How to live without heating - save £000s

HertsLad

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

RavingMad

A bit late to be buying Xmas presents but was thinking of thermal base layers for my dad.

I have the M&S heatgen ones and really like them but are there better available? Don't mind it being after Xmas for delivery now as we got him something else before this idea came to mind

Sarahspangles

Ladies used to wear caps indoors, they look lacy in the illustrations I’ve seen but I think they must have helped a little. And nightcaps in bed, which men wore too.

There’s a fashion for loungewear at the moment, fleece tops over pyjamas aren’t far from the bed jackets women used to wear. They must have been cosy if you were sitting up to read, nurse a baby or convalescing in bed.

I remember one grandmother wearing a housecoat which was something between a dressing gown and an overall. It would be warmer than a skirt and blouse. I’m not sure what was worn underneath and whether it varied between seasons.

Yorkshire_Pud

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

I will try the double thermal trick my legs do get cold especially my knees in the cold weather, and indoors. And a thinsulate hat.

I am going to get a refund for my down jacket and look for a synthetic fill. Apart from darting my fleece with loads of little feathers/down I tried to find out about how the down is sourced and Peter Storm say nothing, just ‘Down’ so I can only assume it is obtained by live plucking (YouTube videos online peta and others) which is very cruel and done multiple times, every time it grows back, before the bird is killed for meat. Same for most firms using down whatever the ‘ethical’ spin that may be put on it. That’s just my feeling and what I feel comfortable with not preaching to others I hope.

dealyboy

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

I will try the double thermal trick my legs do get cold especially my knees in the cold weather, and indoors. And a thinsulate hat.

I am going to get a refund for my down jacket and look for a synthetic fill. Apart from darting my fleece with loads of little feathers/down I tried to find out about how the down is sourced and Peter Storm say nothing, just ‘Down’ so I can only assume it is obtained by live plucking (YouTube videos online peta and others) which is very cruel and done multiple times, every time it grows back, before the bird is killed for meat. Same for most firms using down whatever the ‘ethical’ spin that may be put on it. That’s just my feeling and what I feel comfortable with not preaching to others I hope.

Hi @Yorkshire_Pud ... similar winter clothes/layers to you ... I opted for the Millets Blisco II Hooded Jacket, just right for me over T-shirt, long-sleeved thermal and two fleece jackets (just like you), comes in several colours and 'only' £19 online.

Agree with your comments re. the sourcing of the down ... Happy Christmas mate.

HertsLad

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

I will try the double thermal trick my legs do get cold especially my knees in the cold weather, and indoors. And a thinsulate hat.

I am going to get a refund for my down jacket and look for a synthetic fill. Apart from darting my fleece with loads of little feathers/down I tried to find out about how the down is sourced and Peter Storm say nothing, just ‘Down’ so I can only assume it is obtained by live plucking.

I must admit I turn a blind eye to the sourcing of down. I trust the authorities would ban the imports if it was very cruel. If you switch to synthetic insulation, look for Thinsulate rather than anonymous polyester insulation. That said, the ski trousers I am currently wearing have the latter, and they keep me perfectly warm. 

My legs have never felt cold as such. But insulating the legs is essential, in my opinion, for keeping warm overall.

Yorkshire_Pud

dealyboy said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

I will try the double thermal trick my legs do get cold especially my knees in the cold weather, and indoors. And a thinsulate hat.

I am going to get a refund for my down jacket and look for a synthetic fill. Apart from darting my fleece with loads of little feathers/down I tried to find out about how the down is sourced and Peter Storm say nothing, just ‘Down’ so I can only assume it is obtained by live plucking (YouTube videos online peta and others) which is very cruel and done multiple times, every time it grows back, before the bird is killed for meat. Same for most firms using down whatever the ‘ethical’ spin that may be put on it. That’s just my feeling and what I feel comfortable with not preaching to others I hope.

Hi @Yorkshire_Pud ... similar winter clothes/layers to you ... I opted for the Millets Blisco II Hooded Jacket, just right for me over T-shirt, long-sleeved thermal and two fleece jackets (just like you), comes in several colours and 'only' £19 online.

Agree with your comments re. the sourcing of the down ... Happy Christmas mate.

Hi dealyboy, that was the jacket I went to buy but was afraid it wouldn’t be warm enough and asked for the one that was about £40 and was offered the down one. In fact it was the Blast Jacket £39 I had been meaning so I will look at that and the Blisco. The looks on those poor geese faces after their plucking is heart rending even though they don’t have expressions as such, just in their eyes, pure torture. Instead of one lot of down from a dead bird they get multiple goes from live ones and it seems the so called ethically  sourced down doesn’t exist much in reality (and if it did it wouldn’t be in a Peter Storm jacket for £40!)

