Winter Survival: Layers For Life

Cold weather survival can be a challenge, even when there is plenty of food and water on hand. Without a way to properly protect their body from the cold and potentially drastic changes in temperature throughout the day, a survivor can quickly find themselves experiencing one of two very dangerous and potentially deadly things: Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature,) or Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature).

A person that only relies on a thick heavy coat to battle the cold outside is putting themselves in greater danger than they might imagine. The same can be said for folks that under dress, people wearing t-shirts and jeans or a light rain-jacket despite cold wet weather. When it comes to bundling up, there is a fine line between too-much and too-little. The solution to this problem has always been layers, and there’s good reason for it, but what exactly does it mean?

Layering-up allows for easy manipulation and adaptation, two of the most important aspects of survival, no matter what you’re dealing with. Layering up properly isn’t as simple as tossing on a bunch of clothes, though sometimes that’s the best that a survivor can do when supplies are limited after a major disaster like an earthquake, flood, or Zombie outbreak.

Base (Next to the skin): This layer needs to do three things: Be comfortable, wick the sweat away from your skin, and dry quickly. Base layers come in many forms from a tight-fitting t-shirt to a proper pair of long-johns or thermals, there are options out there for just about everyone…. though not all options are equal.

Cotton. This is no good as a Base layer, unless it’s literally all you have. While it absorbs moisture exceedingly well, it dries very slowly and can actually make it more difficult to maintain proper body temperature. This can cause hypothermia and eventually death in extreme situations.

Merino wool. An excellent base layer, Merino Wool doesn’t just absorb moisture from your body, it wicks it away and to the outer surface so it dries a littler fast than some of its counterparts. Merino wool is more comfortable against the skin that traditional wools like you might find in an old army blanket or classic sailor’s peacoat.

Synthetics. These wick moisture away from the body, are fairly absorbent, very quick to dry, and a little softer/more comfortable than classic wool. Unfortunately, Synthetics tend to absorb and hold odors, which isn’t very pleasant or hygienic, even if it is the end of the world.

Wool/Synth Blend. When available, this is the most versatile and highest performance option. Wool/Synth blends are typically very comfortable and highly absorbent. They wick moisture extremely well, dry very quickly, and do not hold odors. Some brands are more expensive than others, but this is a great example of “You get what you pay for.”

Silk. While it might seem a little crazy, Silk is an excellent fabric for individuals that need a little warmth, wicking, and plenty of comfort, but don’t plan on being out long or doing much along the way. As long as things don’t get too crazy and there isn’t any running to be done, the slightly less absorptive material works just fine.

To properly absorb sweat from your body and to help keep you warm, base layers should fit snug against your body, not loose and flowing like an average cotton t-shirt might. This keeps the material in contact with your skin, and pulling sweat out and away from your body. That keeps you dry, comfortable, and at less of a risk for hypothermia.

Insulation: This is the layer that traps in your body-heat, keeping you warm and well-regulated in cold wet weather. Think of the Insulation layer as a space heater, a survivor should only have it on when they start to get cold. The Insulation layer only needs to be worn when a person is inactive or getting cold from a drop in temperature or other similar situation. Wearing this layer while hiking, searching through rubble, or doing any number of other physically intense activities, can cause over-heating and excessive sweating, which can lead to hypothermia.
Ranging from lightweight fleece, mid-weight wool, down jackets, and so on, the thickness/warmth of an Insulation Layer should vary depending on the planned degree of activity and intensity of the weather.

The Shell: No less important than the other two basic layers, the Shell should provide a wind, snow, and water break to keep you dry and cut-down on heat-loss through convection. If possible, choose a shell that has breathable technology like: Gore-Tex. This will not only keep external moisture out, but will allow internal moisture from your body to flow outward and away from you.The shell is another layer that can be shed if needed. Often times, while hiking, I will start with a shell and insulation layer, shedding each as my body naturally heats up from the exercise. Once I stop for a water/food break or just to rest, I will replace each layer as needed to stay warm.

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• Don’t over-do-it. Over heating is just as dangerous as being too cold, and sweating too much can increase the chance of succumbing to hypothermia. You need to be warm, not hot.
• Stay dry. Getting wet, whether it’s from your own sweat or an outside source, is like asking to fail.
• Block the wind. Wind chill can cut temperatures down 20 degrees or more. (see: NOAA windchill chart)
• Function first. Ignore ads telling you that a certain color or cut is better than the rest. When it comes to survival, it’s always function over form.
• Accessorize. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens keep you warmer, but impede fine-motor-skills), wear a hat (literally any hat is better than none, but a wool or synthetic blend stocking cap is best), use scarves, and double up on your socks.
• Find shelter. When it’s cold or the weather is working against you, only be outdoors when you have to. Find appropriate shelter as quickly as you can, and stay indoors when possible.
• Pad your parka. Whether it comes in the form of an actual article of clothing, newspaper, dry leaves, foam batting, or even wadded up cellophane stuffed between your layers, insulation is insulation and it’s key to keeping alive in winter or cold-weather survival situations.

When it comes to layering-up, it’s often true that more is better. While additional layers might mean a little more time dressing up or down, it also provides a higher level of adjustability and environment/situational adaptation… and that can be key to keeping alive. Layers should be applied to torso, legs, and sometimes even your feet, making sure that all areas of your body are covered as needed for the situation at hand. After all, who wants to be shaking in their boots while the undead turn to icicles in the snow.