Cold Weather

Layers

Layer are designed with different functions. They also allow for easy temperature adjustment as you change activity levels.

Base Layer: a foundation layer in contact with your skin to wick away moisture and insulate; depending on the outside air and the activities you plan to do, you may choose a thinner or thicker version of this; Base layers can cover you from head to toe in extreme colds like alpine climbing and snow skiing and are made of materials like wool and polyester.

Insulation Layer: a mid-layer flexible and light to trap body heat; Depending on how cold it is and the types of activities you do, you may have one or two of these layers. Typical insulation layers are fleece, wool and down or synthetic down.

Outer Layer: a waterproof, windproof layer that is breathable and tough

Extremities: Cover your hands, neck, head and fee. Usually a combination of moisture wicking, insulation and outer protection. For example, a pair of socks may have 40% wool and 60% synthetic fibers to ensure a balance of warmth and moisture wicking properties. These include GLOVES, HATS, BAKLAVAS/GAITERS, and SOCKS.

Sleeping Bag

Choose a bag with sufficient warmth: Note the Temperature Rating of your bag and the outside temperature; sleeping bags will lose their warmth rating over time which can be noticed if the bag gets thinner and thinner; if you don’t have a low degree bags, you can double bag for extra insulation.

Keep your bag dry: If it’s wet you will lose your body heat more easily

Use a Sleeping Pad: Insulate yourself from the ground.

Use a hot water bottle.

Wear appropriate clothes to sleep: cover extremities like head, neck, hands, and feet. Clean dry socks to sleep in are recommended.

Choose your location wisely: Pitch your tent in the sunshine and out of the wind