The temperature is dropping and that means one thing - winter is on its way. Even though there's a chill in the air and those warm summer days seem far away, you don't have to hunker down indoors and spend late fall to early spring wrapped in the coziness of your living room.
If you're an outdoorsy person, you know that there are plenty of not-in-the-house activities to do in the fall and winter months. Though some people think of activities such as fishing as summer pursuits, the cooler temperatures of the fall (and even winter, in some areas) may make fish more active. Then there are the true winter-time options, such as ice fishing, sledding and making a snow castle with the kids.
Heading out into the chill doesn't have to leave you shivering. With the right clothes, you can dress for cold-weather success. Instead of freezing for hours during your next fishing trip, hiking excursion or sledriding session, take a look at how you can keep warm and still enjoy the great outdoors.
Layer Your Clothes
Outdoors activities are just that - activities. You're not standing in one place, and that means a bulky coat or one massive jacket just won't due. These can restrict movement and make it tough to fish, hike or do whatever you plan on doing outdoors.
So how can you get rid of the bulk without freezing? Layers can help. Layering your clothes may allow for easier movement, while still keeping you warm.
Adding a few layers also helps to insulate your body heat. You'll stay toasty when you need to, but have the option of shedding a jacket to cool off as needed. That means you can take off a layer, or two, if you get active and heat up. You can then add the layers back on if you start to get too cold. With a layered outdoors outfit, you don't have to stop what you're doing to change clothes or worry about dressing for the wrong type of weather.
Here's how to effectively layer your clothing.
Start With a Base Layer
The base layer is the best friend of someone who loves the outdoors. Sweating is the body's way of cooling down naturally. But if the weather is cold out, you don't need that extra water sitting on your skin. A sweat-wicking base layer moves the perspiration off of your skin and absorbs it. This keeps you warm and comfortable.
This layer is close to your body and can wick sweat away. Not only does the base layer prevent the icky, sweaty feeling from taking over, but it can also help to keep you warm.
Add Insulation
Insulating your base layer is the next step in outdoor dress. After the sweat is wicked away, you need to use another layer to keep the warmth in. A thick sweater, sweatshirt, thin coat, vest or fleece jacket can all add insulation and work as middle layer.
The beauty of the middle layer, aside from the fact that it keeps you warm, is that it can also function as an outer layer too. If the weather turns or the day warms up, you can shed the outer layer and use this as your main form of protection.
Outer Layer
Complete your layered outdoor outfit with a shell that's resistant to water and wind. The goal here is to trap even more warmth in (going above and beyond what the middle layer does) and stop the rain, hail or snow from getting in. For example, a waxed jacket provides protection from the elements and adds an extra layer of warmth.
Are you looking to add to your outdoor activity wardrobe? Over Under has options for you.
