Be Bold, Start Cold

[@trekitt]

* DISCLAIMER * We know Bob didn't come up with the phrase and it's been around for a while. However, he was the first one that introduced it to us back in the day. Over and out. Harry

[@trekitt]

@@chowbai That's the one! He's a legend.

[@bobcontouroutdoor2196]

@@trekitt @chowbai Thank you for the kind comments. Always good to receive some feedback, especially on a Monday. Hope you're putting those trad skills to good use. Bob

[@firkinjeffery1]

From a Sottish hill farmer. "If you dont want to get cold. dont get hot" Worked well for me over many visits to the highlands. When you stop put a layer on when you move on take it off. enjoy Love the vids...

[@trekitt]

Another great phrase to add to the collection. Harry

[@wmorton]

This has to be one of the most useful videos that you've made, especially for folks that are just getting started with hiking. I think the popularity of the "puffy jacket" unfortunately has distracted people from the layering advice that I learned in the '90s... utilizing base layer, thermal fleece layer, and shell layer.

[@trekitt]

Thank you 🙌

[@hywel3143]

Wise words from Paul. It's interesting that alpine shepherds seldom layer up and down much during their working day, but tend to regulate body heat just by varying their pace. So no "power hikes" to summits, but also only brief breaks before moving on again...

[@trekitt]

That's interesting to know. I guess they aren't carrying a big pack to stuff layers into all the time. Harry

[@paulrshepherd]

Great video. 👏🏻 I’ve been doing that same set up for ages. Amazing how people you see stop after 10mins hike as there all hot and sweating and normally end up taken too many layer off and getting too cold !!! My other tips Eat before your hungry Drink before your thirsty Just means you keep the body topped up. Again seen many people reach a summit and very thirsty and end up downing pints of water and then feeling like crap, but if you drink little before you get too thirsty your body coupes better. Same with snacks / energy bars. They won’t work as soon as you eat them. It take time for the body to adsorb it. So if you eat before your hunger. Your keeping your energy levels up. Of courses when you have reacted your destination that’s the time for the main food and hopefully you won’t be starving and end up rushing food down and getting indigestion ☕️ 🥪

[@trekitt]

Eating and drinking before hungry/thirsty are great tips. I keep a load of snacks in the hipbelt pockets of my rucksack to prevent the dreaded hunger shakes. Harry

[@TonySaunders]

As always some great information, I'm sure like many I have made the mistake of over layering at the start of a hike! I'm hiking my local mountain here in Iceland on Sunday and this time I will leave my mountain equipment kryos in my pack for as long as is sensible, with temperatures predicted down to -13c before windchill I think your advice might well save me the chills I often get from sweating long before the summit

[@Whiskybottle118]

I regonise that hill. Took some new kit up there to try it after buying from Trekkit in store. It was snowing sideways, white trig point in cloud & snow... Didn't get cold though, Montane Flux jacket over Montane layers😀

[@ianrudd7442]

I have never heard it called that before but I like it and it will be added to my lexicon. However it does parallel advice that I give to participants when I am training that you always want to wear one layer less than you think. This has been adopted by me over the years because I had noticed that participants layer up to the nines when leaving camp and then after 10 minutes walking with their day/exped pack they stop to takes layers off. Another great video.

[@frwb3351]

thanks buddy for the proper demonstration this topic

[@trekitt]

No problem!

[@Babel7078]

Great idea for video, thanks! Very important thing though, is the base layer. Some people prefer wool or combination of wool and synthetic material, for me, when working hard, synthetic base layer works best.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Yep .. the Base Layer is not there primarily to keep one warm .. but to 'wick' moisture away off the skin.

[@GhostyDog]

Great video, watched so many of your vids the past month gearing up for winter mountain conditions, keep up the good work 👍🏻 one from my youth “if you’re cold you’re not working hard enough” 😁

[@trekitt]

Haha, good ol' brutal honesty

[@DS-ej6du]

Great video. Thank you. I have made the mistake of wearing too much on occasion and end up drenched and colder as a result. Really good advice 👍🏻

[@trekitt]

Trial and error is the best way to learn. I've made the same mistake many a time. Harry

[@dmac2573]

I bought the Hestra Wakayamas based on Paul's recommendation, I'm absolutely loving them. Super warm, stylish, and they seem to mould to my hands over months of use.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I use textile motorcycle gloves, warm, waterproof and a fraction of the cost.

