Cold Weather Gear - What You Need to Keep Warm and Dry

The right gear will keep you warm and dry whether you are sailing, hiking, skiing or exploring on land.cold weather gear

As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, you’ll want to have a variety of cold weather gear in your arsenal.cold weather gear The best cold-weather jackets feature down or synthetic fill, are waterproof, and built for cold and snowy conditions. When you add on a serious pair of gloves and some other accessories, you’ll be ready to take on the elements in comfort.

The most important items are the base layers.cold weather gear “The biggest thing is that you need to wear layers,” says Gerry James, a conservationist and outdoor guide who leads kayaking, rowing and sailing dinghies, mountain biking and more in Kentucky. “If you don’t wear the proper base layer, then the rest of your clothes won’t do the job.” Base layers are the lightest and most flexible of your cold-weather clothing, providing warmth while wicking moisture away from the skin. “Say no to cotton,” he advises, as it absorbs and holds water—the enemy of heat retention.”

For the next layer up, you’ll want a fleece. “Fleece is a great insulator and creates air pockets to retain body heat,” James says. “You can find fleece in a lot of different weights, from lightweight to super thick.” He suggests that you stay away from cotton and polyester. These fabrics absorb and hold water, which will cause you to overheat, leading to wetness and discomfort. Wool, on the other hand, is naturally breathable and will not soak up water.”

A good fleece can be used alone as your outer layer in above freezing conditions or as an insulation piece with your levels five, six and seven when temperatures drop below zero. You’ll also need a hat, gloves, and boots. “Full-length booties are a must for cold weather, especially ones with full-length leg zips,” Zickel says. A pair of Carhartt bibs, for example, are warm and comfortable to wear with a heavy jacket—and the bibs’ side of the leg zippers let you easily take a leak while wearing your winter coat.

Gloves are important for handling rope, lines and sails. Aim for a pair of insulated ski gloves and a warm pair of lined, wool or pile mittens. “Another key item is a pair of wrist warmers,” Zickel adds. “They are a cheap and easy way to provide extra warmth for the fingers and hands.”

You should also bring a pair of insulated gloves and a warm hat. Wool and down hats are ideal, but you can also bring something made of Neoprene or other abrasion-resistant materials. A good pair of fleece or down earflaps will keep your ears warm too. A scarf is an optional accessory for added warmth, but can be a lifesaver if the wind starts to blow your hat off.

You can even buy hand and toe warmers, which are activated by a small amount of water and can provide heat for ten hours. These can be tossed in your pocket or bag and triggered when the temperature drops to help you battle frostbite.