Dr. Todd Wortman, a dentist in New York State, provides cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to patients of all ages. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Todd Wortman enjoys activities such as hiking.

Cold temperatures increase the risk of injury and may make hiking uncomfortable. However, cold weather is manageable when you wear the right clothes. 

The key to staying comfortable is the wearing of layers on cold-weather hikes. As you hike, the layers keep you dry and warm. If you find yourself getting too warm, you can remove a layer.

Hikers generally should adhere to a three-layer system. The first layer regulates body temperature and removes sweat. The thickness of the base layer depends on personal preference and the expected outside temperature.

For the second layer, provide your body with insulation. Puffy jackets and fleece jackets work well as insulation since they trap body heat.

Finally, the top layer keeps out wind and rain. Good outer layers are both breathable and water resistant.