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Dress For
Winter |
Want to keep warm this winter season and be able to play outside for a longer period of time? Dress in layers to give yourself added warmth and protection from the harsh elements.
- Wicking Layer - This layer is worn next to your body. It is worn snugly but not tightly. You need to have a bit of room between the first layer and your body. The wick layer keeps moisture away from your skin and passes it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This will keep you dry and warm. Thermal underwear is a good choice. Make sure it is made from a synthetic, like polyester.
- Insulating Layer - This layer keeps the warmth in and cold out. How does it do this? It traps warm air between fibres. What should you wear? A great fleece or wool sweater would be perfect.
- Protection Layer - This is the layer that protects you from water, wind and ice. The protection layer is your outdoor clothes such as ski pants, jackets, socks, hats, gloves, mittens and protective eye wear. This layer lets your perspiration out but will not let water droplets in. Choose material that is water-resistant and wind-proof. Try primaloft, microloft and thinsulate. Our family chooses to buy outwear that has the thinsulate tag. We find it keeps us very dry and warm in the Great White North.
Do's and Dont's
Don't wear jeans or cotton pants. These are not waterproof and once wet, you will be freezing.
Don't put on too many pairs of socks. Either wear a lightweight or medium weight sock made of polyester, silk, wool or nylon. Or, if you are really worried about being cold, wear a thin polypropylene liner sock next to the skin and a wool/nylon blend sock over top.
Do make sure your jacket fits you properly. A jacket that is too tight or too loose, will make you cold.
Do make sure your pants fit well and meet your needs. Look for the following features; high and low cut bibs, pockets for storage, hoods, reinforced knees and bum.
Do make sure you wear a hat. You can loose up to 70% of your body heat through an uncovered head. Choose between a fleece neck gaiter, face mask, hat, toque, headband or helmet.
Do wear gloves or mittens. Make sure your hand coverings are waterproof and breathable. Mittens are warmer than gloves. If you find your hands get too cold, try using an inner liner with an outer shell.
Do wear protective eye wear. You can use either sunglasses or goggles. Snow makes ultraviolet rays stronger. Increasing altitude (skiing) also increases exposure to ultraviolet rays. Goggles must form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above the eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Sunglasses need to protect you from the rays. You'll need to spend more than a buck or two to get the protection you need.
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