Outdoor and bushcraft winter clothing

My winter bushcraft clothing from head to toe.D E C E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 4 / B E C O M I N G W I L D M A N

In this article I will walk you trough my bushcraft winter wardrobe. My clothing is my first

line of defence in what nature can throw at me. And trust me, nature can kick out a serious

punch so better dress up for the adventure your about to embark.

- There is no bad weather, only bad clothing -

Base layer

The first layer that I wear is a 100 % merino wool layer. They come in various thicknesses.

Wool has some mayor advantages against synthetics but ofcourse it’s all personal

preferences. Wool, unlike synthetic, will not keep hold of smell. If it has a scent, just hang it

in the wind for 15 minutes. Also when wet, wool keeps the heat 75% beter then synthetics.

Socks

My socks are made by bridgedale and are a smartwool blend. I have multiple wool socks for

summer and winter. Again the advantage is the warmth and smelly free capability. I usually

take 2 pair of socks with me for multiple overnighters. You should never sleep in socks that

you wear during the day. When feet get moisture, change your socks and let the other pair

dry in the wind, sun or like the army guys by wearing them as a scarf around the neck.

Upper body clothing

My most favorite shirt is the bushcraft guide shirt made by Bison Bushcraft. They are based

in England and it’s also produced there. They have different types of shirts in nice natural

colors that blend in well while being out in nature.

Ofcourse this is a 100% wool shirt and it’s build to be out there. I just know that this shirt

will last years.

When it’s to cold for me to only use 2 layers, then I add a 3th one underneath my bison

shirt. In most cases I would go for this 80/20 wool blend jumper made by Hallyard. When

not to windy, I can handle around freezing point temperatures.

And for those inactive moments I usually put on an item I bought at an army surplus. It’s a

used 80/20 wool blend sweater made by Helly Hanson. Used by the Dutch troops. I really

love this one because it’s warm and cosy and has an extra long backside and sleeves. This

eliminates cold bridges between my layers.

A guidance for wearing wool, it’s all about capturing the air in between the layers. So it has to be

somewhat loose fitting to be effective.

The suit

The suit I eventually ended up with was a typical hunters brand and they are from the

Netherlands. Hallyard is the name and somehow I fell in love with that brand.

The suit is waterproof and windproof. Using membranes underneath the outer layer and a

Teflon coating on the upper fabric. It is polyester so firesparks from the campfire are my

worst enemy. It has an extra down fur layer that I can take out the pants and the jacket. This

is really gear for when winter begins until it ends. For the rest of the year I can only use the

jacket without the downfur layer.

Plenty of wide pockets and extra protection on the legs for thorns and such.

Hand gloves

I have a simple 3 way layer depending on how cold it is.

So it’s wool on wool on insulated mittens with leather work surface. I also cary a thin pair of

leather gloves where ever I go. I always have to watch out that the wool doesn’t get wet so

you might want too go with ski gloves as your second layer.

The added comfort

Well for me these items are a must but for others it might not. When facing deep snow, cold

and wet conditions, my mission is to stay comfy, warm and dry. Next items help me alot

with that.

- Gators

Ok we are not going to a fashion parade ,these Gators keep the snow out of my shoes and

my insulated layers. A must have to keep your feet dry.

- Buff

I have multiple Buffs and they have proven their usefulness over and over again. This is a

merino wool one and I can honestly recommend this thing. Keeps neck well covered.

- Wool neckpiece

This is a really simple yet effective item.

- Head protection

Wherever I go, I go with my hat. It’s made out of kangaroo leather and made by Barmah in

Australia. In combination with my buff, so far no problem during the winter. I’m still looking

for a very warm fur head cover but I’m looking for something from the trappers, for me no

fake fur if I have to depend my life on it.

Boots

I have 2 pair, my B/c rated high Meindl’s all year true but when it gets to cold or I’m standing

still a lot in cold conditions, I tend to go with the winter Meindl. They have an extra

insulated layer then can be taken out to dry. Don’t dry out your leather or goretex shoe

near a campfire. You will drastically decrease there lifespan.

And so I come to an end of my bushcraft winter clothing. It took me 4 year to assemble this

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outfit. It’s all about my preferences and the areas I tend to stay. Build for temperatures from

+10 till -20.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Go out, have fun and stay safe.

Do what you like and do it often.

yours sincerely

Angelo Valkenborgh

http://instagram.com/becomingwildman

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