Dressing for the Outdoors

So, it is the New Year and I promised myself I would eat better and lose the extra weight I have been carrying around for far too long. As everyone knows, the biggest step is getting active, something I have not been great about for some time. Now here is the rub, the hubby and I are still working out the new budget in our new residence and aren’t sure a monthly gym expense will fit into it. So I am left with the daunting task of exercising at home or the even less attractive option of going outside. Normally this would not be an issue if it weren’t the middle of winter and snowing like crazy outside my window as I type this. You see I absolutely hate being cold. So I need to make sure I am dressed appropriately for the weather if I am going to be out in it. As with almost everything I research, I turned to the internet. While I was looking for information on how to stay warm as I am getting some much-needed exercise I came across this informative article on dressing for the outdoors.

From what this article says, apparently layering is the name of the game. This particular article recommends three layers: a base layer, mid layer and outer shell. Now clearly some materials are better than others. Your regular everyday cotton t-shirt simply won’t do as the base layer since it doesn’t help wick moisture away from your body. Moisture and warmth are the biggest factors when dressing for the outdoors. It’s an interesting combination as usually one; warmth, leads to the other; moisture. But too much moisture, especially if it is winter, is a bad thing. Mind you, layers aren’t just for winter they really are the best policy year round, you simply have to change the weight and thickness of the materials. Now the mid layer is what provides your warmth along with wicking moisture away from the base layer. This normally consists of a fleece jacket or vest during warmer weather. Lastly, there is the outer shell that gives you protection from the elements so it needs to be wind and waterproof. It also needs to be a breathable material or else you run into the excessive moisture issue again. So now, I just need to stock on the appropriate undershirts, fleece jackets and outerwear and I am all ready to take a nice brisk walk or jog in the snow.