[@Ant-66]

Best outdoor clothing reviews on KZbin and best presenter by a mile 👏

[@trekitt]

Thanks Tom 🙌

[@MrNeeeooo]

Thank you so much another brilliant ‘team Trekitt’ video keep up the brilliant work !

[@trekitt]

Thank you, will do!

[@JohnSmith-ep2hh]

Great vid Paul. I’m fortunate enough to live only a few miles from hay bluff and often treat myself to a lunchtime razz up and down. I saw the paragliders up there on the 20th so guessing it was the same day you filmed. Shame I missed you as I would have relished trying to photo bomb haha. As for the layering imo this video is spot on. I see lots people wandering up the hills wearing down jackets this time of year and far be it from my place to tell them it’s not wise so I guess it’s something they end up learning the hard way because the start cold mantra just isn’t that widely taught. On a personal note I picked up a rab Vapour Rise alpine jacket from you guys just before Xmas and it’s revolutionary. Have worn it on the hills every weekend since in rain, sleet, sunshine, and everything in between. Cannot recommend it highly enough for anybody looking for something genuinely breathable but which also keeps you warm when it gets wet. I wear it over a rab baselayer and only need to add an extra layer if I stop for longer than a few minutes or it’s reslly cold like it was today. Overall it’s just brilliant! Everybody should have one!!

[@trekitt]

Ah, 1 day out, we were there on the 21st! Agree with the verdict on the VR Alpine, it's a great thing to own. Harry

[@DavidSmith-ql3zp]

Agree entirely, started cold going up Y Garn on Friday with RAB Alpha Direct/base layer up to the cloud line then added Saltoro top and bottoms in the wet, no moisture or warmth issues once underway. Excellent video, thanks team Trekitt.

[@Charactermatters650]

AMC/ADK - Winter School White Mountains in NH - this was the way to go when we taught folk to winter climb/hike and camp. The idea is to stay dry if possible thru your entire hike - no excess sweating - easy to say but hard to do, but it is possible. Layer on and layer off before your too warm or too cold. This is critical if your winter camping for a week or more at a time (zero degrees F or lower is the norm). You must stay as dry as possible. Start the day dry and finish it dry when you crawl into your snow cave at days end.

[@davereckoning9530]

Great video. I really do think the trick here is the correct use of hat(s) and neckwear. Start cold with a warm hat; it's so easy to adjust (e.g. roll up over ears etc.) or remove, to replace with either cap or open air. Also, the use of a buff - a lot of heat can be lost through the head and neck but it seems to me the perception of cold is far reduced by starting with a buff, and again adjust or remove to suit. Also, of course, if one stops, the correct use of nearby terrain to shield from the wind / expose to the sun (if any!). But, yes, great video, this knowledge is a must for all.

[@trekitt]

Good points, a good hat, set of gloves and buff makes a world of difference as well. Harry

[@sigiloletal]

Bob Thomas, one of my mentors for real hahaha. Great piece of information. Thanks

[@DawnPakundo]

Excellent video, explained what everyone needs to know. I see all of these people in parkas going up fells in the lake district and looking sweaty in a chilly & windy day while I'm just wearing a base, my trusty R1 and a gamma sl for emergency when the wind picks up going up helvellyn, sometimes in knee deep snow. Btw just bought 3 exped synmats from your sale. Can't wait to try them out this weekend.

[@kpj5]

What backpack were you using?

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/rucksacks/technical-packs/osprey-mens-talon-26-eclipse-grey__41286

[@krolock9322]

Please what walking poles uses Paul in this video? Thx! And thank you very much for your super videos!!

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/walking-poles-ice-axes/black-diamond-unisex-trail-pro-trekking-poles-pair__37264 No problem, thanks for watching! Harry

[@mhpupacios]

Great advice - thank you . I have been doing this all wrong to date so I will amend my ways and be bold starting cold next time .

