All survival guides
Cold & Freezing
Dressing for the Cold
Staying warm is about trapping dry air in layers and keeping sweat off your skin. Cotton in cold is a trap.
What to do
- 1Base layer: wicking wool or synthetic against the skin (never cotton when active in cold).
- 2Mid layer: insulating fleece or down to trap warm air.
- 3Outer layer: a wind/water-resistant shell.
- 4Cover the extremities — hat, neck gaiter, gloves, warm socks; you lose a lot of heat from an uncovered head.
- 5Vent before you sweat; wet clothing chills you fast.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wearing cotton next to skin
- Over-bundling until you sweat
- Bare head/hands in wind
Good to know
- Adjust layers to avoid sweating — dry is warm, wet is dangerous.
Continue here — more Cold & Freezing