LAYERING FOR MORE OUTDOOR WARMTH
By Bob Jensen

If you’re not warm when you’re outside, you’re not going to enjoy the outdoor experience. That’s pretty simple to understand, but there are still a lot of people who don’t stay warm when they’re outside. Unfortunately, many of those folks just decide not to go outside when it’s cold. They’re missing out on a lot of outdoor good-times. Here’s how you can dress to stay warm outside.

Staying warm starts with the layer of clothing next to your skin. So many of us wear traditional cotton under-garments and expect them to keep us warm. They don’t. What cotton does is trap moisture, and moisture is what makes us get cold. If you’re going to be outdoors, you need to start with a layer of clothing next to your skin that allows moisture to wick away. The Maximum Thermal Protection underwear from Cabela’s is recommended by many ice-anglers, hunters, skiers, and other folks who spend lots of time outdoors. It is available in several weights for different weather conditions and levels of activity.

As you work your way away from your skin, many outdoors-people like a flannel shirt or hooded sweatshirt as the next layer. Again, select a shirt made from a material that breathes to prevent moisture from collecting. 

Depending on how cold it is, the next item of clothing should be a light jacket or maybe a vest. If there will be another heavier jacket added, the vest might be a good choice. Fleece jackets or vests that incorporate Polartec are very nice. They are warm but lightweight.

That might be all the layers of clothing you need. However, when it’s really cold or really windy, it is a good idea to wear a garment on the outside that provides lots of warmth and/or wind-resistance. The garments that many outdoor enthusiasts consider to be the best incorporate a Gore-Tex outer material with Thinsulate insulation. A jacket constructed with these materials will protect against wind and moisture and pretty much anything Mother Nature can throw at you.

Last of all, wear a cap that prevents warmth from escaping through your head. For most people, that would be a stocking cap.

Layering enables you to add or subtract clothing as needed. Don’t let yourself get too warm or too cold. Remember, it is so important to start the layering process with proper underwear next to your skin. Start out right and you will greatly increase your chances for staying warm.

Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying outdoor activities. Learn to layer and you will enjoy the cold weather months even more.