Top 5 Cold-Weather Base Layers

What an interesting topic we have today: Glorified underwear. But we shouldn’t joke, because a decent base layer can add a whole month to your riding season, and that commands respect.

Best Cold-Weather Motorcycle Base Layers:

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[mikegraham]

Many, many years ago as a starving student I rode year-round in Edmonton, Alberta. My solution to 80km/hr at -40C was army surplus East German army pants, which were about 8 layers of wool (not merino, just regular communist sheep) and had a very clever layer of plastic sheeting inside there in some important places (like the shins) so that when Tommy Atkins (or whatever the German equivalent was) was kneeling in the snow the moisture wouldn't wick through. That plastic layer made the pants wind-proof even at 80km/h, and it was awesome. Pretty impressive tech for WW2 surplus.
The real problem was the hands. Oh, man. So many frozen fingers.
This all brings back memories.
Mostly annoying memories about how the Harley guys would be riding the sofa all winter, and come spring I'd wave and they wouldn't wave back because they were too good to wave to someone on a Yamaha. Yep. Still annoys me even to this day.

[macf]

Serious crimes.. Cowboy crimes.. And fashion crimes...
Hahaha . That's gold :)

[noneatza]

And now for those of us that consider everything above 100$ a fortune:
When it's not raining, dress just as you would on a *very* cold day, but add about two pages of newspaper just below the top layer, on your chest, belly, and arms(from shoulder to wrist). I guarantee those two pages will keep you just as warm as those jackets Ryan showed us.
When it's raining, well, just throw whatever you have on you and hope for the best, sorry, can't think of a cheap option here.
Also, Ryan, amazing job as usual !
You could try and make a video on heated grips / heated seats, since it's getting colder by the minute !

[saabsly]

Generally speaking, it is very easy to stay warm even in extreme cold weather if you folow these simple rules:
1. Layers. The best insulant is air. The more air you can imprison, the more stable will be the temperature (works both to keep warm and cold). So instead of having a very thick layer, go for 2 or 3 thinner ones. Save for some exceptions (like north face parkas), it works better.
2. The external layer MUST BE 100% wind resistant. You may laugh, but a simple rain suit over your usual gear cuts wind very well. Just make sure there are no points where the wind came come in, or where the inside air can be sucked out. For that have nice hugging wrists, waist and collar.
3. Don't over do it. If you are over packed, you will sweat and then you'll be in trouble because the moisture takes the place of the air within fibres. That's the number one rule of extreme cold weather survival btw.
4. Dress slack. By that I mean do not wear gear that are fit or compresses the layers you are wearing. Everyone tend to feel more protected when snugged, but in fact, that's really bad. A compressed fabric doesn't hold air. Thus it doens't insulate.
5. Protect extremities. Heated grips or gloves are the best. In your boots, you might not believe me, but I used an old grandma's trick. I put some (ground) pepper in my socks. Likea restaurant ouch in each and believe me, you will never have cold feet again. I dare you to try and tell me it didn't work. Well obviously if you try that at -50 in mesh running shoes, yeah ok... But if you do that you're an idiot anyway... lol

So what I usually do is wear a first layer that absorbs and retain sweat (so that it doesn't go into the other layers). A simple cotton t-shirt does the trick. Then I put a thicker layer of fabric that holds as much air as I can find. Like a polar. I choose it kinda loose. And then I wear the best wind cutter I can find (like a rain suit, or a 100% water proof skying suit). And I wear a baklava to protect and seal the neck area. I used to ride at below freezing point without any problem (although I never really exceeded 2 hours; not because i was getting cold, but i just reached my destination WAY before I could feel the slightest change in comfort).

[thomascampbell]

I just discovered your channel and I've been binge watching your videos for two hours straight.

[rajgill]

I used to ride oceanside west coast roads during frost, but I was dumb kid and never had any cold gear. Some of the most fun Ive had on rides, feeling alive as hell

[VTPyzon]

I'm a skier who is all too familiar with base layers. And, yet, I still watch! Great review. (and you're right about Merino)

[wombatmoto]

"Best hot gear" at some point would be nice. It's kind of hard cutting through the marketing BS without a hands on experience

[freeroam]

For me year round outdoor pursuits require heated gloves (Power in Motion, designed in Calgary), heated socks (Lenz) and I now have a heated vest. They are all independent with their own batteries, generally about 5-6 hours on medium heat. My bikes all have heated grips, and my former Beemer had a heated seat, which was very nice as I also used to ride year round, mainly in Vancouver area. I also have up to 6 layers on the torso!! Hey you can always remove extra layers when/if it warms up.

[nbasit]

PERFECT timing for this video. Just what I needed to know, too. Thanks Ryan and the FortNine team!

[fgjhham]

"Serious crimes, cowboy crimes and fashion crimes!" 😂😂😂

[hudsonquay]

I've tried so many base layers for skiing, mountain biking and motorcycling over the years and found the best to be Icebreaker Oasis merino. Not cheap but very high quality and stands the test of time.

[e.simons]

Personally, I go to my hunting gear for base layering! It's got the latest in materials and I know from personal testing that the base layers of my hunting gear is the perfect start for cold weather bike riding!

[canrule]

'Serious crimes, cowboy crimes, fashionable crimes' I love that line!

[alexandreaubry]

4 years ago. Still useful. Thanks, man.

[mrwi]

I used my Helly Hanssen skiing base layers. They work well and are, from what I recall reasonably priced from most sports stores.

[ostmen_draugr]

I ran the Freeze-out gear this last winter (ha winter in florida, 2 weeks max) & it works pretty well down to 29* F. Keeps your heat in, lets sweat out & blocks wind better than any other base layer I've used.

[battlebornhd]

I generally like these Fortnine videos and the content is usually really good.... with that being said... I ride year round, sometimes in 15-20 degrees on my Harley. There is no need to spend the amounts of money on these base layers. I wear Carhartt base layers through the winter for cold weather riding and it’s fairly cheap and super warm.

[keithburt]

Merino Thrift store treasures, for sure, , , and Cotton destroyed me for decades, Bless You !!

[randolphwagner]

NOTHING BEAT THE OLD FASHIONED NORDIC FISH NET UNDERWEAR AS THE FIRST LAYER!