The key to successful winter wardrobe planning? Layers for keeping warm and cooling off.Ethan Hu
Whether you’re headed to the mountains for a day of skiing or to a conservation area for an afternoon hike, getting the entire family out the door for some sporting fun during the winter months can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. Before everyone can actually get outside and enjoy themselves, you have to get (and find, and pack) just the right gear for the weather, journey and destination. Otherwise, the day’s activities may well be cut short because of a misplaced glove, water-soaked parka or a grumpy kid wearing too many layers in the back seat.
To help your family gear up strategically for outdoor activities, The Globe asked Emily Hinton, a merchant at MEC, to share her best tips for winter layering – including what to wear en route for maximum comfort.
Plan for the weather
Before you head out, double check the weather forecast for where you’re headed. The temperature and conditions there may be very different than at your point of departure. Many ski resorts, for example, offer detailed weather information on their website or app for both the mountain base and the summit.
“When you get a windy day, it’s going to cut right through you, so you want a little more wind block on,” says Hinton. On a damp day, you’ll want waterproof top layers to keep everyone dry and warm.
Layer for flexibility
Strategic layering is key for staying comfortable throughout a busy day. Start with a fitted base layer top and pant in a merino wool or synthetic material, which will help with both temperature regulation and moisture management. Then layer on, and take off, mid and top layers as needed, depending on the weather and activity levels.
If your postactivity plans include dining out as a family, consider that most sporty mid-layers can often pass as casual wear, especially if they feature thicker fabrics and details like pockets and zips. Just leave the wet snow pants and puffy winter jackets in the car.
Whatever else is on the itinerary, multipurpose garments are always a good idea. For kids in particular, Hinton recommends three-in-one winter jackets, where the insulation layer can unzip from the shell layer and the jacket can effectively be worn three ways. “If it’s together, you have an insulated waterproof snow jacket,” says Hinton. “If you just want the insulation, because it’s a really bright, sunny day, great. If it’s warmer, but maybe a little damp, then you can just use the shell.”
(Un)dress for the drives
“The worst thing we can do in situations like this is [thinking], ‘Oh, it’s freezing out, I’m going to put my biggest coat on and go sit in a car for two hours,’” says Hinton. Besides the fact that kids in car seats shouldn’t ever wear bulky outerwear for safety reasons, everyone will be grumpy because they’re overheated.
Just base layers or leggings and a sweater are fine in the car, and you can always have winter coats at the ready for pit stops or roadside lunch breaks. Hinton also recommends donning cozy footwear that is easy to put on and take off: “I have a lined pair of Crocs; they’re amazing.” Insulated booties and sheepskin boots may do the trick, too.
Pack the extras
Especially when kids are involved, having the right extras on hand can help ensure a successful winter outing. Hinton always carries reusable hand warmers in the car for cold hands and feet. “They’re cheap, they’re easy, and they will turn your day around,” she says. After a day of sport and movement, boots and shoes can be wet and uncomfortable, so she also packs clean, warm socks for everyone to put on postactivity.
Ultimately, the key for a successful family day outdoors is being prepared: packing the right outerwear for expected weather conditions; dressing in versatile layers that can be mixed and matched; and packing some extra gear and accessories just in case.
