Dressing for Having Fun Outdoors in Winter
“There is no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing!”
(Scandinavian author unknown)
Staying active in winter is both fun and important, and cold weather shouldn’t stop you! Winter brings days that range from chilly to extremely cold, so dressing appropriately makes all the difference. For example, a sunny day at -5°C isn't quite warm enough for shorts, but it requires fewer layers than a freezing -20°C day.
Knowing how to dress for winter weather can make outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Let's talk about some essential things to consider:
Key Questions Before Going Outside
Check the Weather: What’s the temperature now, and is it windy? What's the wind chill, and will it get colder later in the day? If you plan to be outside in the evening, remember temperatures usually drop—so prepare!
Plan a Warm-Up Spot: Consider where you could go to warm up if you get cold. Do you have access to a nearby building, or will you need to bring extra layers to keep warm just in case?
Think About Your Activity Level: Are you going out to play, like running around in tag? Or are you just walking somewhere, or riding in the car? The more active you are, the warmer you’ll get, so adjust your layers accordingly.
Winter Dressing Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors
Avoid Cotton: Cotton clothing traps moisture, making you colder if you sweat. Choose materials like wool or synthetics that keep you warm even if they get damp. Think about what you are wearing? Does it wick the moisture away from my skin - keeping me dry and warm.
Plan for Cool Starts and Warming Up: It’s okay to feel a bit cool when you first step outside, especially if you’re going to be active. But make sure you have a backup plan, like a warm indoor spot or an extra layer, in case you need it.
Layer Up: Layers are the key to staying comfortable. With layers, you can add or remove clothing as needed. This way, you can adjust to changing temperatures or activity levels.
Stay Dry After Stopping: After an outdoor activity, put on dry clothes, especially your under-layers. When you stop moving, your body cools down fast, so dry clothes will keep you from getting chilled.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of dressing for winter activities. Generally, start with enough layers that you feel cool (not freezing!) when standing still before you begin moving. And remember, even if you don’t feel like you need it right away, it’s smart to have a warm jacket or an extra layer with you—just in case the temperature or your plans change.
Learning Activities:
On a cold day, how would you dress if you were standing around watching an outdoor event versus on that same day you were playing in that outdoor event?
What clothing would you put on if you are standing around waiting to start in the game. What clothing might you shed if you were going to get active.
Link:
How to DRESS for COLDER days:
