How to: Fight winter’s wrath

Come January the winter winds pick up and nature seems to be shivering all around us. Temperatures plunge and heating bills rise. Here are some classic, as well as alternative ways to stay warm throughout the day and at home.

5 Forms of winter’s wrath:

 Wind : Layers and wind resistant fabrics fight this the best.
 Moisture : Staying dry is essential. Wet fabrics release heat.
 Radiation: Wear beanies, snow caps or hats. About 50% of body heat escapes from your head or neck.
 Breathing: Cover your face and mouth to inhale and create warmer air.
 Conduction: Wear gloves and avoid touching cold objects, like metals.

Helpful hints:

1) Keep clothing clean. Insulation is only effective when heat is contained by dead air spaces. Dirt, grime, and perspiration knot fabrics together and demote the efficiency of garments.

2) Drink more liquids. Without warning the cold causes us to lose more body fluids.

3) Eat food high in calories like beef, nuts, stews, or cheeses. Faster digestive tracks can create more body heat.

4) Own one jacket that is well-insulated, wind resistant, and water proof.

5) Fur-lined hoods decrease wind chill considerably.

Clothing:

1) Loose Layers: Not only are layers in style, but they provide the best insulation. With looser layering, warm air will be trapped between the different layers. This also allows for better regulation of body heat when you can remove pieces of clothing easier. There is also unrestricted blood flow with looser fitting clothes, preventing sweat.

2) Footwear: Socks are essential. Whereas boots and athletic shoes resist the majority of wind and weather, the best way to maintain warmth for your feet is to wear socks. For camping or longer durations outside, use the layering technique. First put on a pair of silk, nylon, or thin wool socks. Then put a thicker cotton or wool sock over that to preserve heat.

3) Scarves and hats: This may come as a shock, but these are not just meant to be an accessory. Wrap the scarf around your neck and tuck it into your jacket to warm your chest. Even more so than your feet, your head releases a lot of body heat. Covering your head with a beanie or baseball cap reduces the loss of body heat.

4) Tights: Put on tights or leggings underneath your pants. This feels like another layer of skin and can go a long way.

5) Gloves: By wearing gloves or mittens that cover your hands up to your wrist you are not allowing any cold air circulation to move through.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 23 2009. Filed under Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry