Cold Weather Clothing Guide 2018/09/11
Cold Weather Clothing – Winter Layering System Cold Weather
With the colder weather around the corner why not get ready for it
now? Clothing is always a little bulkier and heavier in winter, this
is something you have to accept. Even if you can spend a lot of money
on the lightest and warmest items you will still be carrying more
weight than when in warmer conditions. In summer things come easy but
in winter you must always think ahead to what you are about to do
next. This allows you to select the right layers and prevent common
problems like overheating which result in sweating into your layers.
This resulting damp is sometimes hard to get rid of. The saying BE
BOLD START COLD is very helpful. Basically if you are
about to hike up a huge mountain maybe take off a couple of layers
first. If you get everything right even operating in below freezing
conditions is rewarding. I think that being out in – 20°C and having
your nose hair freeze is all part of the fun. My recommendations below
are based on personal experience and work for me very well. The
collection of layers has been refined over many years but what works
for me may not work for you.

Winter Hiking Tips
- Manage your temperature by thinking ahead to what you are about to
do. BE BOLD START COLD If you’re sweating into your
clothes then this moisture will take away from the warmth offered by
your clothing. Left unchecked this moisture builds up and will leave
ice crystals in your clothes in extreme situations. So before you
climb a big hill or start to saw some wood take off a layer or two.
- Use multiple layers of wool of increasing thicknesses.
- Make sure your layers are not super tight against you but are
somewhat fitted. Ideally so they are not loose and not constrictive
in any way. This is called expedition fit.
- Have a layer to cut windchill and snow. I would always recommend a
full waterproof set.
- Having ventilated trousers that you enable you to dump heat
without having to stop and remove a layer is fantastic feature to
have.
- Glove liners or thin gloves to hike in as well as mittens for when
you stop. Again wool liners and inners are best.
- Wool neck gaiter and buff are essential items.
- Sunglasses, one darker pair and one lighter tinted pair helps when
faced with bright or dull days. Snow is so reflective and uniform
it’s essential to have appropriate tints to show details in the
landscape when moving across it. Polarised, Cat 3-4.
Suggested Winter Layers Top
150gsm Merino Wool Short Sleeve 200gsm Merino Wool L/S with ¼ Zip 400gsm
Merino Wool Fleece Waterproof and Windproof Layer Synthetic Down
Insulation – Much lighter than a heavy fleece and warmer too. I use a
smock design. Large over jacket. Synthetic fill goes over everything to
keep you toasty. Swedish M90 Parka is my personal choice.
Full
review of this great value parka HERE.
Suggested Winter Layers Bottom
200gsm Merino Wool Leggings Waterproof and Windproof Over trousers
British Army Softie Trousers – Synthetic Insulation large fit and goes
over everything
Hands and Extremities
200gsm Wool Liners gloves Wool lined Mitts with Leather palms Wool Neck
Gaitor Buff - Wool Trapper Hat – I use a M90
Footwear & Feet
Merino Wool Liner Socks Extra thick Wool Socks – High Cuff Removable
thermal liner boots. Waterproof and with a strong sole preferably with a
back wedge to hold a snowshoe binding. -Sunny