Dressing For Your Next Outdoor Winter Class or Conference!
Growing up in the rainy and cold Pacific Northwest dressing for the weather has been engrained in me. In this post I want to walk you through some important clothing considerations for your next outdoor class or conference.
Why Clothing Selection Matters
First thing is first, why do we need to take special consideration for what we are wearing to an outdoor event like this? I mean, we are all adults and have presumably been dressing ourselves all our lives! Well, in my experience, once we get too cold, wet, hungry or thirsty, we stop retaining information and focus on our creature discomforts. Ask me how I know! This is also another really good reason to keep a packet of electrolytes and individually packaged pain medication. The more comfortable we are in our environment, the more we can simply take in the information and leave having retained it.
Plan To Bring Multiple Layers
Layering is the best policy for making sure that we are a comfortable temperature. Usually it will be much colder in the mornings, and warm up a touch (or a lot) in the afternoon, and then drop again in the evening. Ensuring that we bring multiple layers will allow us to remove and add as necessary. So let’s chat about what kind of layers we want to prioritize.
Generally we want to bring four different types of layers along with us.
Under Layer:
More widely known as underwear! We all know the importance of this one, but don’t forget about your socks and gloves. Your feet and your hands are going to be the first thing to get too cold, so make sure you bring extra pairs and read the section below about fabric selection.
Base Layer:
Depending on the weather you’re expecting this layer will either be lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight. Generally a midweight is a happy medium and will serve you well for most winter environments. Remember, this is the layer that will always remain, the following layers can be shed as the temperature warms up in the afternoon. This layer can be a t-shirt, tank top, long sleeve or even a sweater. There are no rules on the type of base layer you reach for, just make sure that it’s appropriate for the kind of weather you’re expecting.
Mid Layer:
This layer will go between your base layer and your jacket. This one is easy to forget, but it’s actually very important. Your jacket may be too warm for afternoon temps, but your base layer may be too thin to wear on its own. Your mid layer will keep you comfortable during those transitional temperatures. I promise you will be glad you brought it.
Outer Layer:
We all know this layer, much like the base layer, we all learned from a yougn age to bring extra undies and a warm jacket. Your outer layer is one of THE most important layers because it will lock your warmth in and hopefully keep you dry. You might even choose to bring TWO outer layers. One might be a puffer jacket or vest, while the other is simply a rain shell. Without a proper functioning outer layer the rest of your layering may be all for not as you’re heat escapes or your clothes get wet. Keep this in mind as you are packing or planning for a comfortable day outdoors.
Fabric Selection is KEY
Selecting the right fabrics for your layers is just as important as having your layers in the first place. If we wear the wrong fabrics we may still wind up cold and wet, even with our best efforts.
Under and Base Layers:
For your under layer and your base layer I would highly recommend reaching for a temperature regulating fabric such as merino wool, cashmere, or alpaca wool. These layers interact with your skin directly, and if they were to get wet or damp they will be able to maintain your body temperature. Unlike polyester or cotton, wool has superpowers that can regulate your temperature even while wet. For those who find that they are sensitive to wool textures consider trying alpaca wool, it tends to perform on even the most sensitive of skin. My favorite wool underwear and base layers are from Ridge Merino*. I’ve been wearing their women’s wool under layers for years now and can safely say that I will never again return to the use of synthetics or cottons, even during the summer months. Don’t forget to be prepared with warm wool socks and gloves, and bring spares just in case. There’s nothing more refreshing than changing into a fresh pair of dry socks and gloves in the afternoon.
Mid Layer (Do’s and Don’ts):
If you can swing it, I would also recommend these fabrics for your mid layer. Again, it will maintain your body temperature even if it gets wet. Otherwise you could reach for a fleece-like material for your mid layer. No matter what you do though, do NOT use cotton for your base, mid or outer layer! Cotton will hold on to any moisture it can find and will actively rob you of your heat. There is a reason our fine military uses wool to layer with, because they need to keep their bodies warm and dry.
Outer Layer:
Finally, your outer layer or outer layers. You might have a jacket that doubles as an insulator and waterproofing or you might have one for each. The outer layer can be kind of tricky, especially if you are expecting there to be a lot of rain. These days we have all kinds of clothing technology to keep the rain away, but be careful to avoid making new water resistant purchases as the primary waterproofing agent used in many popular brands such as arkteryx may contain cancer causing PFAs. If you’re buying a brand new outer layer for this upcoming outdoor class or conference, consider searching for a PFAs free waterproof layer. Learn more about PFAs in outdoor clothing here. PFAs can be a concern with any clothing layer, but is a particularly prevalent ingredient in water proof jackets. If you’re specifically looking for PFAs free options consider select EvoDry Marmot outer layers, and Keen for waterproof footwear.