Dress in Layers
People say it a lot, but there truly is an art to it: learn how to layer. Knowing how to properly layer your clothes in colder conditions can be the difference between comfort and catastrophe. The goal here is to regulate body temperature, maintain comfort, and be able to easily adapt to changing environments by thermoregulation, moisture transfer and overall insulation. What exactly does this mean? Essentially, when you’re choosing your layers: know the types of fabrics, the properties of them, as well as the order you should wear them.
- Base Layer: This is your next-to-skin layer. Its main function is to manage moisture in order to keep you dry and comfortable, aka ‘wicking’. Breathability is key here – while there is a wide range of options available, look for clothes that use natural fibres. These are more likely to retain their ability to insulate, even when damp. Avoid cotton whenever possible, as it loses nearly all of its ability to insulate you once it's wet.
- Mid-Layer: The most important thing to consider for your mid-layer, is balance. It has to balance insulation with breathability in order to effectively hold the warmth that has been trapped by your base layer. Wool is typically denser and warmer, or you can go the route of a puff-jacket and rely on the insulated air pockets. Either option is fine, but it ultimately comes down to the activity level and expected conditions to make your choice.
- Outer Layer: Working to protect you from wind, rain, and snow, this layer is potentially the most important of the three. If cold air or precipitation can get through to the inner layers, you’ll get real chilly, real fast. When picking this layer, know the difference between waterproof vs. water-resistant claims. Waterproof typically comes with a higher cost, but comes with a more durable and resistant shell – perfect for anything from spontaneous downpours to unexpected snow squalls. Water-resistant is geared only towards milder wind and rain, but is typically nicer on your wallet. Another option is a softshell jacket – a good all-around option, with light insulation and partial rain and wind protection. While non-breathable shells – such as nylon-coated, will provide wind and rain protection but have a higher likelihood of causing you to overheat due to lack of breathability. Once again, your activity level is the deciding factor in determining the best outer layer.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Lots of Calories
Colder temps can make the idea of drinking cold water less appealing, but dehydration doesn't hibernate. Drinking enough water allows your body to function properly and prevents you from over-exerting yourself when hiking or setting up camp. Not in the mood for water? Opt for hot tea or broth if you want a nice warm beverage with the same benefits.
The last thing your body needs in the cold, is to be wasting more energy that it needs to be just to maintain your body temperature. Ensuring that you are consuming enough calories and carbohydrates during your time in the colder conditions will ensure you're producing an adequate amount of energy stores and not burning fat. Bring on the pasta and chilli!
Hand Warmers for Instant Warmth
Hand warmers can have more uses than just saving you from frostbite and hypothermia. Sure, you can put them in your mitts or your boots to help preserve heat, but they can also preserve the batteries of your electronics. Harsh temperatures can deplete your phone or GPS battery much quicker than a warmer, sunnier day would. Keep your devices as close as you can to your body to provide ample body heat and grab a Disposable Hand Warmer to give it an extra boost, without the worry of magnets or batteries compromising your device.
Give Your Fire a Boost
With the wetter conditions, starting a fire can be a challenge. Suitable amounts of dry wood, kindling and tinder aren’t exactly easy to come by after a good rain or snow squall. It’s moments like these that having a little boost in your back-pocket can be a lifesaver (literally). Compact fire-starters such as Fire Discs buy you 30 minutes of consistent burn time. Made of cedar and refined wax, these discs light easily and burn hot – and ideally buy you enough time to dry out bigger logs that will help you keep your fire going strong later on.
Preheat Your Sleeping Bag
Sounds too good to be true – right? Who doesn't dream of curling up in a nice warm bed after a long day exploring? Well, it’s simpler than you think. By boiling water and pouring into a water bottle, you can place this in your sleeping bag and allow the boiling water to exude heat. This will work best with a non-insulated water bottle, like a Nalgene. We would not recommend shoving your Stanley into your sleeping bag.
This is often a more vulnerable time of year for campers. Conditions and temperatures can change dramatically with little warning, and can quickly put you in a tough spot. Make sure you are aware of the risks of being outdoors in adverse conditions, and knowing the symptoms of conditions like frostbite and hypothermia. And, if you have a buddy joining you out on the trails, remember that body heat is your friend. Don't be afraid to snuggle up a little closer during the chilly nights– there's safety in numbers.
