These are not your grandfather's long-johns.
Long underwear used mean waffle-knit white cotton. It held in moisture, became cold and clammy, heavy and downright unpleasant. There are few innovations as important to enjoying the outdoors as poly-pro long underwear.
The high tech marvel: polypropylene long underwear, is light, wicks moisture away from the skin, does not get cold and clammy and keeps one toasty warm. When first introduced poly pro was prohibitively expensive and hard to find. Now it is reasonably priced and commonly available.
Poly pro has afforded me perfect comfort during many outdoor days and nights at below freezing temperatures. I carry it in all seasons . I require that our scouts have it in their gear year round for protection against hypothermia during inevitable cold, wet days that occasionally surprise us.
There are many brands and types. I honestly cannot see a big difference between the expensive and inexpensive brands. There are different thicknesses (light, medium and heavy) I recommend lightweight for all but the harshest conditions. Duo-fold is a reliable brand, (I have yet to buy a brand I found unacceptable), their website is a good place to start.
Duofold website
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