Cold Weather Camping Clothing: Why Cotton is Dangerous & What to Wear

Why Cotton Will Betray You in the Cold (and What to Wear Instead)

Cotton might feel comfy, but it’s a major risk for cold weather camping. Here’s why you should leave cotton at home, plus what clothing to pack to stay dry, warm, and safe on your next adventure.

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Cotton is the fabric of our lives if our lives are spent inside on the couch with central heating. Out in the cold, though, cotton is a backstabbing little sponge that will soak up your sweat, your tears, and that unexpected drizzle, and then cling to you like an ex who will not let go.

Here is why wearing cotton in the cold is basically signing up for misery:

• It hoards moisture. Sweat, snow, rain. Cotton collects it all and holds onto it like precious treasure. Except the treasure is slowly stealing your body heat.
• It dries slower than your patience. Once cotton is wet, you will be damp until spring thaw.
• It forgets how to insulate. Wool keeps you warm when wet. Synthetics do too. Cotton just sulks and gives up.
• It makes you clammy. Instead of wicking moisture away, cotton glues it to your skin. Enjoy your new life as a cold, sticky raisin.

So what should you wear instead if you want to come home with all your toes?

• Wool. Merino wool is magic. It wicks, it warms, it does not stink after one hike, and it still works when wet.
• Synthetics. Polyester, polypropylene, fleece. Designed for action, not lounging. They dry fast and actually try to help you out.
• Layers. Think of yourself as a camping lasagna. A base layer that wicks, an insulating middle that traps heat, and a shell on top that blocks wind and water. Delicious.
• Waterproof outerwear. A good shell jacket or pants with sealed seams will keep the weather where it belongs: outside.

Cotton will always be there for you when you want pajamas or a T-shirt. But for cold-weather camping, leave it at home unless you enjoy the slow damp slide toward hypothermia. Wool, synthetics, and smart layers will treat you far better when the temperature drops.

Stay warm, stay dry, and may your only cold experience be the first sip of coffee in the morning.