How to Stay Warm this Winter: A Simple Layering System

With November arriving, it’s getting cold out! As temperatures drop, you may be wondering what the best approach to staying warm is. Luckily, there is an exact science on how to make that happen. And, fortunately, we are experts in this science. We also can get VERY geeky when talking about staying comfortable outside. But for this article, we won't get too crazy with technicalities, rather we will suggest 3 simply ways to keep you warm.

Before we dive in, I want to remind you not to confuse bulky, dense layers with warmth. The secret to warmth is choosing the right piece for each layer in your system.

A Baselayer - Keep Skin Dry with Moisture Wicking Fabric

The number one rule to staying warm is keeping your skin dry. Now, I know we all love a good ol’ cotton shirt, but this is one of the worst possible materials when it comes to staying dry and warm. Your base layer should be fitted and made of moisture wicking material like polyester or merino wool. It should fit close and should be designed to move any moisture away from your body. A good baselayer also helps you regulate your body temperature.

A Mid-Layer - Insulate and retains body heat

Now that we have a base layer acting as a second skin that moves away moisture, let’s talk about keeping your body heat in. The trick here is to create a ‘gap’ between your body and the cold outside. This area ‘dead air space’ is similar to how a house is insulated. You have the exterior of the house, a gap filled with insulation, and then your inside walls. The gap area filled with insulation is light and fluffy and creates a place where air can sit. That’s exactly what we want in a mid layer. Think about creating a space where body-warmed air can sit and hang out. That’s warm space of air is what keeps you warm. A puffy, lightweight jacket filled with down or synthetic alternative or a fluffy - not dense- fleece will get the job done.

Outer Layer - Protection from the Environment

The outer shell is the final layer and should protect you from wind and rain. Additionally, this layer protects the body-warmed air directly underneath it (the air that keeps you warm) from escaping too fast. You will also want to make sure this layer is breathable and big enough to fit over your base and mid-layer.

So let’s recap. Staying warm and layering up doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a moisture wicking base layer, add a mid layer that has a little fluff to it, and top it off with a outer-shell that will protect you from the elements.

Obviously, there is much more to it, but if you follow these basics, you will be well on your way to a warm winter season. If you still have questions about staying warm, let us know! We are always here to help!