Guide · Shelter
Dressing in layers
Your clothes are your first shelter. Wearing several thin layers, rather than one thick one, lets you stay warm without overheating and soaking yourself in sweat.
The three layers
- Base layer, next to your skin. Its job is to move sweat away. Wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester work well. Avoid cotton: it holds water and chills you when wet.
- Middle layer, for warmth. Fleece, a wool jumper or a down or synthetic insulated jacket. You can wear more than one in very cold weather.
- Outer layer, a shell to keep out wind and rain. A waterproof jacket and trousers. Even a thin windproof layer makes a big difference.
Adjust before you get hot or cold
- Take a layer off before you start working hard or walking uphill. Sweat is your enemy in the cold.
- Put a layer back on as soon as you stop, before you start to feel chilly.
- Open zips and loosen cuffs to let heat out without taking things off.
Don't forget the edges
- Head and neck: a hat and scarf or neck tube make you feel much warmer.
- Hands: mittens are warmer than gloves. Thin gloves under mittens let you do fiddly jobs.
- Feet: wool socks, and a spare dry pair kept in a plastic bag. Don't wear socks so thick that boots become tight; that cuts off circulation.
If you don't have proper kit
- Wear everything you have, thinnest layers on the inside.
- Stuff dry leaves, grass or crumpled newspaper between layers for extra insulation.
- A bin bag with holes for head and arms makes a rough windproof and waterproof layer.
- An emergency foil blanket worn under your outer layer traps heat.
Remember C.O.L.D.
- Clean: dirty, greasy clothes insulate less well.
- Overheating: avoid it, vent early.
- Loose layers: tight clothing squeezes out the warm air.
- Dry: stay dry inside and out.
Hot weather
Layers still matter. Loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat protect you from sun and help sweat cool you.
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