As the seasons change in southern Minnesota, we are experiencing 22-degree mornings and 70-degree midday temperatures. This is a common challenge with an outdoors lifestyle and is a skill that can be used year-round. There are few tips and tricks we will cover along the way that I have learned from hunting, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing in diverse weather.
How to Dress in Layers to Stay Warm
Layering at its simplest is a 3-part system that will help keep you comfortable in a variety of situations. It is important to understand what each layer does the importance of bring it with you.
- Base layer: is the layer in contact with your skin and will help wick moisture away from your skin. It is also referred to as an underwear layer.
- Mid Layer: this is where the insulation comes from and helps to trap air that retains heat. It protects you from cold and you want to ensure this will be warm if it gets wet.
- Outer Layer: this is usually a wind and water proof shell. There is a difference between water resistant and water proof but both can be used as a good outer shell.
Bring these layers with you because you cannot put it on if it is left behind. The ability to add and reduce layers depending on your personal thermostat is an import thing to remember. These three layers will keep you warm.
What is a Base layer?
Base layer is the first thing that goes on your body. The thin, light weight material is important because it wicks the moisture away from your skin. The use of a base layer helps when you take a break and stop activity so you do not feel a chill from having a lot of sweat trying to cool you down.
I recommend this layer to be snug fitting, not loose, and is made from a synthetic, silk or wool material. These will wick and the synthetic and silk should dry quickly. Wool is a different material be cause it tis still warm when it is wet but can take longer to dry. You want this to be a fitted feeling and not tight where it hampers movement.
TWIN OAKS NORTHERN OUTDOORS PRO TIP: Never use a cotton product. Cotton stays wet and can lead to serious problems ranging from making you hazardously cold to causing blisters and foot issues with your foot wear.
What is a Mid Layer?
A mid or middle layer is for insulation. This is the backbone of layering system and will keep you warm. Using sweatshirts, sweaters, and fleece as your middle layers will trap more air and help keep you warm. Using synthetics rather than wool will also help wick moisture further away from your body.
Down can make a great insulating layer but has its limitations. If down gets wet or sweated out it loses most of its insulation rating. Down need to be puffy to trap air and retain warmth. Pace your self to not sweat this product out and cause it to retain moisture.
What is an Outer Layer?
The outer layer or shell is not about keeping you warm, it is about stopping the wind and rain. It is important this layer is breathable to allow moisture to escape the shell and not let moisture in. There are products like Gore-Tex or Dry-plus that are wind and water proof and breathable.
This wind and water proof shell can be a rain jacket that your wicking and insulating layers fit comfortably under. Important that they allow you to move and enjoy your activity and not restrain you or pinch in certain areas. Try layers on together and make sure you have room to move.
Taped seams seal the stitching from leaking resulting in a waterproof article of clothing. You will be able to feel the edges of the tape on the seams
Untapped seams offer water resistance but you will eventually get wet. Any place with stitching is a weak point and water can enter the wholes and seep into the insulating layers.
What are the materials used for layering and what do they do?
Remember to never use Cotton in your layering system. Not only does it trap moister next to your skin, also it is not good for cold weather activities. Warmer weather when you want to be cooler, save cotton for then. It will absorb the moister and help cool you on hot days
- Polypropylene and Polyester: these are able to wick moisture and pull it away from your skin. They are made from woven strands of fine plastics and is comfortable and soft. Fleece is usually made from a poly product because it has space between the fibers that will trap air for warmth.
- Silk: this is a great material for base layer. Like Polyester it will wick moisture but has a higher price point because it is a natural material.
- Wool: is a great product because it can be warm when it is wet. However, it does get heavy when it retains moisture. Wool has been used by our ancestors because of its ability to trap heat and when paired with a polyester is a standard still used by tradition archers today because it remains quiet and helps to stay warm in cold weather.
- Nylon: is great for an outer layer/shell. It is not very absorbent and is used in rain jackets, wind breakers and ponchos.
Waterproof, breathable material: this is an engineered material that when the seams are taped is water proof. Without taped seams it is water resistant. Any place there is a pin hole makes a spot where water can get in and wick into your insulation later. Make sure to carry a Gore-Tex patch incase you develop a rip or tear in your outer layer.
Cold Weather Accessories
Cold Weather Accessories.
By layering, you will be able to wick moisture away from your skin and keep your core warm. It is equally as important to protect your extremities from the cold and elements. Make sure you have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof insulated gloves and poly or wool socks inside your insulated boots.
TWIN OAKS NORTHERN OUTDOORS PRO TIP: Most of your body heat escapes through your head. Make sure to have it covered to help stay warm. The less area you have exposed the better because heat loss happens at the exposed areas of your body.
Let’s Review
Layering clothing has been adapted by many outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the important things to remember ensure you are layered correctly.
- This system is made of 3 parts: the moisture wicking base layer, the insulating middle layer and the wind and water proof outer shell.
- Make sure to have your hat, hood, gloves – keeping your extremities warm helps warm your core.
- Bring extra gloves and socks. This is potentially extreme weather and your hands and feet will thank you when they are warm and dry.
- Adjust your gear as you go. If it is a heavy activity, shed a layer so you do not get froze out later.
Make sure you practice these skills year-round to ensure it is a refined skill. Layering your clothing year-round can help keep you cool and sunburn free in warm weather and warm in colder temperatures. You are the one in charge of taking care of yourself, you need to be mindful of yourself and surroundings. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust as needed so you are comfortable hiking or when you stop for a snack.
