When traveling outdoors, especially in winter, people often assume that winter sports are warming and unlikely to cause coldness. In fact, if dressed improperly, there is still a risk of your body experiencing “hypothermia” during outdoor trips. Mild cases may involve shivering, while severe cases can lead to full-body trembling, and — without exaggeration — it could even pose a threat to your life.
Fleece clothing is essential for winter outdoor gear
Cold in winter doesn’t necessarily come from wearing too little
So what causes it? Hypothermia is generally believed to occur mainly when prolonged exposure to cold environments leads to excessive heat loss and a gradual drop in body temperature. Hypothermia isn’t just about wearing too little—if your innerwear lacks sweat absorption or your outerwear isn’t breathable enough, causing dehydration, it will reduce warmth and you’ll still feel cold. Therefore, we recommend that you “know how to dress” properly during outdoor trips to stay warm.
Dressing? Isn’t that simple? Do I really need to learn how? Generally speaking, whether you’re hiking or mountaineering, the “layered dressing method” is used. Simply put, it means dressing in layers. Usually, three layers are enough to provide warmth. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
The base layer should consist of close-fitting moisture-wicking underwear and underpants, which can absorb sweat and prevent body moisture loss. The second layer is the insulation layer—this can be a full-body garment or a vest, but the material must be chosen carefully. The outermost layer, without a doubt, should be a windproof and waterproof jacket or pants, which primarily serve to block wind and water, provide warmth, allow breathability, and offer durability.
The fabric of outdoor clothing is the most critical factor
Generally speaking, among all four seasons, winter outdoor travel requires extra caution. In winter, don’t simply choose thick outdoor clothing that feels warm—select effective attire based on different environments such as mountains or snowy areas.
Typically: the main functions of innerwear are sweat-wicking, breathability, and warmth. In winter, the focus is mainly on sweat-wicking and warmth, not so much on breathability. So when choosing innerwear, many people assume that natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk have better sweat-wicking and warmth retention. But that’s not the case—cotton absorbs water quickly but dries slowly, and wool has poor moisture absorption and low comfort when worn next to the skin.
Therefore, when selecting innerwear, it’s best to choose fabrics made from blends of cotton, wool, or other materials, or those primarily composed of special polyester fibers. Generally, garments made from synthetic thermal fibers are required to ensure effectiveness in both sweat-wicking and warmth.
For the insulation layer, fleece clothing is naturally the go-to choice, and down vests with good insulation properties are also suitable. As for the outermost layer of windproof and waterproof jackets and pants, outdoor gear brand DiTuJie suggests that they should not only be waterproof and breathable but also offer good warmth. Additionally, you can opt for high-waterproof down jackets with high waterproof ratings.
For windproof pants, choose ones with a fleece lining and a waterproof outer layer, or go for double-layer windproof pants made of Calisto fabric. It’s worth noting that when walking in snow or skiing in winter, you can choose either split-leg or one-piece clothing—the latter tends to offer better warmth.
For hiking shoes, it’s best to choose high-top ankle-support shoes with deep treads and durable outsoles. Why? When walking in snow, opt for waterproof gaiters along with suede or slip-resistant rubber-soled shoes. Socks should preferably be moisture-wicking, and wool socks are also fine, but the key is to wear high-rise socks that protect the ankles and provide excellent warmth.
A fleece hat with ear protection and windproof, waterproof features helps retain body heat, as 80% of body heat is lost through the head. Whether to choose full-finger gloves or mittens depends mainly on your activity.
Emergency Warmth Gear
In addition to regular warm clothing, there are two types of emergency warmth gear for unexpected situations: Grabber warm pads and SPACE space metal emergency blankets.
Let’s start with Grabber warm pads, which include options for hands, feet, and body. However, these warm pads are different from everyday “heat pads.” They can provide 8–10 hours of warmth and function effectively even in low-oxygen environments like tight innerwear or shoes. They are quite effective against symptoms such as colds, joint pain, and poor muscle or blood circulation during travel.
Then there’s the SPACE emergency blanket, produced in the U.S., which is a byproduct of research on aerospace-grade super-insulating materials. Made from precision polyester material and the highest purity vacuum-deposited aluminum, it is both sturdy and wear-resistant. The SPACE emergency blanket comes in a package the size of a cigarette box but fully unfolds to 214 cm in length and 142 cm in width. It offers basic protection for the human body—especially below zero degrees Celsius, preserving over 80% of the body’s radiated heat. It provides crucial emergency relief for outdoor enthusiasts who experience sudden hypothermia in cold weather.