Our guide to layering- how to stay warm and dry in cold temperatures

When it comes to staying toasty in cold temperatures, we know what we are talking about! Brynje has equipped many demanding expeditions to the most inhospitable places on the planet. Our pioneering baselayers have kept generations of polar explorers and outdoor enthusiasts dry and warm. No matter where you are in the world, the same principles apply to dressing and keeping warm.

Dress in three layers

• In cold conditions, loss of body heat can pose a serious risk to yourself and others. When your body temperature drops, your energy level and mental focus quickly follow. 
• A 3-layer clothing system is the most efficient way to regulate body temperature and to stay dry, safe and comfortable.
• See concrete examples of how you can choose to dress depending on temperature and activity level.

Layers can easily be removed or added as you go. Three layers are sufficient, due to the insulating effect of warm air being trapped between the layers. By choosing garments that effectively transports moisture away from your body, your layering system will perform even better. Below are our tips on building the best layering system for your needs. 

Other excellent base layer options:

1.2. Arctic Double is our innovative and award-winning baselayer collection for extremely cold temperatures. The dual-layer construction - with a Super Thermo mesh interior and a soft, low itch merino wool exterior - is our warmest baselayer, with an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. Arctic Double is suitable for all types of outdoor activities and excels during extended exposure to cold temperatures and high exertion.

The inner layer stays dry due to few contact points against the skin and the mesh absorbs virtually no moisture. Cells in the mesh trap warm air, which is the secret to superb insulating performance. During high physical activity, perspiration vapour is wicked away from the body to the wool exterior, which absorbs and evaporates the moisture further and forms an insulating layer over the mesh cells.

No other baselayer achieves the same effect in a single product. Arctic Double has been awarded the Norwegian Textile Industry’s Innovation prize and frequently ranks high in comparisons with other brands. 

1.3. Wool Thermo mesh baselayers are perfect for anyone who prefers the soft feeling of merino wool next to the skin. These comfortable thermals are low-itc and naturally odour resistant due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the wool. The snug fit and open-weave design ensures excellent moisture management at low activity levels all year round. 

• In extreme cold temperatures, Wool Thermo Mesh can be worn in combination with Super Thermo Mesh. Use Super Thermo Mesh next to the skin.
• For high exertion activities, we recommend Super Thermo Mesh baselayers.

1.4. Wool Thermo Light is a fine-mesh version of Wool Thermo. With a more conventional look than our open-weave baselayers, it is perfect for everyday use during spring, summer and autumn. In winter temperatures, Wool Thermo Light Mesh can be worn in combination with our other base layers.

2. The purpose of the midlayer is to insulate and provide warmth

The midlayer should be lightweight, highly insulating, and breathable, with a slightly looser fit than the base layer. Examples of materials to choose from are wool, polypropylene, and polyester.

Choose midlayer products with performance-enhancing features such as full-length front zips, collar zips, hoods, and pulse warmers, that enable you to regulate your body temperature more conveniently.

2.1. Upper body wear

- We recommend the Polar Expedition Jacket, designed at the request of several Greenland expeditions teams who needed quick-drying, lightweight mid-layers with high insulation properties.

- Another excellent option is our Classic Wool sweater in fine merino wool, designed to complement our Super Thermo baselayers.

- Alternatively, an extra layer of Super Thermo or Wool Thermo underneath a shell layer will keep you dry and warm. Remember to always wear a Super Thermo baselayer next to the skin due to its superior moisture-wicking and thermo regulating properties.

- The Antarctic Jacket is perfect for cold, dry days. It is a very warm jacket constructed according to the same principles as our Arctic collection, but with thicker wool and windproof panels at the front. Use the jacket as a mid-layer in cold conditions, or during activities when weight is not the most important consideration.
 

2.2. Legwear
We recommend the Wool boxer or Arctic boxer, depending on your need for a thinner or warmer undergarment. For ultimate warmth, combine your boxer with Classic Wool thermal leggings.
 

2.3. Headwear
We recommend the Arctic hat and suggest you also bring a back-up headcover in case your face needs more warmth and protection from the elements. The Arctic balaclava is a versatile back-up that can double as a neck gaiter.

As a general rule, unless your baselayer has become damp, there is no need to change into a spear set or put on a mid-layer during rest breaks. It may be more convenient to throw a down jacket on top of your shell jacket. We recommend choosing a lightweight, compressible down jacket with high collar and hood.

Midlayer options:

3. The outer shell layer should allow moisture to escape and shield against the natural elements.

Shell jackets and trousers must be breathable, comfortable to move freely in, and have good ventilation options underneath the arms and along the thighs and calves.

The shell layer needs to be loose enough to fit the base and mid-layers beneath and have taped seams to prevent water from entering. The shell jacket should provide neck and chin coverage and the hood should be adjustable, both around the face and at the back of the head, so that it stays firmly in place in windy conditions. We recommend the Expedition Jacket and Expedition Pants, both are robust, windproof, breathable and water repellant. The trousers protect well against cold because they conduct body heat towards your core. We also recommend robust and highly breathable Explore Ventile Jacket and Ventile pants. Ventile is very durable and perfect in cold, windy and dry weather. Both the Expedition and the Explore Ventile set has been developed in collaboration with Norwegian explorers and leading outdoor guides. They have been made to meet the high standards required for alpine and polar expeditions.

• Use Insulation jackets to stay warm during low activity. Insulation jackets can be worn as outer jackets or under the shell jacket to increase warmth.
• Remember suitable glasses to protect your eyes from sun, wind, and snow.

See all Outdoor Clothing here

Outer layer options:

Tips på tampen

Photo: Polar explorers Sjur Mørdre and Lars Ebbesen only used Super Thermo mesh next to their skin to the North Pole in 1998. Sjur put on an extra mesh shirt for every - 10 degrees. When the thermometer dropped below -40 degrees, he wore four (!) mesh shirts under the shell jacket. See the letter Sjur wrote to Brynje

About Brynje

Brynje is a Norwegian family business from Larvik that has been world-renowned for quality and durability since 1887. The first string vest that resembled the historic Viking armour known as “Brynje”, was invented in 1921 by Henrik Brun from Uvdal in Norway. When Hillary and Tenzing conquered Mount Everest in 1953 they wore Brynje mesh next to their skin. Today, Brynje mesh, wool and shell clothing is used by polar guides, people in demanding professions, and outdoor enthusiasts. When Brynje’s garments handle the toughest places on earth, they will work for you as well. Wear your Brynje garments for a long time, follow the washing instructions and repair. That's good, both for nature and the wallet. Read more bout Brynje

See also:

• Examples of how you can choose to dress up depending on the temperature and activity level
• About Brynje