Spending the day in the elements can be rough. Unless you dress properly.
A few years ago, I attended a land warfare training course. The class was held outside, the temperatures were in the 30’s, it rained, I got wet, and had nowhere to go and dry off.
I wore an Ice Breaker top for my base layer under a combat shirt and plate carrier. I was really surprised how well the Ice Breaker top kept me comfortable.
Surprisingly, when it rained, I didn’t get cold. Once the rain stopped I dried out quickly.
This was a real ‘A-ha’ moment for me. I bought the Ice Breaker top on sale for a steal ($30), and thought it would do an adequate job.
Only later on did I realize that Ice Breaker makes quality (and expensive) cold weather performance clothing.
I finally understood that If I wanted to stay warm and dry, even in wet conditions, I should do my homework and put together a cold weather clothing system made up of quality performance layers.
Previously
In my last post, I talked about some clothing options that will keep you warm in cold weather without breaking the bank.
Using the clothing I mentioned, let’s talk about a few combinations.
The System, 3 Bare Bones Options, 1 All Out
Below are 4 variations of my clothing system.
The ‘Washable’. Two base and mid layers so you can wash one while you wear one. Price $60.
- (2) Paradox ¼ zip top ($16)
- (2) Condor gridded fleece top ($44)
The ‘Stand-Up’. One base and mid layer that will ‘stand on their own’ after a while of not being washed. Price $250.
- (1) Paradox ¼ zip top ($16)
- (1) Condor gridded fleece top ($44)
- Arc’teryx LT Atom Hoodie jacket ($190 on sale)
The ‘Complete’. All the important pieces. Price $324. (Best bang for your buck in my opinion)
- (2) Ice Breaker crew neck top ($90)
- (2) Condor gridded fleece top ($44)
- Arc’teryx LT Atom Hoodie jacket ($190)
The ‘All Out’. Everything you need to stay warm, and still be able to wash and wear at the same time. Price $356.
- (2) Ice Breaker crew neck top ($90)
- (2) Paradox ¼ zip top ($32)
- (2) Condor gridded fleece top ($44)
- Arc’teryx LT Atom Hoodie jacket ($190)
What the Layering System is Not
This clothing system is not designed as the end all of cold weather clothing. It is designed as a way to stay functional in colder temperatures while wearing a plate carrier (around 25 degrees) at a reasonable price.
If you are going to be exposed to lower temperatures, especially for a prolonged period of time often, you will want to add items, but that is up to you.
Head, Feet, and Hands
Wool socks and good beanie make a huge difference.
Wool socks help keep your feet dry which will help them stay warmer longer. A good beanie helps your body retain more heat when you don’t have your helmet on.
As far as gloves go, I usually can get away with normal Mechanics gloves. That is not me trying to sound tough. For the work I do, I am not exposed to the elements long enough to cause me to need separate cold weather gloves.
That said, just like your clothing layers, look for gloves that work as a layered system; a liner and a shell.
Again, performance materials only.
Remember
Take some time and look for good cold weather performance clothing on sale. Especially now.
Layers of quality performance clothing will keep you warm, not layers of cotton clothing.
If you get too warm you can unzip or take layers off. If you get sweaty and you can’t take them off, performance clothing will quickly dry from the heat your body is generating.
An effective cold weather clothing system is worth every penny, especially when it is cold out and there is SWAT work to be done.