In the late fall, weather conditions can change from bright and sunny to a snowstorm with freezing temperatures, especially in the Rocky Mountains. Knowing how to stay warm is an important skill no matter what season it is.
What is Layering?
Layering involves wearing different pieces of clothing, one on top of the other, in order to trap warm air and insulate the body from the cold. Also, layers help to protect the body from the weather, such as rain or snow. The advantage of layering is that it is possible to regulate the amount of body heat being trapped. For instance, if one is too hot, take off a layer, if cold, add a layer.
The materials used in this process include silk, wool, fleece, polypropylene, nylon, down, and synthetics. Cotton should be avoided, because if it gets wet from sweat or the elements, it will take a long time to dry and will not retain heat, causing the person wearing it to get cold.
The Base Layer
This is the first layer of clothing that is worn directly next to the skin. This layer should be able to keep the body warm while also wicking away moisture from the skin. An excellent choice for the base layer is polypropylene, as it combines both of these attributes. Polypro long underwear and t-shirts can be found at just about any outdoor retailer, and are relatively inexpensive.
Middle Layers
Middle layers are clothing that is worn on top of the base layer. These pieces add insulation to the body, and trap more heat than the base layer could alone. On the torso, one might wear a fleece sweater, and a down jacket or vest. Bottoms could include synthetic pile pants or fleece bottoms.
Outer Layers
The top-most layer should be water repellent to keep out rain and snow. It should also be wind-proof, so that wind can not blow through and chill the body. Nylon rain jackets and pants work well, and can be found in a variety of styles and price ranges.
Don’t Forget Hands and Feet
Keeping the extremities and head warm is just as important as the body core, especially since as it gets cold it will be more noticed in chilled fingers and toes. The layering system applies to these areas as well. For instance, one could wear thin wool or synthetic gloves, with thicker fleece gloves on top, and insulated shell gloves over the first two if it is very cold out.
On the feet, one or two layers of wool socks can be worn inside boots. For very cold or wet conditions, rubber boots with a felt lining can be worn, or “Mickey Mouse” style military boots for arctic conditions.
Wear a Hat!
Finally, keep the head warm by wearing a wool or fleece beanie cap, one that ideally reaches down to cover the ears. It is possible to add layers to the head by wearing clothing with a hood, such as a fleece or down jacket. The rain jacket should have a hood as well to keep out rain.
Resources
For more information on layers and purchasing outdoor clothing check out these links:
· REI: Advice on making purchases and stuff available for sale.
· Outside Magazine: Reviews on 2007 products.
· The National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wilderness Guide, pages 96-106. Explains more on how layering works, and has ideas on how to acquire clothing items cheaply.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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