Long Undies

Yo'll probably want something either synthetic like polypropilene,capilene or natural like silk. The sythetics will dry fairly fast. Avaid cotton as it doesn't work as well if you are going to be active.
stays wet doesn;t wick away from your skin and doesn't dry as fast. Patagonia makes a nice product. Try www.sierratradingpost.com or www.campmor.com for deals. www.wintersilks.com for silk Since it's summer now, you may be abel to find some sales.

I travel to England a lot in the colder months but don't find that I need long underwear. It really depends on where you are going. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the country and in the north, you will be colder. What I find to be the worst thing in England is the dampness which goes right through you. But for the most part the temps. are higher than in the colder parts of the USA. You might find some places you stay at cold at night as the English are much more frugal with the heat than we are!!!

I have some by Land's End that are super thin and wash out in the sink.

I also just got my new catalog by Winter Silks and they have a bunch of different weight ones. They are on sale now and have a huge selection. I just bought a camisole by from them and I love it. They also wash out very easy in the sink and... they pack very very small.

Both brands and good and are easy packers.

Frank, like you I had not purchased long underwear for a long time. But when I did, 3-4 years ago, I found that there are great choices out there for not a lot of money. And the new stuff is incredibly effective, light-weight, and packs very small. I suggest REI or any similar outdoor store.

Frank -
I'd consider a dry-fit type of shirt to layer with on the top. (Under-Armour, Nike, etc.) I'm sure they make bottoms - check it out.

I use dry-fit for tailgating in Michigan during the fall - and when you're outsde by 7:30am and sometimes not home until 7:30pm, it makes the $45 spent on it well worth it when you are still warm and the propane heater ran out of gas hours ago!

I brought long underwear with me the first time I planned to go walking in Scotland in the early. Didn't need it and have left it behind since. That said, I had a day on Harris when I sure wished I had mine with me. I think the suggestion to get some light weight long underwear is a good one. Get some that packs small. That way if you hit some of that very raw, wet, cold weather that can happen in the UK despite the Gulf Stream you will stay warm while those around you shiver. Don't forget some light weight wool socks. ; )

Pam

Frank, get long underwear, I prefer silk or synthetic.

I differ with some, I found England blinking freezing , and I went in March. It even sleeted,, the wind was like ice, and I had a mid thigh length wool coat , jeans, scarf. I had to buy some gloves, and a hat as it was so cold ( the wind) I was wrapping scarf around my head at times. It was way colder then I am used to , and I am from Canada, LOL

Remember tourists spend alot more time walking around outside then locals, so even if you are used to cold at home, its not like you would choose to spend the day wandering around your town on foot on a cold winter day right?

Frank, unless you plan to spend extended hours at a time outdoors, thermal underwear is probably not necessary. Because here's the flip-side: try wearing thermal underpants indoors and see how long it takes to become uncomfortably warm! Britain and Ireland usually have mild winters compared to the continent, so a heavier pair of pants will probably be sufficient.

Thanks, all. I forgot the UK gets the gulfstream so winters generally aren't as bad as the continent. I may get a pair for long days outside.

Reminds me of a trip I made many years ago in March. I decided to take a day trip to York from London. London was surprisingly warm....70....so I only took a light jacket with me.

York however, waas in the 40's. I was freezing. No worries, I thought, since York is known for sweaters. I saw a store with a sale sign in it, bought a "jumper" and was nice and warm for my walking tour that afternoon.

When I got back to London, I took the "jumper" off and looked at the label......

Made in the USA

For me, silk thermal undies are a must when traveling in cool weather--I've even been known to layer a silk thermal camisole under my clothes in summer in the UK! One real advantage with starting your layers with thermal undies is that you don't need to drag along a huge heavy coat.

I wouldn't worry about overheating--you probably don't need the old fashioned super-bulky long undies better suited to camping or skiing. Stick with light or medium weight--at least for bottoms. I personally only use bottoms for really cold weather, but given the rawness of early winter in damp Britain, I'd want to have a pair anyway.

Long underwear for Great Britain or Ireland is really not necessary (unless you live in Florida and can't tolerate temps below 50). The temperatures that Great Britain/Ireland experience in November and December (even January & February) are actually more mild than much of the Northeastern United States during those same months.

Only bring long underwear if you plan on doing some serious multi-day hikes and you will be spending all your time outdoors, or bring just a synthetic or silk long sleeve shirt to layer under your regular clothing if you want added warmth for when you will be along the coastline on very windy days. If you have a decent coat to block the wind and shed water, you'll find normal layering works just as fine.

If you're looking to travel light you could always try the old trick used by many Englishmen ( not me you understand - no siree, not me ). When in England you get a female friend to go to any ladies clothing shop and buy a pair of the thickest panty-hose they can find, they only cost a couple of quid or less, they wash and dry really fast and they keep you warm as toast. Dump them on your last night in England.

oh Al.. that's hilarious, but probably true.

Frank, Since you're planning on layering, you should do just fine.

I brought thermals but never used it. Plus its a pain to go to the bathroom with thermals on. I feel like the kid from the movie "Christmas Story", taking layers upon layers to go to the toilet.

European men of the hiking world have been secretly wearing panty hose for years..inexpensive and almost disposable...And i just saw in a movie...forgot the name..TommyLee Jones, Susan Sarandon..son killed after return from Iraq...anyhow, the dad had suggested that his son wear pantyhose for warmth..

I suggest a generic (for economy), synthetic (for odor control; they are treated w/some miiracle odor control that doesn't wash out), lightweight (all you need - even midweight would be too much) underwear in black (could double as a shirt). I wear the top during the day so I don't need a 20# coat, and the bottoms at night if it is cold. You might like to have the top on the plane too. Try REI. Happy travels.