Learning to Layer
Enjoying Winter from the Inside Out
Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company

When temperatures plummet and snow starts to fly there's no reason to shiver and shake. Whether you're blazing along an alpine trail on cross-country skis or walking the woods on a moonlit night, you can keep dry and warm by dressing properly and adjusting to changing conditions. Comfort in the cold requires attention to details, and more than anything that means layering your clothing from the inside out.

What is the key to a proper layering system? The answer lies in the subtle dynamics of heat and moisture against your skin. The traditional garb for combating cold was a bulky parka and lots of wool undergarments. While this combination might work for someone standing still, they are impractical for the active outdoor enthusiast. Parkas are heavy, wool is itchy, and, most importantly, both garments trap moisture, which leads to damp discomfort when someone wearing them works up a sweat and then cools down. Layering, on the other hand, allows for a variety of conditions using lightweight and comfortable fabrics.

The trick to layering is to combine the right clothing in the proper order, trapping the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture vapor from your body's perspiration be conducted away from your skin. The choice of garments must be versatile enough to adapt to your activity level and variations in weather conditions--maintaining the delicate balance of staying cool when active and warm when at rest.

Layer 1: Wicking
Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company

The first layer for cold-weather exposure should keep you warm and dry on the inside. Since it's what touches your skin, it also makes sense to wear something soft, lightweight and pliable (those who have been chaffed by wool underwear will attest to this). This layer, the underclothing, will work with your outer layer to keep you dry. The best material for long underwear are those that "wick" wetness away from your skin quickly and effectively.

If you're thinking about wool or cotton underwear for cold weather, you might think again. Both fabrics dry slowly, holding heat-draining moisture against your skin. We've all done it -- worn cotton socks on a cold, damp day and lived to regret it -- but there are a wide range of superior fabrics available now which can wean us from our past mistakes.

Today's synthetic fibers, polypropylene and the like, work much better. (Silk is nice too, but difficult to care for.) Not only do they feel comfortable against the skin, they dry quickly and actually pull perspiration vapor away from the skin towards the next layer of clothing, the insulation layer, where it can evaporate.

Layer 2: Insulation
Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company

The secret to staying warm and dry when temperatures dip -- or when you're activity level tapers off -- is to make sure you're well insulated against the cold. The moisture that's moving away from your skin has to keep moving. The best insulators will trap warm air, but offer necessary ventilation when you start too overheat. Clothing that gives you the best insulation should be comfortable and lightweight?-- durably windproof and adaptably breathable. GORE WindStopper fleece is such a fabric commonly used by leading manufacturers.

Here's another tip on insulating: Incorporate as many layers as necessary to stay ahead of the cold, and control your heat retention by adding or removing layers as needed. It therefore makes sense to buy garments that are easy to put on and take off.

Versatility of the layering system is key. For example: When skiing, you can expect to be active for extended periods of time in cold weather. Start your day wearing a wicking layer and an outer shell. It may be a little cold to begin with, but your body will warm rapidly and begin to perspire. When you stop skiing, add an insulation layer to remain warm and comfortable.

Layer 3: The Shell
Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company

The third or outside layer is your last line of defense, so outerwear should be appropriate for your activity. Jackets and pants must allow perspiration vapor to vent while blocking wind and rain. The material must reduce heat loss and assist the rest of your layers in keeping you dry and comfortable.

Over twenty years ago, an outer layer -- or shell -- that was capable of protecting you from wind, rain, and snow while letting perspiration escape simply wasn't available. Most people wore rubber or plastic suits for rain protection, but these materials trapped sweat, made the insulation layer wet, and kept the wearer chilled. Because they weren't breathable, your options were to get wet from the elements or get wet from your own sweat.

The invention of GORE-TEX fabric revolutionized cold-weather outerwear. Able to withstand the most severe rain and snow while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, GORE-TEX fabric has proven to be durable and windproof for a wide range of physical activities.

Today there are several effective performance fabrics available. In the process of making your choice, consider your activity and the level of protection you expect. Make sure the shell is large enough to fit easily over the other layers and that it is easy to care for so that you can maintain its performance over a long period of time. Use it in conjunction with the other elements of layering and, with luck, you'll never endure another uncomfortable day on the mountain.

Heat from Head to Foot
Courtesy of W. L. Gore and Company

Layering works, but you'll only be comfortable and safe from the elements if you make sure your extremities are protected from the damp and cold as well.

