Originally Posted by john doe

The one big thing that I didn't see said here was to avoid wearing anything cotton. Socks and glove being the most important. Merino wool is best but 100% synthetic is fine.

Cotton is a from a plant and will hold water. Once wet, it looses all insulation ability and will stay wet. Synthetics will let water evaporate faster. Merino wool still insulates while wet and releases water fast.