Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Don't forget to register for the $250 PrAna Shopping Spree!

Check your mailboxes! Our Gift Guide is hitting homes this week!

Check your mailboxes for the Christmas gift guide hitting homes this week. This 8 page catalog features some of the hottest brands and gift ideas for everyone on your list this Christmas. 

If you do not receive the catalog and wish to be added to our mailing list, please visit http://eagleeyedothan.com/Page_5.html and fill out the contact form on our Web site. We will immediately get one mailed out to you! Or - you can stop by Eagle Eye and pick up your copy.

Don't fight the mall traffic! Shop LOCAL with the convenience of curbside parking, great customer service, and extended holiday hours until 8 PM.

Select Styles of Inov8 now 25% off!

Hey, CrossFitters and fitness enthusiasts! Select styles of Inov8 are now 25% off at Eagle Eye!

Early Markdowns...just in time for Christmas!

It's the season of giving, and we want to give you the gift of savings! Right now, select merchandise is marked down 20-25% off! Our new holiday hours begin today at the main store.  We're now open 9 am - 8 pm everyday expect Wednesday (9 am - 6 pm) through Christmas. As always, we are closed on Sundays.

And, remember, you can still use these coupons for regular priced items!

Layering for Cold Weather 101: Footwear

As the weather starts to grow a bit colder and our lives keep taking us outdoors with football games, baseball tournaments, deer season and the fair, we want to take a minute to educate you on the BEST way to keep warm. Though a good jacket is a great step in the right direction, there is so much more to keeping warm. We are going to start at the very bottom of it all, what you need to wear under your clothes, and work our way out to jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks in this technical series on layering.

Footwear: Part 5

by Staff Member Bradley Roper

Finishing up our series on layering is the topic that is arguably the most important of them all…FOOTWEAR! We all know how hard it is to keep our feet truly warm. I think if we were all honest we would have to say that it is almost impossible to get our feet warm and keep them warm in cold weather. There are a few secrets and products that can greatly help in the attempt to get those toasty toes that we all want during the winter. There is a layering process for the feet just like the rest of the body that is critical for warmth.

First let’s look at socks. I only have two words here to recommend: MERINO WOOL. There are a lot of misconceptions about merino wool that we need to get over. For starters, most people see the word wool and think ITCHY. However, this is not the case with merino wool as it is very smooth and soft. Also, people have a tendency to think that they will get too hot in wool or that wool is too much for them. Don’t make the mistake of falling in with this crowd. Merino wool is the only fiber that is a natural temperature regulator. In colder weather it helps insulate for warmth and in hot weather it helps to shed heat. Merino wool is the best odor manager, it wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and you can get several days of wear out of one pair when travelling if needed. Some sock brands we have that utilize merino wool include:

DARN TOUGH

SMARTWOOL

THORLO

BROWNING

Browning

Now we move on to boots. For our purposes there are four different categories of boots to discuss. We have fashion, work, hiking, and hunting boots. These four categories have their own distinct features that will help you decide which is best for you. Sometimes the technology between these four groups is the same and they simply look different based on what the customer plans to do. For instance, in previous blogs we have discussed the benefits of waterproof technology. You may have a hiking boot and a camouflage boot that are both waterproof, however, the avid hiker is not going to want a camo boot and vice versa.

First let’s discuss the fashion boots. The term fashion is used lightly here as it simply means a boot that someone could wear every day. These boots will be what is sometimes referred to as “urban waterproof.” This term means that a leather boot without specific waterproof technology built in will still keep you safe from water as long as you don’t submerge the boot or let it get saturated. These boots will obviously be  very comfortable. They can be worn to work or even church. It is a good idea to have a multipurpose boot lying around that you can dress up or dress down. We have several different boot brands with great fashion choices including:

SOREL

PATAGONIA

DANNER

BORN

Sorel Chugalug Chukka

Of all the fashion boots my personal favorite for comfort and style would have to be the Sorel Chugalug Chukka.

