The Northern Lights are having a moment. Across Lapland, Tromsø, Iceland and northern Canada, heightened solar activity is making aurora displays brighter, bolder and more frequent than they’ve been in years. It’s good news for those planning an Arctic trip – next year marks the peak in the Aurora Borealis’ 11-year activity cycle, promising some of the most vibrant light shows in over a decade.
But seeing them requires patience, and more than a little bit of luck. Aurora chasing often means standing still for long stretches in temperatures that regularly dip to -10°C or below, with wind and snow amplifying the cold. On a recent trip to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland (one of the best places in the world for aurora spotting), I saw incredible Northern Lights that the local guide said were in the top three most impressive 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 with your regular coat – the difference between a magical night under the stars and a miserable retreat indoors comes down to how well you’ve layered.
“Dressing for extreme cold starts with thinking in systems – not single garments,” says Patrizio Siniscalchi, Managing Director at Thermore, Italy’s leading 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 through to a waterproof outer, with practical advice and tried-and-tested pieces to invest in, so you can stay out as long as the sky keeps dancing.
Base layers
If there’s one layer you shouldn’t compromise on, it’s your base. Sitting snugly next to your skin, this is where warmth either begins or rapidly disappears.
“Your base layer is the foundation of each layering system, i.e. of warmth and comfort,” explains Jacopo Bufacchi, Head of Design at outdoor gear brand 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 find items that are close-fitting, breathable and fast-drying. Natural fibres like merino wool excel here, especially when blended with synthetics for durability 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, avoid slow-drying fabrics such as cotton. Remaining wet in cold conditions can quickly lead to chilling, even if you’re wrapped in cosy layers on top. When done right, a good base layer should feel almost imperceptible. “If it’s bulky or restrictive, it’s not doing its job properly,” Bufacchi adds.
On my Lapland adventure, I opted for Finisterre’s merino Seeker high-neck, which is equally stylish as it is practical, paired with the brand’s seamless merino leggings. Forget about warmth – the softness alone of this combination was a true treat to wear. Other options include Icebreaker’s classic 260-weight long sleeve and Falke’s Warm long sleeve t-shirt when temperatures really plummet, and Traveller editor-favourite leggings brand Lululemon’s merino-blend crew. Reliable high street options like the M&S Heatgen range work well for milder cold snaps or as part of a double-base-layer system.
Falke warm long-sleeve shirt
Sweaty Betty ThermaBoost heat tech walking leggings
Mid layer
If the base layer manages moisture, the mid layer is where heat is generated and stored. “The mid layer is where warmth is created,” says Siniscalchi. “Its role is to trap body heat, thus keeping you warm and comfortable.”
