How to dress for the cold
One of the most important functions of the clothing in cold climates is to protect the body from cooling down.
The key to cold weather dressing is layering.
Layering basically means just what it sounds like: wearing multiple layers of garments, one on top of the next. Several lighter layers will keep you warmer than one very thick one–air is trapped between each layer and warmed by your body, surrounding you with a self-generated heat shield that insulates you from the cold.
The multi-layer principle is a flexible method for dressing for the outdoors – all year round.
Three to four layers provide protection from the cold, wind and rain, and are easy to adjust as your body temperature changes:
The base layerStaying warm and active means occasionally sweating, and sweating is bad if your clothing doesn’t allow it to move out and away from your skin.
The base layer transports moisture away from the skin and keeps you dry and warm. Good base layer materials include synthetics or wool.
Cotton should be avoided since it retains moisture and cools you down. The no-cotton rule also applies to underwear, socks and bras!
Products: ZIP-NECK UNDERWEAR , LONG JOHN UNDERWEAR
The middle layer and The insulating LayerThe job of your main insulating layer is to trap in heat. The middle layer absorbs the moisture away from the base layer while at the same time providing insulation.
If temperatures are very low or your activity is stationary, a thicker (or double) middle layer is needed and often called The insulating layer.
The insulating layer is an optional layer worn over your middle layer in very cold conditions. Synthetic or wool sweaters or shirts make good middle layers.
Producs: MICROFLEECE JACKET, SWEATSHIRT HALF ZIP
The outer layer / Protective LayerYour outer layer is the shell that keeps all the inner layers protected from the elements. It’s a wind and water resistant shell that keeps the cold out and the heat from the inner layers in.
It’s usually (though not always) a single layer, and doesn’t necessarily have to have any insulation.
It also integrates with the other layers by releasing moisture. The outer layer should protect sensitive areas such as your head, throat, wrists, waist and ankles.
The most important consideration for your protective layer is that it traps air and stops wind. It should also be breathable enough to allow moisture out–you don’t want your sweat trapped under your shell with you.
That means that most outer layers are water-resistant but not fully water-proofed. It should be possible not only to open the neck, sleeves and ventilation openings to release damp heat, but also to open zippers and make other adjustments while wearing gloves.
Producs: WINTER JACKET HIGH-VIZ CLASS 3, SHELL JACKET HIGH-VIZ CLASS 3, , SOFTSHELL JACKET
Remember! The outer layer also includes protection for your extremities. A layer of weather-proofed gloves or mittens and a wool stocking cap are the bare minimum of protection.
A FINAL NOTE ON FIT Your outerwear should fit comfortably over your other layers without restricting your movement. For this reason, someone who normally wears a size large shirt may prefer a size XL jacket for added room. Of course, fit varies from person to person. Some jackets are cut to provide a little extra room for layering.
The base layer transports moisture away from the skin and keeps you dry and warm. Good base layer materials include synthetics or wool.
Cotton should be avoided since it retains moisture and cools you down. The no-cotton rule also applies to underwear, socks and bras!
Products: ZIP-NECK UNDERWEAR , LONG JOHN UNDERWEAR
The middle layer and The insulating LayerThe job of your main insulating layer is to trap in heat. The middle layer absorbs the moisture away from the base layer while at the same time providing insulation.
If temperatures are very low or your activity is stationary, a thicker (or double) middle layer is needed and often called The insulating layer.
The insulating layer is an optional layer worn over your middle layer in very cold conditions. Synthetic or wool sweaters or shirts make good middle layers.
Producs: MICROFLEECE JACKET, SWEATSHIRT HALF ZIP
The outer layer / Protective LayerYour outer layer is the shell that keeps all the inner layers protected from the elements. It’s a wind and water resistant shell that keeps the cold out and the heat from the inner layers in.
It’s usually (though not always) a single layer, and doesn’t necessarily have to have any insulation.
It also integrates with the other layers by releasing moisture. The outer layer should protect sensitive areas such as your head, throat, wrists, waist and ankles.
The most important consideration for your protective layer is that it traps air and stops wind. It should also be breathable enough to allow moisture out–you don’t want your sweat trapped under your shell with you.
That means that most outer layers are water-resistant but not fully water-proofed. It should be possible not only to open the neck, sleeves and ventilation openings to release damp heat, but also to open zippers and make other adjustments while wearing gloves.
Producs: WINTER JACKET HIGH-VIZ CLASS 3, SHELL JACKET HIGH-VIZ CLASS 3, , SOFTSHELL JACKET
Remember! The outer layer also includes protection for your extremities. A layer of weather-proofed gloves or mittens and a wool stocking cap are the bare minimum of protection.
A FINAL NOTE ON FIT Your outerwear should fit comfortably over your other layers without restricting your movement. For this reason, someone who normally wears a size large shirt may prefer a size XL jacket for added room. Of course, fit varies from person to person. Some jackets are cut to provide a little extra room for layering.