The Changing Seasons and the Importance of Layering
At Hike For Life, one of our 5 Fundamentals, is Protection. When hiking, “bring clothing and protection appropriate for the expected environment. Always bring sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, headgear and clothing), layers of clothing appropriate footwear and some form of insect repellent.” We have all heard the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes, it will change.” Although the sun may be shining high in the afternoon sky when you set out for an outdoor activity, the temperatures can change rapidly this time of year. Proper layering can be key to making that outdoor activity an enjoyable one.
Layering does not have to mean expensive or complicated clothing. Yes, those performing technical climbing or mountaineering may tend to have higher end clothing and layering systems, but those who want to enjoy a day hike can benefit from practicing good layering as well.
First, a good safety practice is to check the weather for the duration of your hike. A small temperature change may only require two layers, while a larger 10+ degree temperature change may warrant three or more layers.
A base layer may consist of either a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, depending on the temperature you set out in. On warmer days with little temperature change, a second layer may consist of a heavier weight long sleeve shirt or light sweatshirt. This should be enough to ward off any shivers that may ensue if the weather drops a few degrees. For longer hikes or colder days, your second layer may need to be more substantial, a wool or down sweater may be required. On those really chilly days, a third wind/rain resistant layer may be in order.
While we focus layering on primarily our torso, let’s not forget our extremities. Our heads are a major heat loss area. On warmer days, ball cap can provide sun protection as well as keep in some heat when temps drop. On those colder days, a thin beanie or wool hat may do the trick.
It is late in the afternoon on an early October day, and in the 30 minutes it took to write this, the temperature dropped 5 degrees. Something as simple as a large cloud can cover the warming rays of the sun and turn an otherwise enjoyable day outdoors into a shivering scramble to car.
Remember to pack those layers, either around our waist, or in a small day pack, next to your water, and other 5 Fundamentals.
The Hike For Life Team