Staying Warm Outdoors This Winter
- Micah Gillette
- Dec 11, 2025
- 10 min read
Traveling somewhere cold this winter? Don't let the weather ruin your fun!
Winter is coming, and the temperatures are already dropping. This doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop. You’ll just need to make a few modifications to your outfit so you can enjoy it all year long. The best clothes in the world won’t do much good if you’re not wearing them correctly.
I’ve spent days outdoors where the highs were around -20°F and the lows dipped to -70°F. A group of us once did mountaineering recovery training in -40°F for about six hours. Sure, it’s cold out, but with the right clothing, you can be safe and maybe even enjoy those frigid temperatures.
Let’s dive into not only what to get but how to wear it so you can stay warm and have fun all year long.
Jump Ahead
Keep It Loose and Layered
Alright, this is kind of a two-for-one tip, but they go hand in hand, so it’s worth putting them together. First of all, if you’re into skinny jeans, yoga pants, or “shmedium” muscle shirts, it’s time to let it go. When I say loose, I mean everything should have a bit of wiggle room. Not just your clothes but your boots and accessories like watches and rings — all of it.
I had a student while teaching SERE in Washington State who had cold feet, and no matter what we did, we couldn’t seem to warm them back up. The temps were ranging from 10°F to 40°F on that trip — cold, but not extreme enough to explain it. After a few trials and errors, we found that her pants were tucked into her boots (bloused) and had sewn-in blousing bands (image below). These were cutting off circulation just enough to keep her feet cold. We cut the blousing bands and voilà — no more cold feet.
Basically, anywhere you have restrictive clothing, you’re slowing down blood flow. That warm blood is what circulates through your body and keeps you warm. So it’s important to make sure that when you’re shopping for clothes, you try them on together if possible. On top of cutting down circulation, if your outer layer compresses your mid layer, you’re losing valuable air space between your layers, and you’ll be colder. This brings us to the importance of layering.
Layering your clothing offers several important benefits. First, you don’t always need every layer. If it’s a bit warmer out, you can skip one of your insulating layers to stay more comfortable. This is much easier than relying on one heavy parka that’s all or nothing.
Second, layering lets you adjust throughout the day as your activity level or the weather changes. Sweating can be dangerous in the winter cold, so rather than stopping when you get warm, just remove a layer and toss it in your pack.
Finally, layering helps you manage moisture. With multiple layers, sweat can move away from your skin and evaporate through each layer instead of soaking into your clothes. Staying dry is just as important as staying warm — once your clothing gets wet, your body loses heat much faster.
Layer 1: Base Layer
Alright, aptly named the base layer, this goes right at the base of your system — directly against your skin. You’ve probably heard of long underwear; that’s what we’re talking about here.
This layer has two very important jobs. First, it should pull moisture away from your skin. Sweating in the cold only makes things worse, and if that moisture stays against your skin, it can quickly lead to a dangerous drop in body temperature. Your base layer should be made of a breathable material that fits close to the body but isn’t tight. It should contour comfortably under your other layers without restricting blood flow.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”— Alfred Wainwright
You can find base layers in both synthetic and natural materials, so based on your budget and preference, choose what makes the most sense for you.
Base Layer Material Comparison
Material Type | Pros | Cons |
Synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon, polypropylene) | - Dries quickly - Lightweight and affordable - Excellent moisture-wicking ability | - Can retain odor - Less breathable than natural fibers - May melt near fire or heat sources |
Natural (e.g., merino wool, silk, bamboo) | - Naturally odor-resistant - Regulates temperature well (warm when wet) - Breathable and comfortable | - Slower to dry - More expensive - Can be less durable depending on the weave |
After trying a ton of different materials and layers, I now opt for merino wool whenever I can find it. I just prefer the feel of natural materials on my skin. What’s on the market today isn’t the same as Grandpa’s old, itchy socks, though I have some fond memories of those from Montana. Merino wool feels great, but more importantly, it maintains its insulating properties even when wet. So if you fall in a river, get rained on, or sweat through the day, it’ll still hold some of its warmth and help keep you comfortable.
