Why Does a Cotton Hoodie Make You Colder on a Hike?, by Theo Asks Why on YouTube. 1 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Leave the cotton hoodie at home for cool, wet or windy days. Cotton soaks up sweat, and wet fabric pulls heat away from your body fast.
Put on a wool or polyester base layer next to your skin. These fabrics move sweat away so the layer stays drier.
Add a fleece or wool mid layer over the base. It traps pockets of still air that keep you warm.
Wear a thin windproof or waterproof shell on top. It blocks wind from stealing heat from the layers below.
Start the climb a little cool and unzip the shell as you heat up. Open pit zips or the front zip before you start sweating heavily.
Pack a dry base layer and a warm hat in your bag. Change into the dry top at the summit or any windy overlook.
Add or remove layers the moment you stop moving. Put the shell and mid layer back on before you cool down at a rest stop.
Tips and common mistakes
If your base layer feels damp, change it right away rather than waiting for the top.
Check the wind chill forecast, not just the temperature, before you pick your layers.
Keep the dry spare layer in a plastic bag so it stays dry in your pack.
Questions
Can I wear cotton at all on a hike?
Yes, on a warm, dry stroll it is fine. Skip it on cool, wet or windy days when sweat and wind can chill you.
How many layers do I need for a fall hike?
Three is a good start: a wool or polyester base, a fleece mid layer and a windproof shell. Add or remove them as you climb and rest.
Why does wet clothing make you colder?
Water carries heat away much faster than air. When sweat fills the air pockets in your clothes, your body loses heat quickly, especially in wind.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
