Layer Up on Breaks

Unless you are superman, you are going to take a break or two when ski touring.  When taking a break for more than a quick minute, the natural process is to drop the backpack, catch your breath, stretch a bit, drink water, and eat a snack.  Today I’d like to talk about the importance of also layering up when you take a longer break.

When you’re touring uphill your body produces a lot of heat.  It’s important to manage your body temperature and minimize perspiration when you are on the move (click here for more tips on layering for the backcountry).  Yet, as soon as you stop moving to take a break, your body will cool down and any sweat on your clothing will freeze.  This is very counter-productive to the goal of staying dry and warm.  Further, your are going to waste energy warming back up when you get moving again.

For this reason, it is very important to keep all the heat you worked so hard building up when hiking uphill.  Keeping a warm mid-layer or a puffy down jacket accessible is a great way to do this.  As soon as you stop, throw on an insulating layer to keep your body warm.

So, next time you are ski touring, prepare yourself to layer up on your breaks.  In the short-term you will be much more comfortable, and in the long-term you will save energy for the journey ahead.

Stay safe, stay Savvy, and get out there!

Avi Kleiman
Founder, Savvy Touring Company Ltd.
For Life in the Backcountry