How to Dress for the Cold
Dress in layers., Dress for the appropriate activity level., Buy or find a pair of insulated boots., Wear winter socks., Use a good quality coat, parka, or jacket., Wear a base layer., Wear a hat., Wear gloves or mittens., Hand warmers can be...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Dress in layers.
Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers.
It will insulate better and allow you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs. -
Step 2: Dress for the appropriate activity level.
Dressing for an active day of skiing will be different than dressing for a sedentary day of ice fishing. , Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic--not cotton.
Linings can be purchased separately.
You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining. , Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet.
Wool is best, although good synthetic "fleece" socks are often quite good.
You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn't shut down. , Generally speaking, the thicker the better, whether it is a synthetic ski jacket, a wool pea coat, or a down jacket. , A "base layer" is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear.
Merino wool products are recognised as one of the best base layers available. , While it's a myth that most body heat escapes through the head, covering any exposed body part helps retain body heat. , Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered.
Very thin gloves (like "magic gloves") are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important. , They can be purchased at any outdoor or hunting store.
Never use these as a substitute for dressing warmly, however. , Oddly, some people will wear five layers on their torso, and only one layer on the legs.
At minimum, have a base layer like long underwear and an outer layer, like snowboarding pants. , Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you're dry.
Have waterproof or at least water resistant outer layers. -
Step 3: Buy or find a pair of insulated boots.
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Step 4: Wear winter socks.
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Step 5: Use a good quality coat
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Step 6: or jacket.
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Step 7: Wear a base layer.
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Step 8: Wear a hat.
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Step 9: Wear gloves or mittens.
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Step 10: Hand warmers can be useful
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Step 11: especially if you don't have shelter handy.
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Step 12: Wear more than one layer on your legs.
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Step 13: Keep dry.
Detailed Guide
Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers.
It will insulate better and allow you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs.
Dressing for an active day of skiing will be different than dressing for a sedentary day of ice fishing. , Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic--not cotton.
Linings can be purchased separately.
You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining. , Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet.
Wool is best, although good synthetic "fleece" socks are often quite good.
You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn't shut down. , Generally speaking, the thicker the better, whether it is a synthetic ski jacket, a wool pea coat, or a down jacket. , A "base layer" is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear.
Merino wool products are recognised as one of the best base layers available. , While it's a myth that most body heat escapes through the head, covering any exposed body part helps retain body heat. , Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered.
Very thin gloves (like "magic gloves") are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important. , They can be purchased at any outdoor or hunting store.
Never use these as a substitute for dressing warmly, however. , Oddly, some people will wear five layers on their torso, and only one layer on the legs.
At minimum, have a base layer like long underwear and an outer layer, like snowboarding pants. , Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you're dry.
Have waterproof or at least water resistant outer layers.
About the Author
Theresa Morales
Creates helpful guides on organization to inspire and educate readers.
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