Tag Archives: layering

If you are a family camper or an outdoor survivalist in your approach to the outdoors there are certain universal recommendations that apply to both. Making sure that your supplies, gear, and clothing are versatile and efficient is always a good idea. This can create challenges when it comes to the unpredictability of weather and temperatures. Packing a wide variety of clothing can cause problems with weight and space. Packing too little clothing can compromise your ability to keep warm when the temperatures plummet unexpectedly.

When selecting the right clothing for the outdoors the same rule of versatility applies. Temperatures can shift dramatically based on your elevation and the composition of the earth beneath you. Those temperatures fluctuate according to air pressure, wind, and moisture. Temperatures will rise when there is more air pressure and go down when there is less. At lower altitudes the air molecules are packed closer together and are warmed up by the radiant heat from the earth. At higher altitudes the air is much thinner so the heat dissipates more rapidly. In either situation the wind and humidity can change unexpectedly. You may hike up a trail in nice warm weather and wake up the next morning with snow on the ground.

Rather than pack your gear according to just the weather report – we also recommend that you plan on unpredictable change. The best way to do this is by selecting the most versatile clothing possible. Without a doubt, Medium weight 100% pure Merino Wool is the best base layer option available. The military has trusted the insulating, water wicking, versatility of wool for decades. Merino Wool is the highest grade and quality of wool clothing available today. Medium weight Merino Wool will keep you comfortable and breathable in hot weather as well as warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly. It’s available as long underwear, jackets, socks, and even hats.

When selecting a jacket or other outerwear you should be specific with the type of location you are going to. There are versatile options such as an All Weather Soft Shell Jacket. If you know that it may get a lot colder your best option may be a layered coat such as a Ranger 3-in-1. The Port Authority Ranger can be worn simply as a micro fleece jacket or combined with seam-sealed waterproof outer shell when facing moisture and colder temperatures. The outer shell can also be worn by itself to provide protection from moisture as well as keeping you cool. You want to stay warm, but not get too warm so you start to sweat.

If you are unsure what weather and temperatures you might be facing – we recommend you visit the National Weather Service and take advantage of their Climate Prediction Center. There you can look up the total precipitation, average temperatures, maximum temperatures, wind chill and much more.

With temperatures lingering at a frosty 19 degrees you would think that most would cuddle up next to a warm fire and hide. But for one amazing mother in Utah, her fire seems to come from within!

Shawna, of NatureForKids.net, shows that with the proper cross country ski wear, and a touch of scenic beauty, you can get outdoors and enjoy nature even on the coldest of days. She exemplifies the model family camper who isn't afraid to take her children along with her. Knowing how to be prepared with the right thermal layers gives her more confidence and comfort to do what she loves. What does Shawna love? She loves cross country skiing around a high altitude reservoir outside of Brigham City, Utah.

It was no surprise to see her sporting some high quality ColdPruf Extreme Performance Thermals under her coat. Most of all she loves the comfort and bargain of her Merino Wool Outdoor Trail Socks.

In regards to the Merino Wool Trail Socks - Shawna says, "First thing I noticed was how cushioned they were. They fit snug and the seams aren’t bothersome at the toe. They’ve kept my feet warm enough that I haven’t had to give them a second thought while outside."

You can read the full experience, review, and get to know Shawna on her blog by visiting: Nature For Kids

Layering - How Does It Work

Layering to keep warm in cold weather is really a matter of insulating your body so that you retain your body heat. Layering typically consists of two to four thermal layers depending on the temperatures you'll be exposed to. Each layer is designed to trap air. The more air that is trapped inside a material or fabric, the better it will insulate. The two most common layers are a base layer or thermal underwear layer and an outer layer. Then, depending on your level of comfort and how cold the temperature is, you can add middle layers for extra warmth.

The great thing about layering is that it allows you to adjust your comfort level as temperatures change or as your activity level increases or decreases. As you get hotter, you can remove a layer. As you get colder, you can add a layer. Once you understand how layering works, you can adjust your own layering system based on your own comfort requirements and the weather conditions you'll be experiencing.

Layering - Types of Material To Wear For Each Layer

Now that you have an idea of how layering works, let's go over the different types of layers that will insulate you most effectively. Your first layer is your base layer or long underwear layer. Depending on the temperatures you're expecting to face, this layer can either be a thin single layer garment, a midweight two layer garment or a heavyweight two layer garment. As mentioned earlier, as you come to understand how layering works, you will know what weight or thickness you will need as a next-to-skin base layer. The type of fabric you wear is important. You need a material that will wick sweat, retain heat, and dry quickly. Some examples of the most commonly used materials are merino wool, polyester , and polypropylene. Each of these fabrics retain heat even when wet. Cotton thermals do not. The only time you'd consider using cotton is if you were not going to be very active.

Now, let's skip to the outer layer. The outer layer's job is to block wind, snow, or rain from penetrating your inner layers and robbing you of heat needed to keep you warm. Your outer layer would be a coat, jacket, or parka that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Many coats will have built in insulation while jackets and parkas may just be a shell with the option to zip in an insulating liner.

The reason I skipped to the outer layeris because what you wear in between the base

Pick The Correct Layer According To Temperature

layer and the outer layer all depends on your level of activity as well as how cold the temperature will be. A good base layer and outer layer is often sufficient for most winter weather conditions. During an average winter season, a good base layer and outer layer would be sufficient for skiing and snowboarding. However, if your combined base layer and outer layer are not warm enough, then you'll need to add an additional middle layer. This layer is typically a thicker layer of fleece. A merino wool, polyester or polypropylene fleece jacket and pants are recommended. A fourth layer is only needed in extreme cold weather conditions such as winter snow camping or summitting a high mountain peak. A fourth layer would be a heavyweight baselayer over a lightweight or medium weight base layer.

Layering - Thermal Base Layer Is Critical

Your next-to-skin thermal base layer is key to your comfort in cold weather. You want something warm, soft and dry against your skin.  Not just any fabric can give you this. Cotton is still a very popular as a base layer because it is so soft. The problem with cotton is that if you begin to sweat, it absorbs all of that moisture holding it next to your skin. Cotton does not dry very quickly. When it gets wet, cotton loses it's ability to retain heat. This condition can lead to hypothermia if exposed long enough.

You need a performance fabric like merino wool, polyester, or polypropylene. Merino wool thermal underwear is super soft and 100% natural. It does a great job of managing moisture and keeping you dry. It also retains heat even when wet. It costs more than other thermals, but is well worth the price. Polyester and polypropylene are very similar. Both can be spun into a very fine thread making it extra soft and comfortable. Both of them are hydrophobic which means they repel water and dry quickly. Polypropylene retains more heat than any other fabric and it dries much quicker too. Polypropylene is probably the least expensive of these performance layering fabrics.

Layering - It's Never Too Cold With The Right Layers
Now that you know how to layer properly in cold weather, you can go out and enjoy the winter season. Don't be like so many others that sit inside depressed all winter long because they hate the cold. There is plenty of fun to be had throughout winter. All you need is the right layers!