If you plan to spend time in the snow, you need to invest in a good base layer. A base layer is a layer of clothes, made specially to conserve heat and to keep out moisture, that you wear next to your skin. These articles are a must-have for a happy winter!
Most skiers, snowboarders, or anyone else who will spend a significant amount of time in the snow should invest in a good base-layer. This will help to prevent a number of cold- and wet-related conditions, including hypothermia and frostbite. Retaining your body heat in a cold environment can, indeed, be a lifesaver! It is especially important for those with a small body mass, such as children, to dress in warm layers.
Base layers come in many different styles. The ones with the most coverage are the long-sleeved tops, and the bottoms that reach to the wearer's ankles. For someone who doesn't need quite so much, there are also shorts, short-sleeved tops, sports bras, and many other styles. These styles also come in form-fitting, loose, and everything in between! Typically, base layers are either made out of synthetic materials or classic wool.
The material of your base layer should be based on your personal choice, and your budget. While synthetic is cheaper, it doesn't regulate as well as wool, which is more expensive. Synthetics are also easier to care for than wool, and is lighter, but can begin to take on an odor if not properly cared for. Besides just the insulation, good base layers should also provide moisture control. In a cold environment, sweat trapped on the skin can quickly begin to chill you. Synthetic fibers and wool are bother excellent options, though wool can take longer to dry. So when making your decision, look at the material, and determine which would best suit your needs.
The last crucial piece of information about your base layer is its weight. The weight determines what you should use the base layer for, and how much cold and wet it can protect you from. You wouldn't wear the same base layer for a mountain that you would in your backyard, and vice versa. So pick a good base layer for your activity, and you can continue layering up from there.
Whether you plan to be in the snow in your backyard or on the side of a mountain, never forget your base layer! It can be the difference between warmth and hypothermia.
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