Since childhood, we have been taught that in winter we need to dress very warmly. The advice is not so bad, but requires clarification. Otherwise, you risk profuse sweating and then a cold. Using several layers of clothing helps, on the one hand, to retain heat, and on the other, to remove excess moisture from the body. First of all, this rule applies to the torso. It is its insufficient insulation that often becomes the cause of frostbite in the extremities, since the body is forced to devote all its resources to heating vital organs. To avoid this, you should use a three-layer system of winter equipment:
1. Base layer that wicks away moisture (thermal underwear: long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings).
2. Middle insulating layer (jacket or sweater).
3. Top layer that protects from wind and moisture (jacket or down jacket).
The principle of multi-layering should also be followed when insulating other parts of the body:
1. Wear two pairs of socks on your feet.
2. Use shoes with an additional insole.
3. Place a hood over the hat.
4. Wear gloves under the mittens.
In this case, the top layer (jacket, shoes) should be spacious enough to accommodate everything else. If you do not take this nuance into account, you will be constrained in your movements or freeze faster (thus, narrow shoes interfere with normal blood circulation, that is, the natural heating of the feet).
Base layer
Forget about cotton all winter. It perfectly absorbs the moisture that the body releases, but leaves it inside. As a result, you find yourself in a wet and cold T-shirt and frozen to the bone.
The best alternative to cotton is thermal underwear made from high-tech synthetics or merino wool. It wicks moisture away from the body, allowing it to stay dry and maintain a comfortable temperature. However, 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 sweater made of natural wool. When choosing a top layer, it's worth considering what you'll be doing outside. While heavy fur coats and sheepskin coats are still suitable for walking, they will be terribly uncomfortable during active activities. Membrane jackets and down jackets are the ideal choice here. These models remove moisture and do not allow it to penetrate inside, they are resistant to wind and are also quite lightweight. When choosing socks, again avoid cotton in favor of high-quality synthetics (for example, polypropylene) and wool. The heat will definitely not leave your feet if you combine both options, that is, wear two socks. Choose shoes with high and non-rubber soles (rubber quickly lets the cold through). The lining and additional insole should be made of natural fur. Avoid loose and cotton hats. Much better is a headwear made of wool or acrylic with fleece that fits tightly to the head.
Always consider the strength of the frost and choose clothes depending on it. For example, thermal underwear made of synthetics and wool can be selected for different temperatures. In severe cold weather, you can give preference to expensive silk. Also, depending on the weather, adjust the number of layers of clothing. If necessary, wear not two, but three socks, several sweaters. Do not forget that there may be gloves under the mittens, and a hood on the hat. Always consider the planned type of load. If you are going for a long walk in a forest park, make sure that the wind will not blow under your jacket. If you intend to spend time actively, give preference to outerwear with sections for ventilation. In the case of intense outdoor training, it is generally better if you are a little cool at first, otherwise you will start to sweat after just a couple of minutes. 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 clothes. Take with you spare mittens, socks and even a down jacket: a light jacket will allow you to move comfortably, 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 to regulate your body temperature yourself. Remove an item of clothing, such as mittens or a hat, to allow the body to release excess heat. Slow down. Try to synchronize the movement with calm breathing: take a step as you inhale and a step as you exhale. This way you can cover a long distance and avoid excessive sweating.
And remember: there is no perfect advice for everyone. Approach the choice of clothing individually, taking into account your own thermoregulation, reaction to different materials and other factors.
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