Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Winter Gear

How to Layer Clothes for Winter Weather

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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.

Layering for winter weather always includes a hat.
Never forget to bring a warm hat! (And a fun snow dog!)

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.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

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.

Waterproof gloves on a winter day.
Waterproof layers always come in handy.

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.

Layering up for a mild winter day.
Layered up and ready for adventure! (I promise he loves to be outside, he just looks grumpy in all these pictures!)

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.

Snowshoes and HotHands toe warmers for a winter adventure.
Getting warmers ready for a bit of snowshoeing.

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!

The 5 Best Winter Boots

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Winter fun can end in a hurry if you get cold feet. Beat the cold and turn up the toasty on your toes with these five winter boot options. Below, I’ll list my favorite winter boots, the best activities for each type of boot, and the pros and cons of each option.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Bunny Boots

Lets start off with the winter boot of all winter boots: the bunny boot. These large, insulated, rubber boots were designed for the United States Military, and are the best winter boots I’ve ever had. Bunny boots are great for prolonged time outdoors in snow and/or frigid temperatures. They are a bit hard to find though, so look at garage sales, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local sales pages, and military surplus stores to find them.

The white version of these boots keeps you warm to lower temperatures, and the black ones have a slightly less frigid rating, but I have the black ones and they work great. Although they are bulky and a bit heavy, the warmth they provide is unmatched, and the fact that they are waterproof is a lifesaver. I’ve had instances where snow has got in the top of my boot and melted (I should have been wearing gaiters or snowpants!), and with bunny boots my feet stayed perfectly warm although they were wet. If you find a pair of these in your size, be sure to snag them up!

Even our pup agrees that bunny boots are the best winter boots!

Tall Sorels

I was lucky enough to get a great pair of hand-me-down Sorels, and they have held up well for years now. I don’t believe they make the exact style of boot I have anymore, but they do make a pair that looks very similar and has one handy improvement. The lower part of these newer Sorel boots have rubber on them, which will help keep your feet warm and dry when walking through snow and slush. Also, this style of boot, along with my current pair, has a removable liner. Removable liners are fantastic to have on winter boots so you’re able to wash them or put them on the boot dryer if necessary.

These boots are great for milder winter weather, lower amounts of snow, and activities like sledding, walking, shoveling, etc. If you need a little extra warmth, they would pair well with toe or foot warmers. They make men’s, women’s, and kid’s versions of these boots, so you can outfit the whole family! Plus, they look great, too!

The tall Sorels are so cozy, mismatched socks and all.

Salomon

I have had a pair of Salomon boots for years now, but just started using them this season. They are cute, comfy, surprisingly lightweight, and warm. They work great for walks, snowshoeing, and more. I found these on sale at a large sporting good store, so I would suggest checking your local sporting goods shops for them before looking online.

Snowshoeing in Alaska with Salomon boots.
A bit of snowshoeing in the Salomon’s.

Short Sorels

Living in Alaska, and being from Valdez, I’m used to quite a ton of snow. Literally. Tons. But, not every area or time of year requires hardcore snow boots during winter. That’s when the short Sorels come in handy! These are so easy to slip on and get out the door. They are great for keeping your feet warm and toasty on grocery store trips, while out walking the dog, running errands, and more. They are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and are a stylish and fashionable winter boot. Grab yourself a pair of these today!

UGGS

Never did I think I’d say this, but UGGS are awesome. I was given a pair for my birthday two years ago, and have worn them constantly since then for everyday errands and more. They are incredibly warm, comfortable, and come in a variety of heights and styles. I have a sorter, classic pair, and get a lot of use out of them. The downside is they are not waterproof. I haven’t tried to use waterproofing on mine, so I can’t say how that would work out, but it may be possible to do that if necessary.

Is there anything else I need to keep my feet warm this winter?

Great question, and the answer is yes! Not only do you need the best winter boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable, they are also a few key accessories to help you enjoy winter.

Socks

Under every pair of great boots is a toasty pair of socks. If you are just doing errands in a lighter pair of socks and short Sorels, you should be fine. But, if you’re out in the elements all day, you’ll want to grab some pairs of winter socks. Some of the best brands are Darn Tough, Fox River, and Heat Holders.

Toe and Foot Warmers

Toe and foot warmers from HotHands help give you that extra bit of warmth if you tend to have colder feet.

HotHands are the perfect way to stay toasty.

Gaiters

My husband frequently wears gaiters over his boots when snowpants aren’t necessary. Even the tallest winter boots aren’t always tall enough to avoid snow getting into them. They give that extra protection so you don’t get any snow going over the tops, thus keeping your feet warm and dry.

Ice Cleats

Ice cleats, crampons, snow grips. Whatever you want to call them, they are sometimes very useful and necessary. Winter boots might not always have the traction you need to be on ice, so adding ice cleats to them can make walking in winter easier and, more importantly, safer. And, if you want a permanent traction solution, you can sometimes even get your boots studded!

Boot Dryer

I feel like my boots were always on the dryer when I was little. After coming in from playing all day, I’d have snow in my boots and wet feet. These Peet dryers would dry them out, and they next time you put them on they’re toasty warm! They even make ones from drying gloves, too!

Storage

If you’re like me, you’ll end up with a variety of winter boots for the different parts of the season, and for different activities. I store mine on this handy shoe rack. Just make sure before you store them that they are completely dry, removable liners have been washed, and you’ve added boot deodorizer if necessary.

Being a life-long Alaskan has taught me many things, one being that wearing the best winter boots possible is a must. Hopefully the list above helps you pick out the perfect boots for your next winter adventure, and if you need more information on what clothes and gear to wear this winter, check out post on how to layer clothes for winter weather!

The full lineup: bunny boots, tall Sorels, Salomon’s, short Sorels, and UGGS.