THE GREAT OUTDOORS

‘The best way to stay warm in sub-zero conditions is to layer your clothing’

Dress for your activity

Your choice of clothing depends massively on the activity you’re planning. If you’re climbing Mount Snowdon, even in freezing temperatures, you’re unlikely to feel cold while you’re on the move. But if you’re sitting in a birdwatching hide or standing around a telescope at night, the cold will seep in, starting with your extremities.

Pick your clothing accordingly, and consider taking some extra layers along with you, which can be both thin and lightweight, but will still be effective. Static activities can also be made much more comfortable by including some hand-warmers in your kit.

Waterproof

There’s a small but important difference between ‘waterproof ’ and ‘water-resistant’ outdoor clothing.

For the serious outdoor enthusiast who heads into the hills in the winter months, fully waterproof is absolutely essential. The other option might better be defined as ‘showerproof ’.

Cheaper jackets will often claim to be waterproof, and the material might well keep the water out, but they’ll often leak at the seams in a proper downpour. Taped seams,