Cold Weather Gear Keeps You Warm, Dry, and Protected

Cold Weather Gear Keeps You Warm, Dry, and Protected

Cold weather gear keeps you warm, dry, and protected on the job, on a winter backcountry hike, or while hunting.cold weather gear It can help you react to changing conditions with flexibility and speed, rather than being weighed down by layers that slow you down. From insulated bibs that protect you from snow and wind for loggers to high-performance puffer jackets that can handle extreme temperatures and cold wind for hunters, there is a wide range of cold weather gear to meet your needs.

Insulation keeps you warm by trapping the air that surrounds your body, preventing heat loss.cold weather gear The best cold weather gear provides a balance of insulation and breathability, so you don’t overheat or sweat. Choose a softshell or quilted fleece with a windproof shell to start, and add layers as the temperature drops. Ripstop nylon with a DWR finish fends off rain, snow, and sleet and stays pliable in plummeting temperatures. Look for a shell with a stretchy fit for movement and a snug cinchable waistband to hold your core in like a vest or a looser fit for more coverage on a cold winter run.

For EMTs and other public safety workers, select a jacket that meets NFPA and ASTM standards for heightened protection against blood borne pathogens and other chemicals that can be encountered on the job. Gore’s CROSSTECH fabrics provide this protection while maintaining dexterity and warmth, making them ideal for EMS personnel or other workers who need to move quickly in cold temperatures.

A good cold weather jacket is also waterproof to keep water from seeping through a wicking base layer and cooling you down, which can be fatal in freezing conditions. Choose a waterproof shell that can stand up to snow, sleet, and rain, or a hybrid option that uses a shell with a membrane to block wind and rain but allows sweat to evaporate.

The best cold-weather jackets are designed with USA-patented AERIS insulation that maintains warmth even when it gets wet, a critical factor in extreme conditions where the human body can lose up to 65 percent of its body heat in ten minutes. These jackets are great for construction and oil fields, but they are also ideal for outdoor recreation like hunting or mountaineering.