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Embrace Adventure: Layering Up For The Cold

  • Dec 2, 2024
  • 2 min read

Now that the cold has hit Ontario and we're all still eager to be outside, whether it's to camp, hike, or just work and play, I figured it’d be awesome to dive into how to layer up correctly for the cold days ahead and really enjoy the winter season.


A couple holding up cups with hot chocolate
Chelsi and I ready to enjoy some hot chocolate

Proper Layers


During the winter, picking clothes is more about staying warm than looking stylish. You need to know where you're going and how long you'll be out. When you're planning your outfit for the chilly weather, keep these things in mind:


  • Base Layer: Keeps you dry

  • Mid Layer: Keeps you warm

  • Outer Layer: Keeps you protected



BASE LAYER


A couple enjoying a hamburger in the cold
A warm meal on a cold day

Your base layer's job is to pull sweat away from your skin and to keep you dry. It's important to pay attention to the fabrics you choose. Aim for something made of the following:


  • Polyester

  • Nylon

  • Silk


MID LAYER


Let's talk about the crucial mid layer. This is what keeps you cozy and traps your body heat. Polyester fleece is a great option because it's warm and breathable. If you need something that packs down small, go for a down-insulated jacket. But if space isn't a big deal, a synthetic-insulated jacket will keep you warm and might even give you some protection against water and wind.


Women sitting in a tent with a heater
Chelsi hanging with her Buddy

OUTER LAYER


This is your go-to layer for keeping out water and blocking wind and rain. Since you've already got a couple of layers on, make sure to pick a jacket that fits comfortably without being too snug.


Here are some options you can watch for:


  • Waterproof and Breathable: Will be the most expensive option typically. Often best at keeping you try and should be quite durable. This could be a pay once, cry once scenario often with their quality.

  • Waterproof but nonbreathable: For a wet day ahead that will see little activity this can be a great choice. Just be mindful to not overexert yourself.

  • Water-resistant and breathable: Often made from a nylon or polyester and offers protection from a light rain, windy day and one that requires high activity from you.

  • Soft Shell: A very versatile option, allowing for activity as they are often very breathable and still offer a layer of protection from the elements.


KEEPING SPECIFIC PARTS OF YOU WARM


Here are a few last-minute tips for targeting specific body parts:


  • Head: Toques or ski masks can go a long way in keeping you warm. Being tight fitted will help keep wind away, where a hood just can't do alone.

  • Hands: Keep your digits inside of insulated gloves or mittens. It pains me to say that mittens will provide the most warm, but gloves allow for more activity to be done.

  • Legs: Make the most of a good snow pant as they will help repel snow and keep you dry

  • Feet: Great pair of boots paired with thick wool socks! Make sure to choose a boot that fits comfortably over your thick socks.


A women posing arms out in front of the back of a pick up truck
Chelsi keeping warm and in good spirits


Women standing in a snow storm beside a truck with a roof top tent deployed
Blizzardy fun at -27 degrees.

We hope these tips and suggestions help you get the most out of your next trip out and if you have further suggestions of your own, please add a comment down below to share with the community!


The even in the cold you can have fun and survive adventure!



*This is not a sponsored post.

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