedish ebay I think. Auction site.

£400 or £500 plus down jackets often sell for £10 or £20, i.e 100 or 200 swedish krona. They sell large numbers of these, probably used but washed and good. He just got 30 high quality new shirts for £10 the lot. Should keep him in shirts for a while.

Plus 11C today 1035 hPa complete cloud cover. Weird.

Incidently in central Helsinki at minus 25C to minus 30C the water vapour from car exhausts in traffic jams sometimes produces a thick cloud of fog that just hangs in the air like something from a scary movie. Very strange.

If it jumps from minus 25C to zero in maybe two hours, all the buildings turn white and millions of glistening crystals form on the trees, quite magical.

On an out of town bus journey with bright low sunshine passing by these millions of diamond crystals I saw probably the best natural spectacle I have ever seen, beating fabulous auroral displays. Although a complete sky cover parhelia spectacle did top even this. With two Suns in the sky and complete horizontal circles and multiple large and small arcs.

The problem with telescope observation in extreme cold is that your eyelids and lashes freeze up and if you breathe on the eyepiece it
instantly gets covered in ice so you cannot see anything. That is why you must cover your mouth and hold your breath then turn away from the eyepiece to take a breath.

No such problems today.

Regards, David

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:19 pm

Actually, if I remember correctly, you are not meant to wash Down jackets or any cold climate jacket with a filling, because washing reduces the insulating effect of the feathers or filling.
They need to be cleaned by specialists.

Maybe most Swedes know how to clean these jackets.

Regards, David

dualyn · Post by **dualyn** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 5:12 pm

thanks for the replies lads,all has been taken on board,what seems incredible is a £400-£500 coat for £10-£20 amazing.Defo going to see about one though.

Best regards Duane.

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 5:32 pm

Dear Duane,
I don't use internet auction sites, so take no responsibilty for anything purchased there.
Some people are skilled and know how to buy things there.
If you did venture to a Swedish site there would be postage etc. and I don't know how safe it is.
I have indirectly got a camera from the Swedish site via my friend, and generally things seem to run smoothly.
Then there is the problem of language but many Swedes speak good english.
I corresponded with a northern Swede for a number of years.

Best wishes also for 2012.

Pity so much cloud last few days.

Regards, David

dualyn · Post by **dualyn** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 6:43 pm

Thanks David for the good advice,went on that Tradira site,i see what you mean about the language barrier,i have a bit of a stammer so cant speak fluent english ha ha(no disrespect for anybody else on the forum with the same predicament).
I never thought about postage to be honest,might try a ski shop over here mate first.
Just been looking i might be in luck,been on Metcheck and on the 28-29-Dec,1,5,6,7,8th of Jan it is forecast as been partly cloudy,or mainly clear.So heres hoping to taking the CPC800 out.
I run the Bishop Auckland A.S.so we are trying to get something put together for Stargazing live..
Anyway mate clear skies to you and speak to you soon.

Regards Duane.

M54 · Post by **M54** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:46 pm

Search for North Cape, they do a range of long johns and tops which are good. Based in Manchester.

If you want a down jacket go visit alpkit.com and order one of their Filo jackets. presently £95, but they are WARM, get one size bigger then you normally get. I have been stood out in one at -13C and been too hot in one. By stood I mean answering questions at a public demo so not moving round.

Alternatives to North Cape are the Patagonia range, suggest Capalline 2 or 3 for slightly heavier items.

If you happen to be in Canada then join MEC, Mountain Equipment Canada. They do an excellent range of thermal wear at good prices. They will post abroad but you have to join - small $5 fee. Just don't think that having otems sent is worth it. Also you will not know what you are getting until it arrives.

Oddly visit a motor bike shop, they have a good range of thermals.

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:10 pm

Maplins do a range of battery-heated outdor wear:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/leisure/outdoor ... d-clothing

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:46 pm

Dear Brian,
I have been ice swimming in holes in frozen Finnish lakes after Sauna.

I don't think I would try it wearing those Maplin electrically heated items.
My hair might get slightly frizzled.

Maybe one can plug oneself into the mains.

Happy New Year,

Regards, David

snowdon · Post by **snowdon** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:48 pm

I do a lot of Moth trapping at very unsociable and often cold hours of the day! I have found that I can keep warm with clothing (mainly designed for anglers) bought from 'Go Outdoors' stores at very good prices. Have a look if they have a store need you!

I would also agrre with the 'Alpkit' on-line retailer, I have several of their items and they are a very good supplier.

dualyn · Post by **dualyn** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 9:19 pm

Thank you very much M54,Brian,David,and Snowdon,all advice taken seriously,i'm going to have a look at the website alpkit now.

ATB to you all Duane.

starmap · Post by **starmap** » Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:13 pm

Definitely be cautious who you deal with. blacks/Millets have collapsed. On the other hand, there are some good high street sales, as suppliers are desparate to sell. Good luck