9 ways to stay warmer and more comfortable this autumn/winter

1 Your head

It’s a common fact that you lose more heat through your head than any other body part. However, your head never feels cold right? That’s because your body sends more heat there than any other body part to protect it. So if your feet and/or hands start feeling cold that’s because you’re losing heat in the head area so put on a hat or have your hood up.

2 The basic rules

First: the science. You need to dress in layers – and the more layers the better. Layers fill up the space between you and your winter coat with insulation. The more layers of insulation, the better because they trap air and they also allow you to regulate your body temperature more accurately. If you get too warm, you can always open up a layer.

Second prioritise. Decide which body parts you wish to keep warmest – this is the general rule of thumb: first you want to keep your torso warm. Second your want to keep your head warm. Third you want to keep your feet warm. Fourth you want to keep your neck warm. Fifth you want to keep your hands warm. Sixth you want to keep your legs warm.

Make sure you don’t sweat, because if you do you’ll get wet – and if you get wet, you get cold. So how do you avoid sweating? Make sure you peel off your layers as you start to get warm. A very fast way to cool off is to open up your jacket.

3 Invest in proper socks

We are still a few months away from heading into another one of our deadly winters, but this year don’t just instantly think about headwear – think feet. Now while at first glance paying upwards of twenty quid for a pair of socks may seem like an extremely overgenerous self-indulgence, they will pay you and your feet back big time. Designed specifically for crappy winter weather, Trakker’s new Merino Socks are one pair of hardy muthas – and at just £12 they’re well priced too. The Merino Wool gives them warmth and the in-turned welt results in a comfortable fit. Pair these with a set of Brashers and you’ll be set to take on Everest.

4 Insulate your bankside home

1. A groundsheet is an absolute must and if you can, place your bivvy on the driest area of the swim. 2. When you put the bivvy up, make sure the mud flaps are under the groundsheet this reducing draughts. 3. Peg the bivvy down as tight as you can and try to get the bivvy skin drum tight. 4. Winter skins really do make a difference, not only reducing condensation but reducing heat loss. They are only effective if they too are taught and DON’T TOUCH the bivvy skin.

5 Add a base layer

It’s an easy mistake to make – thinking that by throwing on another top layer to your sleeping bag (think: bedchair cover) you’ll feel warmer. In actual fact, your best bet is to add a mattress to your bed – just like this new-for-autumn-2015 one from Trakker. It’s designed for all-season use and helps stop cold air penetrating the base layer of your sleeping bag. And not only that, the Q700 hollowfibre insulation (the same as what’s used in their premium sleeping bag) actually improves comfort too.

6 Bedchair Thermal Liner

We’ll start with a bit of basic science: damp air rises so the base of your bedchair is going to get cold – and quickly – and currently all those thermal layers you keep throwing on are sitting on your chest, not back. Thankfully Trakker’s new Thermal Liner has your back – quite literally. It’s incredibly lightweight (300g), simply clips onto all standard sized beds and stops that rising cold damp hitting your back thanks to its EVA foam and PET reflective laminate.

7 Other 'warming' top tips

During an average winter’s day you can lose around 15% of your body heat through your feet (less if you select the right socks – go back to point 3). However, according to the chaps in our local camping shop, “Removing your socks when you get into bed will instantly make you feel warmer.” The reason? “Because they’re damp with moisture. If they’re damp and you don’t take them off, expect pale wrinkly tootsies in the morning.” Nice.

8 Strip off

To get the most from your sleeping bag you need to warm the fibres of the bag up. You can of course do this with a hot water bottle but you can’t do it whilst wearing three jumpers and two pairs of trousers. It sounds bizarre, but strip down to a few layers (undersuit and jogging bottoms and hoodie) and feel the heat build up within a few minutes.

9 Plenty of hot drinks

Anyone for a cuppa? #TrakkerProducts #Autumn15Collection #NewGear

A video posted by carpologyofficial (@carpologyofficial) on Sep 10, 2015 at 6:06am PDT

Hot food and drinks helps keep your inner core temp up. Plus, thanks to Trakker’s new Heat-Changing Mug, it’ll add a bit of magic to the tea-making ritual and provide some entertainment when Jack-all is happening.

Autumn's arrived

Summer’s over. Officially. And autumn’s began. The mornings are chillier, the nights are pulling in and Trakker has just launched their new twenty-fifteen Autumn Collection – a range which will definitely ease you through this transeasonal period. From suits and socks to heat changing mugs and mattresses, it’s once again a strong showing from our Sheffield-based friends. Click here for an exclusive first-look