Use a hat: Body heat escapes through your head more readily than hands or feet. That's because it has a large, exposed surface area and a rich, warm blood supply that is not diminished when exposed to cold. A hat can therefore be one of the most effective dampers for quick adjustments in temperature. Put it on when you feel a chill, and take it off when you're hot and sweaty.

Get good gloves: Your body, when exposed to the cold, will limit the amount of blood pumped to extremities to preserve heat within the vital organs. That's why your hands and feet are the first things to get cold?-- they're being sacrificed, in a sense, for the more important body parts. Because body heat escapes easily through your hands, it's hard to keep them warm. If they get wet, you can more or less forget about it. Always wear a good pair of gloves that are breathable and waterproof.

Protect your feet: Like your hands, your feet can quickly get cold and allow heat to escape. In fact, your feet can pump a full cup of perspiration over the course of an active day. The best defense for the cold is to keep them dry and warm. Durably waterproof, breathable footwear will provide you with the insurance you need to enjoy your outdoor activity. Add to that a heavy pair of synthetic-fiber (such as polypropylene or polyester) socks and a thin pair of wicking socks, and your days of cold feet should well be over.


The Ten Essentials

In the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber should be without.

Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.

Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain--especially in bad weather where you can't see the landmarks.

Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well: You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.

Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.

Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.

Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.

First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.

Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear--not to mention cut cheese and open cans.

Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.

Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.


What's the right way to pack a backpack?

Well, there's no single one right way to pack a backpack, but there are some "rules of thumb" that can make your load more comfortable to carry.

The bottom line is that how you pack very much depends on what you pack and how it all fits together. For example, a big three-person tent is going to fit into your pack differently than a tarp. Whether you strap things on the outside will depend on the capacity of your pack and the volume of your stuff. Not to oversimplify, but if you can get everything into your pack, and if your pack feels good when you carry it around for awhile, you're probably good to go.

That said, here are some tips to help you get started:

Most packs are designed to be comfortable when the load rides high, which means packing the lightweight stuff at the bottom and the heavier stuff higher up. Some people (especially women) prefer to carry the bulk of the weight lower on their bodies. Carrying the weight lower down also makes sense when you're going off trail or have to scramble; you'll feel more sure-footed with the weight down low.

Nonetheless, most internal frame packs have separate compartments at the bottom for sleeping bags, one of the lightest items in your pack. With external frame packs, there's an obvious place for the sleeping bag outside the pack--and it's at the bottom, too. (Make sure you protect your sleeping bag in an absolutely fail-safe waterproof stuff sack.)

But just because there's a compartment for a sleeping bag at the bottom of the pack doesn't mean that you have to use it! For example, I like to keep my tent someplace handy so that I can get to it fast if I'm pitching it in the rain. So when I'm expecting bad weather, I sometimes keep it in that"sleeping bag" compartment, where I can get to it without opening the rest of my pack. Also, if I pack the tent when it's wet, it is less likely to leak onto everything. I strap my tent poles outside the pack with my air mattress.

Another good tip: Try to keep things that you might need during the day--raingear, mosquito repellent, water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, lunch--in a place that's easy to get to. My favorite places to stash the stuff I want to get at fast are an outside compartment or a little waist or hip pouch that rides in front.

Oh, yes, and don't forget the most important thing of all: Before you start packing anything at all, look at every single item you intend to put in that pack and make sure you really really need it.


Taking the Plunge into Overnight Backpacking

There are several things you can do to ease the way from short walks to longer day-hikes to full-fledged backpacking trips. The first is to hook up with like-minded people. The second is to take classes.

You can do both by joining an outdoors club in your area. One way to find out it to pay a visit to your local outfitting store. Retailers of hiking gear often post notices of group activities and hikes on their bulletin boards, and they sometimes offer classes and workshops.

Regional hiking guides and maps (available at your local outfitters) are the best place to get information about the hiking opportunities in your area. You'll find lots of opportunities for day hikes in county and city parks.

Call to your local parks and recreation department -- you might find (as I did) that there's a place to hike right around the corner from your home! Get used to going out in different kinds of weather, even if it's only for an hour or two -- exposure to rain and snow will help you decide what kind of gear to pack when you decide it's time to go overnight.

For overnight hikes, look for state parks, national forests, ? HYPERLINK "http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/main.htm" national parks , Bureau of Land Management lands, and wildlife refuges. You can get specific information about trails, regulations, and maps from their headquarters. (Some of this information might also be available at your outfitters.)

As far as developing the basic skills and confidence to go out on the trails, I'd recommend checking out a couple of basic backpacking books -- there are lots of good ones on the market.

Happy hiking!