by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

Outdoor winter activities can be a lot of fun. They offer both enthusiasts and amateurs the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, to be active, and to participate in activities that one couldn't do at any other time of the year.

Fun can turn to misery very quickly if you don't dress in such a way as to ensure that you stay dry, keep the wind at bay and can use your own body's heat to keep you warm. Knowing what to wear, how much to wear and how to dress so that you won't be too hot or too cold requires a bit of knowledge.

Here are some basic guidelines to help ensure that you are comfortable, dry and warm as you participate in all of those fun outdoor winter activities.

*Dress in layers -

Layering clothing will keep you much warmer than you'd be if you tried to wear one heavy layer of something. Moreover, dressing in layers gives you the opportunity to add or remove those layers when conditions dictate you do so. Layers provide greater insulation and protection against the wind. By wearing layers, you will be able to use your own body heat to keep you warmer.

The best layers are some of the new microfiber undergarments that wick body moisture away and that are light weight, comfortable and that will provide protection from the wetness of snow. Sock liners are typically made from polypropylene. They are wonderful because they hold heat in and keep excess moisture at bay.

*Wear a wicking layer -

A wicking layer is designed to draw moisture away from your body when you sweat. This is what keeps you from getting cold. A wicking layer also provides thermal protection that will help use your own body heat to keep you warm.

*Keep the head covered -

Many people don't realize that even if they think they are dressed warmly enough, all that covering won't do a heck of a lot of good if the head isn't properly covered. The body loses heat from the head, and it does so quickly. No matter how thoroughly covered the rest of the body is, you will probably get cold rather quickly without a proper head covering.

Keep your ears covered as well. By sealing off your neck from the cold, you will stay warmer. Even if you are protecting your ears and your head, if the cold air can penetrate through an opening at the neck, your torso will get cold very quickly.

*Protect yourself from wetness -

Make sure that your coat is waterproof or water repellent. The fastest way to get cold and uncomfortable is by getting wet. Gortex is a magnificent material for keeping you dry. You

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