I was wondering if the long underwear mentioned in the Helmsman referred to just the long bottoms. Or are we also allowed to bring/wear long sleeved thermal tops as well? Thanks in advance for any answers!

My recruiter told me yesterday that we can bring thermal long sleeve tops and bottom.

just as long as its not under armour, i believe

So I was just about to open a thread about this. My recruiter also told me to bring thermal tops but my question is: is it better to bring cotton or polypropylene? I was told cotton wont really keep me warm but polypropylene will. I need to know soon since I ship out in about 2 weeks so I can buy em' online and have em' shipped since for some reason it is impossible to find thermal underwear in my area. Thanks! let me know!

Polypropylene is definitely the way to go brotha. When cotton gets wet (i.e. Sweat, rain etc.) it has the opposite effect of wicking heat out of your body.

Nice, thanks. Any suggestion on a brand to buy?

I'm looking at militarythermals.com but the site doesnt look too active...

Oh and last thing, how many do you think I'd need to buy?

Why can't it be under armor brand?

I can only vouch for two brands. Patagonia is expensive but the best I've ever owned. I've had one pair of tops and bottoms and they have lasted through close to 2,000 miles of trekking the Sierras. Te other brand is the REI store brand. Way more affordable and still really good. If you have an REI remotely close to you I would go check it out. They have tons of stuff.

But those are two semi expensive brands. You might be able to buy something cheaper online or at Big 5 or Sports Chalet. I think I remember you being in Cali somewhere.

You also gotta make sure that they'll be able to ship it out to you in time. 2 weeksos cutting it a little close.

God bless my brotha. Hope you were able to get your swimming strokes down!

Try cabelas.com, also make sure they are navy blue.

i believe its a safety thing, under armour melts when it gets hot. personally i use helly hansen base layers, they work great. a little pricey though

Posted By projekt83 on 08 Oct 2011 01:43 AM
I can only vouch for two brands. Patagonia is expensive but the best I've ever owned. I've had one pair of tops and bottoms and they have lasted through close to 2,000 miles of trekking the Sierras. Te other brand is the REI store brand. Way more affordable and still really good. If you have an REI remotely close to you I would go check it out. They have tons of stuff.

But those are two semi expensive brands. You might be able to buy something cheaper online or at Big 5 or Sports Chalet. I think I remember you being in Cali somewhere.

You also gotta make sure that they'll be able to ship it out to you in time. 2 weeksos cutting it a little close.

God bless my brotha. Hope you were able to get your swimming strokes down!

Projekt, would turtleneck thermals be okay?

FYI to all of you... My son (a skinny 115 lbs) took black, cotton long john's and NEVER needed them. He arrived there in Feb of 2010, in the snow. The CG provides the warm weather gear you will need (gortex jacket, beanie, gloves, etc). You can bring long john's, sure, but they might just be one more thing that needs to be folded perfectly in your rack, taking up space. No, turtlenecks are not authorized.

I arrived in January and wore them til the last week (when it got above 40 for the first time.) We spend most of those first 6 weeks hovering around 10F or so. A lot of people actually wished they had them. I say take them and not use them.

No, turtleneck thermals are not ok.

Posted By FloridaGirl on 11 Oct 2011 03:25 PM
I arrived in January and wore them til the last week (when it got above 40 for the first time.) We spend most of those first 6 weeks hovering around 10F or so. A lot of people actually wished they had them. I say take them and not use them.

No, turtleneck thermals are not ok.

Thank you for the response, FloridaGirl!