Anybody else find it counter-intuitive that you have to wear thinner layers to stay warmer when you are outside for the winter? I’d rather feel like I have 25 coats on then have a thin layer on and be afraid that all that space not being taken up by clothing is going to cause me to be cold. I enjoy the cold weather but also want to do so in a safe way that doesn’t drop my body temp to low.
Here are a few of my suggestions when deciding how to dress for the weather:
- Know yourself- are you usually warm? Or cold? I am usually cold so I know that I dress in another layer than everyone else, never hurts to put on another layer and have to take it off
- Invest in some key pieces- we just recently bought a base layer set from Costco that goes until normal clothes- super inexpensive but worth having
Consider: base layer bottom, base layer top, something thin and moveable to cover your neck, and a thicker pant for days that drop into the 30s
- Make sure you can move in whatever you wear- most people going outside in the cold need to be able to walk- if you are dressed in such a limited way then it will be an unenjoyable experience- when we go biking, I wear an extra layer of pants that have to conform to my legs- for practicality I can’t be worried about the fabric getting stuck on the pedal or in the chain-same thing with gloves, if you can’t bend your fingers in gloves then you can’t open a door, hold onto a handlebar or hold a beverage
- The top of your head, neck, and your ears will go cold the fastest- don’t take for granted how simple yet effective a good headband will go. I usually prefer headbands to hats because it is less bulky and some people want to wear a hood
- Stop being so afraid to go outside when it is cold- don’t think about it just do it! Some of the most amazing turn arounds to a bad day have been after a nice long walk in the cold weather
- The goal is wind-resistant gear, not just layers- you need gear, including shoes that helps protect against air flow-helps keep the body heat in
- I grabbed some thin wool socks to go with my bike shoes and with boots- anklet socks only invite in cold air and can shorten your trip outside
I’ll talk about some specific favorites I have that follow the list above in case you are eager to get out and enjoy the cold weather!