Second let’s discuss the work boots. For our purposes we are going to define work boots as a boot that is not fashion or camo, but rather one that serves a specific purpose. Although you can wear several of our hiking boots or hunting boots to work, we do have some that are specifically for work wear. A work boot can have a steel or safety toe, they are usually full or mostly leather construction, and some may even carry the Electrical Hazard stamp that OSHA requires for linemen or other electrically hazardous jobs. Most of our work specific boots are waterproof. In our store we do not sell any steel toe boots. We only have the composite or safety toe boots. Several different brands with different technologies include:

CAROLINA

BROWNING

DANNER

Danner Fowler

Third let’s talk about hiking boots.  These boots can obviously be worn for other uses besides hiking. Some people choose for these boots to be their everyday shoes! Hiking boots have different features such as very aggressive outsoles for traction, most have some type of shank (whether large or small) for stability, waterproofing liners, durable construction, and lacing that helps keep the foot stable. Some customers like shorter boots that look like a regular athletic shoe and some like much taller boots that can even go up to mid-calf. We have hiking boots of all different rises. Also, it would be beneficial to mention that some of the boots in this category are winter specific. This means that they will have all the same features listed above but will also offer insulation to keep the feet warm in cold weather. Different hiking boots with varying technologies include:

THE NORTH FACE

COLUMBIA

VASQUE

TIMBERLAND

Vasque Taku GTX

Finally we will take a look at hunting boots. The majority of our hunting specific boots will be recognizable by the camouflage pattern. However, some hunters don’t mind wearing a good leather boot that is waterproof to hunt. For this blog our hunting boots will all be camouflage. They are all at least a mid-calf to knee rise in height. They will all be waterproof, extremely durable, have great traction in the outsole, some will be “scent-free”, and we even have one boot that is safe against snakes. Several of them are also insulated against the cold because most hunters that are in need of a camo boot are going to be getting up very early in the morning to use them and that is when it is the coldest. Some of our different hunting boots with varying technologies include:

LACROSSE

MUCK

LaCrosse Alphaburly Sport

That is the best story I can come up with for Fall/Winter boots and socks. Don’t forget that keeping the feet warm and dry is the last and probably most important step in layering properly. If your feet are wet inside a boot it does not matter how insulated the boot is…YOUR FEET WILL BE COLD. Remember that good socks are the key to staying dry and helping with warmth. Come by the store and let us help you layer from head to toe so you will be warm during all of your winter activities! Whether you are a motorcycle rider, hunter, hiker, or just looking for a good everyday wearing boot we have the right product for you!

Christmas time is here!

The holiday season is finally here, and we want to help you get the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Print the image below to use the coupons!

Clearance Store now open Friday and Saturday through Christmas!

The Warehouse Store at 2569 S. Brannon Stand between BBQ Shack and Mt. Gilead is now open Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Everything in the store is marked down an additional 25% off the already 50-75% off prices. Come see us!

Layering for Cold Weather 101: Accessories

As the weather starts to grow a bit colder and our lives keep taking us outdoors with football games, baseball tournaments, deer season and the fair, we want to take a minute to educate you on the BEST way to keep warm. Though a good jacket is a great step in the right direction, there is so much more to keeping warm. We are going to start at the very bottom of it all, what you need to wear under your clothes, and work our way out to jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks in this technical series on layering.

Accessories: Part 4
by Accessories Department Assistant Manager Ross Lee

In continuation of our cold weather layering series, today I am going to discuss how to keep the parts of your body warm that are not under a jacket. 

Let’s start with your head. I don’t know about you, but I cannot stand when my ears get cold. Did you know that keeping your head warm helps your whole body stay warm? A good beanie is worth its weight in gold on a cool day. Just like Bradley discussed with jackets last week, you want something warm but also wind resistant.  

One of my favorite beanies that meets these criteria is the Airshield Micro Dome from Mountain Hardware. The cool thing about this beanie is how thin it is. Mountain Hardware Airshield elite is a completely windproof material. Put that together with a light fleece and you end up with one of the thinnest, warmest beanies that we sell. Hunters will be interested in the Under Armour reversible beanie, featuring a bright hunters orange side to get you to the stand safely and Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity on the other side to keep you warm and hidden on the other.

