The Big Wild Adventures Clothing/Personal Gear List instructs our clients to utilize a time-proven layering system for warmth and safety in mountain environments, or, for that matter, in any area where cold wet conditions are possible. Begin with wool or synthetic long-johns (top and bottoms) that wick moisture away from your body. The next layer is a loose-fitting wool shirt or fleece pullover, followed by a warm insulated jacket and then a good quality breathable 2-piece rainsuit. Don’t forget the ski hat, gloves, and wool socks, either. Buy outdoor clothing that’s loose fitting, especially outer layers that will go over the inner layers. Tight cloths might be fashionable in town, but in the wilds tight layers compress and therefore don’t insulate well, while looser layers don’t compress and also form air pockets for extra warmth.
Note the sky. Pay attention to your guide’s warning that cold wet conditions are on the way. Remove your cotton T-shirt and get your additional layers and rain gear on before the storm! Cotton is great in hot weather, but it will sap your body heat if you are cold and wet, so put it in your pack until conditions change. It is also important to regulate your layers regardless of the weather, in order to minimize sweating. So wear appropriate layers, but don’t overdress. Being soaked with sweat is no way to enjoy a sudden storm! Wet is wet regardless of the source, and in cold weather wet is bad! Of course, getting out of the open and into the trees or maybe into some protected topography is also important, and our guides will always look for sheltered areas during storms. But sometimes there simply is no nearby shelter, and in such situations common sense and quality mountain clothing will do the job of keeping you warm and safe. With today’s modern outdoor fabrics, there is no excuse for getting hypothermia. But your clothing is only as good as your ability to use the layering system properly and to get the proper layers on before all meteorological hell breaks loose!
