Winter pants

[clemency]

I own an auto repair shop and and I'm constantly in and out of doors, getting in cold vehicles down to -20 degrees, and looking at things in the parking lot. Mid-weight thermals keep me from freezing to death outside and don't overheat me inside. I literally wear them all day every day from November to March.

Alan

This sounds like Carhartt thermal coverall territory.

https://www.carhartt.com/product/104464/yukon-extremes-insulated-coverall---4-extreme-warmth-rating

On a semi-related note, I've been looking at reviews of wool mesh baselayers. Not so much for winter, but for shoulder season. Like so:

Unisex Wool Thermo A-Shirt Singlet Base Layer – Brynje USA

www.brynjeusa.com

I think they'd work in winter too, so long as they're paired with a windproof outer layer.

 

[Alan Gage]

This sounds like Carhartt thermal coverall territory.

I think I'd roast wearing something like that all day and I think it would be too bulky and restrict movement. The shop and office are both well heated and that's where most of my time is spent. I'm in short sleeves or a light jacket when inside. I have no complaints about my daily wear, it's perfect.

I did pick up a pair of insulated coveralls that I'll be trying out in colder weather on my walks.

Alan

 

[clemency]

I think I'd roast wearing something like that all day and I think it would be too bulky and restrict movement. The shop and office are both well heated and that's where most of my time is spent. I'm in short sleeves or a light jacket when inside. I have no complaints about my daily wear, it's perfect.

I did pick up a pair of insulated coveralls that I'll be trying out in colder weather on my walks.

Alan

I did pipeline construction one winter in Wyoming many years ago, and the coveralls were all the rage. Definitely an outdoor activity though.

 

[Alan Gage]

A local farm store was having an after Christmas sale so I picked up a pair of insulated canvas coveralls. I tried them out on our walk tonight. It was about 10 degrees (-12c) with a steady breeze gusting to around 10mph. I was directly exposed to the wind during the walk. I wore them over my regular day clothes (work pants and medium weight thermals).

Initial impressions were that they weren't very comfortable to wear or walk in, but not intolerable.

Second impression was that they were very warm! About a mile into the walk I started feeling uncomfortably warm so I unzipped the legs to above the knee and unzipped the layers under my anorak to try and shed some heat. This cooled me down and kept me comfortable for the rest of the walk.

I think these will mostly be relegated to more sedentary outdoor activities but I'll try them out for walks when it gets colder.

It felt like more work to walk in these than anything else I've been wearing and that seemed to be backed up by my heart rate, which was about 15 bpm higher than usual during the walk.

Alan

 

[Boatman53]

Working on boats on the waterfront in winter is no fun. I wore a pair of the insulated coveralls most of the winter. Not the Carhart they were too warm not sure what the brand was I wore and worked them till they were tattered, definitely got my money’s worth. I still have a pair but I don’t need them much anymore, but they do live in my car during the winter in case I have an emergency that I am otherwise unprepared for.
Jim

 

[Tsuga8]

I think these will mostly be relegated to more sedentary outdoor activities but I'll try them out for walks when it gets colder.

I have a couple pairs and likewise they only come out when it's REALLY cold or for sedentary activities (spectating winter sports, outdoor social gatherings). I did use them working under the porch once as well - active but laying on cold ground to work.

 

[scoutergriz]

I echo the recommendations for wool pants. My 30 year old pair of Codet pants have been through Northern Ontario bush, Baffin Island dog-sledding, hikes and hunting expeditions and lately Lanark County chores. Rarely washed, always on a normal cycle with regular soap.
I have Canadian military wind pants when it gets colder/windier - similar vintage, extra pockets, covered access to layers below, cotton-nylon, durable, wind resistant and snow resistant.
View attachment 144776More active layering is achieved with an appropriate long john, a fleece pant/tight and a ripstop polyester windpant shell from MEC, 20 years ago. Never really understood the appeal of waterproof/breathable, does not breathe enough for me, no need for water resistance at cold temps. Have not been able to find a similar pair of wind pant, double zips on legs, abrasion patches at inner ankle and knees, high waist, detachable suspender straps...all that I find are expensive Gore-Tex or comparable or insulated pants (too bulky and not adaptable enough for layering).
The long johns I have found the most comfortable are the grid fleece, light and not too clingy.

I hate waterproof/ breathable pants for winter activities- I find that within about 1/2 hour the pores are totally frosted up, making them no better than rubberized rain-pants. I also find them too delicate for heavy use in the bush with all the hidden sticks, razor sharp ice layers and abundance of sparks and embers from campfires, I've yet to have a single pair last longer than a single trip without damage.
For overpants in high wind I have an old school pair of snowboard pants that have ankle to waist 2 way zips, reinforced patches on the butt and knees, and ties on the ankles. only the butt and knee patches are waterproof, the ties remove the need for gaiters, and the zips allow you to fully open the sides without removing your boots while also allowing you to vent anywhere you need to, usually a couple of inches at the hips are plenty when hauling a sled

 

[memaquay]

Wool pants shine for heavy activity in the bush. Even on high wind days, if you are pushing through snow in the bush, the wind will be cut by the surrounding vegetation. Having said that, with a pair of long johns, I have used mine for ski-dooing and ice fishing with success. I haven't forgotten you Alan, just need to get to the post office.

 

[Alan Gage]

For overpants in high wind I have an old school pair of snowboard pants that have ankle to waist 2 way zips, reinforced patches on the butt and knees, and ties on the ankles. only the butt and knee patches are waterproof, the ties remove the need for gaiters, and the zips allow you to fully open the sides without removing your boots while also allowing you to vent anywhere you need to,

I have a pair of snowboard pants as well. I'm sure they have some sort of breathable membrane in them but, despite sharing your dislike of waterproof/breathable fabrics, I've never had an issue with them; presumably because of the amount of air leakage past the full length leg zippers.

I appreciate the sturdy construction. I never worry about tearing them. I had them out walking this weekend at -5* (and windy) over heavy weight thermal underwear and flannel lined pants. The combination was slightly overkill.

Alan