Cold Weather Training: Some Notes & Tips! (From 2019)

Disclaimer: If the weather is 50°F or below, it is considered cold-weather. It is not recommended to go camping below 30°F unless you have the experience and proper gear. Take extreme caution if camping below 20°F!

Side note: I once camped in below 0°F weather during the winter. So, if I can survive that and enjoy the winter hiking/camping experience, I think with experienced people and the right gear, anyone wanting to camp out this winter can do the same! Of course, camping can get very expensive if you don't already have access to good gear. So, keep that in mind for your budget plans!

Clothing

1. When hiking or camping in cold weather, dress in layers and avoid cotton as an outer layer at all costs. Cotton likes moisture; once it gets wet, it will stay wet. It won't dry in freezing temperatures unless you bring it indoors to dry it out yourself. Wet cotton clothing increases the risk for hypothermia if outside for long durations.
2. One of the best alternatives to cotton is wool (if you can afford it). If not, synthetic fabrics are the next best thing.
3. For example, fleece can be an affordable alternative due to its quick drying. You can use cotton as an inner layer to help stay warm, but keep in mind that sweat counts as moisture (and cotton likes moisture -- see 1).
4. For outer layers: wear snow pants over any fleece or cotton inner layers. If snow pants are too expensive, rain pants or any waterproof pants work as a great alternative! They will keep you dry in rainy/snowy/icy environments.
5. The best breathable material becomes unbreathable. This is due to moisture freezing in the cloth in cold weather.
6. Long Johns: highly recommended primary layer (the first layer of clothing you put on aside from undergarments). These pants will keep moisture away from the body.
7. Merino wool: recommended for inner layers (underwear, shirts, pants). Wool is good for insulation, but do not use it as a primary layer!

Layers

1. Outer layer: hat, jacket, coat, etc. This is the layer you wear that will be exposed to the elements (rain, snow, mud, slush, etc.
2. Inner layer(s): these are the layers worn underneath any outer layer (shirts, pants, etc.)
3. Primary layer: This is the first layer of clothing put on (excluding any undergarments).
4. The total number of layers a person wears is up to the person. Keep in mind that wearing too many or not enough layers can be problematic.
5. You know yourself best. If you tend to get cold easily, try to wear a good amount of layers depending on the severity of the cold (typically 3-5 layers is standard). If you tend to warm up quickly or plan on being active in the cold, try to maintain at least a 3-layer system.
6. The 3 Layer System: base layer (wicking), then middle/inner (insulation), then lastly outer (shell) layer.
7. Wicking Layer: helping to keep sweat away from the skin to keep you dry. Good materials for this are: synthetics (polyester) or wool. Avoid cotton! (see Clothing, 1)
8. Hats: thin or head masks are good for sleeping. During the day, you may want a thicker hat.
9. Scarves or some sort of neck covering can be great to consider, especially if your coat/jacket doesn't cover your neck.
10. Gloves: recommend polyliner as inner gloves, followed by a layer of waterproof or heavier gloves on top.
11. Mittens can be better than gloves as the hand can share and circulate heat. Gloves isolate each finger.
12. Ski masks/goggles or sunglasses are recommended if spending lots of time in snowy areas.
13. Snow reflects the sun and can cause snow blindness!
14. If you can afford or spare the extra costs, boot gaiters are helpful in snowy/wet areas!
15. Socks: Liners and wool are great to wear before lacing up your boots! Again, please avoid cotton!
16. Heavy socks for sleeping are great for keeping warm. (Pro-tip! A heated water bottle at the foot of the bed or sleeping bag can also help keep your toes warm!)
17. NO sneakers! Please use boots. In snowy/wet environments, rain or snow boots are best. If your boots/shoes are not waterproof/resistant, then place a bag under or over your socks. This will prevent moisture from getting into your socks.
18. Yak Tracks (for boots) are also a great investment if going to icy environments!

Conclusion

So that's all I have for you in the clothing department. I hope you find these tips helpful!

Stay warm!