Think snow and. . . Warmth!
by Stormy of Monod Sports Ltd

As winter begins to settle over the Canadian Rockies, the grumbles of "I hate the cold" begin to circulate among grocery aisles and between close friends at lunch counters. However, those grumbles must be taken with a grain of salt (or, sand and windshield-cracking rocks within Park boundaries). We may grumble a bit, but let's face it -- we do enjoy the opportunities a winter landscape offers! Before heading outdoors to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking or ice skating, remember to layer to stay warm and dry all winter.

A bit of thought must take place when layering for winter sports. First, leave all cotton products at home. Although cotton feels great next to the skin, it absorbs moisture and takes its own sweet time drying, opening the door to the chills and, more dangerous, to hypothermia. Instead of cotton, begin with merino wool and/or synthetic (Capilene) tops and bottoms as base layers.

Merino wool: The fine merino wool available today is NOT the same scratchy, itchy wool of your youth. Monod Sports carries Arc'Teryx, Icebreaker and Patagonia fine merino wool, all of which originate from New Zealand's Southern Alps, home to the world's finest merino wool.

The next-to-skin merino wool pieces have the feel and look of cotton but, unlike cotton, have the ability to naturally "pull" moisture away from the body and transport it to the outer fabric where it quickly dries and keeps the skin warm. Merino wool also contains natural anti-microbial properties to keep odours at bay. Monod's carries 3 different weights of fine merino wool to suit your individual needs and layering requirements.

Synthetic (Capilene®): Just can't make the wool leap? No worries -- synthetic next-to-skin pieces are here! Like wool, synthetic next-to-skin pieces draw moisture away from the body. Synthetics are woven in a pattern that pulls moisture off the skin and disperses it over a large area, thereby allowing the fabric to dry quickly. Patagonia adds a proprietary Capilene treatment to reduce odours on its next-to-skin pieces as well.

In addition to their quick dry properties, synthetic next-to-skin tops and bottoms are extremely lightweight and can be compressed easily. Monod Sports carries 4 weights of synthetic tops from Arc'Teryx, Under Armour and Patagonia in a variety of styles (including crew necks and zip-t's).

Once you've started with either merino wool or synthetic next-to-skin pieces, you can begin layering. For example, layer a fine merino mid layer or fleece top over a merino wool or synthetic next-to-skin top. On wet and windy days, top it all off with a waterproof, breathable (and wind proof) jacket or parka, and waterproof, breathable (windproof) pants. On day-long winter adventures, take along a down jacket to throw on when you stop for a cup of hot cocoa or a snack.

Accessories like neck gaiters and toques (hats) play a key role in regulating the body's heat rather than allowing it to escape. Wool or leather mitts or gloves keep hands warm while a waterproof shell guarantees hands will stay dry. Fleece mitts or gloves keep hands warm as well, but can get "wet" from sweat and lose their warm capacity during the course of the day. Last, merino wool socks or synthetic blend (Capilene) socks keep the feet dry by wicking moisture away from the feet. So get out there . . . and stay dry.

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