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Contributed By: Jess FiskeWhat do Winter Clothing and Shrek have in common?
Both have layers.
After finishing up a winter season living in Japan, I have come to learn a thing or two about layering correctly for the cold. Often when I was out on the slopes, I felt like Goldilocks - sometimes too hot, other times too cold. After months of living in the snow, I’ve got it, the recipe that’s just right.
Being warm isn’t becoming warm, it’s staying warm. Our body heat will do all the work for us, we just have to make sure that we’ve got the right gear and layering system so that heat doesn’t escape and we stay toasty.
Here’s how you layer for winter.
Step 1: Baselayers
Baselayers, thermals - same, same. Essentially, these are the items in your kit that are the closest to your body (other than underwear of course). Baselayers act as a thermal barrier and trap the warmth from your body in the air between the clothing and your skin. Due to the material, it is able to keep the air warm, and therefore, you warm. It is good to know that because of this air trapping, it is important to have thermals that fit snugly but aren’t super tight as this may cause some air to escape. Have you ever worn gloves or shoes that are too small in the cold and you are frozen? That’s because there is a lack of air to circulate the warmth.
There are 2 types of thermals on the market, Merino wool and synthetic - both are good for different reasons. Merino wool is a crowd favourite and is praised for its exceptional warmth, antibacterial properties (which mean you don’t need to wash after every use - score!) and the use of naturally sourced fibres. The other option is synthetic which is great for those who have reactions to wool (sadly, me) or are looking for a more budget-friendly item as they tend to be priced lower than their Merino cousins.
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Top
Step 2: Fleece
The fleece jacket is our next layer and is a great addition to those extra-cold climates, but not always necessary depending on how cold or warm your body runs. Honestly, I don’t always wear a fleece - sometimes, it’s just too warm to wear one with my other layers - but let’s talk about the benefits. Did you know that fleece as we know it today was created in the 80s as a lightweight replacement for wool? It has the same great warmth properties but without the weight or bulk. It acts the same way as our base layers, trapping the warm air in the fibres of the fleece as a layer of insulation and therefore retains your body heat.
Step 3: Down Jacket
The down jacket is where the bulk of the warmth comes from in our layering ensemble. Our body heat will use the fillings in the jacket to trap the heat and keep us warm. Again, like baselayers, there are two types to choose from - down and synthetic. Starting with down, they’re fillings that are primarily duck or goose down, depending on the supplier, and down is a great natural form of insulation that provides exceptional warmth to weight. These days, most brands meet the Responsible Sourced Down (RSD) requirements to ensure that the down is being sourced humanely. The other option is synthetic. This is a great choice for those who don’t want to opt for feather down or for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Synthetic is also a great choice as unlike duck or goose down, it will remain warm even when wet.
Step 4: Shell Layer
What’s the good of all that layering if the wind gets through? A shell layer is an essential final part of your kit to keep you warm. Want to know an insider secret? A shell is otherwise known as a waterproof jacket. Same thing. A waterproof jacket isn’t just for rain, it is a great source of wind protection too. Chuck one of these over the top of your jacket and you have the final piece to keep all that hot air in so you stay warm.
If you find this layer set a touch too warm for your mild winter adventure, you can also opt for a synthetic insulated hoody, like the Arcteryx Atom, as a great substitute for the fleece-down combo.
Final tip - this same recipe applies to bottoms too! You can grab thermal pants, fleece pants, down pants and shell pants to ensure you are snug from top to bottom.
That’s it! Four steps and you’re on your way to a toasty warm winter ahead.
If you need any further help, don't hesitate to come in store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.
About the contributor:
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Jess Fiske is the Social Media Coordinator at Wild Earth. When she isn’t rollerblading in the streets of Coolangatta, you will find her either hiking in SEQ or strapping on her snowboard somewhere cold. Always planning her next adventure, Jess loves to get outdoors and travel off the beaten path. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
