Leg insulation layer

I am not happy with my current layering system for my lower body. I have Cloudveil Koven ski pants (shell), fleece pants, and CW-X 3/4 insulator tights. Temperature and moisture wise, this system has been working quite well, but the fleece pants are a bit unruly in terms of volume and the shapes that they manage to get themselves into.

What are you guys using as a mid layer that adds some insulation without much bulk?

I am looking for something more form fitting, but not skin tight. I really like the 3/4 lenght tights as they do not bunch up on top of my boots and was considering cutting my current fleece pants before I decided that they were just too bulky. Has anyone done anything similar or found another solution?

Price wise I would prefer to stay under $100, but if more is required for the right product, I could go a little higher.

Thanks

I have 2 mid layer pants which I really like. The first are Powerstretch Tights (maybe not the best choice if you din't like skin tight) and the second are Marmot DriClime side zip pants. I find that both are warm enough to not need layers underneath.

I am not completely opposed to skin tight, but a little looseness makes grabbing a bite to eat afterward draw fewer awkward glances.

I suffered a bit of nerve damage in my upper thighs many years ago from skiing with under-insulated legs on a minus 35 F day. As a result, I ended up trying a lot of bottom layers for extra protection. My favorite under-shell layer has turned out to be a pair of fleece pants I bought from REI 15 years ago. They are a substantial 200 weight Polartec, and they fit close, but not skin tight. I'm tall, but I bought a regular length so there is less bunching when I push them up above my ski boots. On average cold days, I wear them over skin-tight Helly Hansen Lifa. On very cold days, I layer them over Patagonia power stretch tights. Never have any problem with them clumping.

These exact fleece pants aren't made anymore, but REI does have a model called Muir Woods Fleece which look like a similar fit (maybe a shade looser), but may be a little lighter weight. That's probably a good thing for normal legs. They come in three inseam lengths, and have ankle zippers (which miine don't). They list for $69.50, but will probably go on sale later in the season. Maybe they would work for you.

Check out the smartwool boot top midweight thermals. Warmth without the bulk and you don't have to tuck them into your boots.

Another vote for tights made with Polartec Power Stretch.

Do you really actually need the fleece over top the CW-X though?

Take a pair of jeans and change in the locker room/bathroom. It makes the drive home much more enjoyable for all in the car. I hate anything more than fleece tights under a shell pant even on the coldest days at Iceface.

For anything under ~20 degrees, underneath my ski pants I wear Hind Munich running pants. They are loose fitting tights. They used to retail for about $65 but I got mine from Campmor for ~$30 a few years ago. The lower leg has a vertical zipper that goes up the calf. I usually unzip the zipper and roll up the lower leg a few times. The pants are warm, thin and really comfortable.

Yet another vote for polartec powerstretch. Mine are "made" by Marker, but it doesn't really matter who makes 'em.

I also ski in the 686 Smarty Original Snowboard Pant, which comes with a zip-in fleece liner (bought 'em primarily because they fit me well, the fleece zip-in was a bonus).

The Koven is not the most breathable pant, and I personally HATE mine when it gets really cold. Buy some pants for when it's really cold, and your problem is solved - that's what I did. I got some from Salomon, but I can't recall the model name.

I wish I had your problem, my legs get hot wearing undies and ski pants.

Patagonia expedition weight.

insulation layer

Most conditions I wear only a smart wool boot top. Ice Breaker also makes the same thing. They are both made of marino wool. The stuff is magic. If it gets brutally cold I ad an old synthetic layer i have. Marino is not cheap but you can find it on sale. Beats the tar our of Synthetic if you ask me.

That was an expensive gamble for me. Still not warm enough with just a shell pant for me. They do work pretty well under my insulated pair though.

The warmest long johns I have were issued to me many years ago by the US Gov't.

Ibex. simple.good company. warm and light

Helly Hansen makes a good lightweight 3/4 synthetic layer that I like. Good on their own under insulated pants, or you can layer very comfortably on colder days or if you're using shell pants. I think it's part of their "HH Dry" lineup.