Vancouver Island, known for its lush rainforests and canyon-carving rivers, is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. It also seems to be one of the wettest. Not that we mind of course. No matter how slobbery the weather gets there is always someone out for a kayak, dodging raindrops and wondering how anyone would want to stay inside. Nor are they the only ones. From avid walkers to die-hard cyclists, a little rain is all part of the big adventure.
There are however a few things to consider before you go play outside. The biggest concern of anyone spending an extended time in a cold and wet environment is avoiding hypothermia. Hypothermia is defined as abnormally low body temperature that impairs mental and motor functions. In its advanced stages, hypothermia can be deadly.
We lose heat a number of ways. Something as simple as not wearing a hat on a cold day will cause rapid heat loss. We also lose body heat as our sweat evaporates. Movement of cool air across skin is another factor in heat loss. Staying dry, windproof, and wearing a hat are three very simple steps to preventing hypothermia when outdoors.
Now for the good news. Staying warm outside is as simple as understanding what to wear in wet conditions.You may have heard the axiom 'cotton kills', this is very true. When the conditions outside start to get damp, wet cotton will suck away any heat left in your body very quickly dropping your core temperature. To combat this, it's a good idea to wear either synthetics, silk, or wool on the first layer against your skin. These fabrics all work to pull moisture off your skin, keeping you dry and warm. They also dry quickly and have the added benefit of keeping you warm even if they get wet.
To accommodate changing temperatures westcoast outdoor enthusiasts wear several lighter layers rather than a single bulky layer. A middle layer is a layer that goes on top of your base layer and is used for insulating. An example of a good mid-layer would be a polyester fleece, which has moisture wicking properties.
It is essential for even moderate activities to finish off with a waterproof-breathable jacket. The idea is to retain your body heat while allowing skin-cooling sweat to evaporate.
Our backyard is wild and beautiful. I've heard many visitors marvel at the vast and untamed wilderness that sits at our doorstep year round. So what if it gets a little soggy? The rain calms our bays and brings outs flashes of colour in the wild. Bring on the rain and the rivers, go play outside.
Dear Reader,
