We’re deep into winter here in Alaska and I figured what better time than now to share some tips and gear we use to stay warm all winter long. Whether you’re looking for gear to buy now to warm you up, searching for clothes for the coming winter, or are just trying to figure out the best way to layer clothes for winter weather we’ve got you covered from hat to snow boots!
Why is it important to layer for winter weather?
Alaska is the land of layering. Summer, winter, spring, and fall, we’re always layering. If you’re wondering why that is, the answer is weather. The weather here is unpredictable, and you have to be prepared for the every changing conditions during any season. Truly, layering is a really great way of dressing for the variable weather. No matter what weather comes your way, you’ll find yourself prepared and comfortable since you’ll have a variety of layers to choose from.
How do I layer my clothes for winter weather, and what is the best winter gear?
Obviously, the number of layers and type of layers you’ll wear will depend on the climate in your area and what activities you’ll be doing. You’ll also want to consider material options. Steer away from cotton items, especially if you’ll be getting wet or sweating, and consider wool and waterproof fabrics to wick moisture away or keep it from penetrating your other layers.
Let’s start from the top and work our way down through the various sets of layers you’ll want to consider wearing this winter. Below, I’ll list my favorite winter clothes and the various layering options you can use to stay toasty warm this winter.
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Hats, Headbands, and Neck Gaiters
Keeping your noggin toast warm is essential to staying comfortable in winter weather. You’ll see many people wearing this hat, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes for men, women, and kids. It’s one of my favorite hats and keeps my ears nice and warm. Merino wool hats are also a great lightweight, warm, and odor-resistant option as well. If you want to keep your ears warm without covering your whole head, consider using a headband. I’d suggest fleece or Marino lined ones.
Next, well move on to neck gaiters, not to be confused with leg gaiters which we’ll talk more about below. Neck gaiters are something you don’t think you need till you really need it! When your nose starts to get chilled and ice is building up on your hair, you’ll be wishing you had a cozy neck gaiter to pull up over your face. Trust me, this year has really convinced me that gaiters are a winter layer necessity!
Base Layers, Mid Layers, Vests, and Jackets
We’re moving on down to the core. Let’s start with base layers here. If you’re looking for base layers at a great price point, check out ColdPruf. I purchased three different sets of these in a pack years ago, and they have held up very well. They aren’t the warmest layers on the market, but they do the trick and are priced very reasonably.
If you have more room in your budget for base layers, the warmest ones I’ve tried are by North Face. These layers are very fitted and hold up well, along with being incredibly toasty. You can check them out here, or check outlet malls for a great bargain.
As for mid layers, this can really vary. Depending on the weather and what activities we’ll be doing, I’ll wear a regular sweatshirt over my long sleeve base layer, or something like this Mountain Hardware half zip. On warmer winter days that is often enough, and I’ll end up brining my jacket but not wearing it. Other times I’ll skip this layer and wear a heavier jacket if I’m just running errands. The mid layer gives you a lot of flexibility as weather changes throughout the day, and can give you that perfect amount of warmth as the day cools off, or cool you off if you need to shed your jacket during winter activities.
A great in between option is a vest. I have a lighter weight one for wearing over a mid layer on winter walks, and very poofy down Canada Goose vest that’s great for single digit and below zero temperatures. Adding a vest to your collection winter clothes is a very versatile option.
We’ve made it to jackets! I love this jacket. It’s fitted, comes in great colors, and is very comfortable. The hood is an added bonus when you forget your hat or just need some extra warmth. This isn’t the jacket for snowmaching in fresh powder or sitting by the bonfire (you don’t want to burn a hole in it!), but it’s great for winter walks, skiing, snowshoeing, running errands, and activities when the temps are above zero. Many people are also choosing to have knee length jackets for more leisurely outdoor activities as well, and although I don’t have one I think they’d be quite warm.
When things get really cold, wet, and miserable you’ll want to break out the down or another heavily insulated jacket. Making sure your outer layer is water and wind proof is in important aspect. Trust me, once you get wet it wont be much fun to be outside, so invest in a good outer layer if you plan on spending a lot of time outside on frigid winter days.
Gloves and Mittens
If you’re like me, your fingers get chilled fast in winter weather. If you’re wondering how to avoid that, there are some great ways you can layer your gloves and have your digits stay comfortably warm. First things first, you’re going to want some HotHands. These little packets of warmth are a game changer!
Once you’ve got your HotHands warmers set, it’s time to get on your glove base layer. You’ll want a pair of thinner gloves, such as these, to layer under your mittens. This will give you dexterity but also keep your hands warm when you take your mittens off. They great for wearing alone when the winter weather is milder, too.
Next, you’ll want mittens. I have two varieties that are my favorite. One type is wool on the outside and fleece on the inside. They’re made of repurposed wool sweaters, and are incredibly cozy and cute. You can likely find them at craft fairs and probably Etsy, too. Or, you can make some yourself with patterns on Pinterest!
Another great option is the North Face Montana Mitt. They’re waterproof and well insulated to keep you comfortable during your winter outings. These are more for activities such a skiing, snowboarding, snowmachining, or winter adventures where you may be playing in the snow more.
Base Layers, Mid Layers, Snowpants, and Bibs
Now we’ve made it to lower layers. The same goes for base layer bottoms as tops. ColdPruf base layers are great if you want to purchase something more budget friendly, and North Face layers will keep you warmer for a bit higher of a price tag, which is well worth it if you’ll be outside a lot. Just remember to check out the materials so you purchase base layers that have moisture wicking fabrics to keep you warm and dry.
As for mid layer pants, I think fleece pants are the way to go. Honestly, if I need a mid layer pant I just wear sweatpants! And, if the weather is nice enough, that’s sometimes the only other layer I’ll wear for some activities. But, for more hardcore outings and weather, a really solid pair of fleece pants is great to have. I’m hoping to try the made in the USA Versa fleece pants sometime soon, and when I do I’ll be sure to post a review!
Next up, you’ve got to decide if you’re a snowpants, bib, or even snowsuit person. I wear snowpants. The reason being is that I have short legs and a long torso. I don’t think anyone particularly enjoys having a wedgie, and I definitely don’t, so snowpants are usually my only option. Plus, it makes things much easier when you have to use the restroom, so that’s something to consider! I currently have a pair of MooseJaw ones I’ve used for one season, and they work pretty well. Whether you’re shopping for snowpants, bibs, or a snowsuit, check into the insulation, and look for reinforced knees and cuffs, waterproofing, and pockets.
Socks, Boots, and Gaiters
Head, shoulders, knees, and now were onto toes! First things first, grab some HotHands toe and/or foot warmers. These will help your feet stay warmer, along with Darn Tough socks. I highly recommend Darn Tough. These American made socks are comfortable, durable, and warm, and are guaranteed for life!
Next, we’re onto boots. I have an entire post dedicated to the five best winter boots, which will give you an idea of which type of winter boot is best for the activities you’ll be doing. Lastly, don’t forget about gaiters! T&K makes lifetime guaranteed gaiters right here in America which will help keep snow out of your boots and keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
Well, I think that about wraps up our lesson on how to layer clothes for winter weather! If you have questions about layering, winter in Alaska, or anything at all about Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. Stay warm, stay dry, and have fun out there!
