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Winter Wear for Subzero Temperatures

When the mercury in the thermometer plunges toward the bulb and snow and ice stake their claim over the outdoors, the right clothing can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to keep warm in these extreme conditions can lead to frostbite, hypothermia or in severe conditions, the loss of a limb or your life. Before you head out into subzero temperature, always dress yourself in several layers of clean, loose, dry clothing.

  1. Base Layer

    • The base layer is the layer that you wear directly against your skin. It includes a hat, top, pants and socks made of silk, polypropylene, Capilene or a polyester-wool blend. The purpose of the base layer is to keep you dry by directing moisture toward the outer layers where it can evaporate. The layer should absorb less than 1 percent of its body weight in water so that very little moisture is held against your body. These layers should fit snugly, but not so tightly that they impede your blood circulation, which will cause you to chill more quickly.

    Mid Layer

    • Depending on how cold it is, you will need one or more middle layers. These layers are your primarily insulation and should include a hat, shirt or jacket, pants, socks and gloves made of fleece, wool or polyester. These garments should be loose to create pockets of insulating air between the layers. They should also conduct moisture to the outer layer, keeping you dry. Avoid any materials such as cotton that absorb and hold water.

    Outer Layer

    • The outer layer protects you against the ice, snow and wind. It includes a coat, snow pants, snow boots and overmittens made of a water-resistant and durable material. Like all the layers, these garments should not absorb water, but should wick it away from the layer beneath it and transfer it to the environment. Do not make the mistake of putting on a thicker outer layer instead of many middle layers. The air trapped between the layers heats your body more effectively than one thick outer coat.

    Important Additions

    • Keep your head, neck and feet especially well covered in subzero temperatures. You can lose up to 45 percent of your body heat through your head and more from your neck, ankles and feet because the veins run close to the surface. Always include a hat, scarf, boots and two layers of socks in you wardrobe. Keeping these areas of your body warm will increase the heat retained by your entire body.

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