When the
temperatures begin to drop, layering up properly becomes more important than
ever, especially for anyone pursuing wintertime outdoor activities such as ice
climbing. Too many layers can be cumbersome and cause overheating while too few
layers can lead to a chilly and potentially miserable day out. If you have
plans to head out into the cold for some alpine climbing this winter, use this
guide to help you layer up properly.
Base Layers
Your
most important layers are your base layers. As they sit directly next to your
skin, these can make or break a good layering set up. When picking out a base layer, fabric
choice is crucial. Stay away from anything cotton, as cotton does not offer
many performance properties. As you sweat, cotton tends to hold moisture,
causing you to get the chills quickly. Instead, opt for merino
wool thermal underwear or something made from a
synthetic material or merino wool. Both of these materials help to pull
moisture away from your body, quickly evaporating sweat into thin air. This
will keep you warm and dry all day long. Many of these materials even offer
anti-microbial properties to help keep the stink down!
Mid Layers
The next
step in creating the perfect layering set up for alpine or ice climbing in
intense winter conditions is picking out the right mid layer. Picking out the
right mid layer can take some time, as there are a number of options that can
work depending on the conditions and your personal preference. If it is shaping
up to be a fairly warm winter day, a light or mid weight fleece may be the ticket.
As a material, fleece offers plenty of advantages. The fabric is warm and cozy,
meaning it will never irritate your skin, even after a long day on a multi
pitch climb. Fleece is hydrophobic, meaning
that if it gets wet, whether from snow, sleet or even just sweat, it will
absorb very little, if any of the moisture content. The downside to fleece is
that because it is hydrophobic, it won’t absorb soaps or detergents, making them
difficult to clean. Fleeces tend to hold on to odors and get funky over
time.
Should
you choose to brave the coldest of winter temperatures in the pursuit of a
climb, opting for a heavier, more technical base layer such as a down jacket
can help keep you warm and toasty throughout your endeavor. Like fleece, down
has plenty of advantages and disadvantages.
Down is very insulating while remaining lightweight. Many down jackets on the
market these days come with an integrated stuff sack, making them incredibly
easy to stow in a pocket or clip to your harness mid climb. However, down does
not breathe very well and can cause you to overheat during periods of high
exertion. Another downside is that most down products become nearly worthless
once they get wet.
Choosing
the perfect mid layer can be a tedious process as there are many options to
choose from, depending on the conditions. Most serious outdoor athletes eventually
end up with closet full of mid layers, ensuring that they have something that
is perfect for any condition that Mother Nature should throw at them.
Outer Layers
When it
comes to choosing an ideal outer layer for alpine climbing in cold and snowy
weather, you must first choose between a hardshell or soft shell jacket.
For long days involving heavy exertion or days where precipitation won’t be
much of a factor, a soft shell can be the ticket. A soft shell jacket can come in many
different forms, but they tend to be warmer, heavier, and more comfortable than
a hardshell. They are very durable and can also make for a great mid layer on the
coldest days. Some may feature a hood, but that isn’t always the case. The main
downside to a soft-shell jacket is that most tend to be water-resistant at
best. Some are waterproof but may not provide the best protection on a very wet
day.
Hard
shells on the other hand, are known to excel in wet and windy conditions. Hard
shells are made of a waterproof, breathable outer shell, that sheds water and
blocks wind even in the most intense conditions. When looking for a hard shell
for alpine or ice climbing, make sure to choose one with a hood that is able to
fit over a helmet. This is a key feature to look for in the perfect outer
layer.
The main
downside to a hard shell jacket is that it does not provide any insulation on
its own. When opting for a hardshell, your mid and base layers make all the
difference in ensuring comfort all day long.
Head, Hands and Feet
To
ensure a safe and fun day of climbing, it is important to keep your head, hands
and feet warm. Once those start to get cold, it can be difficult to
recover.
Though
your climbing helmet will help to keep your head warm, skull
caps can be a good option to layer underneath. For the
coldest days, a balaclava can help insulate both your head and your face.
Keeping
your hands warm and functional without sacrificing too much dexterity can be tricky
but is an essential part of layering up for winter time climbing. Without the
use of your hands, things can get sketchy very quickly. Opting for a pair of
warm, but lightweight gloves that offer good grip can be great while on the ropes
but won’t offer as much warmth during down time spent belaying or rigging. If
your hands are easily chilled, a second pair of heavier weight gloves or
mittens can be a nice addition to your winter layering kit.
Finally,
don’t forget about your feet! Once your toes get cold, they can be very
difficult to warm back up without some serious effort. A good pair of warm wool socks designed with
performance in mind are a must for any sort of winter expedition.
