NO COTTONNO COTTONThe first rule of thumb is not to wear clothes made of cotton. When wet, cotton does not keep you warm and it takes a while to dry. If you are doing outdoor activities, cotton will soak up sweat and keep the moisture touching your body, increasing your chances of getting hypothermia. Today, clothing companies make everything from t-shirts to tank tops to thermal underwear out of synthetic fabric.
You will want to wear long johns or long underwear made of synthetic fabric for added protection. Cotton long underwear should not be worn. The same goes for socks: no cotton.
The best clothing option is wearing multiple layers. Wearing multiple layers gives you the advantage of controlling your body temperature most efficiently. For instance, you need less clothing when working up a sweat hiking than you do when doing less strenuous activities because your body temperature cools off. Wearing several layers allows you to add warmth or take excessive heat away. Layering does not mean wearing 50 of your warmest wool sweaters at once - that would make you bulky, hot and unable to move and be agile. Correct layering involves certain key elements:
Base layer- The base layer is the first layer and is usually in the form of synthetic long underwear (top and bottom) REI MTS (lower cost) and Patagonia Capilene (higher cost) brands are popular. The base layer is thin to allow room for additional layers. On warm days, you might strip down to just your long underwear and with the legs zipped-off from polyester Scout pants.
Insulating layer- The insulating layer is usually a mid-weight jacket made of Polartec fleece. The insulating layer adds warmth if needed.
Outer layer- The outer layer takes the form of a jacket that is waterproof, wind resistant and breathable. Gore-Tex is a popular material for outer layer jackets. New on the market soft shell jackets made of a water resistant, windproof, and stretchy material called schoeller. Soft shells are comfortable due to the stretch ability of the fabric. However, on extremely cold, windy or snowy days, you might want to opt for a hard shell because they offer hardier protection from rough elements. Outer layer pants come in the same material as jackets.
Synthetic filled jackets- Synthetic puffball jackets can be added under the outer layer to keep you warm on extremely cold days. Puffy jackets can serve as the insulating layer. Down-filled jackets are not advisable because they will not keep you warm when wet. Synthetically filled jackets keep you more dry when wet.
BSA Switchback uniform pants are made of 100% Dupont® Supplex nylon and include a nylon web belt with the Universal Emblem embossed on the buckle. In addition to all the features of modern “cargo pants”, Switchbacks have zip-off pant legs, turning long pants into knee-length shorts. These are ideal for all season backpacking and camping activities. Additionally, they serve as Class A uniform pants.
Hats- Hats are necessary because most heat is lost through your head. Hats that are tight fitting and can cover your ears provide sufficient warmth and protection. We recommend wearing a synthetic beanie to sleep in on even a moderately cool night. Again, you want to avoid beanies or hats made of cotton.
Scarves- If your jacket zips up to cover your neck, a scarf is not necessary.
Gloves- A nice pair of mittens or gloves made of leather or synthetic fabric should be sufficient.