How to dress so as not to get cold and sweat

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

From childhood, we were taught that in winter we need to dress very warmly. The advice is not so bad, but it needs clarification. Otherwise, you face profuse sweating, and then a cold.

Principle 1. Layering

Using several layers of clothing helps, on the one hand, to keep warm, and on the other hand, to wick excess moisture away from the body.

First of all, this rule applies to the body. It is his insufficient insulation that often becomes the cause of frostbite of the extremities, since the body is forced to throw all its resources into heating vital organs. To avoid this, a three-layer system of winter equipment should be used:

1. Base layer that wicks away moisture (thermal underwear: long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings).
2. Medium insulation layer (jacket or sweater).
3. Top layer that protects from wind and moisture (jacket or down jacket).

The principle of layering must be adhered to when insulating other parts of the body:

1. Wear two pairs of socks on your feet.
2. Use shoes with an extra insole.
3. Put a hood on the hat.
4. Wear gloves under the mittens.

In this case, the top layer (jacket, shoes) must be spacious enough to accommodate all the others. If you do not take into account this nuance, you will be constrained in movement or freeze faster (for example, tight shoes interfere with normal blood circulation, that is, natural heating of the feet).

Principle 2. The right materials

Base layer

Forget about cotton for the whole winter. It perfectly absorbs moisture that the body emits, but leaves it inside. As a result, you find yourself in a wet and cold T-shirt and freeze to the bone.

The best alternative to cotton is thermal underwear made of high-tech synthetics or merino wool. It draws moisture well from the body, allowing it to stay dry and maintain a comfortable temperature. True, synthetics have one drawback: they quickly accumulate an unpleasant odor, so they have to be washed often.

Silk thermal underwear is also a good choice. It retains heat well and does not absorb moisture as much as cotton.

Middle and top layers

The best option for the middle layer would be a fleece jacket or a virgin wool sweater.

When choosing a top layer, it is worth considering what you are going to do outside. If heavy fur coats and sheepskin coats are still suitable for a walk, then during vigorous activity they will be terribly uncomfortable in them. Membrane jackets and down jackets are ideal here. These models wick moisture away and keep it out of the way, they are wind-resistant and also quite lightweight.

Legs

When choosing socks, again ditch cotton in favor of quality synthetics (like polypropylene) and wool. The warmth will definitely not leave your feet if you combine both options, that is, put on two socks.

Choose shoes with high and non-rubber soles (rubber quickly passes the cold). The lining and extra insole must be made of natural fur.

Head

Avoid loose and cotton hats. Much better is a piece of wool or acrylic with fleece that fits snugly to the head.

Principle 3. Consideration of external factors and type of load

1. Always consider the strength of the frost and choose clothes depending on it. For example, synthetic and wool thermal underwear can be selected for different temperatures. In extreme cold, you can give preference to expensive silk.
2. Also, depending on the weather, adjust the number of layers of clothing. If necessary, put on not two, but three socks, several jackets. Do not forget that there may be gloves under the mittens, and a hood on the hat.
3. Always consider the type of load you are planning. If you are going for a long walk in the forest park, make sure that the wind will not blow under the jacket. If you intend to spend time actively, give preference to outerwear with compartments for ventilation. In the case of intense street workout, it is generally better if you feel a little cool at first, otherwise you will start to sweat after a couple of minutes.
4. The situation with winter tourism deserves special attention. If you plan to be outdoors for a long time, you should take care of an additional set of clothing. Take with you spare mittens, socks and even a down jacket: in a light jacket it will be convenient for you to move around, and a more serious option will protect you during severe frosts.

And a few more tips

If, despite all the tricks, you feel that you are starting to sweat, try adjusting your body temperature yourself.

1. Remove any item of clothing, such as mittens or a hat, to give off excess heat from your body.
2. Slow down. Try to synchronize the movement with calm breathing: take a step as you inhale and step as you exhale. This way you can cover a long distance and avoid profuse sweating.

And remember, there is no perfect advice for one and all. Approach the choice of clothing individually, taking into account your own thermoregulation, reaction to different materials and other factors.

Experiment. This is the only way you can create a set in which it will be dry, warm and comfortable just for you.