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Cold Weather Layering — Tips for staying warm outdoors during winter
Cold Weather Layering: A Beginner's Guide to Staying Warm Outdoors
A simple look at layering and clothing for anyone starting to spend more time outdoors in colder conditions.
When the mercury drops, we need to give a little more consideration to our clothing system, and whoever you ask will praise the benefits of a layering system. But what exactly are we layering up against?
As warm-blooded creatures, we're fairly good at generating enough heat to keep ourselves comfortable. This thermal radiation is constantly leaving our bodies. What we need to consider is how to trap this heat near our body's core.
The Four Principles of Layering
1 Insulation — Trap Warm Air, Then Vent
High-loft garments such as fleece and down trap warm air close to the body, preventing it from escaping into the environment. However, as you begin to move and exert more energy, that same insulation can quickly cause you to overheat.
This is where garments with zips or vent panels become essential — they allow you to release excess heat before you start sweating.
2 Windproof & Waterproof — Tame Convection
The air trapped in these garments will stay put unless some force whips it away — and in the UK, wet winter air is excellent at sapping heat from your body. Wearing a windproof outer shell massively reduces this convection effect.
Waterproofs are also very effective for this, but you need to consider how breathable the garment is before becoming too physically active — otherwise, you might actually make things worse!
3 Manage Sweat — "Be Bold, Start Cold"
As your exertion level rises, you run the risk of building up a bit of sweat. Your body is designed to use sweat to cool you through evaporation, so in cold conditions, you'll want to avoid cycles of overheating followed by sudden drops in activity.
If you plan to be physically active, using a moisture-wicking base layer really helps draw sweat away from your body, keeping you warm and dry.
"Be bold, start cold." — Set off feeling slightly cool. You'll warm up quickly once moving, and you'll avoid the dreaded sweat-then-chill cycle.
4 Conduction — Ground, Tools & Your Kit
Depending on what you're doing, the surfaces you touch, hold, or stand on can also draw heat from your body through conduction. Ice fishermen wear thick-soled rubber boots to insulate themselves from the ice; thick gloves keep your hands toasty, but mittens are best of all since they allow your fingers to share warmth with each other and the air around them.
Keeping these dry — or waterproof — makes a huge difference, and I'd always recommend carrying a spare pair of gloves and socks in your kit list.
If you're planning a break in your day's activity, consider carrying an insulated sit mat — no one likes a cold bum!
Plan for the Worst
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan for the worst. A few extra layers at the bottom of your pack inside a waterproof dry bag can make the difference between a great day out and a potential disaster.
Watch & Learn
Cold Weather Layering — Bushcraft Fundamentals
Have a great week.
Cheers,
Chris & the FF Team