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Love that saying BE BOLD START COLD it's so true atvb jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@jasonphillips8302]

Tried this on my 2.5 mile walk into work this morning. Glad i Packed my waterproof jacket. 👍🏻

[@trekitt]

Always worth popping the shell in!

[@ericbrabham3640]

Yep , I always start cold and warm up very quickly after hitting the trail.

[@keyop1970]

Love these videos even though they are teaching me that I have been getting it wrong for a long time! Do you size down/up your various layers to allow them to fit over/under the others?

[@trekitt]

Generally no. Almost all of Paul's layers are a size large. Many layers are oversized from the factory as they're designed to go over all your other layers - a belay jacket for example. Harry

[@akbunny5221]

Great advice, thank you...! Hope you enjoyed your beer....😉

[@alanrowland398]

As ever Paul a great video and great advice!...... "trekkit forever "....... im walking a 10 miler tomorrow around historical Lavenham...... hot porridge for breakfast..... then I'm ready to " be bold be cold "

[@alanrowland398]

I mean be bold start cold ... lol

[@trekitt]

Funny you mention that, I've got a bowl of porridge in front of me right now whilst replying to these comments! Hope you enjoyed your outing. Harry

[@craigdavies1747]

People forget about getting warm through activity. I tend to use 3 breathable layers or something bulkier if I know it's going to be needed. Nice video. 👍

[@andys121.]

Cant believe this popped up on my videos , as a runner I use the saying be bold run cold , ha great video

[@trekitt]

I imagine as a runner it's even more applicable!

[@FlatusJae]

Thanks for the video! I admit I learned this the hard way by sweating my layers completely wet during first hour of recent hike I did and when I stopped, it got really, REALLY cold! But even after that I didn't think about just literally taking everything unnecessary completely off and then adding them later when needed. Thanks for the lesson!

[@trekitt]

Best way to learn, trial and error!

[@leekarsonkal2090]

Hihi Paul! Further to the video, may I know if the Talon 22 could hold all the clothing and gear you’ve got in your Talon 26? Thinking between a 22 and 26… Thanks for all your great videos!

[@trekitt]

The 22 has enough room for a day's worth of kit unless in the middle of winter with lots of food, spare laters and safety equip. On that particular day of filming the 22 would have been fine.

[@leekarsonkal2090]

@@trekitt Wow! Thanks so much for your valuable and professional advice!

[@soggz4246]

Thanks. Well worth knowing!👍🏾

[@robertlockwood4793]

Feeling the benefit of this concept since putting a Rab VR Summit jacket into use.

[@trekitt]

Good to hear!

[@zedman1]

Know that car park well. It’s just down from where they filmed “An American Werewolf in London”. Great video as ever!

[@trekitt]

That's the one!

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

One of my favourite sayings, since I heard an American hiker say it. Set off cold. Did you wear a base layer under you rab waterproofs? I have a couple of excellent Rab jackets - shame they are made in China though.

[@ek-nz]

I feel like YT has suggested this video in my feed because my phone has heard me say this several times to various people recently. Be bold start cold. I learnt it from a guy called Moose. Thanks Moose.

[@trekitt]

Good name. Thanks Moose.

[@michaeldesouza4911]

Fantastic video, just the information I really needed, thanks to Paul. I’m going wild camping tonight so will follow your advice. Taking my new RAB accent 1100 with me which arrived from you earlier this week - fab service and advice from Saul. Take care all at Trekitt.

[@trekitt]

Great to hear on all fronts. Enjoy your wild camp - I'm sure you won't be cold in that beast of a bag. Harry

[@dessiediamond7414]

Great informative video. Thanks for sharing

[@MentalAboutOutdoors]

Awesome video, could you please let me know what trousers you are wearing on the way up the mountain?

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/trousers-shorts/montane-mens-terra-mission-pant-black__36000

[@darrenmccann5184]

Another wonderful video! Thank you. Great advice and super helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@trekitt]

Thanks Darren 🙌

[@Wastelander13]

This is a great video. 👍👍👍

[@melaniebailey7210]

Fantastic video! 👍

[@ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣΒΑΛΛΙΑΝΑΤΟΣ]

Thank you for the video!

