Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to break the bank and is easier than you think. There seems to be a common misconception that you have to drop some serious cash on top-level gear and get the warmest clothes to keep you nice and toasty. Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s more about choosing the right products and planning which will keep you warm and comfortable this winter. Keep in mind that although we are speaking for those wanting to get out on a hike, ski, snowshoe, or any other outdoor adventure, these principles can be applied to everyday comfort even when you’re walking to work.
Tip #1 - Check the Weather
Proper planning should be your first step when embarking on any outdoor trip this winter. Checking up on weather reports for temperatures and any forecasts will help you pack the proper gear. Knowing what’s to come and what to prepare for will not only help you with proper clothing/gear but will also help you subconsciously knowing you won’t have the chance of getting caught out in a storm unless that’s your thing.
Tip #2 - Bring the proper gear
Now that you know the weather and conditions you’re heading into, it’s time to choose the proper gear for your activity. For example, you don’t want to bring a heavy rain jacket on a warm, sunny winter hike; you’ll end up sweating too much. If you see it’s calling for high winds, you’ll want a shell to protect you. At the same time, you don’t want to stuff your pack with too much gear or carry unnecessary weight. So after you check the forecast, pack and wear the gear accordingly.
Tip #3 - Layer Up
Like building a house, you want to start with the foundation and work outward. Layering up with proper gear will make the world of difference from being miserable and will help you regulate your body temperature by adding and removing layers as you need them. Depending on the weather, temperature, and activity, your kit will vary but it should be founded on the three following stages:
Stage 1: Base layer – The very first layer you put on. Wicks away moisture from your skin. Choose Merino Wool (recommended) or any wool product. You can also use synthetic materials for this layer. Tell cotton to take a hike! Cotton is not recommended and takes a long time to dry and will leave you feeling wet, cold, and miserable. Trust us, you do not want to be wet on a sub-zero-day. Look for synthetic or wool products that dry quickly and wick moisture from the skin. As we said, our recommendation is any merino wool products.
Stage 2: Mid-layer(s) – This is the layer that works to retain your body heat; it does this by adding an extra layer to insulate you. It can go directly on top of your base layer. For this, you could use a fleece, down vest, down jacket, hoodie; anything that will help keep you insulated. You can also double up here by wearing a sweater and a vest if you feel like that’s best.
Stage 3: Shell layer – Keeps the wind and moisture out. For this, you could use a windbreaker, a rain jacket, gore-tex shell. Essentially anything that will keep the wind off you and keep your layers underneath dry.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a backpack and can afford the space, pack an extra mid or base layer. If you get sweaty, you can change out your base layer when you stop to avoid it from freezing. If you’re feeling a little chilly, you can add an extra layer as needed.
Tip #4 - Start Cold
We know, we know. When you stop the car and step out into some icy wind, all you want to do is take every single layer you have and get them on as quickly as possible. It’s chilly and you might be shivering, but avoid the temptation. You’re about to start hiking and with your body moving and the effort it takes to walk/ hike through the snow, you’ll be warming up in no time, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. If you wear too many layers at the beginning, you’re going to start to sweat sooner than you think. And sweat makes you wet. As soon as you stop for a break, that sweat will freeze up on your body and you’ll get cold. Fast. You want to avoid this as much as possible. So start cold. Trust us, you’ll be warm soon. If not, have your extra layers in your bag and add them as needed.
Pro-Tip: Everyone’s body is different. Some people don’t mind being cold, others can’t stand it. Do some trial and error tests. Figure out what works best for you and go from there.
Tip #5 - Get Comfortable
The ultimate goal is to be as comfortable as you can be when being outside this winter. When we say comfort we mean it on two levels: physically and psychologically. If you work on being physically comfortable with your gear it will pay dividends to you psychologically. There is nothing worse than being wet, cold, and with 4 more KM to go; during those moments it’s easy to lose motivation. The more physically comfortable you are (warm and dry), the more psychologically comfortable and strong you are. So do what you need to get in a state of mental comfort and toughness and you will be that much more equipped to take on any challenge this winter!
“When your mind tells you you’re done, you’re really only 40% done.”
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