What do I wear?

Being well dressed is very important, think of how long we spend getting ready for a night out on the town: doing our hair; choosing clothes and picking out a pair of shoes. Getting dressed for going outdoors is just as important.

 

Weather conditions in the mountains can change quicker than you can blink; rain, high winds, snow and fog are all regulars in the mountains. Whilst travelling in these areas we must be dressed ready to take everything that can be thrown at us.

 

This piece will be looking at what to wear and hopefully giving a few little tips to make your time in the mountains a little more comfortable.

 

Being in the mountains inevitably means walking and feet take the brunt of most outdoor activities but for some reason are normally the part of our body that’s least looked after. Blisters are the curse of every mountaineer but they can be easily avoided. Blisters are caused by the rubbing of your feet against the boots, by wearing two pairs of socks you make the rubbing happen between them. Two pairs of socks can also be really helpful for making sure your feet stay toasty on those cold evenings.

 

Cold legs can be very unpleasant and you’ll be pleased to know that there are now many ways of making sure that you don’t become a victim. Wearing a thermal layer next to skin and underneath your trousers traps a very thin layer of air ensuring warm legs all day long. The cheapest thermals would have to be a pair of tights and though they’re not the manliest of choices, they do work, and many first ascents were made possible through the intervention of a pair of tights.

 

As far as trousers go you want something that is quick drying, breathable, windproof and with some kind of water resistance. Of course trousers like this are hideously expensive, so instead let’s just look at what to avoid and what would be best out of what you already have. Jeans are a definite no, if they get wet then they can’t retain any heat and they take forever to dry out, as does most cotton making them all poor choices. Tracksuits bottoms are both warm, versatile and dry quickly and as everyone seems to own a pair they can make a very good starting choice.

 

Layering is the name of the game when it comes to the torso as it as been repeatedly proven that a few thin layers provides much more warmth than one single thick layer.

 

The base layer, being the layer next to the skin has a very simple job of ensuring that the body can breathe by not suffocating it and allowing it to sweat if it needs to. Modern fabrics allow for the process of wicking whereby moisture is taken away from contact with the body. This means you feel drier and stay more temperature controlled. In warm weather this can be as simple as a cotton t-shirt, the winter however requires something a little more technical.

 

The mid-layers are where the warmth is retained. Fleece material is superb at this and can be picked up very cheaply from most good charity shops. If you don’t own any fleece tops then the best policy is to wear lots of thin layers as they trap in more heat than thick hoodies and tops. In addition to the mid layer you’re wearing its also a good idea to keep one handy in a nearby bag.

 

Outer layers are there for when the weather gets really bad and they have one simple job, to keep the weather out. This is the waterproof layer and whilst we all hope it never gets so bad that we have to put it on its always essential to pack. Goretex is completely waterproof and so makes the best choice, however goretex jackets can be very expensive so if you don’t fancy spending a lot of money just buy a good jacket and make sure it has a hood.

 

Cold hands are unpleasant and so its important to have some well fitting warm gloves, pretty much any make will do just make sure they can take a bit of wear and tare when out in the mountains.

 

As far as head warmth goes I’m sure you own a good few hats and any beanie style or woollen hat will be more than adequate for keeping your head warm and if your in any doubt pack two.