Stories
1.
Layering For Winter
2.Blistering
Choices
3.Bear Essentials
4.Walking From Canada
To Mexico In A Day
5.As Good As It Gets
6.Soaked To
The Skin
7.The Desert Strikes
Back
8.Eating Dust
9.Cycling The Trans Canada
Trail Across British Columbia
10.Cycling From
Victoria To The Yukon - Part 1
Trip Reports
'If
your feet are cold wear a hat.'
50% of your body heat is lost through your head. When you get wet, heat
loss through your head rises to 75%. This winter, remember to dress for
your outdoor activity and be flexible! Too many outdoor enthusiasts bundle
up in thick insulated parkas and head off for the ski hill only to come
back wet, cold, and miserable. Layering your clothes will make a big difference
to your comfort and safety.
1. The first layer next to your skin should be soft, comfortable and be
able to wick away moisture from your skin to the next layer. Do not wear
cotton, commonly referred to as ‘death cloth’. Also, wool
for many people causes itching and chaffing. Synthetic fibers such as,
polypropylene, polyester work quite well. Make sure this first layer fits
like a glove as its effectiveness is related to surface contact to your
body.
2. The next layer should insulate your body. It needs to trap warm air
and allow moisture to pass through from the first layer. This layer is
important when you take a rest break from your activity as it will help
to insulate the heat generated during the activity. Fleece, wool are great
insulators.
3. The third layer is the shell. It is the outside layer and therefore
needs to repel the rain, snow, sleet, etc., but also be breathable. If
this layer is not breathable, you will lose the benefits of the first
two layers, as the moisture will be trapped resulting in your guaranteed
misery from the elements. Gortex is still the best material around. If
you are likely to be in the outdoors for extended periods, make sure you
have on 3-ply Gortex. However, it is important to note that no material
will keep out the elements indefinitely, and wearing Gortex in a 4 hour
blizzard or rain storm will probably not keep you completely dry!
Always remember to layer your clothes and take the time to remove garments
when you are overheating and to put on an insulating layer when you take
a break. Wear a hat, gloves, and good weather-proof boots. Pack along
some extra socks, balaclava, scarf, energy snacks and enough liquids.
Staying warm and dry will make your outdoor treks this winter memorable
ones for the right reasons!