Next on the list is your face and neck. Whether you are flying down the slopes in Park City, Utah, watching your child play pee-wee football or waiting on that monster 12-point to walk out onto the food plot you are sitting on, you will be miserable if you don’t keep your face and neck warm. For the more active crowd, check out the Combo Scarf from Seirus. It features a vented neofleece face mask that allows you to breathe, and it blocks the wind to keep you warm. Connected to the mask is a warm fleece neck scarf to keep your neck insulated, too. It will keep you very warm and is available in camo or black. For the more fashion-minded shopper, take a look at all the warm but cute scarves made by LOLE and Pistil that we have in the ladies department.

Last but not least, let’s discuss gloves. I hate when my fingers get cold. It seems that once they are cold I cannot get them warm again. So I always keep a pair of gloves handy, just in case. Personally, my go to glove is the ETip Glove by The North Face. It is a light powerstrech fleece glove which keeps me warm but still allows full dexterity of my hands. The coolest thing about it is the finger tips. It has an Xstatic fingertip that allows you to use your touchscreen phone or tablet without removing your glove. It is the perfect glove to wear around on a brisk, cool day and the perfect under glove to wear with your heavy duty ski gloves.

Another awesome glove that we have is the All Weather Extreme glove by Seirus. This is a soft shell glove that is super warm but thin enough to allow you to still use your fingers pretty easily. It is windproof and waterproof, making it perfect for hunters and more advanced skiers. The last glove I want to discuss is a little more heavy duty.  The Moraine Glove by Marmot is a heavier ski glove. It is waterproof and features 

Marmot’s DriClim material to keep your hands dry and warm. Though it is a little bit thicker, it still allows you to move your fingers pretty freely.

Come by Eagle Eye and let us help you find the best cold weather accessories for your cold weather activities!

Blood Drive Tomorrow

Small Business Saturday is November 24.

The owners & staff at Eagle Eye Outfitters encourage you to shop local this Christmas season. Shop at your friends' and neighbors' local stores. Buy their products. Eat their food. Use their services. In turn, these locally owned and operated businesses will continually pump your hard-earned dollars back into the local economy by way of taxes, payrolls, local charitable contributions and purchases. 

It's time to "Shop Local" and help get Dothan's economy back on track.

To help communities get back on track, American Express has created Small Business Saturday.  American Express customers can earn a $25 statement credit when they shop at qualifying local retailers like Eagle Eye on Saturday. AMEX cardholders must enroll their eligible cards at www.shopsmall.com before Saturday.  

Black Friday Deals!

Eagle Eye Outfitters is having our BIGGEST Black Friday Sale ever! The main store will open Friday at 5 AM with amazing selection, so plan to shop early before the best deals are picked over!

The warehouse store will open at 8 AM and EVERYTHING will be an additional 25% off the lowest sale price (saving you up to 75%)!

Print the image below to use Turkey Bucks Coupons for extra savings on your regular price purchases!

Here are our special Thanksgiving weekend hours.

Main Store:
-Closed Thursday
-Open 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. Black Friday
-Open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. American Express Small Business Saturday

Warehouse Store:
-Closed Thursday
-Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Black Friday
-Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday

Layering for Cold Weather 101: Outerwear

As the weather starts to grow a bit colder and our lives keep taking us outdoors with football games, baseball tournaments, deer season and the fair, we want to take a minute to educate you on the BEST way to keep warm. Though a good jacket is a great step in the right direction, there is so much more to keeping warm. We are going to start at the very bottom of it all, what you need to wear under your clothes, and work our way out to jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks in this technical series on layering.

Outerwear: Part 3

By Staff Member Bradley Roper

Over the last two weeks we have been beginning to teach you about the process of layering and its benefits. After base layer and mid layer there comes the outer layer. These three layers work hand in hand to help keep you not only dry but also WARM. And we all know that being warm is what we want.

Ross has written over the past two weeks that BASE LAYER is critical for moisture wicking (keeping you dry). He mentioned MID LAYER as being beneficial for building insulation and helping us to create a layer of heat. Working with those two layers is the OUTER LAYER that blocks the external elements, such as wind, rain and snow, from reaching us. Without the outer layer in place, the mid layer loses its stored heat and also, if it is raining or snowing, the base layer can become saturated and you will no longer be dry. As Ross has already mentioned, staying dry is one of the keys to being warm.

