You've heard it a thousand times and taken it to heart: Layer your duds for maximum outdoor comfort. So why, with a perfect system of next-to-skin insulation and outer layers, are you still freezing? The answer is in your shoes, in your pockets, and in your head.

A balaclava fits under helmets and is a good all-around head warmer

Vasoconstriction occurs first at the extremities—feet and hands—because the human machine comes preset with a default to protect the engine and computer (heart and brain) at all costs. Knowing this, the savvy backcountry traveler can retrofit ingenious devices onto dangling digits to prevent tripping the autopilot switch. Such devices are called socks and gloves.

The Secret to Warm Feet
It's not necessarily the insulation of a boot that keeps your footsies toasty, but the fit. Ill-fitting boots cut off circulation, and blood flow keeps you warm. Resist the urge to cram three pairs of socks into your summer hikers; you're better off with less sock and plenty of wiggle room.

Some folks prefer a thin polypro, silk, or merino wool liner sock (like Thorlo's lightweight wool-silk knee-highs) worn next to skin, topped with a medium-weight lofty sock of wool or synthetic knit. I'm of the single-layer sock school. I happily spring for expensive, form-fitting, calf-high hiking-trekking socks—I'm a big fan of SmartWool's products and can heartily recommend their midweight "Adventure Walk."

Keep boot linings dry with VBL
socks — plastic bags work too

A word of warning regarding VBLs: Your socks will be wet, but your boots won't. Meanwhile, your brain tells your feet to stop sweating so much. Whether or not you try VBLs, when your feet start to feel soggy, by all means stop and wring your spongy socks out, or change into a dry pair. Above all: Pack a spare pair of socks or two in cold weather, even if you're out for a day trip.

Move on to Warm Hands, Warm Heart

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