This might seem like common knowledge to adventurous people, but dressing in layers is key. Since it is cold out right now, I will be talking about layering for cold weather.
Layers work for a number of reasons. The first and simplest one is that if you have multiple layers on, its easy to adjust to temperature changes. If you get too warm, take one off. Too cold? Put one on. Another reason is that multiple layers allow you to really dress yourself properly. For the cold weather, you need warmth, but you also need moisture transportation away from your skin. So its good to start with some sort of wicking layer. Cover that up with something a bit heavier, like a long-sleeved t-shirt. Follow that up with a sweater, or hoodie. For real cold, add a fleece, and top everything off with some sort of wind-proof and hopefully water-proof shell.
Remember that cotton feels nice, but quickly loses its ability to keep you warm when it gets damp, so if you are going to be doing a lot of running about, make sure you try to avoid cotton. This brings up another point. If you are wearing clothing that doesn’t breath, and does not wick moisture, you will get all damp and even wet. When you stop being active, all that moisture will evaporate, taking all your heat with it. And since you are no longer moving about, you will probably get cold.
SO, layers good. Cotton bad.Getting too hot, also bad. As an example of just how good layering works, I bike to work and to school in -40 weather with NO problem. Gotta love science.
No Comments on "TOTD: Think Layers, Like An Onion"