Outerwear Must Haves

Outerwear Must Haves Related Information:

Outerwear Must Haves

When it comes to outerwear, the importance of “layering” is great. When you’re outside, especially in the cold or simply just in frequently changing weather, you’re going to want to be able to change with it.

Campers often find that by wearing layers this can be done in an easily and comfortable fashion. Winter dress, especially when camping, is an important consideration that accompanies the planning of any outdoor trip. Below is a list of outdoor must haves, which you’ll want for your next camping trip. Remember that if you’re going to a place that has dynamic weather, that is, weather that can change rapidly, you’re going to want to be prepared.

The first place to start that preparation is with the clothes that are going to cover your body:

TOPS:

These include coats that are usually made up of fleece and an “outer shell”, which keeps out the wind. If your parka doesn’t separate, you might think about getting a multiple layer coat, in which the shell, fleece, and usually hood can all be worked separately.

Another option is a poncho, which will keep out the rain in an unforeseen storm. These are good for emergency rainwear especially because they are lightweight, small and cheap.

Thermal underwear is useful when temperatures are low, or when there’s cool temperatures and high humidity, making it seem colder than it really is.

BOTTOMS:

Going from the inside out, you’ll want to have thermal underwear if you’re planning on camping in colder weather. These are usually light and reasonably priced, so there it shouldn’t be a problem to get yourself a pair before you trip.

If temperatures are very cold, either below or close to freezing, you’ll want to consider wearing fleece pants, which are warmer than thermal underwear, and a little more expensive, but extremely comfortable. You’ll end up wearing these around the house for sure. They are the improvement of sweat pants.

If you plan on spending significant time on the trail and the weather appears to be rainy or snowy, you may also want both shell bottoms and gators. The first cover your legs, while the second cover your boot laces and ankles, keeping the laces from freezing and keeping the snow out of your boots.

SOCKS:

While they seem like a mere accessory, socks are essential for camping. Depending on the weather, heavier or lighter socks might be packed. However, it’s a good idea to always bring a couple of pairs of wool socks. You’d be surprised how good they feel at night, especially if you’re on the trail all day. Other good sock options are ski socks, non-cotton in general, polypropylene socks and Gortex ® socks.

BOOTS:

Boots are essential for all kinds of camping. Even if you’re only going to be doing short day hikes, a good pair of hiking boots or shoes will do you good. When you’re carrying a backpack, you’re bearing more weight than you’re body is used to. This is why people have ankle problems on the trail. Hiking boots give you extra support so that when your ankles are fatigued or on uneven surfaces they don’t get sprained. (Click here to read more about Hiking Boots)

HATS:

There are many, many, different ways to keep your head warm while out under nature’s hood. Most of the heat which your body gives off, leaves through the head, the wrists, the neck and the feet/ankles. Hats and scarves make a huge difference in cold temperatures and are a luxury in cool nights. These are not only for camping either, so keep that in mind when you’re buying them.

Now that you have a basic idea of what you’re going to need for your camping trip, you’re ready to start looking out on the web and at your local outdoor sporting goods provider. There are now, more than ever before, lots of places to find just what you’re looking for, so don’t be afraid to be selective.