The Northern Lights are having a second. Across Lapland, Tromsø, Iceland and northern Canada, heightened photo voltaic exercise is making aurora shows brighter, bolder and extra frequent than they’ve been in years. It’s excellent news for these planning an Arctic journey – subsequent 12 months marks the peak in the Aurora Borealis’ 11-year exercise cycle, promising a few of the most vibrant mild exhibits in over a decade.
But seeing them requires endurance, and greater than just a little little bit of luck. Aurora chasing usually means standing nonetheless for lengthy stretches in temperatures that commonly dip to -10°C or beneath, with wind and snow amplifying the cold. On a current journey to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland (one in all the best places in the world for aurora recognizing), I noticed unbelievable Northern Lights that the native guide mentioned had been in the high three most spectacular showings he’d ever seen. However, I did so in inordinately cold temperatures of -40°C. Basically, this isn’t the time for chancing it together with your regular coat – the distinction between a magical night under the stars and a depressing retreat indoors comes down to how nicely you’ve layered.
“Dressing for extreme cold starts with thinking in systems – not single garments,” says Patrizio Siniscalchi, Managing Director at Thermore, Italy’s main specialist in sustainable insulation for outerwear. “Each layer has a specific job to do, and when they work together properly, you stay warm, dry and comfortable, even in sub-zero temperatures.”
Below, we break down the ultimate cold weather layering system, from the all-important base by means of to a water-resistant outer, with sensible recommendation and tried-and-tested items to make investments in, so you possibly can keep out so long as the sky retains dancing.
Base layers
If there’s one layer you shouldn’t compromise on, it’s your base. Sitting snugly subsequent to your pores and skin, that is the place heat both begins or quickly disappears.
“Your base layer is the foundation of each layering system, i.e. of warmth and comfort,” explains Jacopo Bufacchi, Head of Design at out of doors gear model Rab. “It should therefore always focus on moisture management. In very cold conditions, sweat is your enemy – if moisture sits against the skin, heat is lost rapidly.”
The golden rule is to discover gadgets which can be close-fitting, breathable and fast-drying. Natural fibres like merino wool excel right here, particularly when blended with synthetics for sturdiness and stretch. “Look for close-fitting base layers made from high performance materials, such as merino and silk, that wick sweat away while still providing light insulation,” says Bufacchi.
Whatever you do, keep away from slow-drying materials resembling cotton. Remaining moist in cold circumstances can shortly lead to chilling, even when you’re wrapped in cosy layers on high. When accomplished proper, a very good base layer ought to really feel nearly imperceptible. “If it’s bulky or restrictive, it’s not doing its job properly,” Bufacchi provides.
On my Lapland journey, I opted for Finisterre’s merino Seeker high-neck, which is equally trendy as it’s sensible, paired with the model’s seamless merino leggings. Forget about heat – the softness alone of this mix was a real deal with to put on. Other choices embrace Icebreaker’s basic 260-weight long sleeve and Falke’s Warm long sleeve t-shirt when temperatures actually plummet, and Traveller editor-favourite leggings model Lululemon’s merino-blend crew. Reliable excessive road choices like the M&S Heatgen vary work nicely for milder cold snaps or as a part of a double-base-layer system.
Falke heat long-sleeve shirt
Sweaty Betty ThermaBoost warmth tech strolling leggings
Mid layer
If the base layer manages moisture, the mid layer is the place warmth is generated and saved. “The mid layer is where warmth is created,” says Siniscalchi. “Its role is to trap body heat, thus keeping you warm and comfortable.”