What to Wear in Winter

If you are a new bee frequent flier, are travelling to Canada when its at its chilliest or are just here for a good winter read, this is for you.

In Mumbai, as soon as the AC beeps 25°C, I need my hoodie by my side. So imagine my preparations for a trip to Ladakh! All my research brought me down to 4 basic layers essential for a cozy winter vacation. At the end of it all, I'd look like snow man! or so I thought..

A little from my research:

Base Layer: Thermals, also called warmers are the first and an extremely thin layer in touch with your skin. There are mainly two types: the woollen and polyester fabric. Wool thermals are best used for temperatures ranging from 8° C to upto -20°C. That's really really warm! The polyester fabric is useful for a minimum temperature of 8-9°C. Thermals are essential whether you are going for a trek in the mountains or are studying in Boston. Both woollen and polyester are available in sleeveless, half sleeve and full length sleeves and the bottom - also called long johns are also available in both materials. 

Mid layer: There is a lot of variety available in the mid layer: from merino wool sweaters, fleece hoodies, to polyester zippers. The most warm option of them all is a pure merino wool sweater.You can't go wrong with that. Know more about the qualities of wool

Shell Layer: That's your last layer. It must be snow, rain and wind proof so as to protect you from the elements. If your mid layers are warm enough, you need a single layer wind and water proof jacket. They are mainly available in the nylon/teslon/polyester variety. 

Make sure they have the seam lock mechanism, where in the seams are locked with a secure tape so as not to leak moisture. if you are venturing in the sub zero terrain, with temperatures reaching -30°C and below, you need a two layered shell jacket. The inner layer with a thick fleece or synthetic fur lining that keeps you warm and prevents your body heat from escaping out and an outer wind and water proof layer to protect you from the elements.

Accessories that are a must: woollen gloves, waterproof gloves for snow or rain, scarf, or muffler, woollen socks and a woollen cap to cover your head and ears, if in minus temperatures, a ski cap or monkey cap protects you better since you can cover your forhead, nose and mouth too, in case of a storm. 


So that's the basic layers I know I'll need. Hope it helps you..