Winter is one of my favorite times to camp and explore the outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of winter in the woods. But before venturing out into the cold it is important to have a plan on how to stay warm.
Understanding how to layer properly plays a key role in surviving the cold, winter months. While insulation is important, staying dry is vital. Cotton and other moisture-retaining fabrics in combination with sweating or wet snow can quickly cause major heat loss, putting you at risk for hypothermia.
So what is good to wear?
The Base Layer – Moisture Management
The layer closest to your body is called the Base Layer. This layer’s primary function is moisture management. Two excellent material options for a base layer are synthetic and merino wool.
Synthetics, such as polyester, are great at wicking and dissipating sweat. They are the fastest drying, easy to care for, and comfortable. Some even have a finish that help with reducing odor.
Merino Wool has natural moisture-wicking properties that help keep you dry (although not as dry as synthetic materials), is breathable, highly resistant to odor-causing bacteria, and can also be used in hot temperatures to help keep you cool.
Base layers also come in multiple weights to provide you with the perfect amount of protection based on the environment you will be in and the personal preferences that you have.
My personal favorite base layers are Under Armour ColdGear or Smartwool.
The Mid Layer – Insulation
The base layer keeps you dry while the mid layer keeps you warm. It’s purpose is to keep heat trapped close to your body.
Natural fibers, such as wool and goose down, are excellent options. Goose down in particular is excellent for very cold conditions and offers more warmth for weight than any other insulating material. It is extremely compressible, which is great for backpacking when room is limited. However, if it gets wet, it loses all of its insulating abilities.
Polyester fleece dries fast and can even insulate if it gets damp. It is also very breathable, which can help prevent you from overheating.
If you’re going to be in a damp environment, synthetic materials, such as Thinsulate, may be the route to take. While not as warm as goose down, synthetic materials retain their insulating ability when damp.
Outer Layer – Weather Protection
The final layer is the outside layer. This layer should protect against wind, rain, or snow. There are a lot of options, depending on what you plan on doing, the weather conditions, and the price you want to spend.
The key to picking a good outer layer is making sure it is waterproof or water-resistant. The pricer jackets tend to be in the waterproof category but these jackets will keep you dry and are the best option.
Shell Layer – Weather Protection
This layer protects against wind, rain, or snow. There are a lot of options, depending on what you plan on doing. The most expensive and functional option is waterproof and breathable shells. These are great for wet, cool conditions. Shells that have laminated membranes offer the best performance.
Soft shells are excellent for breathability and most offer both shell and insulation properties. They are good for cold and mild weather.
In addition to body shells, consider waterproof boots, mittens that are waterproof and breathable, and a hat made of wool. Also, don’t forget that your insulating and base layers need to fit comfortably under the shell, so it might be worth bumping it up a size.