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@HaiHuilaMunte]

Interesting advices! I've noticed that you use 2 different sets of gloves in the video. Can you please do a video about softshell gloves for spring/autumn and winter for wormth with or without goretex and how to use them in layers as well. Thank you.

[@trekitt]

We'll have a slightly more generic 'glove layering' video out very shortly. Harry

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Good advice & well explained. Thank you.

[@MarksGoneWalking]

Great advice 👍 and video as usual.Top job; keep them coming.

[@DaarkMana]

It's helpful to see an example of how to use the layering system during a hike.

[@matthewharding89]

What are the brown gloves you put on later in the video, Paul? I like the look of those! Thanks

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-corkbrown__40867

[@monzarace]

Good solid info. Thanks.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Great advice

[@1968hvr]

Cooool video, could you please tell me what those brown gloves are, make/model please

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-corkbrown__40867

[@niallmaclennan]

Great video. What are the gloves with the leash called please?

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-corkbrown__40867

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

Iv always struggled with being too hot even in the dearest of snowy winter nights (too much fat and hair) I only learned as an adult that your warmer layers are for when you stop.

[@trekitt]

Everyday is a school day, as Paul would say! Harry

[@stuartsteele9984]

Great suggestion. Fabrics whether synthetic or wool are a matrix of fibers allowing cold air to penetrate between the fibers. That's where a windproof, breathable light layer succeeds in eliminating the cold penetration. My base layer is either a merino wool or polypropylene zip turtle neck long sleeve shirt. My second layer is my DIY heat reflective, breathable, wind and waterproof anorak, 96.3 grams. My third layer is normally an alpaca sweater during non wet conditions. I reverse the second and third layers if the weather is wet. I have a wind proof lined wool beanie plus my anoraks' hood should I need it. I wear a polypropylene bottom base layer at around 0 degrees C and optionally my DIY heat reflective leggings, 31.2 grams depending on the wind. My best solution for both weather conditions normally down to 2 degrees C. I have my down hooded jacket available should conditions drop to -4 degrees C, my bottom preferred temp limit. Wind penetrating cold is highly objectionable. Hiking with good sun & no wind reduces the need for numerous layers.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍 .. very wise advice. Ten years ago, I discovered Nordic Walking when I came to Switzerland. Am still at it (72 yrs of age next month and counting). I practice 'Be Bold Be Cold'.. the rest of my Wednesday Walking Group think at times I'm nuts .. but then, my Internal Furnace ensures that I quickly warm up. When the tips of my little fingers stop hurting, then I know that I'm up to 'Operating Temperature'. 'Extra Gear' .. I have to catch two buses and a train to the neighbouring village where the Walking Group is based .. a 90 minute trip of which the actual travelling on public transport is only about 25 minutes .. the rest of the time spent 'waiting outside' for better days .. Thus, I'm nicely trussed up in multi-layers beforehand (like an onion) .. much of which comes off just before we start walking. A 22 litre Sea to Summit Ultra‑Sil Dry Daypack takes care of the excess baggage until it's needed again. A good share .. one that everybody going out there (even in good weather should heed .. a misnomer in all weather is good 😊) .. thanks. Take care ..

[@trekitt]

'Internal Furnace' is a good phrase... may have to steal that one!

[@thomasmusso1147]

@@trekitt 👍 .. you're welcome 😊.

[@danielfinch362]

If your body heat regulation isn't great mereno wool should serve you well. Any product with at least 80% wool

[@Penberth1]

What beer was had in the Crown though? Looks like an Ale kinda day.....

[@trekitt]

Can't go wrong with a Doom Bar!

[@trekitt]

Butty Bach every time! Paul.

[@_christianlowe]

Really helpful thanks for the advice

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

This is quite possibly one of the most useful videos I’ve seen 👍🏼 How does the ME Switch compare to the ME Kinesis? I can’t find any comparisons online. Other than the hood and different materials, they both seem to be marketed as an active breathable layer? I was about to go for the Kinesis but That Switch looks good and perhaps less bulky than the Kinesis would be under a shell 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ll prob also go for a Rab Xenair Alpine for further insulation. I’m going round in circles 😂 Cheers.

