Don’t hibernate – winter can be the loveliest season of all in the great outdoors. The key to enjoying the cold when you’re skiing, hiking or ice swimming? Keeping snug and comfortable with these five tips. Layer up, pack your thermos, and venture out into the winter wonderland clad in warm layers — the outdoors is waiting for you to discover its cold beauty.
Embracing Winter: Five Ways to Stay Warm Outdoors
1. Think like an onion
‘There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing’ is a bit of a refrain among outdoorsy types. The key to staying warm outdoors in winter? Think like an onion and get layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made of merino wool or bamboo. Over this, add an insulating mid layer like a fleece or down jacket to trap heat. Top everything off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield you from the elements. The beauty of layering is that you can adjust your clothing as you warm up or cool down.
2. Protect your extremities
It’s amazing how much warmer you’ll feel when you keep your extremities—head, hands, and feet—well insulated. Stick a warm beanie over your ears, pop warm and waterproof gloves on your hands and add thick socks (ideally wool) to keep your toes snug. Even better, try heated accessories. HeatPerformance specialise in heated socks, gloves and clothing that are perfect if you feel the cold and will keep you enjoying subzero temperatures for far longer.
3. Make a brew
Nothing beats a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to warm you up from the inside out when you’re out in the frostiest weather or have been for a winter dip. Sipping on something warm not only provides physical warmth but feels like a little mental boost, and the ritual of boiling up water on a frosty day outdoors can be a delight. Out all day? Don’t forget to bring the right food. When moving around in low temperatures, your body will burn calories at an increased rate. The great news is that this means you need to take in extra calories to compensate. Pack lots of snacks, and make sure you have a hot meal if you’re camping.
4. Stay Active
In the words of Five – keep on movin’. Physical activity generates body heat, so whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or simply taking a brisk walk, keep your blood flowing. Going for a winter swim? Get out before you start to shiver and do a few exercises or try a quick walk once you’ve got some warm layers on to get warm fast.
5. Create Sheltered Spaces
When you’re planning a longer outdoor adventure, think about seeking out sheltered spots where you can take breaks from the cold. This could be a forested area that blocks the wind, a cozy nook next to a rock formation or pitching a well-placed tarp or tent that shields you from the elements.