Stay warm anyway and have a good Christmas too 🎄 

Yorkshire_Pud

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:

Yorkshire_Pud said:

HertsLad said:f

RavingMad said:

I'm always on the lookout for a warm winter jacket but most are 750 down, including the popular Rab microlight alpine.

There's a Montane nano alpine but it's £300 so will wait for it to come down in price 

I have never paid anywhere near those prices. Both the down jackets I am wearing as I type were bought on eBay a few weeks ago, used but in 'as new' condition. One was £32 and the other one £40. New, they would be around £300 each.

I bought a Peter Storm loch down 650 jacket 90/10 fill today from millets £40 (rrp £150)....No good in the rain apparently with a down filling but for keeping warm indoors probably fine.

Apart from that I am a great believer in warming the bed with a hot water bottle 

I am sure the Millets jacket is worth a try. I am currently wearing two down jackets (800 fill) with my normal two base layers underneath. That's at 7.5C, quite early in the morning. I expect the temperature to go up a bit later on. I agree about not wanting to get the down exposed to rain. So I wear a waterproof layer over the top if I go outside when it is raining. Are you wearing much on your legs? If not, I suggest you need to get as close as you can to wearing almost as much on your legs as on your top.

Last year, I used a hot water bottle but this year I can't be bothered. I found that the thermal shock of cold bedding comes from contact with bare skin. So I simply get into bed with my 2 x base layers and socks still on, and find it perfectly comfortable.

On my legs one pair of thermals and jeans with thick socks. I think I would benefit from down filled trousers although I’ve not knowingly seen any advertised. On top I wear a T shirt with thermal long sleeve vest over then two fleeces. Plus at the moment my Peter storm loch down jacket. 

My suggestion is to double up on the base thermals, top and bottom. Don't 'waste' a layer with anything short-sleeved, like I guess your T shirt probably is. You are correct that I doubt if there are any adverts for down-filled trousers, especially in the UK. Well, apart from specialist mountaineering shops where down filled trousers are probably sold for about £250 or more.They can be found on ali-express from sellers in China I paid about £18, including shipping and VAT. Or pick up low cost ski trousers, lined with polyester, like I am wearing now. Mine were only £17 from Lidl.  And be sure to wear a Thinsulate-lined hat, also. It may feel even more odd than wearing a jacket indoors but it's all state of mind.

I will try the double thermal trick my legs do get cold especially my knees in the cold weather, and indoors. And a thinsulate hat.

I am going to get a refund for my down jacket and look for a synthetic fill. Apart from darting my fleece with loads of little feathers/down I tried to find out about how the down is sourced and Peter Storm say nothing, just ‘Down’ so I can only assume it is obtained by live plucking.

I must admit I turn a blind eye to the sourcing of down. I trust the authorities would ban the imports if it was very cruel. If you switch to synthetic insulation, look for Thinsulate rather than anonymous polyester insulation. That said, the ski trousers I am currently wearing have the latter, and they keep me perfectly warm. 

My legs have never felt cold as such. But insulating the legs is essential, in my opinion, for keeping warm overall.

I love all the ideas in this thread, which we can embrace, reject or adapt to suit ourselves. Good thing about all the layers is you can interleave them so no cold blasts up the trouser leg or jumper/fleece.

HertsLad

I found a further use for multiple layers recently on flights abroad. I was travelling to warm places but cycled to the airports from where I park my car. So I wanted to keep warm and dry. Above my jumper/sweater I wore a down filled jacket for warmth, a fleece for use during cooler evenings and mornings at my destination, and a waterproof jacket to keep dry in the UK. Each of these jackets/coats has pockets which I was able to fill with quite a lot of 'luggage'. It made it easier to get by with the basic free under-seat allowance, especially on Ryan Air because they are really mean. They don't seem to object to me, or anyone, walking on to the plane carrying a sizable bundle of coats under an arm. 

HertsLad

Lidl were selling some thermal base layers at a very low price - only £4.99 each rather than £7 or £8 at Sports Direct or somewhere in between at Decathlon. The quality seems high and they are rated x-warm. 

There are plenty left in my local branch. It suggests most people prefer to spend money on heating whilst wearing minimal clothes.

I tried to add a photo using my phone but couldn't get the gallery to appear to add the image.