New Age Health Spa
Dressing for Success
Before blazing a trail, here are some ideas to help you stay comfortable by creating a system of layers that adjusts to different weather conditions and temperatures.

Clothing
Base Layer: Light silk or synthetic fabrics create an insulating layer of air around your skin. Wear a long or short sleeve top depending on conditions and level of activity

Insulating Layer: A medium weight wool or synthetic layer, more necessary in cool conditions than in warm. This layer can be carried in a daypack if you are too warm & put on when you stop to prevent cooling off.

Wind Layer: A lightweight windproof and / or waterproof outer shell. Have a dual-purpose wind/ rain shell or one of each depending on your hiking plans and the weather forecast.

Footwear
Shoes: Your feet are your only form of locomotion on the trail – treat them well! Chose a shoe that fits the trails and amount of use that you plan to give them. While low cut running shoes work for many people, a high top hiking shoe will provide ankle and arch support that helps to prevent strains that may come from a long day on the trail.

Socks: A medium weight wool or wool blend provides plenty of insulation, cushion, and comfort.

A word on cotton clothing for the outdoors…
Of all the fabrics to choose from for your outdoor activities, cotton is the least desirable. Cotton garments , unlike wool, silk, or synthetics, retain moisture when wet, increase evaporative heat loss, dry slowly, and become heavier as they absorb water.