How Not to Freeze

Temperatures have dropped like a stone even as millions are heading to Washington DC for the Inauguration festivities. How do you keep from freezing when you simply must be walking or standing outside?

Layering Clothing for Cold Weather: As hikers have preached for many decades, you need to follow the layering rules. Wear a shirt next to the skin that can wick away moisture. It can be made of polypropylene, CoolMax, or any other high tech wicking fabric. Over that, you wear an insulating layer of microfleece or wool. For truly frigid weather, this might even be a down or pile vest or jacket. Then you need a windproof jacket over it all, as a penetrating wind could chill you to the bone.

Warm Head to Fingers to Toes: I start with a microfleece or wool hat that has ear protectors to keep my ears warm and prevent losing heat through the top of my head. For the chin and cheeks, I wear a Buff that can be configured into a balaclava, a neck gaiter, or any of a dozen ways. For my hands, I want mittens as that will allow my fingers to help keep each other warm. For the feet, select shoes that aren't a mesh fabric. If you find the wind still goes through your shoes, you can cheat by adding a napkin between the top of your foot and the shoe and it will provide excellent insulation. In cold weather, I wear wool socks such as Smartwool.

Cheat with Heat: When it's below freezing and I'm going to be out for a long walk or a long stand outdoors, I bring along Grabber Mycoal hand warmers and toe warmers. These little packs heat up with a shake to provide hours of gentle warmth. They can really make the difference beteen suffering and comfort.
Grabber Toe Warmer
Grabber Hand Warmers
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner 2006