The layering rule
Cold on the ground, mild in the air, warm by breakfast. Three layers you can shed beats one heavy coat. In the basket there is no wind chill because you move with the air.
Footwear
Closed shoes with a flat sole. Fields are dusty and sometimes stubbled, and you may take a step or two on landing. Sandals and heels are a bad idea.
By season
- • Winter: thermal or long-sleeve base, fleece, windproof jacket, hat
- • Spring and autumn: long sleeves plus a light jacket
- • Summer: long sleeves for the pre-dawn hour, t-shirt underneath
Leave behind
- • Loose hats and scarves that can blow out of the basket
- • Anything you cannot secure with a strap
- • Large bags — space in a shared basket is limited