WITHSTANDING WINTER WEATHER
by Ryan Walker

Michigan’s winter chases many residents indoors when the temperature drops and the snow flies. Unfortunately, for those who rarely venture out past December, they are missing out on many enjoyable outdoor activities. The icy heart of winter welcomes the heartiest hunters with opportunities to pursue rabbits, as well as fox and coyote. Ice fishermen flock to the frozen lakes, rivers and bays of the Great Lakes state like a school of perch pouncing on a wax wormed tipped tear drop. Winter is also the prime time in the Thumb for cross country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. Whatever winter activity piques your interest can be enjoyed in our area as long as a person is prepared to face the elements.

The first aspect of withstanding winter weather is to dress accordingly. The following tips aren’t new; in fact you were probably reminded of them each time you donned snow pants as a child. Some of us take dressing properly during the winter for granted until confronted with cold, shivers or worse. There’s a fine line separating being cold and the onset of hypothermia and/or frostbite. The best medicine for avoiding miserable winter results while enjoying nature is prevention.

When dealing with the cold, the most effective technique is to wear multiple layers. This allows an individual to add or subtract layers depending on the physical nature of your chosen activity. Cutting wood or stomping brush piles for rabbits requires fewer clothes in each layer. Ice fishing with nothing except a seat to separate you from the frozen water under your feet or snow shoeing at a leisurely pace will increase the amount of protection needed in each layer. Regardless of the activity, there are three basic layers to employ when “layering up.” You will increase your enjoyment while outside if you begin with a wicking layer followed by an insulating layer, and then finished with a protection layer.

The foundation of wearing layers begins closest to your skin with a wicking layer. This step usually consists of polyester long underwear that has the capability to wick away moisture. Even at temperatures around or below freezing you will sweat if you exert energy. Simply walking in cold temperatures can produce sweat over time. That moisture can cause problems as the temperature drops and/or you slow down. Clothing that takes the moisture away from your skin helps keep your body temperature at a more normal level. The Weather Channel suggests at their Web site, weather.com, that the wicking layer should be snug fitting but not tight enough to cut off circulation.

The next stage in layering up is referred to as the insulating layer. It can include sweaters, sweatshirts, vests or pullovers that are intended to keep heat in and the cold out by trapping air between their fibers. Two popular materials that accomplish the air trap are fleece and wool. They also insulate even when wet, not to mention they move moisture away from the wicking layer. The clothing used in the insulating layer should be loose fitting and relatively lightweight to ensure proper circulation and warm air flow.

Finally, it’s time to add the outside material known as the protective layer. Generally, exterior shells and pants are intended to block the elements, therefore, they should repel water and wind. In the process of fending off rain, sleet and snow, the protective layer should let sweat evaporate. It’s important to consider the amount of exertion you plan on expending before deciding to use a protective layer that is insulated. Non-insulated one or two piece suits may be preferred if the level of physical exercise is high in your chosen outdoor activity.

After you have completed the three step layering process it’s important to include protection for your head, hands and feet. Be sure to include a hat considering 60 percent of your body heat can escape from an uncovered head. Waterproof gloves/mittens not only keep your hands warm, but dry as well. In order to protect your feet begin with a pair of moisture-wicking insulated socks. Fight the urge to put several pairs of socks on because that may actually aid the cold by cutting off circulation that provides proper blood flow, which in turn helps warm your body. A pair of warm boots that are also water resistant or water proof is essential in keeping your feet comfortable.

As you prepare to partake in your preferred outdoor pastime be sure to dress accordingly. Avoid over exertion by knowing your body’s limitations. Stay vigilant for the onset of hypothermia and/or frost bite, which can occur with short notice. Now that you are dressed for success, enjoy withstanding winter weather in the Thumb’s winter wonderland.