Expert advice on layering and cold weather kit
Ultimate Protection from the Elements
As a specialist country clothing retailer, we take a keen professional interest in hi-spec technical clothing. We appreciate the importance of clothing that won’t let you down and our highly trained staff have years of expertise offering optimal advice for staying warm in cold weather. Here we share some of what we’ve learnt.
Regulating Body Temperature
Understanding how our bodies regulate temperature is critical. Different body zones behave differently in the cold and each requires a different strategy.
- The torso is most sensitive to cold. The torso is home to all the vital organs and in cold temperatures, the blood is directed towards the vital organs to keep them warm and allow them to function properly.
- Consequently, blood flow to the extremities is reduced which can leave hands, feet, ears, and nose feeling much cooler.
- By contrast, our arms and legs can be up to 7°C colder than our torso without experiencing any discomfort.
Layering System
Protecting the torso is key and the best way to achieve that is layering. Not only do layers trap the warmth generated by the body in the air between the layers, but each layer has a specific function:
- The base layer is the soft next-to-skin layer that regulates moisture, temperature and odour.
- The mid layer is the insulating layer that retains warmth.
- And the outer layer is your shield that keeps out wind and wet.
Our favourite layering pieces for superior warmth include:
On the outside, these pieces look like a basic sweater, jeans and coat but they are designed to keep you warm. The Holebrook sweater has a windproof lining, don't underestimate how keeping out the wind will keep you warm. Denim jeans are never particularly warm, but they are quite high on our list of favourite things to way, Holland Cooper have combined warmth and style with their thermal version of their extremely popular Jodhpur Jean. Meanwhile the Fjallraven Visby 3 in 1 coat gives a lot of bang for its buck, this coat combines two separate layers a waterproof outer and a quilted inner and the beauty is they can both be worn individually or together for superior warmth and protection from the elements.
In the country world, a fleece gilet is an iconic layering piece, the thinner nature of these gilets vs a padded gilet means they are ideal for layering underneath a coat or jacket. A cotton flannel shirt much like the Fjallraven Singi is the perfect fabric for a shirt that will provide warmth. Sometimes a lightweight jacket is another option for as a key layering piece, the Burrough jacket from Schöffel is waterproof with a fleecey inner, it is also lightweight so could even be doubled up underneath a heavier coat.
Gloves, Hats and Socks
As mentioned above, due to reduced blood circulation hands, feet and your head are sensitive to the cold. Feet experience the same circulation and sensitivity issues as hands so it is important to protect them for comfort with warm breathable socks. Sealskinz are the ideal brand for quality waterproof, warm and durable hats, socks and gloves. They embrace the best technological fabrics and have a whole host of colours, styles and prices.
