Staying Warm in Winter

Staying Warm and Comfortable During the Day

• There are three common "approaches" to winter clothing these days:
  1. Layered. In this traditional approach, 3 layers are typically used: A "wicking layer" which is next to the skin and draws any sweat away from the skin. Next, a "thermal layer" which is usually in the form of a fleece, which traps air. Finally, a windproof and waterproof outer layer. This is typically "breathable," i.e. it allows warm water vapour (sweat) out into the atmosphere, but does not allow rainwater to get inside. Further, the fact that it is windproof means that the fleece mid-layer can trap air effectively. Depending on the weather, and how much you are exerting yourself (and therefore generating sweat), the various layers can be added/removed for maximum comfort.
  2. Soft-shell. The term "soft-shell" alludes to an outer layer which is not strictly 100% waterproof and windproof. A "soft-shell" garment for winter use might typically consist of a fleecy inner fabric connected to a water-and-wind-resistant outer fabric. A soft-shell focuses less on waterproofness, and more on allowing any sweat to evaporate off. In practice these work very well indeed, even in rain and high wind. Any dampness experienced due to small amounts of rainwater getting through the fabric is generally no worse (in fact, often better) than the build up of sweat experienced using a "layered" approach. A soft-shell has the added benefit that it often means you don't have to stop throughout the day to take off / put on other layers.
  3. Down. A down jacket is perhaps a bit of a special case, in that it is vital that down does not become wet (if it does, it loses most if its insulating properties and becomes extremely difficult to dry out in a typical wilderness situation). A down jacket is often worn as an outer layer, and is used to provide insulation and also to block the wind. Some down jackets do claim to be waterproof, but really a down jacket comes into its own in well-below-freezing temperatures, where rain is not an issue (precipitation will be in the form of snow or hail, which will not readily soak through the jacket).
  There is no right or wrong approach. Indeed, many people who use the "layered" approach do not bother with the "wicking layer" because the fleecy layer is also good at wicking sweat away. Further, many people who use a "soft-shell" will also carry a waterproof shell just in case the weather gets really nasty. The important thing for winter clothing is that you are carrying or wearing something that is very good at trapping air, and carrying or wearing something that is very good at blocking wind and rain, while not causing you to get too sweaty. This applies to both tops and bottoms.
• Keeping the hands and face warm is usually straightforward: Take warm, waterproof gloves and a balaclava and hooded jacket. However, keeping the feet warm is usually more difficult. Ensure boots are not too tight, even with very thick, warm socks. Once the feet get waterlogged in freezing weather, it is a very hard problem to deal with. Make sure boots are waterproof. If using leather boots, make sure they are well waxed. Always wear waterproof leggings and gaiters when walking in snow, to prevent snow from getting into your boots, or soaking into your trousers and dripping into your boots. Take spare warm socks in case of an accident.
• Try to avoid contact with cold objects. Take a foam sit mat with you. Always use it when sitting down to take a break.
• Don't over-exert yourself. If you produce sweat at a greater rate than it can pass through your clothing and evaporate, you will quickly chill when you slow down or stop.
• Don't wear a waterproof just for the sake of it. When exerting yourself, provided it is not too windy and it is not snowing, it is often better to remove a windproof/waterproof jacket. This allows sweat to evaporate much more easily.

Having a Good Night's Sleep, and Dealing with Moisture

• Try not to be sweaty when entering your tent at the end of the day. This usually means winding down as you put up your tent or approach camp. For half an hour or so before finally entering the tent, try to be moving around enough to generate warmth, but not so much as to be generating sweat. If weather permits, do this without a waterproof jacket on. This habit will help get rid of any moisture in your clothing by evaporating it off.
• Eat an evening meal just before going to bed. This will help your body generate warmth throughout the night. It doesn't work the same for everyone, but some people say eating fatty foods such as cheese / nuts helps a lot.
• Try to be warm BEFORE entering your sleeping bag. This helps conserve energy which will be used to generate heat while you sleep.
• If desperately cold, a lot of modern plastic water bottles can be safely filled with hot water (check first), which can then be used as a hot water bottle. Be very careful that the bottle is in good condition and will not leak, particularly if using a down sleeping bag.
• Wearing a balaclava while sleeping is often a better and more comfortable way to keep the head warm than using the hood of a sleeping bag.
• Once in the sleeping bag, try to stay there for the night. That typically means pitching the tent well, and avoiding diuretic drinks (tea, coffee, alcohol) just before sleeping. If you have to get up for toilet business or any other reason during the night, this can waste a lot of body heat.
• Try to avoid breathing into your sleeping bag. The moisture in your breath will hinder the filling of the sleeping bag, and reduce its ability to trap air.
• Consider always having one dry set of clothes for use in a tent, or to wear while in a sleeping bag to increase its warmth. Never wear these clothes when walking. It is better to put damp clothes on in the morning and quickly move around, than to put dry clothes on, which will soon become damp.
• SMALL items of damp clothing, such as socks and underpants, can often be dried out by putting them in the sleeping bag with you. Try to avoid getting too much moisture into the sleeping bag, however, especially if it the filling is down.
• Try to prevent boots, in particular, from freezing. Take a large plastic bag (e.g. bin bag) and put boots in this (to prevent tent from getting muddy). You can then keep boots close-by while sleeping, and the warmth that you generate will help to stop them from freezing. However, it is still quite possible for wet boots to freeze. Always loosen laces and open boots out as much as possible before you go to sleep. That way, even if they freeze, you will at least be able to get your feet into them the next morning.

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