Falk Laboratory School
Eden Hall
Keeping Warm Means Staying Dry
The key to keeping warm outdoors is keeping your body dry. That means protecting yourself
from moisture both on the outside and from the inside. The way to do this is through 3 key
principles:
Layering
This means wearing several layers of clothing. Not necessarily bulky, but efficient. When you
have several lightweight layers, you can add more or remove some as needed when your body
temperature changes with exercise or weather changes.
Start with under layers. Body Amor is an example but any kind of wicking underwear is your
best start. This layer will pull moisture away from your skin and provide insulation at the same
time.
For your second layer, it’s best to AVOID COTTON, if you can. The reason for this is that
cotton acts like a towel, absorbing moisture and keeping it. If this layer is wet, it will cool you
down quickly. Think about wearing a wet towel around after the heat is out of it! (Most of our
clothing is cotton-jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.) If you have fleece (for example, Polartec or
Tech Fleece), or wool, these materials will keep you warm even if they get wet.
If you don’t have anything but cotton for your second layer, you can make up for it with a good
third layer. Your third layer should be something lightweight, windproof, and waterproof.
Rain pants and rain jackets are ideal. You can also combine the 2 and 3 layer with something
like snow pants. The only disadvantage is that you can’t take off a layer if it gets too warm.
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Waterproofing
Waterproofing is most important for your feet, seat, hands, and head. The ideal footwear is
waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Snow boots are good, but often have limited traction. Even if
you do not have these for your feet, you can waterproof what you do have. Sno-Seal All Season
Leather Protection is a very effective waterproofing agent. It takes a bit of work to get it on
your shoes of boots, but it is very effective. It will even help protect sneakers. Kiki Camp Dry is
a liquid silicone that is easy to apply and is also effective. Both are best applied at least 24 hours
in advance.
In addition to dry shoes, wearing the right socks will help. Cotton socks are the worst. Fleece,
wool, or wool blend socks are the warmest, even when wet. If your socks are wet, you will be
cold. Bring extra pairs!
Keeping your head dry is equally important as you lose heat through your head. Wearing a
warm, waterproof, or water resistant hat can help immensely. Also don’t sit on the ground
unless you are sure it is dry!
We will be doing a lot of things with our hands in wet places. Waterproof gloves will help a lot!
If you don’t have them, fleece or wool gloves are second best. If you only have cotton gloves,
bring several pairs.
Common Sense
We can expect, snow, wind, rain, and cold temperatures along with occasional sun. When
outdoors, use your head, avoid occasions where you can get wet. If you have wet clothing and
you are getting cold, try exercising (jumping jacks work well).