After 15 years of being cold in the water, I finally got 2 items to resolve this issue. The first was a drysuit and the second an IR Union Suit. The Union Suit is so warm and so comfortable, that I like to wear it as much as possible, even when I am not paddling. I wore it as a base layer to coach soccer the other day in 40 degree air temps with 20 mph winds and I was warm all day. I have never been warmer or more comfortable on the river. It wicks moisture and breaths really well. You can wear it with a drysuit, dry top, and or dry pants. The zipper less entry is priceless too. This is a must have item for anyone fighting the elements and those that get cold easy.
Name: Nick Wigston Review Date: 2/11/2011 4:01 pm Rating:
Every river runner should have one of these. It's great even if you don't use a drysuit. The union suite is made from a really warm material, that is comfortable and doesn't absorb odor as bad as some other materials. They are great for skiing too!
I didn't take mine off for 21 days on the Grand Canyon. This suit is amazingly comfortable, it adapts to the weather your in!
Name: Brian Review Date: 1/27/2011 7:00 pm Rating:
I'm on three years now with no holes or loose threads. I will order another if mine ever wears out.
Name: Mike Tavares Review Date: 1/24/2011 1:20 pm Rating:
Simply the best base layer that I own! The uni is my favorite layer to wear year round. I wear it in the winter wether I am paddling or snowboarding and I wear it in the summer when paddling in cold water. The stretch neck entry is great because it eliminates the bulk and bother of a zipper and makes it even more comfy. I have been called out for wearing this thing for multiple days straight without taking it off. Its just so darn comfy!
Name: Joe Keck Review Date: 1/14/2011 4:24 pm Rating:
I bought one for a winter Grand Canyon trip and now find myself wearing it all spring under my drysuit. It is super warm, wicks sweat and generally suffices as a single layer.
Name: Erik Review Date: 10/14/2011 7:52 pm Rating:
This is the best thermal / underlayer purchase I have ever made for any sport. I wear mine skiing, into the sleeping bag on cold camp night, when I'm sick, and of course under a dry suit roughly 100 days a year.
Some Q&A: Yes it's mid weight, you can get warmer stuff. I think any warmer would be worse. I wear this with poly/silk liners underneath and that's it for winter paddling on the Ark. No, the neck doesn't get all stretched out. It stays the way you bought it. Biggest drawback, the neoprene type material at the neck absorbs sweat, so it gets damp and stinky easily. Also, you aren't supposed to put in the dryer, no biggie in dry climates but might be bad somewhere wet.
Name: Rolf Review Date: 4/23/2011 2:41 pm Rating:
This thing is awesome and worth every penny. I wear it kayaking and for ice climbing. No dealing with the top and bottom layers separating around your core.
Holly comfort batman, the IR Union suit is so comfortable you might consider wearing it around the house or on your next backcountry ski trip. The suit is made with medium weight fleece and has an innovative entry system through the neck that reduces bulk and awkward seams. Best of all the Union suit keeps me warm and reduces overlapping layers around my waist so I can focus on running the river instead of shivering in the eddy wondering how long until we get to the take out.
Name: Tim Kelton Review Date: 4/8/2011 4:21 pm Rating:
After five years I figured it was about time to replace my original Union Suit and just got a new one. To my pleasant surprise, its even warmer and dries faster than the original.
The IR Union Suit is a unique one-piece cold weather base layer. It is made with soft, plush 29% Greenplus environmentally friendly polyester. This suit has an easy entry through a stretchable neck gasket. This means no zippers or velcro. It can also be used for other cold weather activities, even if that's just watching TV.
