It is common for temperatures to drop significantly during the winter months. With this drop in temperatures comes a greater need for clothes for outdoor activities that are prepared for the elements, as opposed to clothing that is considered “nice”. When properly layered, you have both additional warmth and the ability to function physically while enjoying the activity with minimal chance of developing a cold weather injury, or worse yet, if exposed to extreme cold temperatures, death. An option that many individuals are turning to in response to these challenges of cold weather is Heated Vests at ActionHeat. They are the newest way to layer and obtain extra warmth while still taking advantage of your current traditional clothing system.
By knowing how to layer your clothes for winter outdoor recreation, you will have the ability to manage temperature fluctuations, unexpected weather events, and most importantly, ensure that you remain dry, comfortable, and mobile. This guide contains methods for dress layering to regulate body temperatures when engaged in outdoor recreation in winter prior to engaging in winter outdoor recreation. Key considerations when layering your clothing include: materials, the structure of a layered clothing system, and considering sensitive areas of your body (hands and feet). When preparing to be outside in winter, have knowledge of breathability, insulation, and water-resistance. Having this knowledge will prepare an individual for the varied winter conditions and is critical for outdoor recreationalists/hikers/ skiers, as well as for those working outdoors in winter.
What is layering?
Layering is a safe and effective way of using multiple layers of clothing to hold in body heat, control perspiration, and keep your body temperature in the comfort zone. Wearing one large coat all the time would not be functional. If you wear a combination of three types of clothing layers (base layer, middle layer, outer layer), you’ll be able to adjust your body temperature and feel warmer as the weather changes outside your home. By using layers correctly, you can also quickly adapt to changes in your level of physical activity throughout the day, i.e., as you start to get hotter, remove one or more layers; when you start to cool off, put on some layers (or more) again. According to REI’s experts, the use of layering has been shown to prevent frostbite and hypothermia and is an important part of being safe while in the outdoors.
Selecting Appropriate Materials
The material you select is one of the main things you can do to maintain your comfort level. Cotton is well known for its ability to soak up and hold on to moisture, which causes your body to lose heat and become rapidly chilled. The materials that you should consider are merino wool, synthetic fleece, polyester, and polypropylene, as they will pull moisture away from your skin and still provide warmth when wet. Wintersport clothing made of these materials is considered to be the best by research conducted by Nationwide Children’s Hospitals.
The Three Layers of Essential Clothing for Cold Weather
A successful clothing system for cold weather is generally composed of three primary layers.
- Base Layer: Worn next to the skin to control moisture. Good base layers will fit snugly against your skin and are constructed from wool or a technical synthetic fabric.
- Mid Layer: Provides the heat needed by trapping warmth created by your body. The mid layer will usually be constructed of fleece, wool, and/or a puffy synthetic fabric.
- Outer Layer: Protects you against wind, snow, and rain. Waterproof and windproof shells will maintain the insulation of the clothing layers underneath.
For example, wearing synthetic long underwear, a wool or fleece pullover, and a water- and windproof shell will provide you with an effective thermal barrier. When layering up and heading out into cold weather,a proper layering strategy will not only keep you warm and dry, but it will also help keep you protected from cold and wet weather.
Protecting Extremities
The feet, hands and head are three areas where we lose heat more quickly than the rest of our bodies, and they are also the areas most at risk for frostbite. To keep these areas warm and to protect them from the cold, you need to wear the right type of socks (insulated, moisture-wicking) and insulated boots (waterproof), as well as insulated gloves (or mittens) that have a windproof outer shell. You should also have a warm hat (beanie/balaclava), as well as a scarf or neck gaiter to help protect your face and neck from wind. The CDC reminds us that keeping the insulation of your extremities is vitally important for your entire body’s thermoregulation, and ultimately, safety while participating in outdoor activities during winter months.
Staying Dry and Ventilated
In order to prevent the risk of getting a cold, it is important to remain dry. You will want to start out in moisture-wicking base layers and wear a waterproof and breathable outer layer. Whenever possible, look for outer layers that have built-in ventilation systems (e.g., pit zips or mesh-lined pockets), so that you can vent excess heat/moisture from your body. As mentioned by the CDC, preventing sweat build-up is essential for protection from the elements and reducing the likelihood of developing chills.
While you should feel cool when you start your activity, as you start to move you will warm up quickly. You should be careful not to overdress for your activity; overdressing may cause you to sweat excessively, which can then saturate even the best fabric, resulting in discomfort.
A few additional tips to keep warm
- Continue to Stay Active. Movement creates circulation, which generates body heat.
- Drink lots of fluids and eat a diet high in calories to support your metabolism.
- Keep disposable hand warmers and toe warmers on hand for instant warmth during breaks.
- Plan for breaks in a protected location to shield yourself from cold winds and exposure.
By checking your comfort level throughout your activity and responding to the first signs of cold stress (e.g., shivering/numbness), you can extend your safety and enjoyment while participating in outdoor activities.
To summarize, layering is more than just putting on multiple sweaters; it is about being intentional about how to keep warm, dry, and free from exposure. By understanding how to choose and layer performance fabrics, how to create a layering system, and how to protect the most sensitive areas of the body, you can create a winter adventure that is exciting and enjoyable rather than intimidating. By making intelligent clothing choices, you will be better prepared to handle the rigors of winter and will have the confidence to continue exploring in the harshest of winter conditions.
