How to Stay Warm Outside this Winter

Author

Austin Lee
November 13, 2023

Hello Friends and Family,

It’s finally turning into fall here in Atlanta. It was in the low 50s this morning with a light rain while I was running errands. As I approached my destination I saw a woman walking down the street, without an umbrella, wearing a puffer jacket.

Puffer jackets are great, but they aren’t rain jackets. In fact, if your puffer jacket insulation is made from down feathers, getting it soaking wet might even kill you. I’m not joking.

We love adventuring in the winter time, but not everyone has a ton of experience with understanding how to stay safe, warm, and comfortable while taking part in outdoor winter activities.

The Number One Clothing Rule for Cold Weather

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WEAR COTTON ON ANY PART OF YOUR BODY WHEN YOU ARE ADVENTURING IN TEMPERATURES UNDER 50 DEGREES.

Layering is the Key to Being Comfortable

Moisture is the enemy of staying warm. To combat moisture I wear various combinations of different layers throughout a day of adventuring.

Base Layer

This is a form fitting layer that sits next to your skin. This layer should be made of wool or a synthetic moisture wicking material.

Austin wearing his favorite wicking base layer. It’s a little big because he has lost 45 pounds. (Bonus: This base layer is also 50 SPF!) - Atlanta, GA | 10/1/2023

Mid-Layer

This is a snug, but not form fitting layer. This the first “warming” layer. Typically a fleece type material that balances breathability with the ability to begin trapping heat.

Courtney feeding Mills while wearing a Cotopaxi fleece mid-layer. - Fort Collins, CO | 9/12/2023

Insulating Layer

This layer is also meant to be snug. Be careful! You must size this layer to fit OVER your mid and base layers without it feeling tight. Compressing the insulating layer reduces its ability to retain heat. This layer is the classic puffer jacket made with either down feathers or a synthetic insulation.

Austin and Courtney snowshoeing with Willow. We are both wearing our insulating layers without an outer shell because we are not at risk of getting these wet. - Grand Lake, CO - 12/23/2021

Outer Shell

The outer shell is typically made of a waterproof material like “Gore-Tex” that prevents rain or snow from soaking the insulating layer. This layer also provides wind protection.

Austin and Courtney wearing their outer shells while shopping due to the threat of rain. - Blue Ridge, GA | 9/25/2022

How to Use Layers

Each of these layers serves a different purpose and can be interchanged throughout an activity as needed. The general rule for what to wear to start any outdoor activity is “Be Bold, Start Cold”. You will naturally start to warm up as you begin to get moving

Remember, moisture is the enemy of warmth. Starting off a little cold will prevent you from starting to sweat which adds moisture.

2-3 Hour Day Hike in the Fall

I would start this hike wearing a pair of shorts or hiking pants and a long sleeve base layer. In my pack I would have an outer shell or mid-layer depending on the possibility of rain.

Austin, Courtney, Brian Dawson, Willow, Rayla, and Valerie on a day hike. - Johnson City, TN | 9/5/2022

The outer shell and/or mid-layer comes in handy if you stop for a bit for a snack or to spend time looking at the views. When you stop moving your body will begin to cool and you can pop on another layer to stay warm.

2-3 Hour Day Hike in the Winter

I would start this hike wearing hiking pants without a base layer on the bottom with a base layer and mid-layer on top. In my pack I would carry an insulating layer and if there was a possibility of rain or snow I would also pack an outer shell.

Austin on a cold hike. Temperature was around 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Base Layer, Windproof mid-layer, and insulating layer. - Chatsworth, GA | 11/9/2019

Again, having the insulating layer in your pack allows you to stop and keep warm as your body cools down.

What about Kids?

Good news! You don’t have to stop doing outdoor activities with your kids just because it is cold. Layers are great for kids, too! There are just a couple of tweaks that you need to make.

If you are new to cold weather recreation with kids, take your time as you learn what works for your kids.

Kids Who Ride

If your kid is going to ride along in a carrier while you do all of the hiking, you will want to make sure they have on more layers than you. When we go outside with Mills, we put him in one additional layer than we are in.

Mills is still a little small for his down sleeping bag, but it works great. Note that I am only wearing a base layer and outer shell. Mills has on base layer, mid layer, and insulating layer. - Atlanta, GA | 10/9/2023

This winter we will increase that to two additional layers.

Kids who Hike

If your kid hikes, then you will still want to dress them in one more layer than you are wearing. Make sure to pack another layer if your kid walks some and then needs/wants to be carried.

The older your kid the more aware they will be of their own comfort level and can help you regulate their layers. (And they can start carrying their own pack with their own additional layers.)

I hope this little guide was helpful!

Until our next Adventure,

Austin, Courtney, Mills, and Willow

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