Although spring is right around the corner, for those of us who enjoy outdoor sports, winter can feel never-ending. From October right through to March, we’re wishing we hadn’t taken those warm summer evenings for granted, and would do anything for the temperature to get above 10° again.
Whether you’re in a club, have your own team, or just have a passion for the sport or outdoor activity that you do, the colder days shouldn’t stop you from taking part.
Although motivation can be low when the weather is dark and drab, there are ways and means around the chill that means you can continue to practice your passion without fearing frostbite!
Here’s our handy little guide for keeping snug and safe whilst outdoors for long periods of time this winter.
Dress in Layers
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first - layers. Yep, you guessed it, when it’s cold out, layering up is a good place to start.
Here’s the thing, you can’t just throw on a couple of t-shirts, a sweatshirt and a coat then call it a day. When layering, you need to be strategic so you don’t end up overheating.
First up, we recommend a cotton blend thermal vest, mostly because they combine the natural warmth and softness with man-made performance, to give the ideal balance between insulation, comfort and protection. On colder days, you might want to opt for a long-sleeve thermal top.
Next, for slower paced sports and activities, you'll want an outer layer jacket or gilet - and ideally it should be water-resistant to block air and moisture. If you’re getting wet, you’re getting cold.
And don't forget your feet! When it comes to socks, the choice depends on the sport. Thermal socks are ideal for fishing, hiking, or standing in cold environments, offering maximum insulation to keep feet warm. For more active sports, opt for thinner but still comfortable sports socks that wick away moisture.
Be Clever About Your Clothing
The majority of your body heat escapes from the skin, and the most surface area exposed to the elements will be most affected by the cold. That means, your hands, head, neck and face are all at risk of getting chilly.
So, what’s the solution?
A decent set of gloves, fingerless or otherwise (that don’t restrict your movement), a cosy hat that’ll cover your ears if you need it to (or a ladies thermal headband is ideal if you want to wear your hair in a ponytail) and a circular neck warmer to act as a scarf but without the risk of coming loose when playing sport.
Stay Dry
We’ve touched on this above, but staying dry means you’ll stay warm.
When it’s raining, the water on your skin evaporates and when the water molecules leave the surface of your skin and escape into the air, they take a bit of heat with them. This heat escaping with the water molecules causes the surface of your skin to cool down, making you feel colder than before.
Wet clothing = fast heat loss. Opt for water resistant gear and change damp clothing quickly. Water resistant accessories will keep you dry and warm, avoiding a soggy, cold and pretty miserable outing.
Depending on the activity (fishing, cycling, fell running, hiking), you may also want to opt for some breathable, 100% waterproof socks, - think of them as an investment into warm, dry feet!
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Did you know that keeping hydrated and well-fed keeps your body temperature at it’s normal level and can actually help to block out some of the cold?
As our bodies use water to regulate heat and digesting food generates heat through a process called thermogenesis, proper hydration and nutrition help your body produce the heat needed to stay warm, especially in cold environments.
So, before you head out on your sporting venture, ensure you’ve eaten some high-energy, balanced foods and have water on you at all times.
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From fishing to horse riding to football and tennis, whatever your sporting activity of choice, don’t let the cold and wet weather of winter turn you away from doing what you love. Before you know it, the sun won’t set until 9pm and there’ll be no need for gloves. In the meantime, follow our handy guide to making the most of being outside.
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