How to Stay Warm All Day at an Outdoor Event

We think of spring as the time when the weather warms up and relieves us of the winter’s cold. We break out our lighter clothing and anticipate summer with fewer layers, short sleeves, and the sensation of air on our skin.

In these mild temperatures, our level of activity dramatically affects the warmth we perceive. They may be ideal for recreation, but we might not give much thought to the chill we could get from sitting still outdoors for more than an hour. Though we aren’t in danger of freezing to death, even mild heat loss can produce unpleasant symptoms, and over a period of hours can lead to hypothermia, a serious condition that may require medically supervised re-warming.

Starting out warm and dry, and staying that way, is more efficient than waiting until cold sets in to add warmer layers. Warm clothes keep the air next to our skin motionless, and keep the warm air from escaping. More layers trap more air, resulting in more perceived (and actual) warmth.

Tops that are loose at the waist and open at the neck enable what’s known as the chimney effect: air enters under the lower hem, is warmed by the body, and rises to exit via the neckline. This is desirable in hot weather. The opposite is desirable in cool temperatures; high, close-fitting necklines stop the outflow of warm air. Tucked or cinched in waists block the upward intake of cold air.

Dry feet are essential. The grass at an outdoor event is likely to be damp in the morning. Synthetic or wool socks and waterproof shoes will keep your feet toasty. Cotton socks, once damp, will chill you all day.

Cotton pants can wick moisture upward from the grass; you’ll feel dryer if you add some synthetic long johns or tights under them.

A hat is the single most effective clothing item you can add to retain more body heat. Even the lightest hat can make a big difference. Heat is conveyed to the extremities by the blood. When you get cold, the body can minimize the loss of heat by reducing blood flow to your hands and feet. But if the body tried to reduce blood flow to the head every time you felt cold, you would pass out. Heat not retained by a hat simply dissipates and is lost.

In addition, a hat is the easiest thing to remove when you start to feel too warm, and a sun hat will protect your skin from UV rays.

Fingerless gloves keep your knuckles warm while leaving your fingertips free for activity.

It may seem ridiculous to bundle ourselves in our heaviest winter clothes for a spring fair. Instead, you can layer your spring clothes a little more, add a scarf and hat, and enjoy greater comfort than you would if you hadn’t accessorized. By the end of the day, when others are shivering and jumping around, you will be the one who is relaxed and comfortable.