It also naturally resists odor, so you can wear it for several days without smelling like you’ve been living in the woods. Merino wool regulates body temperature better than most fabrics, keeping you warm in the cold and cool when you start to heat up. It’s lightweight, breathable, and soft enough to wear every day, making it one of the most versatile base layer materials you can own.
Layers 2 & 3: Mid and Insulating Layers
You may only need one of these, but insulating layers can count for two or three, depending on the conditions and activity. In many situations, a base layer, a single insulating layer, and an outer shell will do the job. However, if you’re in extreme cold, you’ll want to add a second insulating layer, at least on your top half.
I typically prefer a down jacket as my mid-layer. It packs down incredibly small, is super lightweight, and provides excellent warmth. Down jackets take a few minutes to fully loft back up after being compressed, and if it’s true down (feathers), you’ll want to avoid long-term storage in compression sacks, as they can damage the insulation. Synthetic down works well too, but I don’t find it quite as warm. It’s usually heavier and doesn’t pack as small. As with all good things, you’ll pay more for the performance of true down, but it’s worth it.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly or moisture-tolerant option, fleece is another great insulating layer. It dries fast, keeps some warmth even when damp, and is perfect for active movement in cold conditions. The key is to always keep your warmest layer closest to your body heat and your more breathable layer on the outside, so moisture has a way to escape.
For extreme cold, if I’m hiking (meaning generating plenty of body heat), I prefer to include an additional, thinner insulating layer. This lets me remove my heavier down jacket if I get too warm and either throw the outer shell over the thinner layer or just wear it on its own. I only really use this extra layer on my upper body. I don’t mind if my legs get a bit chilly, so unless I’m going to be stationary in extreme cold, the bottom half only gets one insulating layer.
Layer 4: Outer Layer
Your outer layer is your shield — it’s what keeps the elements out and everything underneath working the way it should. This is the layer that blocks wind, snow, and rain while still letting moisture escape. There are two main routes you can go here: a hard shell or an insulated jacket. Both have their place, and which one you choose really depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going.
A hard shell, like a Gore-Tex or similar waterproof-breathable jacket, is designed for protection first. It’s lightweight, windproof, and keeps out rain and snow even in nasty conditions. The beauty of a hard shell is flexibility — it doesn’t provide much insulation on its own, but it lets you control warmth through your inner layers. It’s perfect for activities where you’ll be moving a lot or when conditions are unpredictable. The downside is they can feel a bit stiff, noisy, and don’t offer that cozy warmth when you’re standing still.
Then you have your parka or ski-style jackets — the warmer, bulkier option. These usually have built-in insulation and are great when you know it’s going to be cold all day or you’re spending long periods not moving much. They’re comfortable, often have extra features like big hoods and pockets, and feel like a warm blanket in a storm. The tradeoff is weight and versatility. Once you start moving and sweating, these can overheat fast, and they take up more space when packed.
If I’m hiking, climbing, or doing anything active where I’ll be generating heat, I go with a hard shell. It keeps the weather off while letting me manage my layers underneath. But if I’m going to be sitting around a campfire, hunting in a stand, or doing less movement in real cold, I’ll grab the heavier insulated jacket every time. The right outer layer isn’t just about warmth — it’s about matching your gear to your activity so your whole system works together.
Extras and Accessories
Your layers don’t stop at jackets and pants; the small stuff can make or break your comfort in the cold. You can have the best clothing system in the world, but if your fingers or toes go numb, you’re done. A good pair of socks and boots is just as important to your comfort as your jacket. Take the time to do a little research here; there’s no shortage of great options.
Socks: Your socks are your first line of defense for your feet. Wool or wool-blend socks are the gold standard. They insulate even when wet and wick moisture away from your skin. Avoid cotton at all costs; it traps moisture and will freeze your feet faster than you’d think. I personally use Darn Tough socks. They’re a little pricey but have a lifetime warranty — yes, really. You never have to buy another pair. We’ve already talked about the importance of keeping dry, but it still sucks to put on cold socks, even if they’re technically dry. Stick a pair down the front of your pants and tuck them into your waistband. Your body heat will keep them warm and even dry them if they’re damp. Rotate socks throughout the day and you’ll always be greeted with a warm, dry pair.
