What to Wear: How! Why!
These are my notes from a presentation about dressing for winter cycling, shared at the 6th Annual Winter Skill Share 6 (2014).
Body
Base Layer (the tightest fitting clothes you’ll wear – wear your size or a bit smaller if it’s still comfortable)
- • Moisture wicking (“Under Armor” recommended)
- • NO COTTON UNDIES – trust those who have suffered before you
- • Consider modifying tights/pants with tight bands by cutting off ankle cuffs if they are too tight & swapping the waistband for a wider band
- • Extra base layer options and tips:
- • “Base hoodie”: use a thin, snug, hoodie for the extra layer + the comfortable head/neck/ear coverage
- • Old Cashmere is awesome!
Warmth Layer (clothes that are your size, that fit you, and you wear comfortably)
- • All about warmth, fluffy, cozy
- • Wear shirts that are long in the back to cover the gap betwixt pants/shirt
- • Extra warmth layer options and tips:
- • Vests: keep the core warm
- • “Swants”: Reusing large/wool sweaters by cutting off the sleeves and wearing them on your legs!
Outer Layer (these clothing items should be larger than what your clothing size is – too tight is un-com-fort-able)
- • Coat
- • wind breaking material
- • long, to cover the thighs – warning: long jackets can get hung up on the seat
- • Carhart or snow-pants
- • Extra warmth layer options and tips:
- • Go for bright colors – be visible!
- • Skirt to go over thighs and butt – avoid “ice butt”!
Head
Base Layer
- • Hoodie up! Get started on the brain layer!
- • Cowls: neck ring that can be pulled over nose/mouth/ears
- • easy to make
- • make sure you can breath easily through the fabric
- • Baklava (SP or hungry, I can’t tell): face/head/ears/neck wrap
- • Thin/synthetic hat layer
- • Headbands that are also ear covers
Outer Layer
- • Ski goggles – YES!
- • To prevent fogging, make sure they “breath”, or tilt them off of face a bit with base layer fabric
- • To prevent fogging, check out “Cat Crap” (a de-fogging substance, not the literal cat crap)
- • Helmet
- • presenter/audience seems to prefer helmets with more vents and hat layers, rather than the full covered helmets… because we get hot when we’re pedaling!
- • Warning: some ski/snowboarding helmets are NOT safe for bicycling – they have different impact ratings/designs
- • Knitted ear covers that attach to the helmet straps – coming soon to a Grease Rag craft night!
Feet
Base Layer
- • Synthetic/wool, thin, moisture-wicking
Warmth Layer
- • Thicker, warmer, wool
- • Tip: PUT YOUR MONEY HERE – BUY NICE SOCKS
- • Lots of info from the audience… ask about brands on the FB page or website/blog
Outer Layer
- • Boots (Recommended, but pricey: “Mucklucks”)
- • Boot covers (go over pedal clips too!)
- • Think water proof/protection
- • Platforms (see note below)
Hands
Base Layer
- • Synthetic/wool, thin, GLOVES (so that you can still use your fingers for little things like adjusting your helmet or (un)locking the bike
- • Wrist warmers: make this will old/holed socks
- • Tip: Carry a pack of hand warmers with you in case of emergency (I.C.E.)!
Outer Layer
- • Mittens! BIG Mittens! (Patterns are available online)
- • Handlebar covers! (Recommended on a set-up: “45 North”)