Norwegians have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Norwegians thrive in a harsh climate, proving that dressing for the weather can keep you safe and warm even on the coldest days.
Ideally, you should wear three layers and additional protective accessories in the extreme cold. Read on to discover more about how many layers you need for sub-zero weather.
Start With the Base Layer
The first layer you put on is the base layer, which some call thermal underwear or long underwear. The base layer’s fabric should wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry.
Base layers come in three fabric weight classes: lightweight, midweight, and ultraweight. Ultraweight provides the greatest resistance to extreme cold and wind chill. Some people don’t feel the need to wear leggings at all when the weather is not so cold, but for sub-zero temperatures, don’t skip the ultraweight leggings.
Add a Warm Mid-Layer
The next layer you need for sub-zero weather is a warm mid-layer. This apparel will help retain heat close to your body and shouldn’t restrict your movement.
Choose a mid-layer made with wool, synthetics, or fleece. Fleece doesn’t perform quite as well as other options when it gets wet, so if you’re going to be active and working up a sweat, you might prefer wool.
Pullovers, hoodies, and zippered sweatshirts are excellent mid-layer tops. Wear wool or fleece mid-layer pants to protect your legs.
Top With Outerwear
The final layer is outerwear, also called the outer shell. The outer shell protects you from water, snow, and wind.
No matter how well you’ve layered your garments, if the snow soaks through your clothing, you will get cold quickly and be unable to warm up until you get back indoors. Wear waterproof outerwear rather than water-resistant outerwear, which does not provide enough protection.
Nylon and polyester outer shells are durable and waterproof. Check the temperature rating on each item’s clothing label to make an appropriate selection.
Put on Winter Accessories
Your arms, legs, and core aren’t the only body parts you need to protect from the cold. Wear accessories to leave as little skin as possible exposed to the air.
Cover your hands with gloves or mittens. Gloves allow you to move your fingers more effectively, but mittens provide more warmth.
Thick socks and waterproof boots with good traction will keep your feet warm and help prevent falls. Wear a beanie to prevent heat from escaping the top of your head, and wrap your neck with a scarf.
Feel warm and confident in women’s winter base layers from Snow Angel. We carry stylish, well-made base layers that shield you from the extreme cold. Shop with us today for the foundation of your sub-zero protective outfit.
FAQs
Norwegians have a saying: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Norwegians thrive in a harsh climate, proving that dressing for the weather can keep you safe and warm even on the coldest days. Ideally, you should wear three layers and additional protective accessories in the extreme cold.
How many layers do I need for 0 degree weather? ›
"This three-layer rule covers your base layer (keeps you dry), middle layer (insulation/warmth) and outer layer (this one protects you from the elements whether it's wind, rain or snow)," says King.
How many layers should I run in cold weather? ›
2-3 layers of technical run clothing (also known as a running 'layering system') trap pockets of body heat between them to insulate your body, unlike a single thicker and heavier layer.
How many layers do you need for cold weather hunting? ›
A base layer, mid-layer fleece, mid-layer insulated jacket, and an outer-layer fit rain jacket, all in the same size, will comfortably layer together. DO: Upsize your soft-shell jackets if you plan to add multiple mid layers underneath. DON'T: Try to wear two outer-layer fit jackets in the same size together.
How many layers should I wear in weather? ›
The three-layer-system helps you choose the right clothes while taking into account the weather conditions and the sport practiced. Three layers of clothing will keep you dry and warm: a base layer for removing moisture, a mid-layer to keep you warm and an outer layer to protect you from the elements.
How to layer for sub-zero temperature? ›
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE COLD IN 4 EASY STEPS
- Step 1: Base Layer. Start with a layer against your skin. ...
- Step 2: Mid Layer. The mid layer traps heat against the body to keep you warm. ...
- Step 3: Outer Layer. Your outer layer, or shell, is your weather protection. ...
- Step 4: Insulated Gloves, Boots and Hats.
Wear a base layer of moisture-wicking material, such as wool or fleece, to trap heat next to your skin. Then, add a layer of insulation, such as a sweater or down jacket. Finally, top it off with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
What is the 3 layer rule for winter? ›
What is the 3-layer rule for winter? Mainly associated with layering for outdoor activity, the 3-layer rule suggests that to stay warm in cold winter conditions, three layers, consisting of a base layer, a middle layer, such as a sweatshirt, and an outer layer, such as a warm coat, should be worn.
What is the warmest base layer for cold weather? ›
Merino wool is a popular choice for its natural warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Synthetic materials like polyester or nylon can also be effective at keeping you warm and dry. Always avoid cotton, as it tends to absorb moisture and won't keep you as warm when wet.
How many layers do you wear in the Arctic? ›
Underneath that you will need three and in some instances four layers depending on the day – thermal underwear, thick long sleeve shirt, jumper or fibre pile jacket. Your legs are generally not so susceptible to the cold but on most days you would also need thermal long johns.
On days with temperature 7°C,you should wear least 3 layers.
Your 3-layer framework ought to shield your body from the outside conditions, while taking into account the most extreme warmth maintenance.
How many layers of clothes do I need for 50 degree weather? ›
The number of layers will vary depending on the fabric, however, two to three will usually do the trick.
What is the best mid layer for extreme cold weather? ›
DOWN JACKETS AND VESTS
Down is an exceptional insulation material due to its warmth-to-weight properties as well as its compressability without losing its shape. This makes it a very popular choice as a lightweight midlayer for frigid winter days.
How do you prepare for 0 degree weather? ›
Clothes: Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold. Warmers: Pack extra for body, hands, feet. Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded in traffic on a lonely road, you'll be glad to have it.
How long should you be outside in 0 degree weather? ›
Experts agree that it's best to stay indoors if the temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit or the windchill dips below -18. If you must go outside, you should do your best to limit any skin exposure to no more than 30 minutes.
How do you stay warm outside at 0 degrees? ›
To stay warm in single-digit temperatures, dress using these guidelines:
- Upper body: thermal base layer, mid-layer of a sweater, fleece or jacket and a top layer of a waterproof shell.
- Lower body: wear long underwear underneath pants and top with snow pants.
- Head: wear a hat that fully covers your head and ears.
How long it takes for someone to freeze to death depends on conditions and the type of exposure, but death can occur in under an hour if conditions are dangerous enough. It can happen even more quickly in a situation such as falling through ice into freezing water.
