6 types of snow prep gear: #3.5: Clothing materials

As explored in the previous post, we want three layers to help keep us dry, clean, warm and safe.

To accomplish all of the above, you should think about three separate layers. A base layer, insulation layer, and the environmental layer.

Base Layer

When I think about winter gear, the heavy, badass looking ski jackets come to mind. It's counterintuitive to think about your underwear playing a cruicial role in keeping the cold out. But this is where it all starts. Wick that sweat away and you're on your way to a warm hike home.

The base layer's job is moisture management. On a daily basis, that's your underwear. That is, if you're not commando every day. But in the snowpocalypse, you are going to need more than your skivvies, my friends. Your standard, run of the mill white cotton panties will be your downfall. Cotton is your enemy. It absorbs moisture and becomes a wet towel that helps steal all your body heat.

So we must we dig into our winter collection for long underwear, UnderArmor Cold Gear, or other seasonal favorites.

Insulation Layer
So you've wicked your sweat out and kept your body dry. But that's not going to keep you warm as the world freezes around you. The insulation layer, just like insulation in your house, traps air which contains your body heat, and keeps you toasty. This may be a couple layers if you have room in your trunk.

Environmental Layer
This repels the elements and allows your insulation and base layers to do their job. In the snowpocalypse, this means repelling snow, ice and frigid wind. So a good waterproof shell is a good idea.

More on layer basics from REI.

Eight items laying around your house that belong in your car

Emergency preparation doesn't always mean emptying your wallet. These ten key items should be laying around the house. Throw them in a bag, which is also laying around the house, and you'll be on your way to a safer car.

1. The bag
   Everyone has that bag around the house they got at a conference or from their parents house to help bring back extra Christmas presents. I have several backpacks, computer bags and even a yellow and white beach tote from my Grandma's house. Anything will do, if you're car doesn't have an emergency kit. But ideally, it will be compact and has shoulder straps to help you transport the kit or other items in case of emergency.
2. The cutting tool
   When I was about 8, I got my first Swiss Army Knife. I've since gotten a couple others. So, if I didn't have a dedicated fixed blade knife in the car (which is better suited to emergency situations), I would at least get that first knife out to the car in my new, zero-cost emergency bag. Plus, two is one, and one is none. So a fixed blade and the old swiss army knife or leatherneck is not overkill.
3. Band-Aids (& generic first aid)
   I have several big boxes of Band-Aids - if you don't have some in your car, get a stack in a ziplock baggie and get it in your kit. The same goes for other first aid supplies.
4. Snacks Everyone has snacks stashed in the pantry. If your car is stuck on the side of the road, a clif bar, chex mix, or peanut butter will be the best meal you've had all day.
5. Flashlight
   Most likely you have an extra flashlight in the toolkit or the junk drawer. It's time that's ready in your car to illuminate your way back home or to the nearest shelter if you're stuck in the night.
6. Car charger
   If you have a car charger, it's most likely in your car, but you may have an extra cord that should be ready to go, stashed in your glove compartment.
7. Warm blanket / sleeping bag I have more blankets than I know what to do with. This may be a personal problem and your closets aren't overflowing with enough bedding for an army. But if you have one or two old ones stashed in the linen closet, put it in a more useful place.
8. That extra jacket Everyone's got an old jacket in the closet. Continue the closet cleanout and roll up an old jacket, and maybe hat and gloves, for the car.

If you've got these items around the house or apartment, they will do you more good in the car as the air turns colder than gathering dust in the closets and drawers of your house. pack 'em and stash 'em in your car today to take the first step. Then continue building your supplies with the 6 types of gear to keep you safe.

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