Winter's here, but have no fear if you've got the gear!

by Brian Schwarz

DATELINE DMV -- Winter's not so bad if you've got the gear. Layering is key to comfort when hourly weather changes lead to a faulty internal heat-regulating thermostat. Body temperature regulation can be easily maintained when you've got the essentials that sync with your particular outdoor activity and your ever-changing level of exertion as you transition from outdoors to in.

Not exactly a winter person - but having the right gear keeps me smiling!

The key to successful layering is having a good local outfitter, one who knows the weather and does the activities you do, in all seasons, in your specific region or the regions you're traveling to.

In my current little corner of Megalopolis, Hudson Trail Outfitters happens to be THE number one local outfitter in the DMV - the region that includes the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. From the Northern Blue Ridge and the Shenandoah to the Chesapeake, and all up and down the Potomac, HTO's outfitters are regional outdoor activity experts. And the company's bent on delivering "positively outrageous customer service" is why I've gotten involved as a manager.

The point isn't that HTO is the best in the business, although I'd certainly argue that's the case; It's that keeping your outfitting local will help you get the most out of your outdoor activity regardless of the weather outside.

You can't always count on the weather you'll get, but you can sure as hell get ready for any activity regardless of weather's whims by frequenting your local outfitter and learning from those who know.