What to wear: Synthetic, wool layers are key to comfort in Northeast mountains
The key to dressing properly is to layer your clothing and wear synthetic or wool fabrics.
In cold or wet weather, three layers are ideal:
- breathable wicking layer against your skin, to transport perspiration and other moisture away from your skin;
- warming layer next, to absorb moisture and keep you warm;
- waterproof and windproof layer on the outside.
Synthetic, not Cotton
Wear a synthetic layer closest to your skin to wick away moisture from perspiration. If you must hike in cotton T-shirts and shorts, carry other clothing to change into should the weather turn cold. Cotton soaks up moisture and doesn't dry readily, leaving you wet and chilly when activity slows or when the wind picks up, as is often the case on a summit. When you stay cold and wet in adverse conditions, you can suffer hypothermia.
