Dressing for Winter
Managing Moisture for Comfort in Fairbanks Winter
The cold can be worse with the wind. It will make the cold feel colder. Please read the Wind Chill Chart (PDF).
The more active you are the less clothing you need, and the more moisture you generate
The layers of clothing that you want close to your skin (base layers) should manage moisture well. The most common materials for the base layers are polypropylene, polyester, or merino wool. Cotton is not effective in most winter clothing because it absorbs moisture and holds it against the skin instead of transferring it outward.
Mid-Layers
Mid-layers add heat retention and warmth to a thin base layer. They also should help to continue the outward movement of moisture. Polypropylene, polyester and merino wool are also the most common material for these layers.
Shell Layers
Shell layers provide wind and moisture protection. For most winter applications in Fairbanks a truly waterproof shell is not necessary. Many of the membrane breathable fabrics (I.E. Gore-Tex) freeze in the winter and don’t let any moisture through so the inside of the shell gets coated with water and ice making the user uncomfortable.
Dressing for Active Pursuits
For active pursuits, like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, a softshell jacket or pants provide the necessary protection against wind but are much more breathable than a true waterproof membrane jacket. Softshell jackets are made from acrylic, polyester, and nylon. The key to maintaining breathability in the cold is to use a tight weave of fabric instead of a breathable membrane to block the wind. Another solution for wind generating sports like cross-country skiing and winter biking is to have a windproof layer on the front of the jacket or pants and a very breathable non-windproof material on the back of the garment that allows easy moisture transfer.
Dressing for Less Active Pursuits
For less active pursuits and for around town when it is -40F/-40C it is helpful to have a very warm insulated jacket that is sometimes called a puffy coat. Most puffy coats use either down or a lofty synthetic material to create dead air space that slows the transfer of heat outward and holds it against your body. Down insulation works well in the cold dry environment of Interior AVÀÇÂÛ̳. It provides great warmth while still being light and comfortable. Synthetics parkas work well too, but are a bit more bulky to pack and a bit heavier. The advantage of synthetic insulation is that it is more reliably warm in conditions where it might get really wet.
Keeping Extremities Warm
The hardest places to keep warm in the extreme winter cold are the extremities. Hands, feet, and faces require special attention to make sure that they stay warm.
Handwear
Everyone's hands are different, so it takes some experimenting to get your glove system right. One starting point is that mittens are warmer than gloves. If your hands get cold in gloves, try mittens.
Footwear
Everyone is a bit different in their ability to keep their feet warm too. The most common choices for outdoor winter footwear are Mukluks, Uggs, Bunny Boots (military surplus vapor barrier boots) Sorels, and Baffins. The level of activity is also a big factor in what you decide to wear on your feet. Some runners can wear a normal trail running shoe when out for an hour run at -20F/-6.6C. Merino wool or synthetic blend socks, such as SmartWool socks, are also recommended to improve foot warmth.
Head and Face Protection
For active pursuits lightweight hats made of fleece, acrylic, or wool work well. A balaclava, buff, neoprene face mask, nose hat, goggles, and/or neck gaiter can protect the exposed skin and ears on the face when out in extreme cold.
Credit and Additional Resources
This write-up was provided by UAF Outdoor Adventures. If you have any questions, please contact them at uaf-oa-staff@alaska.edu or by calling 907-474-6027. You can also stop by 1910 Tanana Loop to speak with them in-person.
For winter clothing shopping options, please visit our Fairbanks Shopping Guide page.