Winter adventures are a great way to beat the gray-sky blues, but in order to enjoy the outdoors during the cold season, it’s important to dress warm! This includes wearing layers:
Layers are key
It’s easy to be able to put a layer on or take a layer off depending on how you’re feeling.
Start with your base layer. The base layer is going to be the first layer, next to your skin so you will want it to be able to wick away sweat, be quick drying, and have good ventilation. Choosing a merino wool or synthetic layer (such as polypropylene) will accomplish these aspects.
It’s important to remember to stay away from clothing made out of cotton. Yes its soft, but it retains moisture longer than a synthetic or wool. This means if you are sweating, snow melts on your clothes, or you simply spill water all over yourself when trying to drink out of your wide mouth canteen, your clothing will continue to stay wet and possibly freeze, leaving you susceptible to hypothermia.
Next is your mid-layer. This is going to be worn over your base layer, trapping in the warmth yet is still breathable. A fleece or a heavier wool sweater will do the job.
An insulation layer is next. This layer will add additional warmth to your outerwear and can even be worn as your outer-most layer in dry conditions. This is typically a synthetic or down, light, compressible jacket.
The last layer is the outer shell. Its important for this last layer to be able to protect you from the weather. You can either choose a soft shell jacket or a hard shell jacket. A soft shell jacket is, you guessed it, soft. This means it has a little stretch to it and is flexible, by not restricting your arm movements, and is also a breathable material. A hard shell jacket is more restricting and less breathable but is waterproof and windproof. The soft shell will only be water-resistant.
I work at Eastern Mountain Sports and a common question I get asked is:
“Is there a difference between water-resistant and waterproof ?”
There is!
A water-resistant jacket will keep you dry for a short period of time, but if you’re caught out in the rain, the water will seep through. A waterproof jacket will keep you dry even after standing in the pouring rain.
Now it’s time to go have an adventure and stay warm!
Trying to learn more about layers? Check out this website:
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/a/11061/Introduction-to-Layered-Clothing-Systems
Little Adventures 