[@trekitt]

Thank you! Kinesis is more weather-resistant (less stitching and no fleece), but both are essentially designed for the same thing. The Switch is probably the more breathable of the two and works best as a midlayer due to the lack of hood. I have a Kinesis and use it as an outer when moving quickly. If I owned the Switch, I'd personally use it more as a super warm midlayer. Harry

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

@@trekitt thanks Harry, that’s exactly what I needed to know. Cheers.

[@TS-rw2fh]

Although the highest point i walk to tends to be the top of the highstreet, i find these videos very useful. I had a huge synthetic padded columbia jacket for winter but would sweat my nuts off within 10 minutes of walking. Bought a rab nebula pro after seeing pauls video and its miles better.

[@johncrouch8988]

Hi 👋🏻 Good advice that every Infantryman is taught Solid advice ✌️

[@Artur..L]

Great video as usual. I have as little hair as you ;) so in a chilly condition I like to wear a thin merino beanie all the time. Also out of curiosity, would you ever wear an insulated jacket (like that Rab Infinity or Arcteryx Cerium) over a base layer while walking uphill? In a winter condition maybe? I wonder if it would provide enough breathability...

[@trekitt]

Not in the UK. At most a heavyweight softshell, but an Infinity would just be too warm.

[@chrisedwards4403]

I’m going to write “Be bold, start cold” into my rucksack lining to remind me - thanks for that!

[@trekitt]

Good idea!

[@grahamriley8124]

In my experience stretch wind jackets and the newer stretch insulating pieces are far superior for breath ability and reduce clamminess. It is typical how companies discontinue great products but the old Schoeller dryskin fabrics were / are excellent and I am never giving up my Mammut New Age jacket until it falls apart. It blocks the wind but not entirely, has a little fleeciness against the skin and breathes so, so much better than a pertex wind jacket. However, it is freezing in the late evening at the beginning of a winter bike ride!

[@churchofthegreenflipflop2436]

Nice video. What montane trousers were you wearing?

[@trekitt]

Terra Mission: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/trousers-shorts/montane-mens-terra-mission-pant-black__36000

[@churchofthegreenflipflop2436]

@@trekitt I have a pair of Tera stretch pants and super Tera. . . Are they somewhere in between? I also own a pair of ME ibex pants - are they similar?

[@gingerb36]

Very good advice

[@ghostfaceslug]

Great video thanks for the info

[@eastnygoon138]

I love Trekkit. Best reviews on YT

[@trekitt]

Thanks Stephen 🙌

[@snlsnl2897]

Great advice !

[@rhodeapple8804]

A little jewel of wisdom right there….if you’re a walker, day hiker, etc, etc…heed his advice…..

[@kevinbungles]

What were the gloves you had on

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-corkbrown__40867

[@chrismccannIRL]

I tend to just take then outer jacket off 10 mins or so in. Start warm stay warm but don’t over heat?

[@trekitt]

Both works! Starting a little cold just means you don't have to stop and take your pack off. Harry

[@MrKodsine]

Essential tip! 🤘

[@dimi7055]

I very much agree out of experience!

[@blueandwhiteeighttwo]

Hi, the heavyweight gloves which model are they?

[@trekitt]

www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-corkbrown__40867

[@blueandwhiteeighttwo]

@@trekitt thanks

[@nosilverharbinger]

It isn’t quite the time for colder weather again yet, but when it is some people just throw their jackets and sweaters away when they get too hot. The mountains in my area are covered in trees, and I have found these items hanging from them along the trails and carried back a few for disposal. 😂

[@trekitt]

We have a situation a bit like that in Herefordshire but it's generally dog turds hanging from trees unfortunately. I'd much rather find a jumper!

