Dressing for the Weather

Tips for selecting the right clothes for an activity
from Outdoor education in Girl Scouting

• Wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement during strenuous activity.
• Wear a hat in the winter to retain as much as 40% of your body heat; wear one in the summer to protect against the sun.
• Avoid clothes that dangle or flap, especially around campfires and stoves. Do not wear flammable clothing (like a plastic raincoat) around a fire.
• Be prepared by choosing waterproof rain gear – a jacket and rain pants. Also wear it on cold days or when the wind will evaporate moisture from your skin.
• Choose clothing that covers the arms and legs for protection from insects, ticks, poisonous plants, and sun.
• For the summer, choose material like cotton that will breathe, but wear wool in the winter. If you cannot wear wool, chose material made especially for winter wear like polypropylene.
• Shoes that fit and provide support are essential on rough ground. Shoes that have non-slip soles are important for boating.

What is the key to being dressed for any kind of weather in the outdoors?

Layering

Layering is the single most important rule to remember when preparing for an outdoor adventure. If it is cold, layers of clothing will add air spaces which help retain body heat. If it gets warm, you can remove layers. layering is also important when putting on socks. When hiking distances, you should wear two layers of socks, a thin inner pair and a heavier outer pair. Instead of your shoes rubbing against you, your socks will rub against each other.