HOW TO: Layering for Cold Weather Fun

Remember the old saying, “There is no bad weather, there is only bad clothing.” 

A funny thing happened to me this past Summer. I went on a canoe trip with my family in July, and the weather was supposed to have been sunny and hot! According to the weather forecast, it was supposed to be in the 80’s and sun the whole week.

It never got to 80, and it drizzled on and off the whole time. It was cold too, like maybe not even 70!

Even though I know better and have camped in many different climates, weather conditions, and seasons, I was unprepared for that July trip. I had only one pair of pants, one pair of wool socks, one sweatshirt and a rain jacket. Luckily, I had a pair of shoes too and not just sandals. The rest of my clothes were shorts and t-shirts, and a swimsuit that I never put on once.  

Not having the proper clothing can turn a trip into a miserable experience where you want to bag it and head home.

Here are some essential tips about packing for an outdoor trip, no matter what season or the forecast may predict. Remember that weather systems can change quickly, or storm patterns can change direction, and you won’t know about it if you are out of range in a wilderness area or in the woods where you can’t get service to look at a weather report on a phone.  

1. WOOL SOCKS!

Basic rule number ONE. Wool socks have come a long way in the past few decades! No longer are they the big, thick, bulky socks that itch like a mo fo, and take up a ton of room in your backpack. You can find thin to medium weight socks and, if you must, the good old thick ones that are awesome for long hikes. Even in Summer, wool socks are the number one item on a packing list.  

Here are my fav brands:

• Smartwool 

• Darn Tough 

• REI
  

These socks come in various fun designs or solid colors if you want more basic. Depending on what season, you can also find the right thickness you need. The thinner socks are great for warmer weather, and you’ll want to go thicker as it gets colder.

You will find you’ll pay a little more for these socks, but they are well made and will last you many seasons! You can also usually find them on sale during certain times of the year, like the REI sales or other shops that carry these brands of socks.

2. BASELAYER

Consider packing a base layer, even in Summer! Definitely in the Fall, Winter, and Spring! Be prepared for unpredictable weather patterns with your base layer that can help keep you warm.  

Gone are the days of cotton long underwear that didn’t keep a person warm, and in fact, contributed to them feeling colder and, in some cases, even helped hypothermia along! There's a reason cotton is called "killer cotton" for outdoor sports or trips!

These days, you can find decent base layers at stores like Costco, Target, Wal Mart that will keep you warm and won’t hold moisture in. Most base layers blend quick-drying fabrics like polyester and other moisture-wicking material. Even if you get wet through perspiring, rain, or snow, the material will wick it away from you, so you're absorbing all the dampness.

My fav brands:

Patagonia (expensive but WORTH IT, plus this company is beyond ethical)

Cuddle Duds (very soft, cozy, fun designs, and affordable!)

REI (well made, and less expensive than Patagonia- quality thermals for a budget)

This long underwear is compact and folds up very small, and won’t take up a ton of room in your pack!

Wouldn’t you rather be prepared when all of a sudden, the pressure drops, and it’s 20 degrees cooler than it was 30 minutes ago, and the sky is going dark, and the wind is coming up? Or you planned on wearing your swimsuit all week while on a canoe trip and instead are shivering in your sleeping bag because the forecast was wrong and all you brought were t-shirts and shorts?  

Pack the base layer, no matter the forecast! You can thank me later!

3. RAINCOAT 

A good raincoat is a MUST. I almost made this the number one item! A raincoat will keep you dry, is usually long enough to cover your bum so you can sit and stay dry.  

If it’s cold rain, you can wear your BASE LAYER under your raincoat and stay toasty warm while you sip your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, waiting for the rain to pass. If a rain system isn't leaving anytime soon, you can still function in the camp and stay pretty dry.

Get a tarp to function as a shelter for the kitchen area of your campsite and tie it to available trees, and between the tarp and your raincoat, you will be good to go!

Those are the top 3 items I recommend bringing on ANY camping trip, no matter what the forecast says! The only thing I’d add to this list is a pair of lace-up shoes that are sturdy for walking around camp and protect your ankles from the rush of mosquitos that comes out when it starts to get dark!

NOTE: This post doesn’t cover Winter camping at all- these tips are specifically for Spring, Summer, and Fall outdoor trips.  The Winter camping layering is a whole different ballgame and maybe we’ll explore that one down the road!

Stay dry, warm, and most of all, HAVE A BLAST!