Dress according to the weather – this is an important element when it comes to winter. But, how do you do it? Keep reading!
Step
Step 1. Use several layers of clothing
Instead of just one or two layers of thick clothing, wear layers of light, warm clothes. This will warm you better and you can remove the coating when the temperature starts to rise.
Step 2. Dress according to the activity
Dressing for skiing is different from dressing for fishing.
Step 3. Buy or find a warm bot
Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic wool–-not cotton. This coating can be purchased separately. You can buy boots with layers or use boots two sizes larger than your usual size, and add layers.
Step 4. Put on winter socks
Winter socks are essential for keeping feet dry and warm. Wool is the best material, although synthetic wool makes a good substitute. You can wear multiple layers of socks, but make sure your feet are comfortable and your blood circulation is maintained.
Step 5. Wear a quality coat, parka, or jacket
Generally, the thicker, the better. This applies to synthetic ski jackets, wool coats, or down jackets.
Step 6. Use a base layer
The “base layer” can be long johns, union suits, long underwear, or any type of clothing that can be used as a thin, warm base layer for your winter gear. Merino wool has been recognized as one of the best basecoats.
Step 7. Put on a hat
The belief that most body heat escapes through the head is a myth, but covering all parts of the body will help maintain body temperature.
Step 8. Put on gloves or mittens
Fingers and hands get cold very easily, so make sure your fingers and hands are covered. Thin gloves (such as “magic gloves”) are better than none, but comfortable and warm gloves are essential.
Step 9. Hand warmers or a pack of Hand Warmers can be useful, especially if you don't have shelter
Hand warmers can be purchased at an outdoor supply store or hunting supply store. Do not use hand warmers as a substitute for warm clothes.
Step 10. Wear more than one layer of clothing for your feet
Surprisingly, some people wear five layers of clothing, but only one layer of pants. At the very least, wear a base layer such as long underwear and an outer layer, such as snowboarding pants.
Step 11. Keep it dry
Wet conditions will make you feel cold faster. Wear a waterproof outer layer.
Tips
- Don't wear too many clothes. Sweating and humidity can be dangerous.
- You should feel warm---not hot---and dry all the time.
- Mittens or gloves without finger separators are better than regular gloves because the fingers will keep warm when the fingers are close together. However, the drawback is that you will find it difficult to do some things with your hands such as turning the pages of a newspaper.
- In a pinch, you can make a jacket or shirt retain more body heat by stuffing newsprint, dry leaves, and the like into your clothes.
- Prioritize function over style. Of course, you don't have to ignore style. However, in the freezing cold, your main goal should be to stay warm, no matter how you look. You may look like a weirdo, but you are a “warm” freak!
- When dressing, consider whether you will be dealing with moisture (rain, snow, rain and/or wind). Humidity and wind will chill you faster than dry, calm air.
Warning
- Avoid cotton for outdoor activities. In the outdoor community, cotton is known as the “cloth of death” because it does not warm the body, and when it gets wet, it quickly causes a drop in body temperature. Choose wool, performance fabrics, and silk.
- Down jackets are a great choice to keep your body warm when the air is dry, but are useless when wet.