Shopping for technical outerwear can be overwhelming and confusing if you do not know some of the options that are available to you. These options range anywhere from high quality rainwear, to the ever-so-popular softshell, to rip-stop, waterproof-breathable hardshells. Knowing the different products is half of the “battle.”  Depending on your activities, there are many different choices for you. We need to make sure you get into the jacket that meets your needs in the best way.

First we have rain wear. Every company that we carry in our store has an option for a nice, lightweight rain jacket. These jackets range in price from $90-$120, are often packable, and serve the purpose of being waterproof and breathable while maintaining a very light weight. Not your standard plastic poncho, these jackets have some serious technology. While The North Face may call it Hyvent, Patagonia may call it H2No, and others call it different things the same purpose is being served…KEEPING THE RAIN AWAY.

You have the choice of getting a lined or an unlined rain jacket. A lined jacket will have a mesh layer on the inside that is great for moisture wicking and comfort. This is beneficial because rain jackets are known for being a bit stuffy. Unlined jackets offer the benefit of being lighter weight and have a technology inside that helps to keep the material from touching your skin so as to keep you from feeling clammy. Some examples of these jackets with the varying technologies include:

MARMOT	THE NORTH FACE	COLUMBIA
Aegis Jacket	Resolve Jacket	Watertight Jacket
	Venture Jacket

Second we have Softshells. These jackets have recently been taking the outerwear industry by storm. They are made of a blend of nylon and elastane. These stretchy jackets provide a great range of motion, great breathability, temperature regulation, and are 100% windproof. The fabric itself is waterproof; however, the seams are not sealed inside so as a whole the jacket cannot be called waterproof even though it does a great job of standing up against more than just a slight shower. I once forgot my umbrella and used my softshell in its place during a thunderstorm and did not get wet at all! Some would argue that these are the “perfect jacket” for our south Alabama weather. Some softshells are insulated with a fuzzy fleece interior giving them more warmth for those colder nights. Some examples of these softshells that we have in our store include

THE NORTH FACE	PATAGONIA	COLUMBIA	MOUNTAIN HARDWARE
Apex Bionic	Adze Softshell	Tectonic Softshell	Android Softshell
Chromium Thermal		Ascender 2 Softshell

MARMOT	ARC’TERYX	EXOFICCIO
Leadville Softshell	Gamma AR Softshell	Boracade Softshell
Gravity Softshell

Third we have Hardshells (outer shells). These jackets are built to stand up to a lot of abuse. A lot of the technology inside them is designed to be ski-specific but these jackets can be used for a variety of other things as well. They are 100% waterproof and also breathable from the inside out so you do not feel uncomfortable. They will be made of a very durable, rip-stop nylon that is great for anything from every day wear all the way to making a run down your favorite ski slope. Ski-specific technologies include powder skirts, goggle pockets, and more. When not on the slopes the powder skirt is great to have for windy, rainy days and the goggle pocket doubles as great storage for water bottles. We only have two ski-specific hardshells in our store:

ARC’TERYX	THE NORTH FACE
Beta AR Jacket	Various Guide Jacket

The last category of outerwear would be the Triclimate or 3-in-1 jacket. These jackets utilize the mid-layers that Ross wrote about last week with an outer shell jacket to create the “ultimate jacket” for warmth in changing conditions. There are several different combinations to choose between. You could get an outer shell with a fleece, wind-resistant fleece, synthetic down, or even a softshell jacket inside. These inner jackets will zip out of the outer shell to be worn by themselves if desired. The outer shell can be worn alone to make a great rain jacket. Or simply put them both together to have a mid layer and outer layer in one! A few of these types of jackets can even be considered ski-specific because the outer shell jacket will have some of those features written about above.  Some examples of these 3-in-1 jackets with different inner jackets and varying features include:

COLUMBIA	MARMOT
Rare Earth Interchange	Gorge Component Jacket
Lhotse Mountain II Interchange	Ridgetop Component Jacket

THE NORTH FACE

Phere Triclimate Jacket

Atlas Triclimate Jacket

Cassius Triclimate Jacket

Windwall Triclimate Jacket

Condor Triclimate Jacket

With so many different options available for outerwear it is best to be a little educated on the subject. We will be glad to help you find the perfect jacket for you. Whether that be a simple rain jacket to keep stowed under your driver’s seat or a heavy duty 3-in-1 for any occasion, we have the jacket for you, and most of our jackets come in both men's and women's fits. If we don’t have what you need here in the store, just let us know, and we can help you find it or order it for you!