Boots: A good winter boot should keep your feet warm, dry, and allow enough room for circulation. You’ll need to find the right balance on how tight they are. Too loose and you’ll get blisters if you’re hiking, too tight and we already know what happens there. I can’t stress this enough — go try them on with heavy winter socks. I strongly recommend trying a wide boot, and you may need to size up a half size from your normal shoe. I really prefer leather due to its durability, and I pair mine with gaiters to keep snow out. Whatever you wear, make sure they’re broken in before you trust them on a long trek.
Gloves: Depending on what you’re doing, your glove choice will change. I find a thin pair of wool gloves works great for most things, and I keep my hands in my pockets any time I’m not using them. If you’re going to have your hands out more often, go with something more insulated and possibly waterproof. Outdoor Research makes a great glove that’s shaped to fit each finger with an insulating layer, but features a mitten-style outer shell. The mitten setup helps keep your fingers warmer, since they can share heat. If you tend to get cold hands, this style is worth it.
Hats and Headwear: You know your head better than I do, so find what works best for your hair, comfort, and temperature range. I find a medium-weight knit cap works perfectly almost all the time. If I’m doing heavy movement, I can just take it off, but it’s warm enough when combined with a hood for nearly everything. If you’re looking at a serious cold, I’d add some type of face covering too. I’ve had great luck with the Turtle Fur “Neckie.” When it was cold enough to freeze my eyelids shut if I blinked too slow, I still had a warm face with that thing on. Pro tip: as you breathe out, it’ll collect moisture, so rotate it throughout the day. As it moves around your head, it should be dry by the time it gets back to your face.
I’ve never been one for hand and foot warmers. I end up spending more time messing with them, and when they stop working, it’s always a huge letdown. Nothing wrong with packing a few if you tend to run cold, just not for me. Lastly, don’t forget your sunglasses. The sun reflecting off snow is no joke. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you don’t need them.
Using Your Layers to Stay Warm Outdoors
Everything we’ve talked about comes down to one simple principle — stay dry, stay loose, and stay layered. Your clothes should work together like a team, each piece serving its purpose without getting in the way of the others. The base layer keeps moisture off your skin, the mid layer traps your body heat, and the outer layer keeps the weather out. It’s a system, not a pile of clothes.
If you're about to start moving or hiking, layer down first. If you start your hike warm, then you'll start to get hot and sweat pretty quickly, so shed a layer before you start sweating. When you stop moving, throw one back on before you cool off. It’s all about staying ahead of the temperature swings. Loosen things up if they start to feel tight — blood flow is what keeps you warm. If your gear is cutting off circulation, you’re fighting against your own body. The more you practice using your layers in different conditions, the easier it becomes to find that sweet spot where you’re comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.
Winter Gear Guide
Don’t cheap out here. Cold-weather gear can get expensive, but it’s one of those areas where quality truly matters. Good gear lasts for years, performs better, and might just save your fingers, toes, or morale when temperatures drop. Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re building your setup from the ground up.
Base Layer: Merino wool base layer top and bottom.
Mid Layer: Light fleece or synthetic pullover for movement, down jacket for cold or still conditions. (I'm a sucker for Outdoor Research: OR - they also have a lifetime warranty!)
Outer Layer: Gore-Tex or similar hard shell for wet or active days, insulated parka for deep cold or low activity.
Socks: Darn Tough wool socks — lifetime warranty, warm, and reliable.
Boots: Quality leather or insulated winter boots, preferably waterproof, paired with gaiters.
Gloves: Thin wool liners with an insulated or waterproof outer glove or mitten system.
Hat: Medium-weight knit cap that’s easy to vent when moving.
Neckie or Face Cover: Turtle Fur or similar neck gaiter to protect against wind and frostbite.
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