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First step: take off your wet clothes. The water up against your skin will act much as sweat does, so even in temperatures above freezing, wet clothing can be a killer. Air will hit it, evaporate the moisture, and, along with those water vapors will go precious heat. Your best bet, no matter how cold it is, is to strip naked if you are soaked to the skin. Start a fire to put your clothes (and you!) next to, or place your clothes (but not you!) in an open area where the wind will blow on them. The next step is to wait. If you have a sleeping bag or tent, wrap yourself up as warmly as possible so that whatever dampness is on your skin will dry, not evaporate. Doing these things could be a lifesaver.

Of course, the best way to stay warm in wet clothes is not to get them wet. There are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

1. Buy waterproof outer layers and bring them with you
2. Buy quick-dry clothing that can be taken off and aired out when you've sweat too much/ it starts raining/ etc.
3. Have a pack cover, but also wrap at least one set of warm clothing in a trash bag or poncho. If everything else gets wet, at least that will stay dry.
4. When camping atop snow, stamp the snow down so that it's hard-packed. This way, when your body heat hits the snow, it will compress to ice, not melt (and get you wet).
5. Remember that sweating can get you wet also- if it's a chilly day and you plan to exert yourself enough that you'll be sweating, make sure you have enough layers on so that the sweat won't touch the outside air, and make sure that you bring a change of clothing.
6. Unless it's warm and sunny, try to avoid fording rivers or taking risky ice walks unless absolutely necessary.
7. And, as always, bring a flashlight, knife, and waterproof matches. These will save your life if you're wet, cold, and unable to get back to safety.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Sullivan.
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