Learn how to dress appropriately for every winter environment

Wintertime has several obstacles when it comes to staying warm, whether you're dealing with torrential rain, thick snowfall, or simply a spell of extremely chilly air. It's not enough to have high-quality outdoor gear if you want to thrive; you also need to know how to utilize it, which is frequently easier said than done. There are several types of outdoor clothing and opposing warming technologies available (e.g., Omni-HeatTM Infinity, Black DotTM, Helix, and so on).

Where do you even begin?

When getting ready to go outside in the winter, three essential aspects should be considered: weather, activity level, and body temperature.

Principles of dressing for cold weather

Weather: They advised being as specific as possible while considering the circumstances outside. Don't just say "cold"—what temperature is it? Are we talking about sub-zero temperatures? If so, you'll need a parka with substantial insulation, most likely made of natural down. Is it simply a slight cold in the air? In that situation, a lightweight puffer coat may suffice. Consider components such as wind and precipitation. If rain or snow is expected, you'll want to consider something with a waterproof shell in addition to your insulation to keep everything dry.

Activity level:

When it comes to winter clothing, another key consideration is the level of exertion you want to put in. Are you planning a backcountry ski excursion that will take you across fluffy mountains? You'll need a thin, lightweight jacket that's very breathable so you can move freely without overheating. If, on the other hand, you'll be sitting on frigid bleachers watching your child's soccer game, you'll want to bundle up as much as possible, possibly wearing a larger jacket and a hat, gloves, or a warm scarf.

Finally, think about how hot or chilly you often run. Do you have a habit of cranking up the heat when you get home? Or do you tend to overheat easily and prefer to keep things cool in general? "If you run hotter, you're going to want a lighter weight, layerable, insulated piece," Baltazar noted. "If you run colder, you'll probably want a wide-channel puffer jacket in the winter, perhaps with Omni-Heat Infinity or Black Dot technology." Those will be the hottest possibilities."

On a frigid winter day, a guy removes his Omni-Heat Infinity jacket.

Knowing how to layer correctly with a baselayer, midlayer, and outer shell will keep you warm in the winter and give you more control over your body temperature. Omni-Heat Infinity technology is used in jackets with gold linings, such as the one seen above, to offer extra warmth to the garment.

The importance of layering

Learning to adjust to changing situations is part of spending time outside. This includes the weather, which can change quickly, as well as your level of exercise. The next thing you know, you're trekking up a steep route under a clear sky, and the next thing you know, you're standing on top of a mountain as a storm approaches. The same may be said about walking around the city. Knowing how to layer correctly can help you stay prepared for anything comes your way, whether you're hiking in the woods, skiing on a mountain, or wandering around town. A basic three-layer scheme is the easiest method to accomplish this flexibility:

Baselayer: A thin layer that sits directly on your skin, helping to wick away moisture and manage sweat. If you feel too hot, you can remove all except the lowest layer.

The midlayer is the layer that provides the majority of the warmth and insulation. It may be a warm knit shirt, a nice fleece, or even a puffer jacket.

Outer shell: This layer serves as a barrier between you and the elements, blocking rain, snow, wind, sleet, and other precipitation.

Some clothing mix these layers as well. Insulated shells, for example, provide both warmth and weather protection. There are also convertible interchange jackets that zip apart to provide different layers in a single garment.