Cold Weather Layering — Staying Comfortable Outdoors in Winter

Hello all,

I hope you’re having a good week. This week’s edition of our Bushcraft Fundamentals how-to series is all about staying comfortable in the cold — a simple look at layering and clothing for anyone starting to spend more time outdoors.

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?

What 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.

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.

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!

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. The old mountaineers’ adage, “Be bold, start cold,” still rings in my ears before setting off on a crisp morning.

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.

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.