Thursday, January 21, 2010
Keeping warm and dry
Here are a few tips to help you keep warm and dry in Chicago in the winter.
Dress in layers.
Several light to medium layers are best in the winter. Temperatures can fluctuate and if you dress in layers you can shed one or two layers as the temperature heats up. Then if the temperature drops you can put the layers you took off back on.
The layer against you skin should have wicking properties. Even in the Winter, activity equals persperation. If you wear cotton against your skin it will absorb the persperation and if the weather cools you will feel colder because you have a damp garment close to your body. Polypropelyne base layers do not absorb the sweat but "wick" it away from your body so you are drier, warmer and more comfortable. Polypropelyne sox (sock liners) do the same for your feet.
Keep your head covered.
Heat rises. That means if you are outside in the cold weather your body heat can escape out the top of your head. A hat or cap will help keep your body heat in.
Keep moving.
Activity equals warmth. Keep walking or moving or working and you will generate some warmth. The heat is in the tools. Try to shield yourself from the wind. Try and keep exposed skin to a minimum so you don't develop frostbite.
Proper equipment.
The right equipment is essetial. If you work outside you will probably need insulated boots and thermal sox in the winter. Don't try to tough it out with your summer boots. Your feet and your comfort are important if you are outside working all day.
Dress in layers.
Several light to medium layers are best in the winter. Temperatures can fluctuate and if you dress in layers you can shed one or two layers as the temperature heats up. Then if the temperature drops you can put the layers you took off back on.
The Carhartt C72 waterproof breathable shell is a great garment for Fall, Winter, and Spring. It is wind resistant and waterproof (waterPROOF, not water resistant). It is great by itself in the Fall and Spring and you can layer underneath in the Winter. If the weather turns wet you don't have to go looking for your rain gear, you are wearing it.
Wicking is important.
The layer against you skin should have wicking properties. Even in the Winter, activity equals persperation. If you wear cotton against your skin it will absorb the persperation and if the weather cools you will feel colder because you have a damp garment close to your body. Polypropelyne base layers do not absorb the sweat but "wick" it away from your body so you are drier, warmer and more comfortable. Polypropelyne sox (sock liners) do the same for your feet.
Keep your head covered.
Heat rises. That means if you are outside in the cold weather your body heat can escape out the top of your head. A hat or cap will help keep your body heat in.
Keep moving.
Activity equals warmth. Keep walking or moving or working and you will generate some warmth. The heat is in the tools. Try to shield yourself from the wind. Try and keep exposed skin to a minimum so you don't develop frostbite.
Proper equipment.
The right equipment is essetial. If you work outside you will probably need insulated boots and thermal sox in the winter. Don't try to tough it out with your summer boots. Your feet and your comfort are important if you are outside working all day.
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