[jinxremoving]

I've heard of some riders using products from a company called Under Armour to help keep themselves warm during the winter months, but I haven't spoken to anyone first hand who has used their products. With so many different styles to choose from, I'm completely lost and hoping someone here has some insight into their product lines.

What I'm looking for is an alternative to long johns to wear under jeans, but it gets pretty bitter out where I live and I'm starting to debate if even jeans would even be sufficient. I have never worn or even tried on breeches... something about a skinny guy in breeches that doesn't seem like a great idea to me, but a few friends have suggested that I invest in a good pair from Irideon or even Mountain Horse.

The local tack shop where I'm staying for Christmas doesn't even have any male breeches in stock, so I'm not sure what to do since I can't try any on. I suspect the smaller tack shop back where I live also has limited male breeches which brings me to another question... are there any glaringly obvious differences between male and female winter breeches outside of the fly?

Thanks!

 

[upnover]

Actually... I only know of ONE brand of winter breeches that are actual breeches with a fly. And I don't know if they come in men sizes. all the winter breeches I know are actually 'tights' and have no fly at all. I can see why you aren't excited about them.

I only ride in breeches, so when it gets cold out I pull out my winter breeches (ahem, tights) and when it's really REALLY cold out I put on some sort of thermal or base layer (like under armour) underneath the winter breeches and that's been the warmest combo for me.

About under armour... it's very expensive and it's supposed to be a "compression" layer which means it's extreeeeemely tight. I bought a knock off brand that has the same "compression" technology and it's just flat out uncomfortable for me so I never made the splurge for the actual UnderArmour, although I know people who love it. But I have about a dozen other brands of base layers I think work just fine. North Face, Falke, Hot Chili's, silk, etc. SierraTradingPost.com has some really amazing deals. I get on there periodically and buy a few layers when they go on clearance and I've been quite pleased. I think my favorites are Falke's followed closely by North Face. I would not recommend silk (no bulk but shreds after a few rides). I would also recommend some SmartWool socks if you don't already have some good warm ones. They are amaaaaaazing!

 

[upnover]

no wait, i take it back. i know of TWO brands of actual winter BREECHES! (I have a pair, duh).

There are these (if you want to shell out $260)
Insulated Lined Breech from SmartPak Equine

and these softshell ones that I actually have. They're my most lightweight of winter breeches, really only good for their waterproof/wind resistant qualities.
Ladies Active Soft Shell Breeches | Ladies Riding Breeches | Riding Breeches | Ladies Equestrian App

both a little girly and none have back pockets (that's what really distinguishes a man's breech, back pockets)

 

[chesterh]

So yeah, I'm up where it gets PRETTTTY cold myself and I live in underarmor. LIVE IN IT. I ride with underarmor compression pants under my tight wranglers and they are perfectly comfortable. I also ride in the compression shirts under, usually, a thermal and jacket. Underarmor is awesome. I ride in drill team and actually turned quite a few of the girls I ride with to it. I LOVE IT. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. It isn't cheap though, thats for sure. A pair of underarmor coldgear pants (coldgear is for cold weather, heatgear is for hot weather) will run you about $50 as will the shirts. I also ride pretty hard sometimes and because underarmor is made for athletes you don't get clammy or cold when you sweat. Also, its not supposed to stink if it gets really gross...
I wear it alot and find myself able to wear much less than the other girls in much colder weather. I also wear it around for sh**s and giggles (I think it makes me curvy )and if I'm not careful I'll COOK in it inside.

So yeah, I LOVE it. My husband wears their heatgear to work out in and loves it too. Pretty much every professional sport wears it now. NFL for sure.

Oh, and what you want (or what most people wear) is that standard coldgear mock shirts http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/...3-Middle-4-Bottom|bottom_01|M|Apparel|1000512
and the cold gear leggings. http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/...pid1004550-Men-s-ColdGear-Legging/1004550-241

I wear the exact same thing in a women's version.

Its the only pair of long underwear/long johns I own.

 

[smrobs]

Love under armour. Although I can't really afford to spend that much so I generally have the local sporting goods store knockoffs. Even though I don't ride english, I have found that my best bet for cold and windy days is under-thermals, jeans, and chaps. There is nothing that keeps you warm better than a good pair of full length chaps.

 

[mls]

I have fleece and flannel lined jeans!

 

[Kentucky]

I know this is not the same but I usually wear an underarmour t shirt when I workout (go for a walk or walk Zeke) and I love them. But on cooler morning under another shirt they do work better than a regular shirt.

 

[jinxremoving]

Thanks everyone for your input! Looks like I cannot go wrong with the Under Armour, although they are awfully pricey for glorified long johns! I'm going to pick up some of the compression leggings and a crew shirt tonight.

 

[JumpingTheMoon]

My husband lives in under armor for work lol. Though pricey they have survived 4 years in the Middle East so they more than earn their cost. I'm umming and aahing about getting a pair myself.

 

[jinxremoving]

My husband lives in under armor for work lol. Though pricey they have survived 4 years in the Middle East so they more than earn their cost. I'm umming and aahing about getting a pair myself.

I can see why! I'm completely blown away by how warm the leggings and compression shirt are... kind of debating if I should go all out and get the socks, gloves and hat. Real pricey as others have mentioned but well worth every penny.

Has anyone ever used the Under Armour socks, are they REALLY that much warmer compared to your typical socks?

 

[JackandGina]

I've worked with Under Armour for a few years (my lacrosse team was sponsored by them in college) and I did some stuff with them after I graduated. I have a TON of their product and I have never been disappointed in any of it. They have a glove that has little pockets on top where I insert heat warmers. I also have a high pair of thermal ski socks that are great to use when riding...they cover all the way up to your knee so no bare skin can become exposed. They also have a "wicking" technology that absorbs any moisture your foot may produce keeping it dry and warm. Their cold gear compression leggings go great under other pants and same with their compression long-sleeve tops. I actually was decked out in UA from head to toe this morning while doing barn chores during MD's first blizzard...by the 2nd stall I was sweating!! Hope you like it...I know I do!