Hi , Im looking for a baselayer leggings that I can wear underneath Paramo Cascada trousers during the winter. I think I would like either the Capilene 2 or 3 , but I don't know which ones. I don't have my Cascada trousers - hoping to get them soon. Do you have Capilene 2 or 3 bottoms . How do you find them ? Stretchy enough for hillwalking ? Would the 3 version be too warm under Cascada trousers ?
I have both, and Cacadas. I use the thicker ones in the colder parts of winter (Scotland etc), but have occasionally had to remove them when it's been warm, sunny and windless at the start of the day.
I suffer from cold feet and knees, so for me, the warmer ones are preferred! There's not a great deal in it tho - and it depends on what and where.
They're great longjohns tho, very comfortable. Much lighter than my Icebreakers, so lighter to carry into a bothy, say.
And I've worn midweight merino leggings under Paramo before now and been happy for it. And thats without going really high in winter. It really does seem to vary a bit this.
Maybe worth noting that even Capeline 2 does - when layered - add some warmth. Its got a very open weave indeed. Tons of stretch I think.
I would say check for fit, because it is still rather relevant here!, but its almost impossible to do. Oh well.
Like Davey Mole, a friend just emailed to say he never wears anything under his Cascada trousers , even in cold winter weather, provided he is being active (e.g. walking). He recommends the 1's over the 2s or 3s. Given this and comments above, I think its between the 1s and 2s for me now. If they are light for carrying and I don't use them under the Cascadas, at least I would have them as long johns in my sleeping bag. Any thoughts?
I'd say the 2's because the 1's are just a bit pointless as no warmth and Cascadas very comfortable next to skin. Although the 1's are lighter for sleeping in.
Why not wait and see how the Cascada's go for you without any leggings?
What is the capilene 2 fabric like? I have a pair of Marmot midweight bottoms that use an ever so slightly heavier fabric than the capilene 2s do, but as it is powerdry it has a slightly more structured and '3d' weave which seems a bit warmer than standard, stretchy baselayer materials.
I've used them very infrequently... when I'm active, normal trews or my Aspira salopettes have kept me warm down to some moderately chilly temperatures. I don't think I'd even consider them if the temperature wasn't going to be well under -5 with normal hiking gear... with Paramo gear I don't think I'd use them at all. By the time it got cold enough to make it worthwhile, I'd have swapped the Aspiras for something lighter that was happy in cold, dry temperatures.
Basically a thinnish, very fine mesh. Virtually no air resistance at all by itself (noticeably so vs some other base layers I've used) and a little bit of warmth when layered.
Not as thick as the Marmot midweight stuff. Maybe close if you somehow took the outerface off it?
I find my Paramo Velez trousers warm enough on their own in most conditions. But last winter on a few really cold days -- well below freezing and with some wind -- I did wear a pair of Montane Pertex trousers over the top of them, which added a surprising amount of warmth and gave much better flexibility. They weigh a bit more than light base layer leggings, but not that much, and can be taken on and off very quickly without adjusting other layers. Like a windshirt for the legs.
Guy, I think your overlayering idea is better than un underlayer for ease of putting on and off. I suppose one could wear those Montane Pertex trousers in a sleeping bag if they're not wet. Also assuming they are not waterproof. Alastair
I've used them very infrequently... when I'm active, normal trews or my Aspira salopettes have kept me warm down to some moderately chilly temperatures. I don't think I'd even consider them if the temperature wasn't going to be well under -5 with normal hiking gear... with Paramo gear I don't think I'd use them at all. By the time it got cold enough to make it worthwhile, I'd have swapped the Aspiras for something lighter that was happy in cold, dry temperatures.
I tend to agree. I very rarely use anything under the Cascada unless about the same temp or wind chill may be a factor. If I do I have Arc'teryx leggings (not the best purchase I made) but tend to be toastie.
I've pondered pertex overtrousers (and over-breeches on the old days!) for too many years, but do feel the warmth they would provide if it gets vile and overtrousers are donned would be minimal. Anyone else got any experience of this?
But I do like the simplicity they would givem and the avoidance of that awful overheating early in the day before one hits the higher ground. That's why I have moved towards Cascadas in the last two years, because of the long zips. But on a still, sunny day, after a very cold night near Ben Alder two years ago, the longjohns HAD to come off!
Concerned at not having anything else to put on when/if it gets horrid, and not wanting to sit around in a bothy in wet, dirty trousers (Cascadas), and as Cascadas are not totally windproof, I now take lightweight overtrousers, too. This is a combination I like, very flexible. FWIW, I run cold, knees and feet suffering especially, so whilst this works for me, it may not suit all. I also usually sleep in my trousers, so do try to keep them clean for that reason, too. Nice and warm in the mornings, at least!
I think the fact the Pertex overtrousers create a layer of still air and prevent the wind finding any gaps in the Velez trousers makes a lot of difference. Not like wearing insulated trousers, obviously, but well worth carrying.
They're not waterproof and could certainly be worn inside a sleeping bag, although I've never done so. I don't think they'd add much warmth in that situation, since their main functiion is to stop wind. Migh be useful if you'd had a hot curry for dinner, I suppose.
I see Paramo do a similar windproof trouser, the Fuera. A lot heavier than the Montane OTs, though.
I also go for the windproof overlayer as 'reinforcement' over Paramo in extreme conditions, although tbh it's very rare that I need it. But adding a windproof over an analogy jacket does add a surprising amount of warmth for the weight, so I always carry at least a pertex-type windproof smock to add, and depending on the activity I'm planning I may even take the Paramo Fuera windproof smock to be able to add another layer of hood, and keep a map pocket readily available.
For legs, I sold my Montane Featherlite pertex trousers as they were rather too long, but I have an equivalent from Haglofs that only weigh around 150g, can be worn alone, e.g. in the tent, or added over the Paramo. I also have a plain pair of pertex trousers from Needlesports with lower legs wide enough to go on over my ski-touring boots, and they always go on my Norwegian winter trips.
As well as cutting out the wind totally and creating the layer of still air, I also reckon this extra layer can assist in the event of strongly windblown rain or sleet by breaking the force of the precipitation reaching the Analogy fabric. Obviously that's also the job of the outer analogy fabric but in the worst weather two layers can work harder, leaving less for the pump liner to have to deal with.
Makes a lot of sense Matt - I hadn't come across anyone else doing this. The first winter I had my Paramo jacket, I took it out on one of the last days of the trip on a couple of Munros near Ben Lawers. Normally I use a Goretex top as it's lighter and less bulky, but I prefer the comfort of Paramo. The wind was ferocious, I could feel it cutting thru the jacket, and especially the arm vents. Not nice, as I had nothing else left (apart from another fleece and duvet). At certain angles, the arm vents seemed to catch the wind and it was pretty chilly! So something over the top then would have been great. I actually found it a bit un-nerving that my outer shell was not able to keep the elements out fully. I feel it would be an improvement if these zips were of the water resistant type - or a better baffle was used.
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