Dressing for the Winter

1. Put on a hat, especially when your feet get cold

Around 50% of body heat is lost through the head and neck because of the rich supply of blood vessels to these areas. Should you get chilled, the first thing to think about is, "what should I do to prevent heat loss from my head and neck". Usually this done by wearing a hat and scarf. A balaclava (face mask) also works great for this purpose. Conversely, should you begin to overheat, take off your hat or gloves to vent quickly.

2. Put layers

Layering clothes is warmer than a single heavy coat. There are three essential layers that best for work and play outdoors in winter: a base layer, insulating layer(s), and a shell. The base layer must wick perspiration from the skin and transport it to the next, outer layer. This layer should be quite thin and fit close to the skin. Synthetic fabrics, including polypropylene, Capilene, and Coolmax work best for this function. The insulating layer should traps air to keep you warm. Wool, synthetic pile and Thinsulate are good for this purpose. Use thin layers of these fabrics since it will work well in combination and are more flexible than a single thick layer. When you're active, just only wear those layers needed to stay comfortable. If you feel yourself heating up, simply remove a layer before you start to sweat. As you cool down, attach a layer. The outer shell coating should be both windproof and waterproof. It will be ideal if the garment also "breathes" to allow moisture to escape from the body. Gortex and Entrant are trade names of fabrics that are both waterproof and breathable.

3. Cotton freezes

There is probably nothing more comfy to wear than a well-worn cotton t-shirt or jeans that has been washed repeatedly. However, cotton ranks at the bottom of the list of suitable fabrics for cold climate use. Cotton tends to absorb or hold on to moisture instead of transporting or moving it away from the body. A soggy layer of clothing against the skin pulls heat away from the body and can rapidly lower body temperature.

4. Use mittens rather than gloves

Since the extra air inside mittens creates added insulation, and fingers maintain their warmth better when they are touching, mittens are warmer than gloves made of the same material.

An old Norwegian says: "there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing". Wintertime could be a wonderful time to get outside, IF your clothing is up to the task. Give a little preparation and the right combination of clothing and it can make all the difference in your winter outdoor pleasure.