I look like a fool, but a warm one
Winter clothing tips for outdoor adventure travel can not only save your life, but it can make your winter activity much more comfortable. After going for a six mile run in frigid near zero temperatures I posted on my Facebook page that I just got back from running, and I did not see another sole running (pun intended).
I was expecting people to make comments like “because they are not crazy,” or “you are a fool.” Truth is, I did get a few of these comments; however, I received a couple of other comments that surprised me. I had a couple of comments asking what I wore. It dawned on me that a lot of people probably steer clear from winter adventure not because they do not like the cold, but some just do not have an idea of what to wear.
This is all I need for down to 0 degrees for running
Currently, I am training for the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski Marathon. This is problematic right now with no snow in the Chicago vicinity. Therefore, I have been doing a lot of running to stay in skiing shape.
My outfit for a cross-country ski marathon is not much different from running in 0 degrees
Running is a little different from outdoor adventure travel, but some of the same tips apply for running in winter weather as they do for hiking or skiing in cold weather.
Skip the bulky winter jacket:
You do not want to wear a bulky winter jacket when you are hiking, running, or skiing. That is something you wear when you are in camp if you are crazy enough to winter camp. Even if it is sub zero temperatures, once you start exercising you will begin to sweat and the bulky jacket does not allow you to breathe. This can actually turn dangerous as once you stop hypothermia could set in.
Even downhill skiing I will not wear a bulky jacket – layering is the key
Layering is key:
One thing that really shocks people when they hike or run in cold weather is how little clothing they need. I wear a cotton long sleeve shirt and an ultra thin windbreaker down to 30 degrees when I am running. When it gets below that, I may add a synthetic undershirt.
Running is a little more intense than cross-country skiing, so more clothing is necessary for skiing. I wear a long sleeved north face undershirt with a merino wool jacket skiing. If it is really cold or the wind is strong, I will add a windbreaker. Even more clothing is needed for downhill skiing. When you downhill ski you are not getting a cardiovascular workout, so you do not stay as warm.
My Icebreaker merino wool jacket skiing
I also layer below the waist. In extreme cold weather I wear tights with windproof sweats over the tights. If it is a bit warmer I only wear the tights. I also layer my socks if it is extremely cold. I usually wear wool socks when skiing, but only regular cotton ones when running.
Always, always, always, wear a hat
One time my Uncle showed up in the north woods of Minnesota and promptly got his truck stuck in the snow. He was saved by people that lived close by who attached a hitch to his truck and pulled him out with their truck. My uncle was not wearing a hat, and the two men gave him hell.
There is something about getting the third degree by people who talk like the move Fargo. Fortunately, I was wearing a hat and did not receive their wrath, but twenty years later I am still affected by the grilling of my uncle from some Minnesota outdoorsmen. I will never leave my house without one in the winter for fear they will show up and give me hell.
You will never see me without a warm hat while outdoor adventure traveling in the winter
I wear a hat outdoors anytime the temperature is below 50 degrees. I am not talking about my wide brimmed hat made almost famous from my twitter icon. I wear a winter hat running, skiing, or hiking, and this is one garment I do not take off as I get warmer. They say 80% of your heat leaves from your head, so do not neglect this item.
Up here in the north they do not think you are cool if you do not wear a hat
Some people do not like to wear hats as a fashion choice, but there is no fashion at 0 degrees. People who are freezing and possibly threatening their life by their own stupidity do not look cool.
Bottom line is you will need to try different combinations to find what works for you for each winter outdoor adventure activity. The clothing combination will be different for each sport. Try some of these tips to get you started, but learning by experience is the best teacher.
Stay tuned,
TT
The goal of Traveling Ted TV is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
Thanks for the tips. I don’t often go hiking in the winter but of course, I will be using stuff next week. I’ve got a nice fleece jacket, a couple of hats, gloves, and thermals so hopefully I am well prepared.
Good luck with your marathon!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..My birthday dream trip and travel confession
That sound like a good start Jeremy!
Looking good my friend!
As are you Andi 🙂
Thanks!
This is hilarious…I have two blog posts coming this week that talk all about this stuff. After years of staying inside due to the horrible fashion choices of outdoor adventures, I’m finally getting back out there! AND, I am trying to do it as fashionably as possible! 😉
Great post!
The World Wanderer recently posted..Music Monday: Hero.
I am the anti-fashionista of the outdoor adventure travel world. My love for the fanny pack says it all.
thanks for the tips, ted! we’ll try to put these to use in the big city while we’re pub hopping. we at least promise to wear a hat.
thelazytravelers recently posted..jetsetters: @travelingted
Tips and gear used for outdoor adventure travel often times come in handy doing everyday things or even hitting the pubs.
Being from Florida, I don’t have much in the way of winter gear. However, we tend to bundle up like we’re going skiing anytime it breaks below 50…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Things You Only Hear on a Cruise Ship
People definitely get acclimated to their environment. If you ever go skiing maybe these tips will come in handy.
layering is key indeed! wasnt a big fan of hats, but they are a must. i gave in!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Top 5 new London restaurants by @bonvivantliving
Hats can be fashionably trendy in a cold outdoor environment.
I just tried a new sport – kick sledding and it was -25C outside. Within 30 minutes I was sweating and a tad over dressed. I agree completely that layering is the best way to go and I always bring a hat too.
Leigh recently posted..Fabulous Fernie: One of the Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Kick sledding sounds interesting.
And where was this last week when I was in Switzerland skiing?
Leah Travels recently posted..5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Travel
Downhill skiing requires a little more layering than running or cross-country skiing as there is not as much cardiovascular work being done.
i’m pretty proud of myself for managing to figure out the layering bit for my Switzerland ski trip. in fact, i was hot half the time!
lola recently posted..60 Shades of Awesome at 60 Thompson
Lola,
You are always hot.
Hi Ted, your traveling experiences are one great inspiration. Also, love your winter clothing tips for outdoor. What is the best clothing brand to use for skiing? Thanks!