[Closed] What Do You Wear For MTB'ing In Cold Weather?

Goose fat 🙂

Sunny cold, cloudy cold or wet cold?

How much standing around will there be?

For a moving dry cold I'm normally fine with a long sleeve jersey so long as the sun is out, maybe a base layer. Windproof jacket on top of that.

If it's getting wet then all bets are off

I'd wear very little though for me feet are most important then hands... but a long sleeved top (probably a thin fleece) and possibly a soft-shell....  (If its dry)....

What I'd carry though... completely different... you only need to stop a few minutes and .....

I'd be sure to have a waterproof and I have a down jacket compresses down to a sandwich bag.

I use a Rab VapourRise Alpine - very breathable, quite wind resistant, a little bit warm, but not much, over a baselayer tee with either 3/4s or tights, plus I carry a very lightweight waterproof (also fully windproof) and a very light Primaloft Jacket (Rab Xenon) plus a beanie that can also be worn under a helmet. In sustained sub-zero stuff, I quite like Paramo.

Everyone's different, but I run quite warm and when I'm actually moving, I don't need much insulation. If I stop though, I get cold quick, which is where the lightweight insulation gets thrown over the top of the VR and the beanie goes on.

If it's really cold - the last time I needed to do this was about -16˚C - I can ride with the insulated jacket on, but because it's made from two layers of windproof fabric, it's not very breathable, so it's more of a last resort.

I find synthetic baselayers wick faster and dry quick. Merino is nice, but if you're working hard, it simply gets soggy and damp. I think it depends a little on how sweaty you are and how hard you're working. I'd think about knee or full leg warmers unless you don't mind your knees getting very cold, but again, that's personal preference. I've never found a pair of waterproof trousers I can ride in, again, tend to be too sweaty.

I think the big picture is not to wear too much on the move, but carry enough warm stuff that you don't run the risk of going hypothermic if you do have to stop - in really cold conditions, you can cool down very fast, so even a puncture has the potential to be unpleasant.

That's my take anyway. I'm sure other systems work for other people.

good gloves and socks essential then I prefer 2-3 thin layers and a water / windproof shell. 3/4 tights under baggies to keep the knees warm and I get on well with the HH lifa base layers

+ Something to put on for when / if you have to stop for longer than expected.

Heard a few of the bike packing crowd not rate merino stuff particularly - I think because it doesn't wick moisture all that well it can leave you feeling a bit cold. I've noticed this, although it's not a big deal for a normal ride over a few hours, it might not be best for longer stuff in colder weather.

Or a lightweight puffa jacket on a base layer?

Lot of good options, but don't use this one.  Too warm, and too fragile.  Fine for stops, of course.

Gore Windstopper or similar over a base layer is more than warm enough for me around freezing.  Don't worry about being slightly cold when you set off before you warm up (better than being too warm for the entire time you are riding).  Something extra might be needed if you are stopping a lot.  Of course, you may run colder than me......

Hi Andy. Are you staying in B&Bs etc or camping? The former gives you more opportunity to dry stuff out.

I live in Aviemore and ride bits of the loop regularly. I was also in Braemar this weekend. Ground conditions aren't too wet at the moment but it's still likely you will get wet feet on a couple of the river crossings. I prefer shorts in that case - possibly with leg warmers - as it saves getting long trousers/tights wet.

Up top I wear a thin base layer (not merino) and some sort of thin jacket or jersey. My preference at this time of year is a Polaris AM softshell. Windproof front, showerproof. And a full waterproof shell when required. However, if it looks like it's raining more often than not then I'll drop the softshell for a long sleeved jersey and put up with wearing a waterproof jacket. A windproof gilet can be useful over the jersey.

Mid-weight gloves at the moment. Definitely not full winter (though that usually means pogies for me).

Good luck with the ride.

Oh aye - definitely take a good insulated jacket and a beanie. I prefer Primaloft to down as it will still function when damp, though hydrophobic down is now available too.

When you're moving, no need for heavy, insulated layers - a decent, wicking base layer (not merino) and good windproof has been good enough for me into the -20C. Colder than that, then a mid-layer made with Polartec Alpha is the dog's too-dahs IMO - awesome in that it stays warm even when quite wet.  A synthetic 'puffy' insulation jacket is good for when you stop as they handle perspiration far better than down IME.

I tend to run warm/hot so especially hate any boil-in-the-bag options.

Generally:

3/4 bib under Humvees

warm socks.  Merino.  Not too thick as then foot-numbness occurs for some reason.  Probably because now yr shoes are too small.

