Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company
Comfort in the cold requires attention to details, and more than anything that means layering your clothing from the inside out.
What is the key to a proper layering system? The answer lies in the subtle dynamics of heat and moisture against your skin. The traditional garb for combating cold was a bulky parka and lots of wool undergarments. While this combination might work for someone standing still, they are impractical for the active outdoor enthusiast. Parkas are heavy, wool is itchy, and, most importantly, both garments trap moisture, which leads to damp discomfort when someone wearing them works up a sweat and then cools down. Layering, on the other hand, allows for a variety of conditions using lightweight and comfortable fabrics.
The trick to layering is to combine the right clothing in the proper order, trapping the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture vapor from your body's perspiration be conducted away from your skin. The choice of garments must be versatile enough to adapt to your activity level and variations in weather conditions—maintaining the delicate balance of staying cool when active and warm when at rest.
Layer 1: Wicking
The first layer for cold-weather exposure should keep you warm and dry on the inside. Since it's what touches your skin, it also makes sense to wear something soft, lightweight and pliable (those who have been chaffed by wool underwear will attest to this). This layer, the underclothing, will work with your outer layer to keep you dry. The best material for long underwear are those that "wick" wetness away from your skin quickly and effectively.
If you're thinking about wool or cotton underwear for cold weather, you might think again. Both fabrics dry slowly, holding heat-draining moisture against your skin. We've all done it — worn cotton socks on a cold, damp day and lived to regret it — but there are a wide range of superior fabrics available now which can wean us from our past mistakes.
Today's synthetic fibers, polypropylene and the like, work much better. (Silk is nice too, but difficult to care for.) Not only do they feel comfortable against the skin, they dry quickly and actually pull perspiration vapor away from the skin towards the next layer of clothing, the insulation layer, where it can evaporate.
Layer 2: Insulation
The secret to staying warm and dry when temperatures dip — or when you're activity level tapers off — is to make sure you're well insulated against the cold. The moisture that's moving away from your skin has to keep moving. The best insulators will trap warm air, but offer necessary ventilation when you start too overheat. Clothing that gives you the best insulation should be comfortable and lightweight — durably windproof and adaptably breathable. GORE WindStopper® fleece is such a fabric commonly used by leading manufacturers.
Here's another tip on insulating: Incorporate as many layers as necessary to stay ahead of the cold, and control your heat retention by adding or removing layers as needed. It therefore makes sense to buy garments that are easy to put on and take off.
Versatility of the layering system is key. For example: When skiing, you can expect to be active for extended periods of time in cold weather. Start your day wearing a wicking layer and an outer shell. It may be a little cold to begin with, but your body will warm rapidly and begin to perspire. When you stop skiing, add an insulation layer to remain warm and comfortable.
Layer 3: Shell
The third or outside layer is your last line of defense, so outerwear should be appropriate for your activity. Jackets and pants must allow perspiration vapor to vent while blocking wind and rain. The material must reduce heat loss and assist the rest of your layers in keeping you dry and comfortable.
Over twenty years ago, an outer layer — or shell — that was capable of protecting you from wind, rain, and snow while letting perspiration escape simply wasn't available. Most people wore rubber or plastic suits for rain protection, but these materials trapped sweat, made the insulation layer wet, and kept the wearer chilled. Because they weren't breathable, your options were to get wet from the elements or get wet from your own sweat.
The invention of GORE-TEX® fabric revolutionized cold-weather outerwear. Able to withstand the most severe rain and snow while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, GORE-TEX® fabric has proven to be durable and windproof for a wide range of physical activities.
Today there are several effective performance fabrics available. In the process of making your choice, consider your activity and the level of protection you expect. Make sure the shell is large enough to fit easily over the other layers and that it is easy to care for so that you can maintain its performance over a long period of time. Use it in conjunction with the other elements of layering and, with luck, you'll never endure another uncomfortable day on the mountain.
Heat from Head to Foot
Layering works, but you'll only be comfortable and safe from the elements if you make sure your extremities are protected from the damp and cold as well.
Use a hat: Body heat escapes through your head more readily than hands or feet. That's because it has a large, exposed surface area and a rich, warm blood supply that is not diminished when exposed to cold. A hat can therefore be one of the most effective dampers for quick adjustments in temperature. Put it on when you feel a chill, and take it off when you're hot and sweaty.
Get good gloves: Your body, when exposed to the cold, will limit the amount of blood pumped to extremities to preserve heat within the vital organs. That's why your hands and feet are the first things to get cold — they're being sacrificed, in a sense, for the more important body parts. Because body heat escapes easily through your hands, it's hard to keep them warm. If they get wet, you can more or less forget about it. Always wear a good pair of gloves that are breathable and waterproof.
Protect your feet: Like your hands, your feet can quickly get cold and allow heat to escape. In fact, your feet can pump a full cup of perspiration over the course of an active day. The best defense for the cold is to keep them dry and warm. Durably waterproof, breathable footwear will provide you with the insurance you need to enjoy your outdoor activity. Add to that a heavy pair of synthetic-fiber (such as polypropylene or polyester) socks and a thin pair of wicking socks, and your days of cold feet should well be over.
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