A Practical List for Winter Clothing

Jeremias Kinnunen-Levy
Nov 4
3 min read

Dressing for Winter in the Boreal Forest

Practical Clothing Guide for Working with Dogs and Outdoor Living

Following the last post of Thoughts on clothing system for winter conditions I've compiled a bulletpoint list that might give a bit more insight to what I wrote. Note: This applies to working and traveling in the Boreal forest, below the treeline and not along a coastline. Hope this helps.

1. How We Get Cold

Understanding how your body loses heat helps you prevent it.

Main ways heat escapes:

Conduction: Touching cold surfaces (metal, snow, ground)
Convection: Wind or moving air carries warmth away
Radiation: Body heat naturally escapes into the cold air
Evaporation: Sweat or moisture evaporates and cools the skin

What makes it worse:

Wind and moisture
Standing still for too long
Poor circulation or fatigue

Goal: Stay dry, insulated, and protected from wind

2. Layering for the Boreal Forest

Base Layer – Stay Dry

Worn next to the skin to move sweat away and keep you dry
Best materials: Merino wool or synthetic wicking fabric
Avoid: Cotton — it holds moisture and chills you fast
Tip: In deep cold, wear two layers of base layers, one slightly baggier than the other.

Middle Layer – Stay Warm

Main insulation layer — traps heat close to the body
Good choices: Fleece, wool sweaters, or synthetic puff jackets/pants
Double up (jackets and pants) in –20°C or lower
Remove a layer before you start sweating to avoid moisture buildup

Outer Layer – Stay Protected

Boreal Forest conditions: cold, dry, snowy, sometimes windy and wet/rainy

What to look for:

Windproof and water-resistant, but breathable
Durable fabrics: canvas, softshell, or nylon
Ventilation options: pit zips, front zippers, thigh zips
Adjustable cuffs, hems, and hood to seal out wind and rain
Longer cuts add weather protection over your legs too.

Mothership jacket

Your warmest jacket that should fit ontop of all your other layers

Tip: In deep dry cold (–20°C and below), breathability matters more than waterproofing. For example: A poly-cotton Jacket/Anorak might be better suited for the majority of the winter season but a shell jacket/rain poncho/waterproof layer might be needed here and there throughout the season.

3. Fit and Mobility

Slightly loose fit to trap warm air between layers
Enough space to move freely and bend
Avoid tight cuffs or waistlines — they block circulation
Outer garments should layer easily over inner ones
Pants should allow crouching, kneeling, and lifting

4. Protecting Extremities

Head and Neck

Warm hat covering the ears
Scarf, buff, or neck gaiter
Balaclava in strong wind or deep cold

Hands

Work gloves combined with insulated mittens
Leather mitts are durable for work
Always carry a dry spare pair of gloves
Leather of synthetic work gloves that are lined

Feet

Wool socks
Insulated, waterproof boots rated for –30°C or colder
Removable liners for drying overnight

Eyes and Face

Ski goggles or sunglasses for glare and blowing snow
Face mask (buff) for frostbite protection in strong wind

5. Boreal Winter Clothing Checklist

Base Layers

Item	Notes
Thermal underwear (2–3 sets)	Merino or synthetic, One tighter fit set and one slightly looser fit set to layer if needed

Middle Layers

Item	Notes
Fleece pullovers or wool sweaters (1–2)	Insulation
Insulated jacket	Synthetic or down

Outer Layers

Item	Notes
Windproof softshell or canvas anorak/jacket	Durable
Waterproof shell jacket	For wet snow
Insulated work pants/bib overalls/snowpants	Mobility + warmth
Windproof shell or snow pants	Extra protection
Gaiters	Optional, for deep or wet snow
Mothership jacket	Your warmest jacket, Large enough to fit over all your layers

Hands and Feet

Item	Notes
Insulated mittens or leather work mitts	Durable and Large enough to fit workgloves underneath
Wool socks (several pairs)	Dry daily
Thermal boot liners or insoles	Extra warmth
Heavy-duty winter boots	–30°C or colder
Durable work gloves (x2)	Leather or synthetic, Lined