How to layer clothing and stay warm in cold weather

This past week in Minnesota has been one of the coldest for me yet. After moving to this state, I had not yet prepared for the onslaught of coldness that was to hit me in the face. It was -14 F this morning when going to work. That's without the windchill. Try -28 F with the windchill. So cold.

A friend and I went to the North Face store in uptown to check out their gear. We were greeted by a very friendly saleswoman who broke it down plain and simple about how to stay warm in cold weather.

I had come into the store looking for the biggest, puffiest, warmest gear that I could find. I was amazed at what I found out. You don't have to look like the stay puff marshmallow man in order to stay warm.

First off is your base layer. This can be any sort of thin poly material that you can buy at Target, Marshall's, or TJ Maxx. Any sort of polyester or polypropylene garment will work perfect. It looks like and feels like cotton, but it has better wicking properties that allow moisture to escape and your body to breathe.

Your second layer can be a good fleece thaty ou may already have. Many sweatpants or gym clothes are perfect for this. It keeps in the warmth and acts as an insulator.

Your shell or third layer is the most important in terms of protection from the wind. I picked up a pair of these Freedom pants from North Face. They had a 25% off sale, so I got them for around $100. These pants do an wesome job of keeping the cold snow, ice and wetness out. They allow your legs to breathe and still protect you from the elements.

Layer these three pieces of clothing and you'll be all teched out and ready to stay warm in the elements.

In summary:

1. Base layer: polyester or polypropylene
2. Insulation layer: fleece
3. Outer shell: Gore-tex or HyVent material 

I'm becoming an Minnesotan slowly but surely!

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