Get into the jacket that you need this Fall/Winter season. With the proper layers in place you can fight the chill this season.

2012 Night of Praise

Here are a few highlight photos from our 2012 Night of Praise.  

Thanks to everyone who came out! We had a great time!

Early Bird Specials!

Print image to use coupons!

Top Staff Picks for Fall 2012

We asked some of our staff what their favorite products are for Fall/Winter 2012.  Check out their picks and let us know your favorite!

Store Manager Dustin Lee
"My favorite item is the Arc'Teryx Strato Jacket in the color Tungsten because it's lightweight but still very warm, and it looks great."

Arc-Teryx Strato Jacket

Assistant Store Manager Andy McDuffie

"The Inov8 F-Lite 195's are my favorite shoes for Cross Fit as well as for just wearing around or wearing at work. I like how light they are and how they allow me to really feel the ground when Cross Fitting. I can also tell that I am stronger in my feet from my foot not relying on the artificial support found in most of your other athletic shoes with the bulkier out soles. Having a strong base under you allows you to be stronger overall; it all starts with your foundation. The color options along with the styling are also a plus for these shoes. I encourage everyone looking for a great all around fitness shoe to try a pair of these on and see what you think."  

Inov8 F-Lite 195

Assistant Men's Department Manager Derek Brown
"The Columbia Airgill Lite L/S puts a new twist on the classic Columbia fishing shirt. It is 100% polyester and is very similar to the Tamiami shirt. The difference is where the shirt gets its name. Where most fishing shirts have 1 or 2 vents on the back, the Airgill sports multiple vents on the back and under the arms. It is those vents under the arm that give the appearance of "gills" on the wearer. This is for more than just looks however. The multiple vents allow for superior ventilation and keep the wearer cool, even in high temperatures. This shirt is also made with Columbia Omni-Shade in UPF 40 to protect you from the sun and Omni-Wick to keep you cool and dry when you sweat. I love this shirt because it fits great and looks great. If you own multiple Columbia shirts and are looking for a new look, then you need to check out the Airgill Lite. Here at Eagle Eye we carry it in the White Cap, Lemonwhip, and Bright Peach colors."

Columbia Airgill Lite L/S

Shoe Department Manager Nancy Turner
"My pick is the Toms Wedge.  To me, it is a very comfortable shoe for a heel.  I really lilke the Silver Azar and Copper Azar colors in particular. They seem to change colors depending on what you are wearing. However, we also have Silver Reina, Brown Herringbone Metallic, Silver Karsen, and Snow Leopard as well as the basic colors of Red, Black and Ash in the wedge style. If you are looking for a shoe that can be casual and/or dressy the Toms wedge is the perfect shoe.  They look good with jeans, pants, dresses, and even shorts." 

TOMS Wedges

Accessories Department Manager Jacob Walker
"My pick is the Maui Jim Stingray with HCL lens.  To me, it is a very comfortable frame with a great lens. The HCL Bronze is a perfect lens for everyday variable conditions, from full sun to overcast. Provides excellent contrast. Great if you love a warm, subtle bronze tint. Its a great frame for driving or relaxing on the beach and the lens are saltwater safe. The frame is a mid-sized wrap with wider temples for extra coverage and protection against wind, debris, and the sun’s harmful rays."

Maui Jim Stingray

Warehouse Manager David Benton
"I picked the Olukai Lokahi. The arch-fitted gel inserts make this shoe the most comfortable that I have ever worn. Happy, happy, happy."

OluKai Lokahi

Staff Member Hailey Santini
"My pick is the Lole Glowing Jacket in light grey.  This is a wonderful softshell,  You can endure the elements yet still look feminine and extremely stylish."

