If you're just going to be cragging hit up Walmart and get some cotton thermals and a hoodie to climb in, and a synthetic poofie jacket to belay in. Total cost - $30

You don't need fancy synthetic base layers and lightweight shells unless you're doing backcountry in winter. Even then, the climbing brands are still sort of a rip off. I get most of my gear, like boots and stuff, from Big 5.

the Patagonia R1 Hoodie is worth every dime of its $150 price tag.

combine it with a shell of some sort and a baselayer and you'll be plenty warm for most climbing days!

If you're just going to be cragging hit up Walmart and get some cotton thermals and a hoodie to climb in, and a synthetic poofie jacket to belay in. Total cost - $30

You don't need fancy synthetic base layers and lightweight shells unless you're doing backcountry in winter. Even then, the climbing brands are still sort of a rip off. I get most of my gear, like boots and stuff, from Big 5.

Agree completely. However, if $150 is out of budget, you can get the exact same piece for $60 from MEC. The MEC Expedition Stretch Hoody is the exact same material, but missing the chest pocket and a chin/zipper protector (whatever that thing is called).

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302888491&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442627307

Agree completely. However, if $150 is out of budget, you can get the exact same piece for $60 from MEC. The MEC Expedition Stretch Hoody is the exact same material, but missing the chest pocket and a chin/zipper protector (whatever that thing is called).

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302888491&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442627307

Thank you this was really helpful. Also to clarify I am looking for certain brands that are cheap so I know what to look for, or places I can go to get cheap clothes that will work IE: wallmart.

Walmart has some Starter brand shirts and pants that are not made out of cotton.
i have a couple of them for colder nights (i climb at night once a week)

the most important thing is buying layers and making sure you don't sweat too much. when you sweat it will make your clothes wet, which will make you colder.
another reason why cotton is not good for cold weather.

Thank you this was really helpful. Also to clarify I am looking for certain brands that are cheap so I know what to look for, or places I can go to get cheap clothes that will work IE: wallmart.

Why you hate on cotton so much?

Synthetics are alright, as is cotton, but seriously? how cold does it get in Texas?

I buy fleecy jackets from Good Will or any second-hand store.
Last spring I bought 4 of them for $5 each. Two were useless but the other two looked good and felt great.

On cold spring and fall days I wear the two jackets over two shirts.

Anyway, "layers" is always good, and I can wear what I need, and leave the rest with my lunch.

Why you hate on cotton so much?

Synthetics are alright, as is cotton, but seriously? how cold does it get in Texas?

If you're just going to be cragging hit up Walmart and get some cotton thermals and a hoodie to climb in, and a synthetic poofie jacket to belay in. Total cost - $30

You don't need fancy synthetic base layers and lightweight shells unless you're doing backcountry in winter. Even then, the climbing brands are still sort of a rip off. I get most of my gear, like boots and stuff, from Big 5.

In the winter, cotton kills. Cold is bad enough, but cold and wet can deadly. (Nevermind damn uncomfortable!)

Then wear wool... my grandma knits a mean sweater.

A good wool base layer is waaaaaayyyyy more expensive than synthetic.

Tip: You don't have to to get name brands to stay warm. Wicking synthetics are pretty hot right now, so take a look at the materials (avoiding cotton), make sure it's a decent weave (unlike cheap polyester from the 70s) and check out the cut (ie - make sure you can comfortably raise your hands above your head). You might also be able to find a cheapo down/synthetic insulation vest, it's getting to be that time of year that they go on the clearance rack.

Also, a decent pair of long-johns go a long way. At the top end they shouldn't be more than $30. And remember socks.....much nicer to have wool or a decent synthetic that doesn't hold moisture from your sweaty feet of when your shoes fill with snow (assuming you have to deal with snow).