Remember the Scout and Guide motto “Be Prepared”? We thought it was a good bit of advice right now, while the weather forecasters are hedging their bets towards bitter temperatures and possibly some snow from this week. We know there are those of you out there that positively relish the thought of challenging conditions; always the first to shout “Snow!” to their friends, when most reserve that particular ‘holiday’ competition for the first person to see the sea!
At Countryside Ski & Climb we are well known for specialist clothing and equipment but this doesn’t just mean gear for scaling mountains. When temperatures plummet, pathways ice up or you’re facing an unavoidable journey under the threat of bad weather, it is indeed better to Be Prepared. Here you can find some useful advice on clothing to keep yourself or someone you know, warm and mobile during these times. The brands we stock do ‘exactly what it says on the label’ so you can buy with confidence.
Staying Warm: Body heat escapes though any exposed surface so cover up properly.
• Get a Hat. The warmest ones are made of wool or a wool blend with a snug fleece lining on the inside so they are not itchy. We carry lots of different styles so even the most ‘hat-averse’ will be sure to find something that suits. Ensure it covers your earlobes. Lots of people ‘don’t like’ using the hood on their jackets, if it’s waterproof it will also keep the wind off and keep you amazingly warm. A brand to consider: Sherpa
• Gloves. Any glove is better than no glove but if your kids are playing in the snow they’ll get wet, cold hands before you know it. Consider paying a bit more for something that is waterproof not just water-repellant. Mitts combined with a liner glove are the warmest option for those who really feel the cold and ensure the liner and glove cover your wrist not just the hand itself. Remember your balance is better without your hands being in your pockets. A brand to consider: Outdoor Research
• Socks. Look for socks with a high wool content and nice dense padding underneath so your foot is insulated from the cold ground. A brand to consider : Wigwam
• Neck Warmers. Rather than give yourself shoulder and neck ache by hunching up your shoulders to keep your collar high – grab a neck warmer. The simplest and most effective piece of tube-shaped fleece you can buy! You can pull it up over your nose, it stops your chin from getting sore against your collar in biting winds and stops those pesky drafts. Also it doesn’t slip down or come undone like a normal scarf. Brands to consider: Buff or CMP
• ‘Thermal Underwear’. At Countryside Ski & Climb we prefer to call this next-to-skin layer the ‘base layer’. Often people concentrate on items they put on over their normal clothes but you need to concentrate on your next-to-skin layer to really keep warm. Besides, it is not always practical/possible to wear a jumper over a uniform or work clothes. Often women will complain of never being warm enough regardless of how much they put on. So how do we fix this once and for all? Firstly it might seem obvious but you need to have a bit of food inside you and if possible move about a bit to generate warmth. All insulation layers function by trapping air. Your body heat warms that air up which enables it to form an insulating barrier. Ideally look for wool content or higher performance synthetic baselayers that fit well and therefore will wear well under normal clothes. Cotton is not ideal because even though you might not be working up a sweat, it holds moisture and doesn’t insulate as well as say, merino wool or better designed synthetics. Jeans are cold so consider getting some base layer leggings too. A brand to consider: Icebreaker
Staying Mobile: Icy paths and streets are dangerous, cold feet are a misery and snowed in cars are a pain, so here are some ideas to help keep you on the move:
• Check out YakTrax : easy to put on ice-traction grips that slip on over any footwear. We also carry a version that you can run in so your training regime doesn’t have to go on hold. • Consider investing in a good pair of warm winter boots : Sorel have made snow boots for ‘proper’ snow and cold since 1908. Temperature rated to serious sub-zero conditions so plenty warm enough for walking the dogs, the school run or if you have to be standing around in cold for any length of time. • Although the snow shovels we sell are intended for use in avalanche rescue, their large shovel heads, packable handles and extreme light weight make them an ideal tool to keep in the car just in case you need to dig yourself out of a car park. • Little Hotties Hand and Foot Warmers : are fantastic disposable little warmers that you pop into pockets or boots. They last for at least 7 hours so perfect for any outdoor situation when you need to keep those extremities toasty warm. • Be Safe, Be Seen : Keep a torch in the car and consider an illuminated collar for your dog. Head torches are a great idea because the light shines where you are looking and your hands are kept free. Check out Silverpoint, Petzl or Nite-Ize for choice.