Shirts, Hats & Gaiters for Temperature Control
When it comes to staying comfortable in your clothing all day long, your best bet is layering.
Layering your clothes makes it easy for you to adjust to fluctuating temperatures by adding and removing layers as needed to help keep you comfortable throughout the day, no matter what you’re doing and no matter what the thermometer says. Layering acts as your own personal thermostat during changing weather conditions by trapping or releasing heat and managing moisture effectively. You just need to make sure you go about layering the right way to get the best use of it.
How Layering Works
If you get cold, put on a sweater. If you get hot, take it off. Simple, right?
Not quite. You should know that, during a cold-weather outdoor activity, getting hot and sweaty can be dangerous because it leaves you susceptible to hyperthermia when you stop moving. Layering gives you the option of shedding a layer or two if you start heating up too much. As for summertime, layering can help you there, too – adding light layers can help keep you from overheating as well as protect you from sunburn.
There’s a science to layering, and reasons why some articles of clothing are better than others for regulating body temperature – especially during activities such as hiking. To understand how you should approach layering when selecting clothes to wear when heading outdoors, it’s helpful to understand how layering works.
When it comes to layering for an outdoor activity, you should keep three key principles in mind:
- A base layer. This is the layer closest to your skin. It should be made of a moisture-wicking material that wicks perspiration away from your skin to prevent overheating during physical activity.
- A mid layer. This is your “warming” layer. It acts as insulation, trapping air between your clothing and preventing your body heat from escaping. Depending on the temperature, you can wear one or two mid layers.
- An outer layer. This is the layer that guards you against the elements, i.e. wind, rain, snow, sun, etc. It’s typically made of weatherproof and/or sun-blocking materials.
Some “DOs” and “DON’Ts” of Layering
When it comes to layering your clothing, there are things you definitely should do no matter what season it is – and things you should avoid. Here are a few tips:
- DON’T depend on a thick, heavy coat or parka to keep you warm to the point where you go light on mid-layering. Once you start warming up and begin sweating, you’ll leave yourself with only two options – keeping the heavy layer on and being miserable (and wet, which is never a good thing when it’s cold) or taking it off and freezing.
- DO aim for two or three mid-layers (this doesn’t count your base layer). Mid-layers help you stay toasty and dry without adding much weight or bulk by keeping your body heat from escaping and holding cold air at bay. If you find yourself getting overheated, they’re also easy to remove.
Wyldr suggests: Gulfstream Unisex Performance Shirts
Made in the USA of a recycled polyester blend, the Gulfstream works as both a base and a mid-layer. True-to-fit sizing makes it perfect as a base layer (your other layers will go on over it quite readily), while its breathable, quick-dry fabric make it at home on the beach or for moisture-wicking under a mid layer. Size up for a more relaxed fit or to use it as a mid-layer. Available in a variety of colors. - DON’T wear cotton or cotton blends for your base layer. Sure, cotton is breathable – until it becomes wet. Once sweat, rain or snow soaks your cotton garments they stop being insulating and starts putting you at risk of getting chilled.
- DO choose moisture-wicking fabrics to wear next to your skin. Whether the weather is hot or cold, the key to staying comfortable starts with moisture control. Fabrics that are designed to wick moisture away from your skin help you maintain a stable body temperature, reduce skin irritating sweat build up, dry faster, and allow you to focus on your activity. They also help keep you from getting too smelly!
Wyldr suggests: Hoorag® Multi-Use Headwear
Hoorag® is your new on-the-go fashion must-have! Tapered Headbands and Full- and Half-Neck Gaiters effortlessly and comfortably keep hair and perspiration out of your eyes and provide protection from harmful UV rays, while the durable, moisture-wicking recycled polyester microfiber fabric keeps you cool when you sweat. Gaiters can be worn a dozen different ways and are ideal for all kinds of weather.
- DON’T forget your face. Making sure the rest of your body is covered isn’t going to keep your face from getting burned by the wind or sun. A neck gaiter can be used in a wide variety of ways to keep your face and head protected, as well as help you stay comfortable from prevent your hair or perspiration from getting in your eyes and impairing your vision.
- DO remember to bring a protective layer for your face as well as a hat when heading outdoors. Even in hot weather, a light cap is essential for outdoor comfort because it protects your eyes from harsh sunlight, repels the sun so you don’t get overheated, and shields your head from wind and rain. Plus, hats can provide extra warmth in cold weather.
Wyldr suggests: The Ridge™ Hat
This durable cap is just what you need to keep the sun from baking your head and dazzling your eyes. The polyester blend fabric dries fast and is lightweight so it won’t slow you down. It even floats, making it perfect for days spent on or near the water. The moisture-wicking liner keeps sweat away from your skin and so you feel cooler, while the cap’s ultra-durability keeps it in good shape for season after season of working and playing hard.
To Stay Comfortable, Learn to Layer
Whether you plan to hit the trail or city streets, layering is the key to enjoying the outdoors in almost any temperature. By mastering layering techniques, you can stay dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements during all your adventures.
