Better Living Through Layers
Any ski instructor will tell you that adding layers keeps the sweat away from your skin (thanks to the base layer, basically long underwear), the chill out of your bones (insulation layer, i.e. a flannel or fleece top), and the precipitation from making you a soggy mess (rain shell or other, lightweight waterproof garment).
Why is layering so perfectly suited to Humboldt State’s climate? It’s got something to do with burning all those calories on the way up to Founders Hall and the tendency for Arcata’s days to start like English pea soup and end up sunny and warm by noon. If you’re on campus all day, having a versatile, layered outfit will help you deal with the roller coaster weather. Hey, there’s a reason why so many old timer’s favorite line is “don’t like the weather in Humboldt County? Wait five minutes.”
The Rain Shell
We can’t just brush over the rain-shell and not talk more about this critical piece of winter wear. Breathability is key when selecting a rain shell for the North Coast. When it rains, latent heat from the evaporation process is released and air temperatures rise. That means our winters, wet as they may be, rarely see temperatures dipping below the 40s. Add these relatively warm temperatures to the natural body heat generated at Hills and Stairs University, and you can see why heavy jackets, like an insulated snowboarding coat, will leave you panting like a dog.
Umbrellas
Save these for the day of your final presentation when a rain coat looks ridiculous with a suit and tie. On every other rainy day of the year a hat and a rain-shell are all you ever need, unless you really can’t stand getting wet.
The sweater, the flannel and the fleece
You’ve gotta stay warm on those crystal clear January mornings. Here’s where your insulation layer earns its keep. Fleece is great for keeping the chill out and it packs down into a backpack-friendly size. Flannel is the less expensive option and will keep you warm when the wind whips up (and destroys all those aforementioned umbrellas). The classic, eco-friendly option is the timeless wool sweater. They’re breathable, stylish and come in a ton of styles: cardigan, v-neck, boat neck, 1/2 zip, 1/4 zip, pullover … you get the idea.
Footwear
Is it better to wear sandals in the rain because your feet dry faster than socks or are galoshes essential? Whatever your views on winter footwear, keeping your toes dry is the main goal. Decent winter shoes should have a thick enough sole to keep you out of most puddles, a quality upper material, either leather or synthetic, and the fewer the seams the better since this is where the water seeps in. A few things that are surely out: the Cons, the Vans, the Crocs and the running shoes that are so comfy in the summer.
Transportation
First, check out the DMVs excellent list of tips for winterizing your car. Bicyclists, don’t forget there’s still work to be done before winter bears down. Fenders are essential to avoiding the skunk-like stripe of mud that will adorn your back after your first rainy ride and a few choice pieces of clothing like gloves, face masks and rain pants help keep the rest of you dry. Knobby tires, like those on a mountain bike, do a better job of gripping slippery surfaces than do the slick racing tires on road bikes and early nightfall means having proper reflective gear is even more important this time of year.
Where to Buy
The Arcata Plaza is home to plenty of great places to buy your winter clothes, but don’t forget thrift stores, second-hand shops and your parents’ closet. Looking for deals is sure to pay off, especially when you shop out of season for your winter gear. However you go about getting your winter clothes, be sure to get the stuff that’s right for our unique North Coast climate and do it early‚ the rainy season waits for no one.