Any outdoor activity in cool weather, such as skiing, hiking, or even simply walking the dog, presents us with the challenge of staying warm and dry. Staying warm while paddling is even more challenging since staying dry is impossible. But when it comes to keeping warm, the "layering" principle works as well on the river as on the ski slopes or the hiking trail.

To remain comfortable, we've got to do two things. First, we'll want to trap as much body heat as possible and keep it next to our skin. We do this through wearing clothes that INSULATE. Secondly, we have to stop the cold air from outside from penetrating into our insulating layer. We do this by covering our insulating layer with a BARRIER layer. If it were possible to remain dry during our outdoor activity, we'd want to add a WICKING layer under our insulating layer to transport the inevitable perspiration away from our body but, of course, this isn't necessary if we're going to be wet anyway. And, because of the inevitability of getting wet, we'll have to make absolutely sure that the insulating layer we choose will continue to perform after it does get wet.

The Insulating Layer

Choose a high-quality synthetic fiber for your insulating layer. The best is Polartec. Polartec is a brushed, double-faced micro-fiber that has revolutionized the first layer or "thermal underwear." It is best worn next to the skin and comes in different weights. Because of its density, it will keep you warmer than cheaper, thinner fabrics. It's also the most comfortable insulating fabric available and it works very well whether it's dry or wet. Despite the fact that most modern insulating fabrics are made of nylon or polyester, Guides continue to use the old generic term "polypro" for any fabric that will keep you warm when it's wet. This is a carryover from the old days when the first "warm while wet" fabrics were made of polypropylene.

You don't have to spend the big bucks for Polartec, though. Any synthetic fabric will keep you warm when it's wet. The cheaper stuff just won't look as good, feel as smooth, or last as long. Another advantage of a high-quality synthetics is that they have an anti-microbial agent built in which reduces the famous "eau de polypreau" that has assaulted the olfactory senses of outdoorsmen since polypro was developed.

Layering is the key. By layering garments of different weights, insulation can be adjusted to the temperature, weather, activity level, and individual metabolic differences. Adding or removing layers allows each person to maximize flexibility in a changing environment. Warmth depends upon the thickness of insulated air that surrounds a person. For river wear, choose insulation that breathes, stretches, and is durable. Your wetsuit acts as an insulation layer.

The most valuable piece of polypro will be your lightweight underwear tops and bottoms. They can be used alone on chilly days and layered with other garments on colder days. Heavier synthetic items can be worn over (or under) a wetsuit on really cold days, but it's usually more effective to layer a couple of lighter items than to use a single heavier one.

When you rent a wetsuit at ACE, you'll get a sleeveless "Farmer John" suit. We also have long-sleeved wetsuit jackets that can be worn on top of the Farmer John wetsuit as additional insulation on really chilly days. In warmer days, a light polypro top can be worn under the Farmer John.

But the most important thing of all is to remember that nothing that's made out of COTTON will ever keep you warm once it gets wet. Wool will keep you warm when wet, but it gets soggy and stretchy and uncomfortable. Whenever there's a chance of getting wet, always opt for clothing made out of synthetics like nylon, polyester, polypro, or acrylic. Never...ever...wear cotton in cool weather.

The Barrier Layer

This is the outside layer that prevents the elements, in our case, wind and cold air, from penetrating to our insulating layer. If we were hiking or skiing, we'd want a barrier layer that was "breathable," which is to say that it would allow moisture (perspiration) to get out while keeping rain and wind from getting in. But, again, with our assumption that we're going to get we anyway, it's not necessary for our outer barrier layer to be breathable. Our primary concern is that it protect us from the wind.

Remember that the insulating layer is designed to keep a layer of warm air close to the skin, using the heat that the body produces to keep that insulating layer warm. Moving air loses heat much more rapidly than still, or "dead" air. If a cold wind were to penetrate your insulating layer, you'd find that the nice warm air next to your skin has been replaced by the cold air coming in from the outside. So, no matter how effective your insulating layer is, it will be severely compromised unless you have an effective barrier layer to keep it undisturbed and warm next to your skin.

For rafting, the best barrier layer is the most simple and inexpensive layer available...a heavy, tightly-woven nylon shell. Such a garment will not keep water out but, if it's tightly woven, it will keep the cold wind out...and keep your warm insulated air in where it belongs. Even if you're wearing a wetsuit, it's still important to protect yourself from the wind on cold days. Since rafting is an energetic activity, you want your outer layer to be durable, so a heavy nylon shell is just the thing. ACE's wetsuit package includes a heavy nylon splash jacket with sealable neoprene cuffs and neck.

Other Helpful Hints

* Headwear
Since a great deal of your heat loss comes from the top of your head, it's important to wear a hat on cold days. For rafting, a simple wool or acrylic toboggan hat works well.

* Footwear
Most folks wear neoprene booties on the river. These are available for rent at ACE when you rent your wetsuit. Since all booties are relatively thin, a thick pair of wool socks can be worn inside the booties for additional insulation.

* Gloves
On really cold days, a pair of neoprene gloves is a good idea. Lightweight polypro gloves can be worn under the wetsuit gloves if needed.

* How about GoreTex?
GoreTex is a patented process in which a waterproof, breathable, windproof MEMBRANE (the GoreTex)is made up between two additional layers of fabric to form a truly waterproof, breathable, and windproof garment. Because the actual GoreTex material is sewn in between an outer shell and a liner, GoreTex garments are somewhat heavier than comparable items that use coated fabrics to achieve the same results. Recent improvements in coatings have caused many top-shelf manufacturers to abandon GoreTex. The newer coated fabrics are every bit as good as GoreTex and boast substantial savings in weight and cost. But don't expect a cheap coated nylon shell to perform like GoreTex. It's only the best coated fabrics that are actually waterproof, windproof and breathable.

Once again, because rafters will get wet anyway, it's better to go with a tough, durable coated nylon rather than risking a pricey GoreTex garment to the rigors of running the river

Since the year's most exciting water levels are often found during the Spring and Fall, it's important that we learn the basic principles of keeping warm. Once learned, you'll find that it's very easy to be warm and comfortable whatever the conditions.

Layer 3...Protective layer

The goal is to keep weather out, yet allow the garment to breathe. This is usually achieved by using high-tec fabrics and coatings...or internal linings like Gore-Tex. For river use, where you're going to get wet anyway, wind-resistance takes priority over breathability. A tough, durable nylon splash jacket over your wetsuit is a must on a windy day...and a good idea on any but the warmest days.

Ventilation...It is important to vent excess heat when you are very active or overdressed. Always make sure you can vent. Again, for river use, ventilation is usually not a problem since you're usually wet anyway.

Some ways of venting are:

1. adjustable cuffs
2. two-way zippers
3. underarm or chest vents
4. taking off your hat.

Perhaps the most important aspect of dressing for a cold-weather river trip is simply to have lots of nice warm dry clothes waiting for you at the end of the trip. If it's a rainy weekend, bring several changes of clothes so that you'll always have a dry set to get into when you get off the river.

Once you're soaked on a cold day, your body's core temperature will drop slightly. Once this happens, it's sometimes hard to get over the feeling of being chilled, even after you've changed into dry clothes. One trick is to take a nice long hot shower before changing clothes. Luckily, ACE provides these.

By all means, don't ever wear anything on the river that's made of cotton. Cotton will NOT keep you warm when it's wet. In fact, it will actually draw heat from your body and make you colder than wearing nothing at all!

There's not much that's more miserable than being cold and unable to do anything about it. Plan ahead, bring the right gear, and you won't have to worry about the cold. The Training Staff will be glad to help you if you need help with your river wardrobe.