Layering Essentials for Winter Warmth

Getting outside for a winter workout can seem intimidating. Less daylight and more windchill means extra thought to prepare for the conditions and exertion ahead. You need to pick the right apparel to minimize dangerously cold sweat from within, while maximizing warmth and protection from the outer elements. Thankfully, there are simple solutions: dressing in layers that can be shed or replaced depending on energy output and selecting high-performance products that are purpose-built to mitigate moisture. The items below represent the key pieces of a complete cold-weather kit for proper layering, effective moisture management, and, most importantly, high comfort. They’ll keep you from guessing what to wear and ready for any winter activity, whether you’re sweating small errands or big endurance goals.

Base Layer: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew + Bottom

Smartwool lets the premium merino wool do the heavy lifting for this 100% merino slim-fit layer set (Men’s Crew + Bottom, Women’s Crew + Bottom). The intrinsic suppleness and moisture-mitigating properties of premium wool perform when you’re moving in cold temps. Smartwool sweetened the deal with comfort-focused design details, like flat, fit-enhancing seams to maximize warmth and minimize chafe.

Lightweight Shell: Summit Series Superior FUTURELIGHT Jacket

Think of a lightweight shell as a winter comfort seatbelt: incredibly important to have even if you don’t need it. While on, FUTURELIGHT hard shells regularly earn top breathability marks, thanks to The North Face’s proprietary fabric. Stowed, this Summit Series shell can be packed into its own internal pocket and slipped into a backpack if you begin overheating during a midwinter run.

Insulated Layer: Smartwool Smartloft Jacket

Inevitably—whether from sweat, rain, or snow—committed and prospective winter athletes alike will get wet. And SmartLoft’s recycled-wool insulation is here for that with its magical ability to retain warmth even when soaked. Stretch merino fleece in the Men’s and Women’s Smartloft Jacket delivers next-to-skin comfort that’s up to luxury lodge loungewear standards, while still doing the hard work of keeping you comfortable in extreme elements.

Heated Hands: Black Diamond Solano Heated Gloves

Yes, these Solano Heated Gloves are expensive ($400). But the first time you press the well-designed button that toggles through three heat settings—and transforms miserably frozen digits into happy fingers in seconds—you’ll never go back to lesser gloves. They aren’t all innovative electronics, however: these gloves are built with hardy goat leather and a nice Gore-Tex insert. They’re ready to thrive on any level of expedition, from local firsts to ends of the earth.

Down/Insulated Pants: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Pant

Down pants are unparalleled in both comfort creation on a freezing powder day and nerdiness when worn alone. Cotopaxi broke this paradigm when making the handsomely color-blocked Fuego Down Pants. These durable, DWR-treated pants don’t sleep on technical details, like an ergonomic waistband and ample leg zippers that play well with shoes.

Insulated Water Bottle: Yeti Rambler 18-Ounce Insulated Water Bottle with Chug Cap

It’s no overstatement to say that this vacuum-sealed bottle is the last one you’ll ever have to buy. Rest assured you’ll have warm hydration available in the cold for the rest of your recreating days. In typical Yeti fashion, the Rambler 18 is so dishwasher-safe that the brand checked that longevity alongside the life of an entire dishwasher. In other words, you will burn through appliances much faster than this premium vessel.

Midlayer: Smartwool Smartloft Vest 

The right vest, like this DWR-finished, stretchy option from Smartwool, is a secret weapon in any winter layering kit. The Men’s and Women’s Smartloft Vest offer the perfect thermal bump to your midsection and won’t hold too much moisture even during extreme exertion. It’ll keep your arms unencumbered and limber to push ski poles or swing an ice tool, or simply pack as lightweight backup warmth on a winter hike.

Hydration Backpack: Camelbak Zoid

It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated in winter, as sweat evaporates and thirst lowers in the cold. But dehydration is just as problematic as in summer months. Versatile snow-sport-specific hydration packs, like the two-liter Zoid, make it easier than ever to carry plenty of water for a big day of activity. The insulated pack won’t freeze up in extreme cold, and its low profile plays nice with a chairlift.

Undergarments: Smartwool Merino Briefs + Sports Bra

When layering up for extreme weather, don’t forget the most sensitive parts of your body. The Men’s Boxer Brief and Women’s Bikini (plus Racerback Bra) move moisture efficiently, courtesy of Smartwool’s Intraknit technology, to deliver extra support where your body needs it during jarring activities like an icy winter run.

Recovery Slipper: The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V Slipper

There are few feelings as glorious as transitioning from cold, wet, snow-crusted footwear into toasty slippers. ThermoBall Traction Mules have long set the standard, with ample synthetic insulation that breathes well while providing a primo lush fit, plus outsole traction that’s ready for any slippery ski area lot.

Waterproof Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2

This all-weather version of the proven Lone Peak relies on a sterling waterproof-breathable membrane to shield against snow and rain while venting interior moisture. Though short on vowels, the ALL-WTHR goes big on its readiness for your most foul-weather winter endeavors, thanks to its combo of moisture-mitigating bootie-like qualities and a heavily lugged, high-traction outsole.

Ski/Snow Socks: Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Extra Stretch Over the Calf Sock

Your feet are the engine for your human-powered adventures, and warm, dry, comfortable feet result in happy outings this time of year. Smartwool’s latest Men’s and Women’s merino ski and snow socks offer a near-custom level of snugness courtesy of the brand’s 4 Degree Elite Fit System. The Virtually Seamless toes work in combination with the premium wool to keep your dogs from barking in the extreme cold.

Based in Denver, Smartwool is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool and to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool products, visit Smartwool.com.