The wind makes the cold worse than the number
Short answer: Ten degrees with hard wind feels like four. The wind removes the thin layer of warm air that otherwise lies right against the skin, and that is why the cold feels stronger than the number on the thermometer. A tight outer layer and a soft layer inside do the most for you.
What the wind does
The body warms a thin layer of air right around itself. That layer is part of the insulation. Wind blows it away faster than the body can make a new one, and the result is that the cold feels stronger. That is why a windless day at ten degrees can feel completely different from a blowy day at the same temperature.
How much colder it feels
At ten metres a second, ten degrees feels like about four. That is an approximate figure, and it depends on moisture, sun and how much you move. The point is that the temperature on the thermometer does not tell the whole story, and that you should dress for the wind, not only for the number.
What helps
A tight outer layer that stops the air. It does not have to be thick, it just has to be windproof. A thin, dense layer outside often does more than a thick, loose one, because it holds the warm air layer in place. Choose a jacket that closes well at the neck and wrists. See bamboo clothing for men.
What does not help
Several layers of knitwear with nothing dense on top. The wind goes straight through loose knit, no matter how many layers there are. The air is not trapped, and the warmth disappears. If you only have knitwear with you, wear it as close to the body as possible and put a windproof jacket over it if you can. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.
The innermost layer
Inside you need something soft and thin that does not turn cold and clammy if you sweat on the way. Bamboo viscose suits well as a first layer, because it draws moisture away from the skin. A dry inner layer means the wind has less to work with when you stand on the platform. See bamboo underwear for men.
Neck, head and hands
The face often feels coldest, because it is the only place that is not covered. Neck, ears and hands also lose heat quickly in wind. A hat, scarf and gloves take up almost no room in the bag, yet make a big difference. Put them on before you start to freeze, so you avoid getting cold.
Wind in summer
The wind acts in summer too, but there it is pleasant because it cools. It is the same mechanism, only with the opposite sign. The wind takes the warmth from the skin, and on a warm day that is exactly what you want. On a cold day it is the problem, so you think in terms of protection.
On a bike and on foot
On a bike you help create the wind yourself, and it feels stronger than when walking. Dress for the wind of your speed, not for the forecast. Light layers you can zip up and down make it easy to regulate when you pick up speed and when you stop at a traffic light.
Care and fit
Wash clothes for cold weather according to the care label and let them dry fully before wearing them again. Damp clothes lose much of their insulation. The fit of the innermost layer should be close but not tight, so no folds form under the jacket for the cold to find its way in.
Frequently asked questions
How much colder does it feel
At ten metres a second, ten degrees feels like about four. The figure is approximate and also depends on moisture and sun, but it shows that wind changes the experience a great deal.
Does it apply in summer too
Yes, but there it is pleasant because the wind cools. It is the same effect, and it only becomes a problem when you are already cold or wet.
Why does the face feel coldest
Because it is the only place that is not covered. The skin on the face is exposed to the wind all the time, and that is why you feel the cold there first.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
