Staying warm in cold temperatures isn’t always as easy as you think. Most people know that layering is the best option, but there’s more to it than just looking like Ralphie’s little brother in the classic movie A Christmas Story.
It’s not enough to just pile layer after layer; to be effective, you also need to understand what kind of cold weather you’re dealing with and what your layers are made of. Today, we’ll talk about some pro tips for how to layer for cold weather in a way that keeps you warm in all kinds of harsh conditions.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to also read Kit Perez’s article on prepping for winter.
How Many Layers?
So how many layers do you need? Explorers, scientists, and military personnel in extreme conditions use a four-layer system. There’s a reason there are four layers; each one has a specific purpose.
Base Layer: This is the layer that is up against your skin. Its sole purpose is to keep moisture away from your skin, making it the bottom half of a two-part system designed to keep you dry.
Mid Layer: This layer is the other half of the system; its purpose is to absorb moisture wicked up by your base layer so it can evaporate away from your skin.
Insulation Layer: While the first two layers keep you dry, the insulation layer keeps you warm. How much movement you’ll be doing is what should inform your choice here. In a situation where you’re sitting still in a tree stand, for instance, you’ll want something thicker than if you’re hiking or otherwise moving and generating heat.
Shell Layer: The outer layer is called the shell because that’s literally what it does: it serves as a barrier between your layers and the outside world.
Clothing Materials Matter
Wearing a bulky overcoat over a hoodie, T-shirt and long johns might sound like layering, but it won’t be effective. In cold weather, cotton is a no-no; it absorbs moisture from your skin and holds it, defeating the purpose. Those additional layers merely trap moisture, working against you even more.
Instead, start with a nonabsorbent material for your base layer. You want something that wicks moisture away from your skin and sends it outward to your mid-layer. Synthetics are good for this. Whatever you do, don’t use cotton. If you prefer natural fibers, wool will work.
For your mid-layer, the same applies, since you want that moisture to be released outward. You also want them to fit properly so they trap the air, not let it circulate around you. Wool is good, but synthetics such as polypropylene are better.
Your insulation layer keeps you warm, so here’s where you’ll go for materials like down, Thinsulate, or other insulating fillers. Don’t be afraid to go with a super-thick down layer; just keep in mind that if you’re in wet conditions, the layers above and below it should protect it. Down doesn’t do well when it’s wet. Alternatively, use synthetics here.
Ideally, you’ll want a shell that matches the conditions. In a wet environment, you’ll need something that’s waterproof to keep the moisture out. In drier, colder conditions, that same shell will trap your body’s moisture, so you’ll want to swap it out for something a bit more breathable. Besides breathability, the most important facet of your shell layer is keeping the wind out. For this purpose, look for materials labeled windproof.
Protecting Hands, Head, and Feet
You can bundle up perfectly and still be cold or wet if you don’t protect your hands, feet, and head. Much of your body heat is lost through the top of your head, so it’s critical to stop that loss with a good hat, hood, or even face mask. Keep in mind that if your hat is too warm, it can make your body sweat.
For socks, choose breathable fabric and change them two to three times a day if you’ll be outside all day. For your hands, use gloves that allow handwarmers or liners.
Final Thoughts on Layering for Cold Weather
Dressing for the cold can be effective and comfortable. All it takes is a little research and planning. Being cold and wet can be a thing of the past with a little bit of preparation. And preparation is extremely important, as I related in my own winter survival story. Things can go bad quickly, so be prepared.
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