Considerations for Outdoor Activities
For any outdoor activity, from boating to active hiking or just plain strolling around, you will be more comfortable if you have the clothes best suited to the activity.
In recent years there has been an explosion of new developments in fabrics, so what was in the past was a simple choice between a hiking jacket or a piece of foul weather gear has expanded into choosing layers which can hopefully be combined to meet most of your outdoor activities.
The Inner Layer
This includes what used to be called “long underwear’ but now has many more uses. This layer typically would be light weight, moisture wicking layer next to your skin. Some of the fabrics used are CoolMax, Thermax, Caplilene, silk and polypropolene. For example a short sleeve wicking t shirt will keep you cooler in the sun and conversely warmer as an under layer in the winter. Who knew the same garment would work in both situations.
The Middle Layer
This layer is the insulation layer and is frequently a fleece layer. Obviously this isn’t necessary in warmer activities but synthetic fleece is particularly suited for water based activities as it doesn’t retain moisture and is still warm when wet.
The Outer Layer
This is typically a water proof, wind proof jacket or “shell”. In our climate, we wouldn’t necessary recommend an insulated outer layer unless you are traveling to a colder climate. A water proof, windproof shell can be used in almost all activities in our area. Due to our warmer weather, many people here use a multipurpose jacket in place of heavy foul weather gear. Typically there are two price points groups. The more inexpensive jackets are not breathable and the more expensive are. Due to the high chance of rain in this area a simple wind jacket (not waterproof) is much less versatile.
Accessories
Sun hats, warm hats, thin gripping gloves, wicking warmer gloves, sunglasses - these are some of the common additional items needed.
Footwear
Pick your shoes to fit your planned activities ~
Shoes and sandals for walking in the water.
Shoes for hiking.
Boots for horse back riding.
Waterproof boots for duck weather-- Etc.
Socks
If you are planning to do a lot of walking or hiking think of your foot as you do your body - using layers with allow you to meet most conditions.
A cushioning sock, preferable wool and an inner wicking liner sock will keep your feet happy for hiking.
For any outdoor activity, from boating to active hiking or just plain strolling around, you will be more comfortable if you have the clothes best suited to the activity.
In recent years there has been an explosion of new developments in fabrics, so what was in the past was a simple choice between a hiking jacket or a piece of foul weather gear has expanded into choosing layers which can hopefully be combined to meet most of your outdoor activities.
The Inner Layer
This includes what used to be called “long underwear’ but now has many more uses. This layer typically would be light weight, moisture wicking layer next to your skin. Some of the fabrics used are CoolMax, Thermax, Caplilene, silk and polypropolene. For example a short sleeve wicking t shirt will keep you cooler in the sun and conversely warmer as an under layer in the winter. Who knew the same garment would work in both situations.
The Middle Layer
This layer is the insulation layer and is frequently a fleece layer. Obviously this isn’t necessary in warmer activities but synthetic fleece is particularly suited for water based activities as it doesn’t retain moisture and is still warm when wet.
The Outer Layer
This is typically a water proof, wind proof jacket or “shell”. In our climate, we wouldn’t necessary recommend an insulated outer layer unless you are traveling to a colder climate. A water proof, windproof shell can be used in almost all activities in our area. Due to our warmer weather, many people here use a multipurpose jacket in place of heavy foul weather gear. Typically there are two price points groups. The more inexpensive jackets are not breathable and the more expensive are. Due to the high chance of rain in this area a simple wind jacket (not waterproof) is much less versatile.
Accessories
Sun hats, warm hats, thin gripping gloves, wicking warmer gloves, sunglasses - these are some of the common additional items needed.
Footwear
Pick your shoes to fit your planned activities ~
Shoes and sandals for walking in the water.
Shoes for hiking.
Boots for horse back riding.
Waterproof boots for duck weather-- Etc.
Socks
If you are planning to do a lot of walking or hiking think of your foot as you do your body - using layers with allow you to meet most conditions.
A cushioning sock, preferable wool and an inner wicking liner sock will keep your feet happy for hiking.