Keeping warm (2)
 
     

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Seasonal coats

Sort your coats according to season and temperature. Be guided by pragmatism and warmth, not fashion or appearance.


Autumn/Spring jacket

Some coats are great when the weather is starting to get cold. Prima-loft, micro-loft, thinsulate, duffle coat, woollen overcoat, sheepskin flying jacket...
These coats are fine for Spring or Autumn. In Winter, they may be suitable for stepping in and out of the car but they don't work if you have to be outdoors at low temperatures.


Winter jacket (5°or less)

For real Winter warmth, the most balanced coat is a feather & down jacket covered with some sort of water resistant fabric (e.g. Hyvent).
The coat will not be cheap but it will be very warm if worn with a fleece or sweater. A short coat is good if you're driving a lot but a longer length is best for walking when the weather is extreme.
Consider purchasing the coat out-of-season to save money.


Buff or scarf?

A 'reversible polar Buff' is a terrific item to invest in. This simple alternative to a scarf stops heat from escaping and protects the neck from cold.
There is even a cowl version which warm the back of the head too. A scarf is fine, but nowhere near as effective as a reversible polar Buff.


Hat

Invest in a comfortable, warm hat. Don't worry about how silly it looks or whether it spoils your hair.
Ear muffs are useless - they may warm your ears, yes - meanwhile a lot of your body heat escapes from the rest of your head...


Gloves

Good quality warm gloves are often expensive. But, think of the cost/return ratio... You need your hands to manipulate pretty much everything.
If your fingers are too numb to feel or move comfortably, you are stuffed in Wintertime.


Gauntlets

For really cold temperatures, gauntlets are better than gloves. Thinner gloves can be worn beneath (if required).


Thick socks

There are many different kinds of thermal socks available these days. Shop around. Bridgedale 'summit' socks are worth recommending. Wearing 2 layers of socks is advisable when it is really cold.


Tights (women)

I always wear thin tights - 10 denier, no lycra - and then thicker tights on top during Winter time. On top of the tights, I wear thermal socks and base layer (if needed). Tights really make a difference.
Lycra is best avoided as it prevents natural toe movement; and this hinders
circulation.


Fabrics

Fabrics such as Thinsulate are used in a diverse range of products to provide insulation. Thinsulate was developed in the 1960's by 3M and the first Thinsulate clothing appeared in 1978.
Look out for thermal technology and do not be afraid to ask for more information before purchasing.


Footwear

Your footwear should be appropriate to the climate. Warm, supportive, sensible footwear should be worn on the street and thermal footwear indoors.
Some women like to wear Wellington Boots in Wintertime. This is hardly intelligent.


Save heat, save money

Energy saving tips will save money:

- Have your heating appliances serviced
- Make sure your equipment is efficient
- If it does not harm your health, turn the heating down a couple of notches
- Gas is better than coal and electricity
- Use a gas stove kettle rather than an electric one: it takes longer but costs less and it also heats the room
- If installing a new gas central heating boiler, fit an 'on-demand' model
- Use a thermostat to regulate temperature
- If you have a water tank, lag it properly
- Attic/loft insulation
- Double-glazing
- Draft-proofing: plug door and window leaks
- Open your curtains during the day and the sun will help to heat your home
- Use draft excluders to keep the heat in
- Wear jumpers and thermals in winter instead of relying purely on central heating
- Use a hot-water bottle rather than an electric blanket, it uses a fraction of the energy



Warm bed

A duvet or continental quilt may be fine in the summer but could prove ineffective in winter.
Layer your bed as you would your clothing: use a wool or fleece blanket underneath, then your usual sheets. Add a heavy blanket and finally put the duvet on top.


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Page created 18 April 2007
Last updated 04 May 2023