This is the fourth in our Winter in New England series. First was Lamps and Lanterns, the second was Jump Starters, and the third was Wood and Pellet Stoves. More to come, each Tuesday - until I run out of ideas.
In the process of doing my Tuesday Winter in New England series, I am learning a few things. That's the whole point.
Today, I am doing layered winter clothing, which is only of interest if one is spending more than just a few hours out in the weather.
Dressing for spending hours out in cold weather is a tricky business, because it depends so much on what you are doing and how active you are. If you dress too warmly for a day of aggressive skiing in 10 degree (F) weather, you can easily get soaked with uncomfortable and chilling sweat. On the other hand, underdressing for a 6-hour stint sitting in a Maine duck blind can ruin the entire experience. When it's cold out, you want to be cool enough to enjoy the weather - and maybe just a little bit cold. It's all about layers.
I have spent many hours cold, wet, and happy in Yankee winters, but I have become more of a pussy as I get a bit older. It's impossible to get it right, because if you are hiking uphill at 15 degrees, you get too hot, and when you are sitting, you get too cold. But that's why you aren't being a sloth, sitting by the fire.
From our friends at Sierra Trading Post, here's Head to Toe Winter Dressing. And here's their Layering Guide.
For camo hunting, Cabela's makes excellent Gore-tex shells with good linings (as in photo).
Lots of people seem to like Under Armour, but I hate it. It makes me feel cold, and it feels too tight. I like fleece, silk, or poly for unders.
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