In addition to occasional run-ins with snow and ice, riding in the winter time can expose you to another, unseen risk- namely, hypothermia. Even with temperatures hovering above freezing, if you add a quick shot of windchill, hypothermia can quickly become your worst enemy on a winter ride. That's because hypothermia can impair your judgment - much like those seemingly innocent shots of Jaegermeister you downed at your buddy's birthday celebration last weekend.
Dressing for cold weather should begin with a good foundation - garments made from synthetic materials (stay away from cotton) that feel comfortable on your skin while wicking away perspiration. Pile at least two additional layers of insulation on top of that, making sure those garments have easy-to-open zippers or draw-string cords. Ideally, the outer garment would be windproof and waterproof. Covering the head, hands and feet - any exposed body part - is also extremely important, which is why we included miscellaneous items like boots, socks and balaclavas, that have long been key components of our cold weather arsenal.
Generally, the more windproof and thicker the garment, the warmer it'll be. It's worth noting that Merino wool is making a comeback against pure synthetic materials as well.
Base Layers:
Base layers sit close to the skin, so they can transfer moisture away from the body to prevent chilling; they're also designed to trap air to help keep you warm. An ideal base layer should sit unnoticed under your mid-layer and work together with the rest of your layering system. Thermal underwear helps to insulate the body by creating a small space of air next to the skin. High necks add a good deal of warmth to any garment by blocking cold air flow over exposed blood vessels. Make sure the neck's not so tight that it'll strangle you, though, and go zipped for easy venting.
A base layer's fabric is designed to suck sweat off your skin and then transport it to the outer edge of the cloth (this is the 'wicking' part of the equation). Some fabrics do it by capillary action (the inside end of the fiber is thinner than the outer) and some manage it with a coating that the water just steams straight through. And although wool can soak up sweat like cotton, it doesn't lose any thermal properties, so you'll still be warm. Wool fibers also naturally repel odors (while the rougher fibers of synthetic base layers are a great breeding ground for bacteria).
Gloves:
Waterproof, gauntlet-type gloves that extend over your jacket's sleeves will give you the most protection from wind and water. Mittens often provide additional warmth, but might feel awkward for some riders. Keep in mind that fitment is a crucial part of getting maximum heating benefit from any garment.
Following are some additional (and supplemental) cold weather riding gear suggestions:
TourMaster Synergy Heated Gear
Tourmaster also offers a full suite of electric heated gear, including the Synergy Electric Gloves, Synergy Electric Jacket Liner, Electric Pant Liner and Synergy Electric Vest. All incorporate carbon fiber heating elements to generate safe, electronically controlled infrared heat, and Synergy Gear comes standard with a water-resistant solid state three- temperature thermostat included. It's designed to operate from a vehicle's standard 12-volt electrical system . To get the specs, pricing and details, see: www.tourmaster.com
Firstgear TPG Winter Basegear
TPG Basegear brings an outer nylon shell designed with a wind and water-resistant front panel, a waterproof, breathable middle membrane and a fleece lining for warmth.
The TPG Long-Sleeve Shirt is quick-drying to keep you comfortable, and has a front zipper neck to help regulate body temperature. The TPG Pants offer a snug fit while providing flexibility and are top-stitched to eliminate inner seam chafing. Each piece retails for $69.95. Get the details at: www.firstgear-usa.com
Heat Yer Feet
Warm and Safe (the manufacturer that co-brands its electric heated apparel with Firstgear) also offers Warm and Safe Powerlet Heated Socks, made of a thin technical fabric with a fitted heel. They provide 9 watts of heat per sock at 12.8 volts and can be used with either the motorcycle battery or a 7.4v portable battery pack. $59.95
Amongst their vast catalog of heated apparel, Gerbing's also offers its 12v Hybrid Heated Insoles you can slip into your riding boots. You can also power these directly from a 12 V elecrical system, or from Gerbing's proprietary Lithium battery packs. $59.95
Get details at: warmnsafe.com
and www.gerbing.com
The Warmbib
For those days when you need just a shot of heat to get over a chilly stretch of road, Aerostich offers a nifty little item called the Electric Warmbib. This simple piece of kit packs small, and sports a radiant heating layer in between the outer Gore-Tex Windstopper material and micro-fleece liner, so you get enough added heat for your torso and core to stay warm. An advantage of the Warmbib is that because it doesn't have as much surface to heat, it only pulls 30 watts, saving your alternator some juice. $67. For more info visit:
www.aerostich.com Click HERE for the "Cold Weather Gear Buyer's Guide."