According to the article, "Dressing For Winter" written by Jim Hynes in the 2007, issue of Canadian Winter magazine, the most important aspects of dressing for cold weather are:
- Dressing for the Activity
- Dressing to Retain Heat
- Dressing in Layers
- Dressing to Protect Your Extremities.
When dressing for winter exercise such as skating, skiing or snow shoveling, clothing should be applied in layers that can be easily removed as the body heats up.
If, however, you’re going for a relaxing ride in a horse drawn sleigh, swathing your body in layers of heavy clothing will offer adequate protection from the winter chill.
Snowmobilers have a plethora of cold weather clothing to choose from. Most snowmobile suits are warm enough to withstand the effects of a biting, winter wind, yet light and flexible enough to allow operators freedom when driving their machines.
Dressing to Retain Heat
Another important aspect of cold, weather clothing is its ability to retain body heat. Keeping cold and moisture away from the skin will help maintain core, body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
Dressing in Layers or Wicking
Cold weather gear should consist of three layers. The layer nearest the body should be a wicking layer. That means it will draw moisture away from the skin. Long underwear made of synthetic or polyester fabric will keep you warm and dry. Do not use cotton as it absorbs moisture and will become cold, clammy and cause heat loss.
Even though it's cold, you will sweat — especially if you are cross-country skiing, skating or snowshoeing.
The middle layer should act as a barrier to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibers. Wool or acrylic blend sweaters are a good choice. But the best is genuine, polar fleece for total warmth and comfort
The third or outer layer should be wind resistant and water-repellent. Fabrics such as Gore-tex or Thinsulate are best to resist all types of winter weather; sleet, freezing rain, wet snow or biting winds.
Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable to some extent by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Dressing to Protect Your Extremities
Protecting your hands and feet from frostbite is also vitally important when selecting winter wear. Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves. They allow better heat dispersion. Mitts with an inner layer of fleece or polypropylene and an outer layer of Gortex or Thinsulate are best.
For your feet, always wear two pairs of socks. Wear one pair next to the skin with a thin synthetic fiber to keep the foot dry and an outer sock made of thick wool or acrylic fiber.
Snow or winter boots should be high enough on the leg to prevent snow from getting into the boot. Some boots have a Velcro or drawstring closing at the top to keep out snow and ice.
Boots with an inner lining of fleece or polyester will keep feet warm and an outer shell of sealed rubber or waterproof nylon keeps feet dry and helps prevent frostbite. Leather is also a good choice, but it must be treated to waterproof and protect the boots from salt and road chemicals.
To sum up, cold, weather clothing should consist of the appropriate combination fabrics and materials to keep the entire body warm and dry in all kinds of winter weather.
Sheila Aylesworth - Sheila Aylesworth is a retired Student Resource Assistant. Her responsibilities included positive, communication with people from all ...