Upper garments depending more on weather, ie wet or dry, windy wet, windy dry? etc.

Usually a thick tee and handmade arm warmers with a reserve lightweight full-sleeve jersey/jacket/hoodie crammed into small backpack if I think it warrants it.

I always use some clear or orange/yellow lens sport shades to help with watering eye nonsense.  Clear vision is key.  Have never used full goggles in the UK  but if warranted I'd just break out my Aquasphere swim goggles 😂

Also use a stretchy bandana thing as a face mask/scalp-warmer.  Can't remember the brand/name right now.

Glovage is on a sliding scale from light mitts to fleecy bar-gloves

I think the big picture is not to wear too much on the move, but carry enough warm stuff that you don’t run the risk of going hypothermic if you do have to stop

I'd agree with that.  Also on long cold windy descents when yr nips are screaming in pain and threatenig to shred yr shirt 😬

Also use a stretchy bandana thing as a face mask.  Can’t remember the brand/name right now.

Possibly a Buff?

^ a Buff!  Thnks

Probably one of two things in weather like that

- thin synthetic top and a RAB VR alpine lite (like BWD)

- thicker winter weight synthetic top (or thin one and a thin SS jersey) and a MH super chockstone

Essentially a wicking base with a breathable over layer. I'd then probably carry a windproof gilet and a primaloft top, plus a waterproof

I've used that set up in everything from mild to cold conditions and it works well for me. I run hot and the zips let me moderate my temperature easily

synthetic base layer. Roubaix mid layer. Wind proof/ waterproof on top. If it's really cold i might add a SS jersey ontop of the baselayer.  Bit more warmth and a bit more adjustment round the neck area.

For longer rides I'll take a windproof and waterproof - I find waterproof too sweaty most of the time but don;t want to go without it. Some of my mates will happily ride 3 hours+ in a waterproof when it;s not raining.  My idea of hell.

Also try not to sweat (take a layer off) the coldest I've ever been is when the sweat on my baselayer froze!

Full length tights - I had a friend say 'i thought they were just for roadies' - whilst his feet turned blue!

Long sleeve HH baselayer, normal riding shirt on top of that then a lightweight windproof jacket if not raining much or a waterproof if it is. Keep thin fleece and primaloft insulated jacket in bag for stops or just incase I get too cold riding (which never really happens).

Cold weather gloves and waterproof socks, wear my walking trousers if it's dry and cold, or shorts or waterproofs if its wet depending on how windy it is going to be. Prefer the lightweight waterproof when windy as it keeps the chill off.

Hat and buff.

I would also add that stopping yourself getting sprayed in cold water by using mudguards goes a long way to keeping yourself warm. Hardshell waterproofs only ever go on if it's proper raining - riding hard in them is horrible. Take care of the extremities i.e. hands and feet - neoprene overshoes might not keep you completely dry, but add an insulating layer too. Leg-wise, a pair of fleecy-backed 3/4 or even full tights with a windproof outer-short - a baggy short over bare-skin won't keep you warm.

I layer up with ski layers as appropriate, maybe microfleece if really cold. Shorts until sub zero. Longer socks maybe.

Or just engage the northerner ancestry in me (even though I'm from Devon) and MTFU with a t-shirt until it's really nippy 😀

Though down south we don't have so much of wild bleak exposed landscapes. If it's cold and breezy, just head into the woods.

Also, 40-something I seem to overheat these days.

Waterproofs, I've generally just had a light windproof top and just get soaked if proper wet. I don't aim to ride in proper wet, but will go out when it looks okay and maybe pack something just in case. Once out and it starts raining then so be it. Happy to get muddy and soaked. I've got a decent top but it's a bit fluorescent and not so keen on it, especially at night as it pisses off riders behind with their lights 😀 . Could do with something more stealth but weatherproof.

Why do so many people wear baggies over a 3/4 bib or tights? Its rubbish - the baggies slip down constantly and whats the point anyway, they don't add anything and if it rains they just flap around like a wet bin bag.....I love baggies in the summer as they avoid that hot crotch feeling and you can wear them in a pub garden without scaring the locals but theyhave no place on a winter ride.

So when I crash I don't tear the arse out of my ¾'s or tights.  If you get some that fit and are well made they don't flap or fall down.

The same as the rest of the year, but with a jacket over the top and thicker gloves and socks.

Short sleeved thin Cycling top. Long sleeved cycling top. Jacket.

