PACKING - Europe On a Budget - page 43

travel can get pretty miserable if you don't dress properly. This guide will teach you everything
you need to know for staying warm and comfortable.
GUIDE TO LAYERING CLOTHING
Traveling during the winter can be a little tough especially since you don't have a lot of space
for clothing. In most situations, the best way to stay warm isn't with heavy winter coats or
bulky sweaters. The secret is layering multiple articles of clothing. This drastically reduces
bulk and it saves space in your backpack.
The idea behind layering is simple. Basically, you wear multiple thin layers and you add or
subtract layers depending on the weather conditions. It isn't rocket science but it is very ef-
fective when used correctly.
Base layer
My merino wool base layer keeps me warm without adding bulk.
The base layer is very important. In addition to providing warmth, it wicks away moisture and
sweat from your skin (yes, you sweat in the cold) and transfers it into the next layer of cloth-
ing where it evaporates more quickly. Base layers need to be worn tight against the skin. They
are available in a few different materials:
Merino wool. Merino wool is the ideal base layer material. It transfers moisture and retains
heat well. Higher-end merino wool doesn't itch, but it can get expensive. Merino wool is nat-
urally odor resistant, so you can wear it a few days without worrying about getting funky.
Synthetics. Synthetic materials transfer moisture well and they are a good option for many
winter travelers—especially since they are less expensive than merino wool. The main down-
side to synthetic material is its tendency to absorb body odor so they might start smelling
pretty bad after a single wearing.
Silk. Silk isn't too popular anymore but it does a good job. Silk can be difficult to care for,
so many people prefer the more robust synthetic material or merino wool. It is also fairy ex-
pensive.
Cotton. Cotton is popular, but should be avoided. Cotton absorbs a lot of moisture but
doesn't wick it away—it just holds damp material next to your skin. This is the complete op-
posite of what you want in a base layer and it will actually make you colder.