Layering to Beat the Cold

I travel all over the country.  If you live in or frequent Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Iowa, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oregon or Washington then you are probably familiar with the layering concept.  I picked these states as examples because they are the ones that time and time again prove to be the coldest and windiest states in the lower 48 (and I do get through all of the lower 48 states every year).  It didn't take long before I realized that my Carhartt jacket and a baseball cap were'nt up to the job of keeping me comfortable in these winter wonderlands.  Through trial and error and the advise of some sage locals I arrived at the system that is detailed on this page.

Layering is the technique of wearing more than one layer of clothing.  The layers usually are comprised of a base layer, inner layer, outer layer, insulation layer and wind blocking layer.  Of course this is not written in stone and can be altered to fit your situation.  The main advantage to layering is the ability to regulate your body temperature as conditions in your enviroment change.  In extreme cold conditions it is very dangerous to be over insulated.  This can cause you to perspire which in turn can freeze and lead to frost byte or hypothermia.  Being able to remove and add layers as needed will keep you at a safe temperature and will keep perspiration to a minimum.  Another advantage is that each layer is relatively light and thin and can be stowed away in a ruck sack until needed.  Compare this to trying to lug a bulky arctic parka.

A couple of things to keep in mind when preparing to enter a cold enviroment.  You lose most of your body heat through the top of your head and the bottom of your feet.  Always keep your head insulated with a knit beanie or mad bomber-style cap.  As for the feet, I learned a very important lesson while in the US Army,

If your feet are comfortable then you will be comfortable but if you let your feet get wet and/or cold then you will be miserable until they are dry and warm again. 

Base Layer

This is usually thermal underwear.  Thermals come in a variety of materials and styles from the basic Hanes and Fruit of the Loom polyester and cotton blends to high tech materials by Under Armour  that not only insulate but wick moisture away from your skin.

Inner Layer

The inner shell can be a long or short sleeve t-shirt on top and a pair of pants, jeans or flannel-lined jeans for the bottom.  This is the layer that I'm down to when I'm just lounging around the house between excursions into the bitter cold. 

Outer Layer

 The outer layer can be a button down shirt, flannel shirt, chamois, a hoody, a light vest or any combination items that are relatively light.

Insulation Layer

This is the layer that keeps most of your body heat from escaping.  If the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true then you had better not pinch pennies when shopping for this layer.  Depending on the severity of the temperature and the amount of time you plan on being in direct contact with the elements this layer can be anything from a sweater to a heavy sherpa-lined barn coat.  Something to keep in mind is that you want this item to be as portable as possible.  In other words gigantic bulky parkas can be more of a hinderance than a help.  Try to get as much insulative bang for your buck in the thinnest and lightest package possible.

Wind Blocking Layer

Obviously, this layer is only needed when it's windy outside.  If you live in any of the states listed in the first paragraph there's a good chance you will ALWAYS need this layer.  I prefer Gore-Tex for this shell because it not only puts the kaibosh on the wind but it is arguably the best water-repelling textile ever created.  I recommend looking for the Gore-Tex label for gloves and footwear too.

With the proper planning, any outing into the frozen elements can be safer and more enjoyable.  If you plan on being in the wilderness for more than a couple of hours you should always pack water, high carb foods, extra insulation (ie blankets), a firestarting kit and a first aid kit.  Always tell someone where your going and how long you plan on being gone.