Extreme Cold

// By Bevin Wallace

Suppose you’ve gotten to that point in the winter when you just don’t want to be cold anymore. In that case, Mammut’s Eigerjoch Pro IN Hooded Jacket—created for bivouacking in extreme conditions—combines RDS-certified goose down with PrimaLoft recycled synthetic insulation for extra warmth even when wet. An innovative double-chamber construction eliminates cold spots. $725, mammut.com

For days that go from bitter to brutal, or for stop-and-start activities like alpine skiing, Fieldsheer’s Crest Heated Down Vest is filled with RDS duck down and has a 7.4-volt micro-heating system with four temperature settings that can be easily adjusted using your phone (via Bluetooth and an app). The Powersheer XL battery’s life is nine hours; it also has a built-in flashlight and phone charger. $200, fieldsheer.com

For high exertion in the cold, Brynje Norway’s Arctic Zip Polo Base Layer is made from a unique fabric that combines synthetic mesh with Merino wool. The mesh provides more insulating power than solid knit fabrics while allowing perspiration vapor to move to the outer layer. The wool outer layer traps the air inside the mesh cells to provide warmth while absorbing and wicking moisture away from the body. $180, brynjeusa.com

The coziest long johns we could find are Hot Chillys La Montaña Fleece Bottoms. Made from soft brushed micro-fleece, they are breathable and form-fitting, and feature stretch panels in the gusset areas for added comfort and maneuverability. $86, hotchillys.com

They might not be the most flattering thing you can wear, but you’ll appreciate the puffy warmth of Rab’s Argon Down Pants. Designed to be worn over a base layer, the pants are filled with 800-fill-power down treated with Nikwax’s fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish. $220, rab.equipment

The Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho Down is like a sleeping bag you can wear around. It’s made from recycled polyester with a water-resistant coating and RDS-certified 650-fill Nikwax hydrophobic down that retains its warmth when wet. Throw this hoody on over everything, and then stuff it into its own front pocket for compact storage. $260, thermarest.com

The Trapper of Colorado 1876 Hat offers maximum warmth with mountain-man (or gal) style. It’s made from soft wool herringbone fabric with a quilted silk-satin lining and a faux curly lamb fur brim. $335, trapperofcolorado.com

A plush neck gaiter is a small thing that can make a big difference when you’re out in the cold. Made from Italian Micro Fur TecnoFleece, Turtle Fur’s Double-Layer Neck Warmer seals in heat and is extra-long to cover your neck, chin, and nose. $26, turtlefur.com

For long, cold winters, heated socks are a worth-it luxury. Fieldsheer’s Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks feature the company’s Mobile Warming technology for up to 10 hours of warmth with four heat settings. The underfoot heating elements are virtually undetectable with the sock’s ample cushioning, and the rechargeable batteries tuck into their own pockets on the upper calf. $80, fieldsheer.com 

Heated gloves you won’t want to—or need to—take off all winter, Outdoor Research’s Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves feature battery-powered heat (with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries) and touchscreen compatibility that allows you to use your phone without removing the gloves. They also have a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex insert to keep hands dry and a leather palm for added durability. $339, outdoorresearch.com

With 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, a removable felt sock liner, and an aluminum shield below the foot to effectively block the cold, the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Boots have a certified thermal rating of –22 to –40 Fahrenheit. Their waterproof rubber shell and coated textile upper with sealed seams keep moisture out. The boots are protective yet flexible, and the serrated rubber soles provide traction on slippery surfaces. $160, hellyhansen.com JH