How to Stay Warm and Cozy in the Outdoors during our Canadian Winters
The snow has finally fallen here in Saskatchewan and with that comes the dip in temperatures.
For many people it can be scary to venture outside when the temperatures start to fall but if you are wearing the proper clothing and footwear it can be so refreshing, for the mind, body and soul!
I’m here to share with you how you can stay warm, cozy and dry in the outdoors during our often long Canadian winters!
The key is LAYERS, lots of layers and the right kind of layers!
First let’s talk about your BASE LAYER!
BASE LAYER
this is the layer that you wear directly next to your skin. The best layer to wear next to your skin in the winter is a wool blend, something that will wick away the sweat. If you are wearing too many layers and moving your body, your body will begin to produce sweat. If you are wearing a cotton layer and you start to sweat, this will stay wet and will then make you cold. If you are wearing a wool blend and you start to sweat, it doesn’t stay wet and you will stay warm and dry. This layer can be both on the top and bottom. My favorite is a merino wool blend. Brands like Icebreaker, Smartwool and Helly Hansen are good quality brands.
Next, let’s talk about your MID LAYER!
MID LAYER
This layer will be between your base layer and your outer layer. This layer can be fleece, cotton, polyester, wool, anything that will help to keep you warm.
Then, you have your OUTER LAYER!
OUTER LAYER
This is the layer that you will want to beat the elements, from snow, ice, wind and rain! You will want this layer to be a shell. Shell’s can come with many technical aspects. You can get some that have many pockets, ventilation, hoods and no hoods, and so on. The best outer layer is one that will work for the season you are using it in. You’ll want to ask yourself, what elements may I encounter during my adventure? And then, choose the best type of gear based on that. For example, if you will be encountering rain, you may wish to wear an outer layer that will protect you well from the rain. A great outer layer is one made with Goretex, this will ensure that you stay dry for a long period of time. A great brand, but on the more expensive site, is Arc’teryx. For the winter season, you’ll want an outer layer that will protect you from snow and wind. You may choose to wear a thin outer layer if you have a good base and mid layer and you plan to be quite active such as snowshoeing or cross country skiing, this will be important since you will warm up quickly and may wish to remove your mid-layer if you get too warm. Or, you may choose to wear a thicker outer layer that is well insulated if you plan to be more stationary outdoors such as snowmobiling, dog sledding or sleigh riding! Many notable brands that have a great reputation are The North Face, Helly Hansen, and Mountain Equipment Co-op.
You’ll also want to consider whether you will need an outer layer for your legs! You’ll want to ask yourself how active you will be. If you will be quite active when outdoors, you may wish to forego an outer layer on your legs unless you’d like something to repel the wind. If you may encounter rain or snow, I would recommend a layer on your legs. For example, it’s quite cool in the winter and a layer on your legs will ensure that you keep the warmth close to your body. One thing to remember when adventuring outdoors, you’ll always want to keep yourself warm and dry. When you get cold and wet, that is when hypothermia can set in. Rain pants or snow pants offer great protection. You could wear a wool layer underneath rain pants if the weather will be a bit warmer. If it’s forecasted to be a bit colder, an insulated snow pant will be your friend.
GAITERS
Gaiters are an extra piece of clothing you wear on the outside of your legs near your feet.
I like to wear these when I’m snowshoeing or cross country skiing if it’s a bit warmer and I’m not needing to wear snow pants for extra insulation. These are great to wear over top of leggings and will offer some protection from snow and low vegetation such as shrubs.
GLOVES or MITTS
Gloves and mitts are essential in the winter to keep your hands toasty! Mitts will keep your hands warmer longer because your fingers are together and will hold the heat longer. Gloves are great if you will be doing a lot with your hands such as adjusting boots, clothing, etc. I like to wear a thin pair of gloves made of wool underneath my mitts, therefore, if I’m needing to adjust any boots or clothing, I can take my mitt off and my hand won’t freeze without any protection.
HEADWEAR
In terms of headwear, there are toques and headbands and anything else in between, including hoods on your jacket! You can now purchase toques with holes for your ponytail, how cool is that! The reason to wear something on your head is to keep the warmth in your body, a lot of heat can be expressed from your head! Be sure to choose something that is comfortable and works for you!
NECKWEAR AND EYEWEAR
I like to wear a neck warmer to keep my neck warm, especially if it’s windy. There are many kinds and brands. I like to wear a merino wool neck warmer if it’s a warmer winter day and a fleece-lined neck warmer on the cooler winter days. There are many brands out there, my favourite is Buff!
To keep the wind out of your eyes, I like to wear goggles when the cold starts to burn them! This is especially crucial if you are engaging in an activity where you will be moving at high speeds, such as snowmobiling or skiing! Sunglasses should also be worn since the snow can reflect the sun and be bright on the eyes!
FOOTWEAR
Keep your feet and toes warm with footwear that’s rated for the temperature! You’ll want to wear a boot or shoe that has insultation. Many footwear options will be temperature rated. Also, choose a sock that is thicker and preferably made of wool to keep your feet toasty and dry. I tend to wear a thicker merino wool sock if I won't be moving my feet as much.
HAND AND TOE WARMERS
I like to keep hand and toe warmers on hand if my layers aren’t holding up in the cold. These are great in an emergency as well and you could keep some in your car. You can buy disposable ones or reusable ones. The disposable ones work by shaking the packet to activate and warm. The disposable toe warmers have a sticky side that you can stick to the bottom or top of your toes and seem to work well.
I hope this blog has provided you with enough information that you will feel comfortable to venture out this winter and try a new activity. If you feel called, join us on an outdoor adventure this winter, learn about what events we are offering here!
Take care and stay warm,