Many people think that as the temperatures go down, outdoor fun is over for the year. They don't know what they are missing! By dressing properly, you can enjoy and even come to prefer winter weather!
First, you need to identify the challenges of winter weather. Everyone thinks the problem is the cold temperature. That is true to a point, but wind and moisture are the real enemies! Follow these tips for winter clothing and you'll be good for many winter activities.
Start with a base layer of synthetic underwear if possible. They will move moisture away from your body and will keep you dryer and warmer. Over that, a few light layers are better than one big thick one. That way you can add or remove layers as you get warmer or colder. Make sure your outer layers are both wind and water resistant. Nothing will make you cold faster than wet clothing in a breeze!
A dangerous drop in body temperature is called hypothermia. The process has started as soon as you begin to shiver. What you may be surprised to hear is that people get hypothermia year-round, usually because they have wet clothing on. Add a little wind and it's like you are wearing an air conditioner!
For cold feet, many people think the more socks the better...wrong! Wear a warm pair of shoes or boots (water resistant please) and one pair of wool or synthetic socks. Too many pairs of socks will cramp your feet and actually make them colder. It's not the socks that make you warm, it's the air pockets in the fabric. Cram too may socks into a shoe and the insulating air pockets are all flattened.
Don't forget a warm hat. You lose a lot of heat out of your head and frozen hair doesn't look any better than hat hair anyway.
For your hands, wear moisture resistant gloves or mittens. Mittens are warmer because your fingers can share the heat.
Avoid cotton as much as possible - it gets wet quickly and stays wet forever!
One more thing - don't get all worried about wind chill. It is a totally made up number! It only reflects a guess at how the temperature would feel on bare skin. Most people have enough sense to put something on in the winter so if you are dressed properly, wind chill is not a factor! Go out and enjoy.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_D_Joseph
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