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Author Topic: Winter Layering System  (Read 4596 times)

Oisín

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Winter Layering System
« on: November 15, 2011 »
Found a useful article on layering. Its worth a watch.
Quote
Some tips to layering:

(1) A layering system should be a comprehensive unit; unless you’re trying to “go light,” no one article of clothing should be expected to serve multiple purposes.

(2) Proper layering should allow you to be comfortable through fluctuating temperatures and precipitation, as well as whatever activity you choose to enjoy.

(3) Plan for the worst. “You don’t want to put on all the clothes you’ve packed into the backcountry and still feel like something’s missing,” says Casey.

Excellent layer-by-layer recommendations and tips on the best materials can be found in this video by our experts in the NOLS Teton Valley issue room.

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RedLeader

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2011 »
I had planned to post asking what people used for layers in winter. I generally go with baselayer -> microfleece -> down vest -> waterproof jacket + buff / hat / gloves. However, recently I've still been feeling the cold.

What does everyone else prefer?

Edit:
(Just to point out, I was thinking of when stopped, not when walking)
« Last Edit: November 15, 2011 by RedLeader »
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LandyLiam

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2011 »
Quote
However, recently I've still been feeling the cold.

What does everyone else prefer?

walking faster  ;)

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Mourneman

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2011 »
Sometimes you're cold no matter what layers you wear,before a winter day on the hill I always have big hot bowl of porridge,then while on the hills I would take. 5 mins every Hour or so for a hot drink.i find that observing the weather condition you're walking in helps as well,ie adapting you're ascend to avoid the wind chill,also applying a cream to an exposed face,I also two hand warmer which cost a fiver each from eBay,once filled with lighter fluid they are hot for about 20 hours,totally brillant
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Oisín

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2011 »
Would something like wearing 3 t-shirts and two jumpers be as effective as a base layer type shirt + fleece + waterproof?
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LandyLiam

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2011 »
Quote
Would something like wearing 3 t-shirts and two jumpers be as effective as a base layer type shirt + fleece + waterproof?
i reckon not as you would sweat a lot and there would be no where for the dampness to go, better with a wicking material close to skin and couple of thin layers above, but if you put them in your rucksack you'll keep warm carrying the extra weight  ;D

Quote
also applying a cream to an exposed face
like in my avatar  ::)

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dean1970

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2011 »
just eat more and sit on top of a fire until I start to smoke
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Matthew

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2011 »
Quote from: RedLeader on November 15, 2011
However, recently I've still been feeling the cold.

What does everyone else prefer?


Most of the time I would say I was cool to happy but yes on the odd occasion I am properly cold, but it is normally my lower half that gets it. A normal layering system for me would be

Trekmates base layer top
Rab Boulder Pull On
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Lowe Alpine stretch gloves
North Face Generic hat

If I were still cold, I would throw a thermal base layer on which I use for skiing
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twentyclicks

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2011 »
Oisin - what LandyLiam said. We normally don't consider sweat when thinking about very cold conditions, but it is exactly these situations where it is critical to control it, especially if there's a chance you'll be staying out.
Going up hill is as hard in winter as summer (harder if there is deep snow) so you will sweat. Wicking layers are essential. Even in the arctic at -20 it's common to travel in just a base layer with a breathable wind top when working hard.
When moving focus insulation on the extremities and work back, when stopped focus on the core and work outwards.

Head, neck and wrists are good places to dump heat from if needed, but also make sure they are well covered if getting cold. When looking to trap air for heat make sure the cuffs, waist and neck are closed over so the warm air doesn't 'pump' out when you move.

You need to be aware of where you are cold on your body and what type of cold it is. You need to accept sometimes (as jsurginor pointed out) that you will feel that it is cold. But is this just your skin informing you about the environment, or are you actually cold to the core?
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Craig
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"Go thou my incense upward from this hearth,
And ask the gods to pardon this clear flame." - Thoreau

twentyclicks

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Re: Winter Layering System
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2011 »
In crisp winter I would wear:

Walking:
Rab VapourRise top (with hood)
Berghaus softshell trousers
Wool socks and boots
Softshell gloves
Buff?
Sunglasses
Waterproof jacket & trousers?

Stopped:
Rab Alpine Generator synthetic jacket (with hood)

Extras for if colder/sleeping in:
HH warm leggings
Merino wool baselayer
wicking liner gloves
Montane extreme mitts
Wool & Possum fur beanie (Ray Mears) or proper fur-lined hat with the flappy ears  :)
dry thick socks
spare buff or two
PHD down gilet
Goggles

Also interested in the Rab VapourRise guide trousers and PHD minimus down trousers & booties.


Last year in the big freeze I wore the following on the bike around town (-15 with windchill):
HH leggings
Softshell trousers
Merino wool base layer
Merino wool 320 jumper with high neck & thumb loops
2x Buff
Wool cycle cap
Extreme mitts
Wool liner socks
Seal-skin ankle socks
Vans trainers
sometimes, wind shirt over the top.
The hands, feet and face were very hard to keep warm, but the wool breathed brilliantly - keeping my body just right when cycling and trapping enough air to keep me warm when stopped! Of course I wasn't stationary for hours which would have needed more.
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Craig
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"Go thou my incense upward from this hearth,
And ask the gods to pardon this clear flame." - Thoreau
 

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