Post by joe on Dec 1, 2010 13:13:57 GMT
Record low temperatures and massive snowfalls have left many Brits shivering. If there was ever a time to get to grips with the art of “layering” then this is it.
In some parts of the UK in recent days temperatures plummeted to a record -20C – contributing to the coldest British November in almost a century. Even the North Pole was warmer this week charting a relatively balmy -14C.
Weather forecasters are predicting that the freezing temperatures and sleet or snow will continue into next week. So how will you keep you and your family warm?
The chances are we’ll all need to head outdoors at some point, whether it’s to walk to school, work or the shops. And, of course, many of you will be keen to enjoy the fun of sledging, skiing or playing snowballs.
The key to keeping your body warm is to wear lots of layers of warm, breathable, moisture-wicking and waterproof clothes.
Using this layering system you can add or take off layers as you become colder or hotter. Lots of thin layers also help to trap heat next to your body, and between layers of clothing, which means that three or four thin layers is better than one or two thicker layers.
It’s vital that your outer layer is waterproof and windproof, too. If snow, sleet or wet penetrates the outer layer then the inner layers will become damp, cold and uncomfortable.
Here is our guide to great top-to-toe layering:
Head: If it’s especially cold then the ideal layering system is a thin base layer hat or beanie topped with a thicker hat. Alternatively you could go for a two-in-one hat that includes a fleecy inner layer and a woollen outer layer. Or pop on a woolly hat and then cover with the hood of your waterproof jacket. We recommend the Regatta Winter Warmer Hat with wool outer and a microfleece lining for women or the X-ERT Mountain Hat for men. Cosy!
Hands: Again, two layers work better than one so aim for a thinner base-layer glove, such as a silk liner, and top with a pair of fleecy gloves or mittens. Or buy gloves that have two layers including a waterproof outer and a fleece inner layer.
We recommend the X-ERT Soft Shell Gloves topped with a pair of X-ERT Mountain Gloves for extra warmth this winter.
Feet: Pull on a thinner pair of socks first, then top with a thicker pair of socks, such as the Regatta Heavyweight Trek and Trail Sock II or the Women's Wellington Sock, now add your walking or outdoors boots. Aim for a full size or half a size bigger than you would normally buy if you’re treating yourself to a new pair of boots, so allowing for the extra sock layers. Regatta has a great range of footwear ideal for winter for men, women and kids.
Torso: Start with a t-shirt or long-sleeved baselayer. Our guest tester Mr Out & About reviewed this Regatta Base Layer Zip top. Or try the Women's Adventure Tech Base Layer set or Women's long-sleeved baselayer.
Then add another baselayer style top, or a fleece or two. The men's, women's and kids' Regatta ranges include lots of colourful and warm fleeces. Check out this Isadora microfleece.
Your outer jacket could be a three-in-one Regatta jacket such as the Popsicle 3-in-1 jacket for girls or simply a waterproof. Toddlers will be protected from the elements in the all-in-one Puddle, which is both waterproof and breathable.
Take a rucksack with you so that you can peel off or add layers according to needs. It’s worth popping in an extra hat, dry gloves and a scarf, especially if you’re playing in the snow.
Legs: A pair of thermal or baselayer leggings is a great idea. Then pull on a pair of comfortable and warm trousers, and top with a pair of waterproof outers.
Anything else?: Pop scarves, neck warmers and extra kit into a rucksack, especially if you're playing outdoors in the snow. And even when it’s cold you still need to remain hydrated and properly fuelled. Take a flask of hot tea, a bottle of juice and some snacks with you when you head outdoors in freezing weather.
Oh, and make sure you have all the ingredients to make delicious hot chocolates and mulled wine on your return home. It is the festive season after all!
Courtesy of Regatta
In some parts of the UK in recent days temperatures plummeted to a record -20C – contributing to the coldest British November in almost a century. Even the North Pole was warmer this week charting a relatively balmy -14C.
Weather forecasters are predicting that the freezing temperatures and sleet or snow will continue into next week. So how will you keep you and your family warm?
The chances are we’ll all need to head outdoors at some point, whether it’s to walk to school, work or the shops. And, of course, many of you will be keen to enjoy the fun of sledging, skiing or playing snowballs.
The key to keeping your body warm is to wear lots of layers of warm, breathable, moisture-wicking and waterproof clothes.
Using this layering system you can add or take off layers as you become colder or hotter. Lots of thin layers also help to trap heat next to your body, and between layers of clothing, which means that three or four thin layers is better than one or two thicker layers.
It’s vital that your outer layer is waterproof and windproof, too. If snow, sleet or wet penetrates the outer layer then the inner layers will become damp, cold and uncomfortable.
Here is our guide to great top-to-toe layering:
Head: If it’s especially cold then the ideal layering system is a thin base layer hat or beanie topped with a thicker hat. Alternatively you could go for a two-in-one hat that includes a fleecy inner layer and a woollen outer layer. Or pop on a woolly hat and then cover with the hood of your waterproof jacket. We recommend the Regatta Winter Warmer Hat with wool outer and a microfleece lining for women or the X-ERT Mountain Hat for men. Cosy!
Hands: Again, two layers work better than one so aim for a thinner base-layer glove, such as a silk liner, and top with a pair of fleecy gloves or mittens. Or buy gloves that have two layers including a waterproof outer and a fleece inner layer.
We recommend the X-ERT Soft Shell Gloves topped with a pair of X-ERT Mountain Gloves for extra warmth this winter.
Feet: Pull on a thinner pair of socks first, then top with a thicker pair of socks, such as the Regatta Heavyweight Trek and Trail Sock II or the Women's Wellington Sock, now add your walking or outdoors boots. Aim for a full size or half a size bigger than you would normally buy if you’re treating yourself to a new pair of boots, so allowing for the extra sock layers. Regatta has a great range of footwear ideal for winter for men, women and kids.
Torso: Start with a t-shirt or long-sleeved baselayer. Our guest tester Mr Out & About reviewed this Regatta Base Layer Zip top. Or try the Women's Adventure Tech Base Layer set or Women's long-sleeved baselayer.
Then add another baselayer style top, or a fleece or two. The men's, women's and kids' Regatta ranges include lots of colourful and warm fleeces. Check out this Isadora microfleece.
Your outer jacket could be a three-in-one Regatta jacket such as the Popsicle 3-in-1 jacket for girls or simply a waterproof. Toddlers will be protected from the elements in the all-in-one Puddle, which is both waterproof and breathable.
Take a rucksack with you so that you can peel off or add layers according to needs. It’s worth popping in an extra hat, dry gloves and a scarf, especially if you’re playing in the snow.
Legs: A pair of thermal or baselayer leggings is a great idea. Then pull on a pair of comfortable and warm trousers, and top with a pair of waterproof outers.
Anything else?: Pop scarves, neck warmers and extra kit into a rucksack, especially if you're playing outdoors in the snow. And even when it’s cold you still need to remain hydrated and properly fuelled. Take a flask of hot tea, a bottle of juice and some snacks with you when you head outdoors in freezing weather.
Oh, and make sure you have all the ingredients to make delicious hot chocolates and mulled wine on your return home. It is the festive season after all!
Courtesy of Regatta