Tips for staying warm

After all, we're Minnesotans - and while its true that after 2 weeks of sub-zero weather we really do consider 10 degrees to be balmy, its our behavioral adaptations rather than a change in metabolism that allow us to be outside enjoying wintertime activities. So this winter act like a Minnesotan, follow these tips, and you too will want to be outdoors and active all winter long.

1. What do you notice about the picture above (besides the fact that everyone looks like they're having fun, which is definitely important to staying warm). They are all wearing hats. You lose 40 to 50% of your body heat through your head because there are so many blood vessels up there feeding oxygen to you brain. This is good for your brain, but since blood is warm and the air is cold, heat will leave your bloodstream unless you insulate your head. This means wearing a hat. Yes, you may get "hat hair" but this is a small (and temporary) price for staying warm.
   
   
2. Dress in layers. Your goal is to stay warm but to sweat as little as possible. Several lighter layers provide more insulation and are much more adjustable than one heavy layer. The only time you might need a down parka is when you are standing around a lot or riding in the sled when you're out dog sledding.
   
   Start with a BASE LAYER of silk or "lightweight" synthetic long underwear and liner socks. These materials draw moisture away from the skin (this is called "wicking") and help keep you dry and therefore warmer. Some synthetic materials that we find work well include Capilene, Thermastat, polypropylene, Driclime, Helly Hansen, and Ultrawick.
   
   Over the base layer wear a second, MEDIUM-WEIGHT layer on your upper body such as "expedition-weight" Capilene or Polartec, and wool pants or a synthetic equivalent such as Polartec or Capilene fleece.
   
   Over the second layer, add a third HEAVY-WEIGHT layer. This should be a thick material such as wool or fleece.
   
   The fourth and final layer is called the OUTER LAYER. This layer is for protection from wind and rain. You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on a daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind pants. They should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots.
   
   This system will keep you warm in most weather and is too much if you're cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or dog sledding. However, it is a good idea to carry a daypack and stuff the extra layersin there so you have them when you need them. Never wear cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture like a sponge and then keeps it next to you, which will cause you to chill severely in cold weather once you stop for a break.
   
   
3. Eat small amounts frequently and don't skimp on fat . This is perhaps why many of us took up winter activities to begin with. You will be using more calories as your body works to keep warm and small frequent feedings will help keep your blood sugar steady. Fat is especially important at night when you're sleeping out, as it burns much more slowly than protein and carbohydrates. If you've ever wanted to think that chocolate was a necessity, take up winter camping.
   
   
4. Drink plenty of water . Even if you're not sweating, you lose lots of moisture simply because the air is so cold and dry. Like heat, moisture seeks equilibrium between places where there is plenty (inside your respiratory system)and places where there isn't much (the outside air). When you become dehydrated,your body just generally functions less efficiently and you will get cold easier. Do not drink alcohol until you are off the trail and back in your cozy lodge. Alcohol packs a triple whammy in the cold. First, it causes you to pee more, thus adding to dehydration problems. Second, it causes your blood vessels to dilate - while that may make you feel warmer for awhile, it causes your body to lose heat faster. And third, it impairs your judgment. Hypothermia, the condition caused by excess heat loss, does the same thing. You really want to keep as many wits functioning as possible when you are out in the cold. Oh, one last thing - yes, if you stay well hydrated you will need to pee more often. We can only assure you that a"snow wipe" (using a snowball for wiping yourself) is a true refreshing pleasure.

So there you have it! Follow these tips and enjoy the winter. And if you have any to share, let us know and we'll post them on this page.

If there is a topic you want to see us address, e-mail us at topics@adventuresingoodcompany.com.

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