Waterproof stuffed in pocket or backpack. Shorts or bibs, depending how my knees are feeling.

Why do so many people wear baggies over a 3/4 bib or tights?

Probably the same people who put bananas on pizza.

Thank goodness they invented waterproof baggies then. Even non waterproof ones provide another layer of water and wind protection.

Why do so many people wear baggies over a 3/4 bib or tights?

Aesthetics. Stops you looking like one of them.

Instead, you just look like someone who has been dressed by their gran.

Top: long sleeved HH base layer.  Sports Pursuit had the mixed synthetic/merino ones a year or two back, plus windstopper layer. Gore Bikewear waterproof if it's wet.

Bottom: Roubaix tights, or when it gets really cold I have a couple of pairs of tights that are wind/water resistant on the front only (they're from Canada, so I suspect they know what they're doing)

Other bits: buff under helmet and around neck.  Pearl Izumi do some great mid-level gloves.  Wool socks and (the essential) waterproof MTB boots

Done me well down to -10C or so

Instead, you just look like someone who has been dressed by their gran.

Thank you. My gran was a very stylish lady with impeccable taste.

“Its rubbish – the baggies slip down constantly“

Have you considered purchasing some shorts that actually fit?

I look even more ridiculous in just tights.  Belt keeps the Humvees up and dont really flap around.  Perfect combo until they make some bibs with waist-clips or zip-on for elasticated outer-shorts 👍🏼

Of course when younger/svelte It'd just be bibs and lard.  No shirt no shorts.

*

I'm fine with my shorts thanks - I have TLD Ruckus and some Endura Humvee's and both fit perfectly. I also have some waterproof Scott which work very well in the rain though they didn't get much use this year.

However wearing any of them over my 3/4 or full length tights is totally pointless as thats not what either piece of clothing was designed for.

I'm glad several people have pointed out how poorly most merino performs in the UK winter as well. I like merino blended socks but it sucks pretty much everywhere else when riding. Its great for hill walking and for wearing on expeditions where you aren't going to get to change for a while but short term hi intensity activities are not what its designed for despite the bike industry trying to persuade you otherwise

Same as I wear for road riding when it's cold.

Why do so many people wear baggies over a 3/4 bib or tights?

Small winkie mainly

I use my road gear I used for commuting in sub zero.  Basically, bib tights, MTB shorts, base layer and a technical layer - 2-3 types I have.  Most have frontal wind protection, some better than others. When it's really cold/freezing, a base and a thermal layer.  Note, only two layers.  If it hisses it down, take a race cape, i.e. waterproof layer you can strip off easily.

Best top for mixed weather has been an Altura Varium, will cope with cold, and light rain.  #works well at Zero, but really cold it's a Decathlon Thermal road top, plus 1 base layer for the sweat,.

I've gone from road to MTB and use the same kit, but with baggies as my pants, I still will have bib tights under in anything cool, or bib shorts in warm conditions.  Keeping the knees warm is the key.

I'll go back to the 80's and 'H' if anyone in the North West is here and around 40-55, keep your knees warm. Bib tights under the shorts, or Ron Hill Tracksters if you don't want too tight.  Makes a huge difference.  I only ride bear legs if warm - also with longs, keeps away nettle rash... pain in the ass.

My local descent has been fast this summer, but has come with massive nettle rash and thorn scratches - so less paifull in longs.

Buffalo top. Perfect

Bibs and shorts?

Same as summer just work with shorts that fit. Protects the bibs from crash and undergrowth along with another weather layer to keep the wind off.

Just practical for mtb wouldn't bother on the road.

I think the big picture is not to wear too much on the move, but carry enough warm stuff that you don’t run the risk of going hypothermic if you do have to stop

This!

Personally I just layer up with the cheapo kit I have.  tights, cheap shorts ( never mtb "baggies" ) over the top,  goretex socks, this time of year just my ordinary shoes - I have winter boots for when its properly cold.  Baselayer, thick cycling shirt thingy, softshell, aldi winter gloves and a spare thin set of liner gloves

always would be carrying a full set of waterproofs and a spare warm layer. probably a bivvy bag.  Its ingrained in me to have the kit to survive overnight injured out on the hills on my own

Where do you get your baggies Winston ? Primark ?

I have none of the above issues with mine.

At this time of year on that route variability will be your issue .

Eg in banchory yesterday it was 6-8 degrees max with a bitter wind and today it is forecast to 17 degrees with no wind.

Layers and be prepared to stay warm when stopped. If you have a bothy bag chuck it in.