What to wear camping in cold weather: a three layer plan

What to wear camping in cold weather is a three layer plan. A base layer next to the skin moves sweat away. A middle layer holds warmth. A shell blocks wind and rain. Add or remove layers so you stay dry, because wet clothes feel colder than cold air.

The decision rule

Dress to be a little cool when you start moving. If you are warm when you set off, you will sweat, and the sweat will chill you when you stop.

Layer 1: the base

The base layer sits on your skin. Choose wool or a synthetic fabric. Both move moisture away and stay warmer when damp. Cotton holds water and chills you. In general, avoid cotton for cold trips.

Pick a snug fit, not tight. Pack a second set to sleep in.

What goes wrong first. Cotton socks and underwear. Swap them for wool or synthetic.

Layer 2: the middle

The middle layer traps warm air. Fleece, a wool sweater or a light insulated jacket all work. You may want two thin middle layers rather than one thick one, so you can adjust.

Layer 3: the shell

The shell stops wind and rain. A waterproof jacket and pants also keep the wind from stealing heat. Choose one with a hood and vents or zips so you can let out extra heat while you work.

For very cold, damp trips, an insulated jacket goes over the top when you stop. Put it on early, before you chill.

Hands, feet and head

Your hands and feet get cold first. Wear:

• A warm hat that covers your ears
• Liner gloves plus a warm outer pair or mittens
• Wool socks, with a spare pair
• Boots with room for your toes, not too tight

Tight boots cut off blood flow and make feet colder. See hiking boots vs trail runners for a sense of fit.

What to wear to bed

Change into dry base layers, dry socks and a hat. Do not wear all your clothes in the bag, because that can squash the bag's insulation. A bag works because warm air fills the space. Stay warm in a tent in winter covers the whole sleep plan.

Quick sizing guide

Common mistakes

• Wearing too much while walking, then sweating.
• Forgetting spare socks and gloves.
• Dressing for the daytime high, not the night low.
• Packing everything at the bottom of the bag.

Know the warning signs

Shivering that will not stop, numb hands and confusion are warning signs. See hypothermia signs while camping. The CDC has general guidance for winter weather.

Layers for moving and layers for resting

The same layers work differently when you move and when you stop.

• While moving: wear the base layer and one thin mid layer. Vent the shell. You should feel slightly cool.
• At a break: put on the insulated jacket straight away, before you cool. Eat and drink.
• In camp: add the hat, gloves and warm socks. Sit on a pad, not the ground.
• In bed: change into dry base layers.

The point is to add layers before you feel cold, and take them off before you feel hot. This takes practice. Set a timer on a first trip, to remind you to check.

What goes wrong first. Sweat. If you wait to feel cold, the damp layer has already chilled you. Vent early.

Cold hands and feet

Hands and feet are far from the core, so they cool first. Some tips:

1. Wear a warm hat. It helps warm the whole body.
2. Mittens are warmer than gloves, because fingers share heat.
3. Move your fingers and toes every so often.
4. Eat regularly, because your body needs fuel to make heat.
5. Do not tie boots too tight.

If your hands or feet go numb or look white or waxy, warm them gently and seek help. Do not rub them.

Caring for your layers

Wash base layers according to the label. Wool and synthetic items last longer if you avoid fabric softener, which can reduce wicking. Air your jacket after each trip. Store it loose, not squashed. A well kept layer system lasts for years.