Lole Glowing Jacket

Staff Member Ross Lee
"I like the Patagonia Capilene base layer.  It is made with a 100% polyester material called Polartec® Powder dry®. Powder dry® is a two layer fabric. The bottom layer is designed to wick away moisture very quickly, and the top layer is designed to evaporate very quickly. These two layers work together to keep you dry. It was designed with flat seams and strategically placed gussets to allow the snug fit you need with a base layer but also not to impede with natural movement. Patagonia Capilene would be a great option for base layer for all ranges of activity."

Patagonia Capilene

Assistant Store Manager CL Moulton
"My pick is the Men's Grayson in Silver Jeans. It is the most comfortable pair of jeans I have ever owned. The relaxed fit keeps them comfortable all day, and with them being boot cut I can wear any shoes or boots I want with them. They are not too thick, so they are great for our always shifting climate during the fall and winter months."

Silver Jeans Co.'s Grayson Jean

Purchasing Accountant Brittany Shepard
"I like The North Face's Midori Moto Jacket.  This is a great lightweight insulated jacket for our sometimes cool, sometimes freezing South Alabama weather.  I really like that it's more fitted than most insulated jackets so that it doesn't look bulky on."

The North Face Midori Moto Jacket

Layering for Cold Weather 101: Mid Layer

As the weather starts to grow a bit colder and our lives keep taking us outdoors with football games, baseball tournaments, deer season and the fair, we want to take a minute to educate you on the BEST way to keep warm. Though a good jacket is a great step in the right direction, there is so much more to keeping warm. We are going to start at the very bottom of it all, what you need to wear under your clothes, and work our way out to jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks in this technical series on layering.

The Mid Layer: Part 2

By Staff Member Ross Lee

As we discussed last week, base layer is the foundation of the whole layering system. It is what keeps you dry, and without staying dry, you will never keep warm. The next layer in the system is the MID LAYER. The mid layer is essential to keeping warm; it is the insulation layer.

Depending on what you will be doing, the mid layer could range from a warm but thin pair of Under Armour sweat pants with a sweat shirt or a 1000 fill goose down jacket. No matter what you are doing, the object of the mid layer is to trap air and use your body temperature to heat it up and keep you warm.

There are many different materials that are used in mid layers. Cotton is the first I want to discuss. Cotton can be a great insulator as long as you are not going to be very active. Cotton does a very good job of retaining heat but a poor job of getting rid of moisture. If you are sitting around the hunting camp, or ski lodge, just hanging out, that old cotton sweat suit will be perfect to keep you warm. But if you are doing anything active, other materials will be more suitable.

Let me introduce you to some of these different materials. Fleece is another common mid layer. It absorbs very little moisture and dries quickly.  Fleece also retains heat well even when wet. Fleece comes in many different weights, which makes it very versatile. For those brisk cool days, grab one of our TKA 100 weight fleece pullovers from The North Face. For those harsh, very cold days, grab an Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. It is made with Polartec Thermal Pro, one of the warmest fleeces on the market.

Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan

Another great mid layer material is synthetic down. Synthetic down is usually made with a polyester fiber that is extremely warm for its weight, allowing you to have a thinner and lighter jacket without sacrificing warmth. Check out our Arc’teryx Atom jacket, The Nanopuff jacket by Patagonia or The Redpoint Jacket by The North Face if you want to try a synthetic down jacket.

The North Face Redpoint Jacket

Mid layer is very important to your cold weather layering system, so stop by Eagle Eye and let us help you find the perfect mid layer options for your needs.  Next week, we will discuss outerwear and jackets to help you discover the best jacket material and style for your specific cold weather activities.

You're Invited to our Night of Praise

Employee News

What's new with our fantastic staff at Eagle Eye?

• Ladies Department Manager Nicole Reid became Mrs. Eric Sanders on October 27, 2012!  Congratulations, you two! 

• Former cashier Michelle Hinson welcomed baby boy Bentley on October 17, 2012. Welcome to the world, little cutie!

• Assistant Store Manger Andy McDuffie popped a big question to Lindsay Barnett, and she said, "Yes!" Way to go, Duff!

