Push the limit further with thermal underwear

The limits of outdoor sports and recreation have been pushed further every season with lighter, stronger, and cheaper materials composing clothing and gear. Not enough credit is given to one particular item – thermal underwear. Who uses it? Professional athletes, adventurers, and extreme sports stars do – and so should you if you go anywhere during the winter months. Do you ski? Or go mountain biking, abseiling or on hiking trips? Modern thermal underwear is one of the most important items you can pack for survival situations. It can literally save your life if you find yourself getting unexpectedly stranded without means to heat your car, boat, shelter or even your home. Does this happen to “normal” people? Just ask someone who’s little adventure went a bit wrong and ended up lost…or one of the 6 million Canadians who were without power for several days, a couple of years ago…had that been winter, there would have been many casualties from exposure to cold. Think of thermal underwear as a cheap insurance policy. It doesn’t cost a lot (you can find tops and bottoms for about $20 a set) and does not take up much space in your trunk, backpack, or underwear drawer.

Modern thermals are very comfortable and inconspicuous, coming in short and long sleeve designs and in fairly standard colors. Most would be mistaken for t-shirts or underpants, and don’t stick out from regular clothing. Modern production also does away with bulky seams, most of which are now welded with adhesive rather than sewn. The result is that you should not even notice you are wearing them while playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities.  Cotton, wool, and acrylic fiber are all used to make thermals, and of these natural wool fiber is still considered the best. It is also the most expensive, but has the advantages of being super soft, highly insulative , as well as maintaining a good performance even when it gets wet. This is important because it is when you get wet that you are at maximum risk of developing hypothermia in severe weather conditions. Not just for outdoors either – stay comfortable and warm in the cold office, at home, or on long train trips. Thermals can make your life a lot easier!