Thursday 02/04/15
Even though the summer is over and the cooler weather is on its way, you shouldn't be too quick to unpack your cold weather gear. Your bulky winter jacket shouldn't be the first thing you grab when the temperature starts to dip.
In colder temperatures it is more beneficial to dress in several thin layers than one thick one. The reason for this is if you get hot, you can peel off one layer at a time to regulate your temperature instead of removing one thick layer and losing all your heat. Regulating your temperature in the cold is important. As you know, if you get too hot you sweat and the sweat evaporates. In summer, this is not a problem because you are wearing lightweight clothing. But in winter your sweat will make your clothes wet. Wet clothes draw heat from your body. Around town, this can make you smelly and uncomfortable. Out hiking or camping, being stuck in wet clothing can lead to hypothermia if you are exposed to the elements for any length of time.
If you're on the land for a couple of days, you will appreciate the capability to prevent your clothes from being soaked with sweat. Sweaty clothes are smelly clothes. It isn't the sweat that smells, it is the bacteria feeding on the sweat that creates the unpleasant odour. If you don't have any options for changing your clothes, you'll want them to remain odour-free for as long as possible.
The reverse is also true. As you cool down you add another layer to keep warm. I'm sure we have all experienced the discomfort of putting on a jacket that is too thick and heavy for the temperature. Being too hot also saps your strength and endurance, which can become troublesome while hiking or camping. Also, thin garments are easily stored in your backpack. Having to carry your thick, heavy jacket around will quickly become a nuisance.
With a bit of planning, the cooler weather can be as enjoyable as the summer.