Cold Weather Clothing

Clothing

The simple rule of winter camping is to stay dry and warm. Your best bet is to wear layers with different properties. The three basic layers:

• The base layer is basically your underwear - the layer next to your skin. Synthetic and merino wool fabrics work best (avoid cotton). They wick perspiration away from your skin to outer layers so it can evaporate. They dry quickly so you spend minimal time in wet clothing. When snow camping, it's common to wear 2 base layers: a lightweight or mid-weight layer, then a thicker heavyweight layer.
• The middle layer is your insulating layer. It is primarily designed to help you retain body heat. For snow camping, consider expedition-weight fleece or microfleece shirts, pants and jacket and/or a goose down jacket.
• The outer layer, or shell, is your waterproof/windproof/breathable layer. Laminates such as Gore-Tex offer premium protection. Less expensive alternatives use polyurethane-coated fabrics that are equally waterproof but somewhat less breathable. Look for core vents and underarm vents that expel excess heat and moisture.
• One alternative is to wear thermals, uniform pants and then ski pants or snow pants for an outer layer that is both insulating and waterproof.

Tips:

• If you take a break, put on a layer so you don't cool off too much. Your body will have to work harder to warm up again.
• As you warm up, remove layers to avoid getting your clothing sweaty (sweat freezes later).
• Avoid getting wet. Boys always think it is fun to stomp in a puddle or to risk stepping into a stream. In cold weather, avoid these urges. If you are wearing knit mittens or gloves, don't make snow balls.

Boots

While it may be possible to get by with traditional hiking boots, most snow trekking is greatly enhanced by winter or mountaineering boots that are waterproof and insulating.

Tip: Warm up socks and boot insoles by keeping them in the sleeping bag next to you.

Accessories

• Hats: You lose a significant percentage of your body heat through the top of your head. Follow the old mountaineering adage: "If your feet are cold, put on a hat." A knit cap that covers the ears may be a good start. A balaclava that covers almost all of the face is even warmer.
• Gloves and mittens: Another must. Take extras, too, in case they get wet. Mittens are better for keeping the heat in, but gloves allow more activities. Consider what you will be doing. For example, you won't want to wear nice, fleece mittens to collect firewood.
• Gaiters: A must for deep snow, they help keep snow and water out of your boots. They even add a bit of warmth. Be sure to use a waterproof/breathable model designed for winter use.
• Goggles and glasses: Always protect your eyes from sun and wind. There are different lens tints for various weather conditions.
• Socks: Wear a thin, snug synthetic layer next to your skin. Wear a second layer over that made of wool, or a wool/synthetic mix. Avoid cotton socks for winter camping. The thickness of your second sock is determined by your boot fit. An extra-thick sock will not keep your feet warm if it makes your boots too tight. Take extras. If they get wet, put them in the sleeping bag next to you to dry.
• Traction Cleats: Add something like Yaktrax or MICROspikes to the bottom of your shoes to give you traction on ice.
• Snow Shoes: If there is significant snow on the ground, snow shoes are a great addition as they will give you traction. They also keep your boots out of the snow so they are less likely to get soaked if they are not waterproof (snow melts in contact with your warm boots).
• Hand and foot warmers: If you have all the right gear and still find your hands or feet getting numb, you may want to try disposable hand or foot warmers. Just be sure not to put them in direct contact with your skin as they get too hot for that.

Acknowledgement: The initial version of this page was based on part of an article on the REI.com website. In addition to that website, REI has a camping gear store in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Page updated 2/12/21 J. Froimson