Winter Gear Preparation

We’re now heading towards the colder months of the year. Depending on the temperature of your region or how far south you plan to travel, you may need to consider alternative or additional equipment to keep yourself warm.

When exercising in the cold, keep in mind that preparation is especially important and can take longer than in comparison to warmer months. 
  
Starting with clothing

Consider the number of layers you will likely be using, and if you need a larger size to accommodate the layers, for example. For your outer shell especially, think about visibility: colour, reflective material or placement of a light. When selecting layers, make sure that they’re not a hassle to get in and out of; conditions can change, your activity level may go up or down and with it your body temperature. You don’t want to overheat and begin sweating in the middle of cold, windy conditions. 
 

Base layer

This is the layer which is closest to your skin and has the important job of taking sweat away from your body which would otherwise cool you down if air gets through the other layers. 

The best fabric for wicking sweat include synthetic fibres (think of your summer athletic top) made from polyester or polypropylene; or natural fibres like bamboo or merino. Merino wool is also odour-resistant, which can be more friendly to your nose and those around you if you’re going for a multi-day or long day hike.

Mid layer

The purpose of a mid layer is to provide insulation, retaining and trapping essential heat close to your body.
Fabric choices include wool, fleece or other synthetic fibres. Fleece is available in different thicknesses depending on the degree of warmth required.

Outer layer 

Like a tortoise, the outer layer/shell provides protection. In the case of clothing, this is to protect you from cold winds and rain. Waterproof but breathability is necessary, especially when going hiking as weather conditions can change quickly.

What sort of fabric is best for an outer layer? Gore-Tex is waterproof, windproof and breathable; nylons and polyesters can undergo waterproof treatments and provide good protection against the elements as a budget-friendly option.

Socks

Always bring a spare pair, just in case your feet get wet. Wet socks or cold feet can make for a very uncomfortable time very quickly when exercising in cold/wet weather. Trial your socks at home before going out. Make sure they don’t ride up or down when in your shoes. Are they so tight that they cut off circulation or too loose despite their fluffiness to actually trap any heat?

Once again, layers can work well for socks too. Choose a base pair for taking sweat away from your skin and add an insulation layer to stop your feet from going numb from the cold.

Shoes

While your feet may shrink a little when they’re cold, buying a half size larger can be beneficial for sock layering. Your feet should also expand again once warmed up, so be conscious when picking your size in winter shoes. 

Waterproof shoes can be a good option when walking, running or hiking. However, keep in mind that if you step in a deep puddle and get water in your shoe, it can take quite a while to dry (side note: don’t use a hairdryer to dry your shoes or put them directly in front of a heater, this can damage the glue and reduce the lifespan of your shoes). 

Check the grip of your shoes and consider the terrain that you’ll be crossing; ie, firm ground vs soft ground. Firm ground shoes are often made for relatively dry, hard surfaces which may include turf, but generally aren't muddy. The studs on these shoes are greater in number, but shorter and more flexible for greater grip and stability. Soft ground shoes are designed for wet and muddy conditions, the studs are fewer, but longer and more rigid to be able to dig into the soft ground and maintain grip when surfaces become slippery.

Gloves

It might seem like overkill at times, but fumbling with your keys or dropping your phone due to cold, stiff fingers gets very annoying very quickly, especially if you suffer from chilblains or eczema. 

Hat

Using a thick headband or beanie can help your body to retain a significant amount of heat which would otherwise be lost, as well as protect your ears from exposure to the cold.

Neck tube

Adding a thin tube of material around your neck may seem insignificant, but it can act like a bridge between your beanie and jacket for retaining warmth or an additional guard against skin contact with the elements. You can cover the back half of your head with the buff, tucking it under your chin, topping your head with a beanie or headband to hold it in place, and then tuck the remaining length under the neckline of your top. This creates a seal and is top-class protection against strong winds. 
 

Regardless of where you live, always dress according to the conditions of the weather, your comfort and personal temperature (whether you are a person who gets cold easily or overheats with minimal layers). Keep moving all year ‘round!