98.6F - Cold Weather Clothing

Excerpts from our new book The Handbook for Survival Sense in the Outdoors

Virtually every process in the body, including problem solving capabilities, tie directly to proper body temperature.  Maintaining thermal balance (98.6°F) remains one of the most important personal goals in any survival situation.  Given the human body’s narrow functional temperature range of about 12 degrees (+/- 6°F), self-help becomes impossible below 92°F and above 104°F.

Proper Clothing for Cold

Try to protect areas of the body that lose a lot of heat when exposed, and protect the extremities (hands and feet) critical to solving survival problems.  Pay close attention to the head and neck, the sternum, the lateral sides of the body, the groin, the hands, and feet.

     1.   Wearing clothing in layers helps insulate and ventilate as necessary.  

           (Many thin layers work better than one thick layer.)

           a.   Base layer:  non-cotton long underwear

           b.   Insulation layer:  fleece or wool work well

           c.   Environmental layer:  windproof / waterproof (breathable)

     2.   Avoid constricting garments, especially at wrist, neck, waist, ankles, and feet.  

           (Constriction tends to cause cold hands and feet.)

     3.   Keep clothing as dry and clean as possible.

           4.   Wear darker colors in winter climates.  (Dark colors absorb heat energy from the sun.)

           5.   A warm head usually means warm feet as well.  (Warm cold feet by putting on a hat.)

           6.   Never overheat from excessive activity without shedding layers.  

                 (Try not to get wet from perspiration on the inside of clothing.)

      Order yours here:  The Handbook for Survival Sense in the Outdoors