Forest School Winter Gear: Cotton, Wool, and Fleece Layering

BRRR! We came back from our Winter Break to some very cold weather for us in WNC, days where the high was not above freezing and days with the wind blowing that cold air around. And I thought this created the perfect opportunity to talk about our Winter layering for students as well as talking more about the performance of cotton, wool, and fleece fabrics.

Erin Kenny said in her Cedarsong Way Teacher Training - there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear choices! We could not agree more and would add that layering is one of your best friends when trying to make sound choices around gear when you live in the mountains. To help our students and their families make sure they are in appropriate gear for the day we created a sandwich board where we post each day how students should be geared up. It has quickly become routine for students and families to unload, and walk up to the board and start checking the posted layers against what they are wearing. This helps educate families, and students, as well as allow us to quickly address any issues and make sure we are starting our day off warm and ready for a day at the Farmstead.

As I write the blog post it is a balmy 19 degrees fahrenheit outside and this is the layering we had posted for families: Base Layer, mid layer, warm jacket, rain pants, hat, warm gloves, waterproof gloves, and insulated boots. Many students had a scarf, turtle fur, or a helmet hoodie on as well. My personal layering for the day looks like; base layer of thick long underwear, middle layer, an extra top layer, a one piece snow suit, thick wool socks, and my sorrel winter boots, fleece gloves and hat. So three layers on the bottom, and four layers on the top and I will still likely need to slip some toe warmers into my boots half way through the day.

Some other tips and tricks we use as staff to stay warm beyond layering and good gear: keeping our shoes/boots inside the house so they are warm when we go out to our classes, warm coffee/ tea in thermos, hand and toe warmers, scarfs, and having lots of high movement games and activities in our back pockets. From hiking to the ridge, or the outpost classroom, to tag based games - keeping moving is key as that is our main way to generate heat.

So now that we have talked about layers, the next very crucial part of appropriate gear is understanding how different materials perform in different conditions. Maybe you have heard someone say that ‘cotton kills’ well we will break that down and show you why cotton has that reputation and wool and fleece do not. Below is a table of the pros and cons of cotton, wool, and fleece.

Material	Pros	Cons
Cotton	Comfortable: Soft, breathable, and feels great in dry conditions. Affordable: Readily available and budget-friendly. Durable: Stands up well to repeated washing and heavy use. Good for Hot, Dry Weather: Effective at keeping you cool in dry, non-humid climates.	Terrible When Wet: Absorbs water, loses insulation, and dries slowly, leading to heat loss. Heavy When Wet: Becomes significantly heavier when soaked, which can be uncomfortable Evaporative Cooling Effect: Drains heat from your body as water evaporates. Not for Cold/Wet Conditions: Increases the risk of hypothermia in wet or cold environments.
Fleece	Lightweight: Fleece is lighter than wool and remains light even when wet. Quick-Drying: Dries faster than both wool and cotton, ideal for wet conditions. Warm: Provides excellent warmth for its weight, even in cold weather. Affordable: Generally cheaper than wool. Hydrophobic: Repels water to some extent and retains minimal moisture.	Less Breathable: Can trap heat, making it less comfortable during high-intensity activities. Odor Retention: Prone to absorbing odors over time, especially when damp. Environmental Concerns: Made from petroleum-based materials, contributing to microplastic pollution. Less Durable: Can pill or degrade faster with frequent washing and wear.
Wool	Warmth in All Conditions: Wool insulates even when wet, making it ideal for damp or unpredictable weather. Moisture-Wicking: Wool pulls moisture away from the skin and dries slowly but retains warmth. Breathable: Regulates temperature, keeping you warm in the cold and cool in moderate weather. Odor-Resistant: Naturally resists odors, even after multiple uses. Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and renewable.	Heavy When Wet: Wool absorbs moisture, becoming heavier and less comfortable. Longer Drying Time: Takes more time to dry compared to synthetic fabrics. Expensive: Quality wool garments, like Merino wool, can be pricey. Itchiness: Some people find traditional wool scratchy (though Merino wool is much softer).

The combination of high water retention, rapid heat loss, and slow drying time makes cotton a poor choice for cold, wet, or humid environments. This is why hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts often say, "Cotton kills"—it can exacerbate the risk of hypothermia in cold and wet conditions. For most outdoor recreation, wool and fleece are better suited due to their ability to keep you warm and dry. Cotton should generally be avoided in cold or wet conditions but is fine for low-stakes activities in mild weather.

Here are some best uses for each fabric:
Wool: Great for cold, wet, or unpredictable environments where warmth and odor resistance are priorities. Perfect for hiking, camping, and snow activities.
Fleece: Ideal for layering in cold weather, especially for high-energy activities like skiing or trail running where moisture management and quick drying are key.
Cotton: Best for casual, low-risk activities in warm, dry conditions (e.g., picnics, short walks) but avoid it for intense or wet outdoor adventures.
We hope this helps you get into the appreciate gear for the weather and be able to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors in all the amazing weather conditions we are presented with. And remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear choices!

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