Going Outdoors? Layer Up!

Dress to suit the weather.
Stay dry.
Stay Warm.

How to do it.

1. Layers are best. Dress in several thinner layers, rather than a few thick ones. More air is trapped between layers (insulation) and layers can be unzipped or removed to closely adjust the heat inside when it rises with activity or outside temperature change.
2. Base layer. The best base layer (top and/or bottom) provides insulation and moisture-wicking. Sweating and having the moisture stay on your body will make you feel colder. Wicking it away to the next layer will help you stay warmer. The best fabrics are thin to thick weight polyesters, form fitting. The worst fabric is cotton; it traps and holds moisture against the skin, making you lose body heat and feel clammy.
3. Next layers. Depending on weather, one or more layers of poly, wool, nylon, fleece, etc. Again, avoid cotton, even as the outside layer. Remember to layer the legs, too.
4. The shell. A coat, parka or jacket. Definitely windproof and at least water resistant. One that's insulated will give you more protection from the cold. Don't wear rubber or plastic as a shell layer; it will trap moisture inside, and once you get wet, you'll get cold. A coat/jacket with a hood will help keep head and neck warm and dry.
5. A scarf. This is one item that few people think to use, but it's one of the best tools to keep your body heat in, and it can be almost infinitely adjusted, even over your face. Fleece or wool are best.
6. A hat. Protecting the head from heat loss is really important. Uncovered, your head and neck are where up to 80% of your body heat can be lost. Insulation and wind resistance are both important in a hat. Cover your ears in cold, windy weather and you'll thank yourself later.
7. Gloves. Wind/water resistance and good insulation will keep you warm. A thin layer glove under an insulated mitten are the warmest protective combination.
8. Shoes/boots. Waterproof and insulated will keep you comfortable in cold weather. But once even a waterproof boot becomes wet, it from the inside instead of the outside, the insulating qualities will be compromised. When purchasing, choose a size to accommodate the thickness of socks you'll wear; it might not be the same size you wear in other shoes. Take the socks with you to the shoe store for a good fit.
9. Socks. Layer up. A thin pair of poly liners with one or more pairs off wool socks will not only keep your feet warmer and drier, but will reduce the possibility of blisters. Fleece socks can be a good choice, too. But cotton is not a good idea as a winter sock – it gets wet, doesn't provide insulation when it does, and will bunch up and cause blisters. When layering socks, the fit inside your boot should be comfortable. A tight fit means cold feet later.

If you get wet while outdoors in cold weather, it's time to get dry before you get cold.

Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe.