The document summarizes the author's winter bushcraft clothing system from head to toe. It includes a merino wool base layer, wool socks changed daily, a wool bushcraft shirt, wool sweater layers for colder temperatures, a waterproof and windproof hunting jacket and pants with removable fur lining, layered wool and leather glove system, gaiters to keep snow out of boots, buff neck gaiter, wool neck warmer, kangaroo leather hat, and insulated winter hiking boots. The carefully selected layers are designed to trap warm air and keep the author comfortable in temperatures from 10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. My winter bushcraft clothing from head to toe.
D E C E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 4/B E C O M I N G W I L D M A N
In this article I will walk you trough my bushcraft winter wardrobe. My clothing is my first
line of defence in what nature can throw at me. And trust me, nature can kick out a serious
punch so better dress up for the adventure your about to embark.
- There is no bad weather, only bad clothing -
Base layer
The first layer that I wear is a 100 % merino wool layer. They come in various thicknesses.
Wool has some mayor advantages against synthetics but ofcourse it’s all personal
preferences. Wool, unlike synthetic, will not keep hold of smell. If it has a scent, just hang it
in the wind for 15 minutes. Also when wet, wool keeps the heat 75% beter then synthetics.

3. Socks
My socks are made by bridgedale and are a smartwool blend. I have multiple wool socks for

4. summer and winter. Again the advantage is the warmth and smelly free capability. I usually
take 2 pair of socks with me for multiple overnighters. You should never sleep in socks that
you wear during the day. When feet get moisture, change your socks and let the other pair
dry in the wind, sun or like the army guys by wearing them as a scarf around the neck.

5. Upper body clothing
My most favorite shirt is the bushcraft guide shirt made by Bison Bushcraft. They are based
in England and it’s also produced there. They have different types of shirts in nice natural
colors that blend in well while being out in nature.
Ofcourse this is a 100% wool shirt and it’s build to be out there. I just know that this shirt
will last years.

6. When it’s to cold for me to only use 2 layers, then I add a 3th one underneath my bison
shirt. In most cases I would go for this 80/20 wool blend jumper made by Hallyard. When
not to windy, I can handle around freezing point temperatures.

7. And for those inactive moments I usually put on an item I bought at an army surplus. It’s a
used 80/20 wool blend sweater made by Helly Hanson. Used by the Dutch troops. I really
love this one because it’s warm and cosy and has an extra long backside and sleeves. This
eliminates cold bridges between my layers.

8. A guidance for wearing wool, it’s all about capturing the air in between the layers. So it has to be
somewhat loose fitting to be effective.
The suit
The suit I eventually ended up with was a typical hunters brand and they are from the
Netherlands. Hallyard is the name and somehow I fell in love with that brand.

9. The suit is waterproof and windproof. Using membranes underneath the outer layer and a
Teflon coating on the upper fabric. It is polyester so firesparks from the campfire are my
worst enemy. It has an extra down fur layer that I can take out the pants and the jacket. This
is really gear for when winter begins until it ends. For the rest of the year I can only use the
jacket without the downfur layer.
Plenty of wide pockets and extra protection on the legs for thorns and such.

15. Hand gloves
I have a simple 3 way layer depending on how cold it is.

17. So it’s wool on wool on insulated mittens with leather work surface. I also cary a thin pair of
leather gloves where ever I go. I always have to watch out that the wool doesn’t get wet so
you might want too go with ski gloves as your second layer.
The added comfort
Well for me these items are a must but for others it might not. When facing deep snow, cold
and wet conditions, my mission is to stay comfy, warm and dry. Next items help me alot
with that.
- Gators

19. Ok we are not going to a fashion parade ,these Gators keep the snow out of my shoes and
my insulated layers. A must have to keep your feet dry.
- Buff
I have multiple Buffs and they have proven their usefulness over and over again. This is a
merino wool one and I can honestly recommend this thing. Keeps neck well covered.

21. - Wool neckpiece

22. This is a really simple yet effective item.
- Head protection
Wherever I go, I go with my hat. It’s made out of kangaroo leather and made by Barmah in
Australia. In combination with my buff, so far no problem during the winter. I’m still looking
for a very warm fur head cover but I’m looking for something from the trappers, for me no
fake fur if I have to depend my life on it.
Boots
I have 2 pair, my B/c rated high Meindl’s all year true but when it gets to cold or I’m standing
still a lot in cold conditions, I tend to go with the winter Meindl. They have an extra
insulated layer then can be taken out to dry. Don’t dry out your leather or goretex shoe
near a campfire. You will drastically decrease there lifespan.

23. And so I come to an end of my bushcraft winter clothing. It took me 4 year to assemble this

24. Leave a Reply
outfit. It’s all about my preferences and the areas I tend to stay. Build for temperatures from
+10 till -20.
Hope you enjoyed this article. Go out, have fun and stay safe.
Do what you like and do it often.
yours sincerely
Angelo Valkenborgh
http://instagram.com/becomingwildman
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