Layering for Cold Weather 101: Base Layer

As the weather starts to grow a bit colder and our lives keep taking us outdoors with football games, baseball tournaments, deer season and the fair, we want to take a minute to educate you on the BEST way to keep warm. Though a good jacket is a great step in the right direction, there is so much more to keeping warm. We are going to start at the very bottom of it all, what you need to wear under your clothes, and work our way out to jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks in this technical series on layering.

The Base Layer: Part 1

By Staff Member Ross Lee

I remember going to the National Peanut Festival with my family as a kid. We always loved how the weather would turn cool just before the fair arrived, almost as if it was planned that way. We would bundle up:  long johns under blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt, a sweat shirt and big fluffy jacket with a beanie on top of our heads. We would go out there every year thinking there was no way we were going to get cold, but every year after running all around the fairgrounds, I would come back to my parents, almost in tears, because I was so cold. I could never figure out why I froze every year even though I had dressed so “warm”. It took many years of being miserably cold before I figured out the secret.

The secret doesn’t lie in having a really warm big fluffy jacket, though that can be very important, the secret lies in what you wear under everything, your BASE LAYER. My problem was not that I did not dressed warm enough, my problem was the long johns I was wearing were made of cotton and soaked up all my sweat as I ran around the fairgrounds and made a wet layer right next to my skin which kept me from getting warm.

Base layer is the foundation in your cold weather clothing system, and though different brands use different technologies in their base layer systems, the end goal is the same: your base layer is supposed to keep you dry. Your base layer should wick away moisture from your body and evaporate it out, keeping the layer closest to your body warm and dry. Base layer systems come in different weights, which are used to keep you warm in any scenario. Lighter weight base layers are used when you are participating in a more active activity, such as sports, whereas heavier weight base layers are used in more passive activities, such as watching sports or hunting.

Here at Eagle Eye, we carry four different types of base layer. Patagonia Capilene is made with a 100% polyester material called Polartec® Powder dry®. Powder dry® is a two layer fabric. The bottom layer is designed to wick away moisture very quickly, and the top layer is designed to evaporate very quickly. These two layers work together to keep you dry. It was designed with flat seams and strategically placed gussets to allow the snug fit you need with a base layer but also not to impede with natural movement. Patagonia Capilene would be a great option for base layer for all ranges of activity.

The North Face is the new kid on the block this year with their new base layer system featuring their proprietary FlashDry ™ technology. The North Face base layer is a blended polyester/polyolefin material that is double layered. Its FlashDry™ technology works a little differently than the others. Not only does it wick away moisture very efficiently, but it also spreads the moisture out over the surface of the garment so that the moisture can evaporate faster. It was designed with flat seams and strategically placed gussets to allow you to move freely and would work best in a more active environment, i.e. the ski slopes.

Columbia has revolutionized the market with their Omni-Heat ® thermal reflective material, matched with their Omni-Wick ® moisture management system. Columbia has found a way to keep garments really thin, but also really warm. Columbia took old technology found in an emergency blanket and redesigned it to create an awesome material that we now know as Omni-Heat ® thermal reflective. It reflects your body heat back to you while it gets rid of excess moisture, causing the garment to be up to 20 % warmer. It is made with a polyester/elastin blend which lends itself to a snug athletic fit. Columbia base layer is made for the person who is on the go, and doesn't want to be held down by thick base layer.

Under Armour has something for everyone in their base layer. Whether you need a thin layer to keep you warm and dry as you play soccer, a scent proof layer to keep you warm while you keep the deer guessing where you are,  a warm but flexible layer as you ride your motorcycle through the mountains, or a thick cozy layer to keep you warm in the stands as you cheer your football player on, Under Armour has a little bit of everything. Utilizing a gridded polyester fleece, Under Armour base layer will help spread the heat across your whole body, while wicking away moisture. It is super light and flexible and available in 4 different weights to keep you warm in any situation.

Don’t suffer through another cold winter with the same old cotton long johns you have been wearing for years while wishing you were warm. Swing by Eagle Eye and let us help you find the right base layer for your cold weather activities.