Winter camping 101: The Tao of layering

November 9, 6:30 AMMinneapolis Outdoor Recreation ExaminerMarie Malinowski

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It’s time to get serious about outdoor recreation in winter. When the snow falls and the temperatures drop, it opens doors for us into a new realm. But before you venture out, you need to dress appropriately.

Outdoor gear and clothing have made huge technical advances over the years. Specifically, gear designed for winter camping is a little more specialized than its three-season counterparts.

Layers are important. Wear a wicking base layer to wick sweat from your skin and dry quickly. I like tops and bottoms made from Capilene because they're very silky and breathable. Add an insulating middle layer to trap body heat, move moisture from inside to outside, and to act as an outer layer when nothing more is needed. Like fleece. Then add a shell, or outerwear, to protect you from the elements. Don't forget a shell on your lower parts. 

Because you’ll be moving around, whether schlepping a backpack to your camp site or doing day hikes, you’ll want clothing that’s adjustable. Your outer layer should have zippers to allow air in to breathe and dry sweat, and, to cool you off. Just because it’s twenty-eight degrees outside doesn’t mean you’re always going to be cold.

Tips:

• Be conscious of the need to adjust layers. Acting too late to remove a layer can leave you soaked in sweat and you’ll lose body heat.
• Get garments that complement one another without being redundant in their function.
• Customize your layering system to meet your needs. Do you get cold easily? Overheat quickly while moving? Does the slightest wind bite deep into your bones?
• Wear garments that are close-fitting without losing freedom of movement or warmth.
• If you expect to rest for more than a few minutes, bring a warm down jacket.
• Remove layers when going uphill to avoid overheating and sweat.
• When choosing an outer layer, look for something with armpit zippers; consider how easy it will be to manipulate them while wearing gloves or mittens and while wearing a pack.
• Avoid anything made with 100 percent cotton. It’s just evil in the art of winter camping and recreation.