WINTER BIKE COMMUTING - WHAT TO WEAR.

Another long holiday weekend, so it's a good time to write about a subject I deal with all winter long.

Before my first winter of commuting by bike, I remember that my biggest hesitation about giving up my car was "what if it's just too cold to ride?". I have learned that with the right winter clothing, cold weather is almost never an excuse not to ride... even in northern Vermont.

My descriptions of my clothing/gear below are all generic - I haven't called out any of the brands or models I use. Don't worry about brand or models - if you outfit yourself with stuff that matches the basics descriptions below, you will be fine.

From top to bottom...

Bicycle Helmet: I have a bike helmet with a quick-adjust headband and rain cover. I bought a complete kit that included "plugs" to fill in the ventilation holes - but I have never found the need to use those. The rain cover keeps the wind out, and I wear a hat underneath (see below) when the temps are 40 degrees F or below. I HIGHLY recommend getting a helmet with a rain cover. I also recommend finding a helmet that has an easily adjustable headband, so that you can quickly adjust for no hat, thin hat, or thick hat.

Hat: I have three in rotation. One is a regular thin-medium-weight winter hat. The other two are balaclava style hats (one thin/silky, one medium-weight) that cover the entire head except my eyes (and nose if I choose). None of them are cotton. You shouldn't be wearing ANY cotton.

Glasses/Goggles: I wear sunglasses in warmer weather, but I don't wear anything over my eyes once the cold weather sets in. Everything just fogs up immediately. I keep thinking about trying ski goggles, but haven't tried that yet - they may resist fogging better than regular sunglasses. They would also provide complete protection for my face (in combo with the balaclava) on extremely cold days.

Upper Body - Under Layers: NO COTTON! Everything I wear is synthetic or wool blends that are designed to wick moisture from my skin and keep me dry. One of the tricky things about biking in extreme cold is the delicate balance between too hot (from exertion combined with overbundling) and too cold (from being wet and/or underdressed). It can happen so quickly, and it can be a matter of just one layer too much or too little. So, dress in layers, and always have an extra layer with you in case you get chilled. I typically wear a polypro t-shirt, followed by a medium-weight long-sleeved polypro thermal underwear with a zip-up collar. Depending on the weather, I add a fleece vest, and then another one or two long-sleeved fleece shirts. If it's a really cold day, and I'm wearing ALL of this, I have to get it on quickly and get outside before I roast!

Upper Body - Outer Layer: To be comfortable in the winter, you must have a breathable, waterproof shell. This will probably be the most expensive part of your wardrobe. Don't get anything too complicated... your warmth is coming from the layers underneath. You just need something to protect you from the wind and water... while allowing at least some of the moisture to escape.

Gloves/Mittens: I swear by "lobster" style gloves. These gloves keep your fingers together in twos... which I find keeps me much warmer than regular gloves that separate each finger. It still gives me the mobility you need to shift and brake. I find that my hands are warmer in thin lobster gloves than in thick regular gloves.

Lower Body - Under Layers: Again, NO COTTON... including underwear! I wear running shorts (synthetic/polyester) for my first layer, followed by medium-weight long underwear. If it's really cold (single digits F or below), I add a pair of fleece bottoms.

Lower Body - Outer Layer: Same as for the top outer layer, you really need to have waterproof, breathable pants in order to be comfortable all winter. It's not just water from the sky (rain, wet snow)... it's water from the road. You will get splashed by passing cars and trucks, and you will get wet from your own bike - even with fenders.

Socks: Yet again, NO COTTON! Choose a wool blend, or some other synthetic blend that will wick moisture away and keep your feet dry and warm.

Shoes/Boots: In moderate/dry winter weather, I wear a pair of regular low hikers. In colder weather, I wear a pair of waterproof duck boots. They keep my feet dry - which is the key to staying warm.

That's all! None of this stuff is complicated. If you already spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.), you probably already have much of what you need. Don't put this entire package together at a fancy bike or ski shop - you will spend WAY more than necessary!