[@nosilverharbinger]

@@trekitt I'm laughing, but mainly at the absurdity of it all. I wasn't going to mention the more undesirable waste, but yes I have seen worse than I am willing to write. I'm sure you have also. One of the parks very near to me gets over 30 million visitors per year, so when you go anywhere there bring a garbage bag as it will be needed. The one nice thing is they prohibit pets, and they do strictly enforce it. I couldn't tell you how many times I have seen people crying and arguing with a ranger as they issue a citation, and load their pet in a truck. It doesn't stop the issues with waste entirely due to people abandoning their pets in the park, but it is a rare sight.

[@PMarsh14]

Really useful

[@rossmacrae8406]

I agree with the phrase but I hate being cold so, when out in the Scottish Highlands mountains every weekend, I just take a layer (or two) off when I begin warming up. Don't even need to stop, just put my jacket in stretch pocket on rucksack.

[@trekitt]

That works too!

[@electriccottage8342]

perfect

[@alexperkins8261]

Completely agree!

[@bencooper6616]

Why don't more manufacturer's put pit zips in insulation layers? It would be much easier to regulate your temperature when wearing them then..?

[@trekitt]

An insulating layer's job is to trap as much air as possible; popping two more zips in there would create two large cold spots that'd allow warm air to escape. This would be fine if you were boiling hot, but if you were at the top of your ascent and needed quick insulation, it wouldn't keep you as warm. Harry

[@goldenwombat2159]

I sort of discovered that a cheap regatta pack away waterproof jacket and a thin long sleeved baselayer is ideal, I've spent hundreds on breathable waterproof jackets just not worth it, nothing is 100 percent breathable may aswell spend 20 quid and be chilly, moisture free.

[@Wild-Camping-Geordie]

Good common sence 👍

[@williamfalcon7351]

Be bold, just start.

[@trekitt]

That too

[@somedegreeofsundown2338]

without the cap on in the thumb nail I thought this would be a game of thrones video about varys or something.

[@jasyamaha]

Be bold and start cold. That'll be stuck in my head till I'm so old I can't walk anymore, not to far away. What happened to all the trees there? Is that from a few thousand years of human occupation? Here in Australia we cut them all down but now have a billion acres of sub 100 year old trees.

[@trekitt]

The trees in this specific area or just in general? We do have plenty of woodland, just not often in the mountains.

[@donalddarko3676]

I see everyone walking up the hill sweating out in their jacket meanwhile I'm only putting mine on when im sat down at the top.

[@skeeterman7144]

Jeez. I now have to get a bigger backpack.

[@trekitt]

We know just where you can get one...

[@lookbacktime9422]

👍

[@pak-jak]

@trekitt We'd love to offer you a solution. Please contact us if you want to try one of our jackets.

[@halgalardinj]

Every child should watch this video from age 8

[@stiritup4663]

I start off in the pub. And then I stay there.

[@trekitt]

😂

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Great common sense advice

[@lewisdocherty7525]

You can always tell from the car park how are the amateurs by this rule of thumb.

[@Jmaccxx]

Saltoro*

[@trekitt]

Good spot

[@Jmaccxx]

@@trekitt I think it's because Paul also pronounced it that way too.

[@jeffstone28]

Be even bolder... ignore the one-size-fits-all "be bold, start cold" and start comfortable! That's what the rucksack is for. As soon as you feel too warm, whether it's 5 minutes after your start or 15, stop, take off your rucksack and put a layer away. There's no need to start uncomfortable unless you really want to. That's just silly.

[@thomasmusso1147]

All too often, by the time one feels 'too warm', one is already 'too wet' .. including clothing that would have been nice to don later, completely dry. Silly .. perhaps. However if this silliness works for those silly people 'in the know' and the rest of us 'sillies' who learned it from experience, then so be it. Each to their own.

[@jeffstone28]

@@thomasmusso1147Each to their own is the point I was trying to make, so we agree on that. I'm able to shed a layer or two before I start to sweat and many others have that amazing ability too.

[@stetomlinson3146]

I never layer. Haven’t done for about 5 years now. I use a Buffalo Shirt and trousers and nothing else. No waterproofs, no base layer. It’s brilliant stuff. I don’t know why you’d wear anything else.