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OverviewThis is primarily a talk and discussion, and a handout. Do this in an evening meeting, after supper in a september camp, or a time you got rained out.
As I get older the difference between my summer gear and my winter gear grows smaller.
Clothing breaks down into the following categories:
Wicking layer. This keeps you comfortable even if you are sweating.
Insulation layer. This slows down heat loss by conduction.
Wind layer. This slows down heat loss by convection.
Wicking layer is underwear. Polypropylene is the usual material for good stuff. Do NOT use cotton. It doesn't really wick, it just gets soggy. Polypro can be bought as long sleave tops, long leg bottoms, socks t-shirts and briefs. For winter you will need the longs. If you want to wear cotton briefs udner you long bottoms, you can, but you may find that this chaffs.
Insulation layer. Fleece and acrylic sweaters are the best material choice for body wear. I find that wool blend socks stand up better than synthetics. The grey work socks with colored tops will do, but I now get a somewhat more expensive thicker sock that lasts far longer. I also get enough at the same time that matching socks is easy.
Moving up the body: I have a fleece pair of pants, like sweat pants, but not cotton. I take them on winter expeditions, but the only time I wear them is in my sleeping bag at -20 C.
I wear a fleece over my polypro most winter days. This is a full zip fleece. Pull overs have the problem of not being able to unzip all the way if you are too warm.
I have a balaclava for the top end. I can roll a bunch around my ears, or pull down over my nose. Acrylic or wool. Not cotton.
Outer layer:
At the bottom end are boots. What kind of boot depends on what I'm doing. For Rogaine the best boots are cheap light weigh nylon boots that are 8" high. Only a little bit heavier than a pair of runners, they are warm, have good traction.
If you can, avoid ones that have foam insulation. Really really hard to dry if you use them on an overnight trip. Wear two pairs of socks when you buy them.
I've found these at low end department stores -- Zellers, Walmart,
Avoid leather for boots. It will kill your feet breaking them in.
Wind pants.
These are usually just a single layer of nylon with elastic waist. Some have side zips on the calves that make it easy to put on / take off over shoes. I prefer the unlined ones. The ones lined with flannel tend to bind when worn over polypro, and the lining is usually cotton.
Wind Jacket.
If you want to spend a lot of money, you can get the fancy water-proof breathable stuff, but in winter you don't need it. You want a tightly woven windbreaker, preferably with a hood. It should be a sturdy fabric, not something that will turn into shreds the first time you crash through a rose thicket.
If your wind jacket doesn't have a good hood, you need a second toque and a scarf or neck warmer to go around your nose. (A good hood really helps keep the wind way from your head.)
Outer mitts. Heavy nylon. Don't use gloves. Your fingers will freeze.
You can use canvas mitts. Leather mitts are somewhat better on days close to freezing, but get condensation in cold weather.
I always ...