To get outside and be comfortable in chilly winter temperatures you need to start with proper apparel,
which includes fabrics with features that help regulate body temperature and preserve the body’s micro-climate.
Proper Layering Beats Harsh, Cold Weather
Proper layering allows you to strike a balance between your body temperature, clothing
and the outside elements. As the temperature rises and/or your activity level increases,
you can take off layers. Add layers as you get colder or the temperature drops. Also.
Taking off your gloves or hat is a quick way to vent. As much as 70 percent of your
body heat escapes through your extremities.
Considers The Following Points When Deciding Your Layering Needs
- First Layer: Crucial! This layer must move moisture away from the body to prevent chill.
Bras, briefs, tops and pants should be made of wicking materials. - Insulation: This is the mid layer. These garments also move moisture and trap warm air.
- Outerlayer: This layer protects you from wind and precipitation, and completes
moisture transfer by releasing perspiration into the air.
How to Dress for the Weather
Heavy Precipitation | Moderate Precipitation | Light Precipitation | Dry | Dark | ||
20°- 40° | Outer shell | Waterproof or breathable water resistant vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Waterproof or breathable water resistant vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Water resistant/ breathable vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Breathable vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Reflective jacket or vest |
20°- 40° | First layer insulation |
Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | |
20°- 40° | Accessories | Gloves & hat: water resistant and breathable; yak trax |
Gloves & hat: water resistant and breathable; yak trax |
Gloves & hat (optional); yak trax |
Gloves & hat (optional) | Lights, reflective bands |
0°- 20° | Outer shell | Waterproof or breathable water resistant vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Waterproof or breathable water resistant vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Breathable water resistant vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Breathable vest/jacket and pant/tight |
Reflective jacket or vest |
0°- 20° | First layer insulation |
Midweight and/or lightweight | Midweight and/or lightweight |
Midweight and/or lightweight |
Midweight and/or lightweight |
|
0°- 20° | Accessories | Gloves & head gear: waterproof plus thermal; windproof underwear; arm warmers; yak trax |
Gloves & head gear: waterproof plus thermal; windproof underwear; arm warmers; yak trax |
Gloves & head gear: waterproof plus thermal; windproof underwear; arm warmers; yak trax |
Gloves & head gear: windproof plus thermal |
Lights, reflective bands |
Wind Chill Factor
10mph wind = a temperature drop of about 15°
20mph wind = a temperature drop of about 25°
15mph wind = a temperature drop of about 20°
30mph wind = a temperature drop of about 35°