When enjoying outdoor activities, staying comfortable and safe depends on keeping your body at the right temperature. Clothing helps regulate heat and prevents dangerous conditions like hypothermia, which starts when your body drops below 35°C (95°F).
Why Body Temperature Matters:
Humans function best at an internal temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). Roughly 70% of energy intake is used just to maintain this core temperature. Thermoneutral comfort (without clothing) is around 26–28°C (79–82°F). In cold weather, your body needs extra support from clothing, activity, and nutrition.
How the Body Generates Heat:
Heat mainly comes from muscle activity. At rest, the body produces 80–100 Watts, rising to up to 1000 Watts during intense exercise. Shivering can increase heat production four to five times but uses a lot of energy. Blood is directed to vital organs, leaving hands and feet prone to cold. Insulated gloves, warm socks, and quality footwear are essential.
Staying Cool Outdoors:
Sweating cools the body by evaporation. In cold weather, heavy sweating under layers can reduce warmth. Breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex and Seetex let moisture escape while keeping you dry. Even in the cold, the body loses 0.5–1 litre of fluid per day, more during activity.
Gender Differences:
Men usually produce more body heat due to greater muscle mass, while women may feel colder more often. Planning layers accordingly helps maintain comfort.
The Impact of Wind Chill:
Wind removes the warm air surrounding the body, making cold temperatures feel harsher. At -10°C with an 18 mph wind, exposed skin can feel like -27°C. Windproof outer layers are essential.
Layering for Warmth:
Clothing retains body heat. Use a layering system:
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Baselayer – Wicks moisture from the skin. Shop Mens & Womens
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Midlayer – Traps heat.
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Outer layer – Shields from wind, rain, and snow while allowing breathability.
Heated Clothing from ArdMoor
For extra warmth in extreme conditions, ArdMoor offers a range of heated clothing, including jackets, vests, gloves, and socks. These garments use battery-powered heating elements to provide consistent warmth where you need it most, making them ideal for long days outdoors, shooting, or country pursuits. Pairing heated layers with traditional baselayers and midlayers ensures maximum comfort and protection against the cold.
Adjust layers to changing conditions to stay warm and safe.
Whether you're hiking, working outdoors, or enjoying country pursuits, managing your body temperature is key to safety and performance. The right clothing system, layered, breathable, and weather-appropriate helps you adapt to changing conditions and stay comfortable all day long. Choose high-quality gear and trust in every layer to keep you warm, dry, and protected, whatever the weather.