We managed a short photo-shoot today to gather some more shots for our up-coming website. The site was several miles of shoreline and forest's along one of our local lakes. Not bitter cold, but a bit brisk and windy. The area should be around freezing with a slight wind tonight. Combined with the dampness, not a very comfortable night outside.
This photo is a prime example of your first line of defense against the elements. It is always said that your best survival item you have on your person at any time is the clothes on your back. I have a Gore-Tex outer jacket over polar fleece, fleece lined upland hunting pants, and comfortable Gore-Tex hiking shoes. My E.D.C (every day carry) bag is under the coat on my belt. With what I have on, and the contents of my E.D.C, I could spend the night out on a 32deg. night with wind and stay fairly warm. You may not be snug as in your own bed, but you won't have to worry about freezing.
There has been several times in past years, that I have spent the night out; equipped just like this photo, in weather just like this, just to "push the limits" and see how the night goes. I can safely say that over those years, this method of equipping for survival has proved itself time and time again. With just a bit of thinking in how your dressed, and what your carrying on your person, you can endure a night out without to much difficulty.