Why You Feel Cold Outdoors (And How to Finally Stay Warm)
The reason you feel cold outside probably isn't what you think. It's likely NOT because of a 'bad jacket.' 3 OTHER main things are likely the reason you feel cold in the backcountry, & this article will help you understand them!
It's so important to understand these points - otherwise you might spend your entire life constantly cold & never really understanding why.
At Outdoor Vitals, we’ve spent thousands of miles on trail and countless hours in the backcountry. We’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. Let’s make sure you’re warm, comfortable, and ready for your next adventure.
We can promise you that these 3 secrets are worth knowing. You CAN be comfortable.
Secret #1: Heavier Jackets Don't Always Mean More Warmth
You've probably seen lots of people bundling up with big, heavy jackets when temperatures outside drop.
While big, heavy jackets might block the wind pretty well - the fabrics can compress insulation (insulation needs LOFT to actually work!)
Some of these heavy jackets don't even have insulation.
Instead, they are made with just thick, heavy fabrics that may feel comforting, but don't actually insulate much.
Again, it's the LOFT (or the puffiness) of a jacket that adds the most warmth - NOT how much the jacket weighs.
The Problem:
- Heavy jackets often use thick fabric without proper insulation.
- These jackets can actually compress the insulation, reducing its ability to actually insulate.
The Solution:
- Look for jackets with high-loft insulation & low weight
Secret #2: Warm Now DOES NOT Mean Warm Later
Ask yourself how many times you've planned to go outside for a couple of hours and at the 30 minute mark, you're already feeling overheated & are rethinking your decision.
This is because you wore a jacket that was TOO warm.
Maybe it felt great right as you left your house or got out of the car to step into the cold. But as you started to move around, you started to sweat.
Big problem.
The MAIN JOB of sweat is to cool you down! The second you stop moving, your sweat instantly starts to do it's job to cool you down - making you feel uncomfortable.
The "Super Warm" puffy jacket you love might actually be the REASON YOU FEEL COLD, not the thing keeping you warm in the end.
The Problem:
- As you move, you generate more heat. So if you start out already warm you'll likely overheat & sweat.
- Sweat cools your body, and your jacket traps that moisture - making you feel cold.
The Solution:
- Wear a jacket with breathable insulation that vents heat as you move.
- Choose layers you can easily adjust for activity changes.
Secret #3: Waterproof or Weatherproof Jackets Are NOT Warmer
We all know that getting wet is a very serious problem & is the quickest way to go hypothermic in the backcountry.
But wearing a waterproof jacket all the time is actually guaranteeing that you'll get wet!
How?
Humans constantly product moisture as a part of daily life - even when you're not active. By wearing a waterproof jacket when you're NOT in the rain, you are trapping all that moisture inside.
The moisture eventually condenses into liquid and soaks whatever clothing you're wearing.
At that point, it will be incredibly difficult to feel warm & comfortable. That moisture will keep you cold!
The Problem:
- Waterproof jackets trap moisture from your own body.
- This moisture condenses inside, making you wet and cold.
The Solution:
- Only wear waterproof shells when it's raining.
- Choose breathable layers that can help you regulate your temperature during normal conditions - a bit of slight water resistance is a plus.
Complete Solution: Staying Warm (But Not TOO Warm) In The Backcountry
So to sum it all up, make sure you wear a jacket that can BREATHE in the backcountry, isn't TOO warm, & that isn't so heavy that it's compressing any insulation inside.
If you've made it this far, we'd like to help you out.
Why not have an insulating layer that weighs less than half a pound & packs to the size of a softball?
The Ventus Active Hoodie is the world's lightest weight insulated hoodie at just 7oz. It solves ALL of the problems discussed above.
It's powered by an innovative & stretchable insulation that allows you to move, vent heat while moving, & retain more heat when you stop.
This is your first step to warmer & more enjoyable adventures outdoors. Here are a few media mentions to prove it:
"This quarter-zip synthetic-insulated jacket kept testers warm down to 30 degrees & compressed to the size of a grapefruit..." -Outside Magazine
"Men's Best Hiking Apparel: Ventus Active Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals 'Technical Layer for any occasion'" -Backpacker Magazine
"...the Ventus hoodie was one of the most impressive pieces of gear that I used this year. It’s earned a permanent spot in my pack." -Outdoor Life
"The Ventus Hoodie has quickly become my most coveted insulated technical layer due to its versatility, breathability, and warmth." -Blister Review
Find out for yourself!
By clicking below you can actually try a Ventus Active Hoodie completely FREE & pay for it later.
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