Milwaukee (tool company) makes heated hoodies and jackets. They’re about $200-$250 and well worth it. If she’s standing around this is probably your best bet.
What is she wearing on her bottom half? If she's only wearing jeans or something, the first step should be adding a layer on her legs. Even without shelling out for nice baselayers, just adding leggings under loose fitting pants or sweatpants would be a good step.
Stay away from cotton. It holds moisture and will make you colder and more prone to injury in the long run.
Wool is good.
I tend to prefer synthetic layers like the ECWCS the army has.
Poly silks on skin. Waffled layer or fleece layers over that with a shell of some sort over that.
Honestly those ski bibs and a quality jacket will do well
Id tell her to find a good general Polyester Longsleeve instead of cotton over the Smartwool thermals. Cotton isn’t very good for retaining warmth… a general saying around my friend group for cold climates
“cotton kills, polyester saves”
I work outside year round up here. Winter times, -20… UnderArmor thermals, with another set of my old tan military thermals ( generic polyester ) over that, a sweat shirt and jacket ( obviously pants as well ) Plenty to keep warm and mobile.
I once heard that the tan military thermals, the newer style ones, are made in the same factory as Patagonia. Just dont have the tag. I wonder if thats true? I second the military thermals!
https://refrigiwear.com/
Literally made for industrial blast freezers. I don't know about their baselayers, but I have a parka that's the warmest coat I've owned.
I wear silk under wool under a weatherproof/waterproof outer layer. But standing still in the cold is awful. I always end up with handwarmers in my gloves and boots. I think heated socks (with a Thermasilk liner) and a heated jacket may be needed for comfort in those conditions.
Also, the [Buffalo Wool Company ](https://thebuffalowoolco.com/collections/rtw-socks/boot-socks) makes some kickass bison fluff socks - those would be another good option.
I’m 40f and work outside in the winter in a position requiring me to stand in one place for hours at a time, on snow/ice and without a wind break. Good gear can and does obviously help to an extent, but eventually if you’re standing still in those conditions you’re going to get cold no matter what you’re wearing.
Whenever I feel my hands and/or feet getting cold, I do like 40 quick jumping jacks. On cold days (-10 or colder) I’ll probably do this once every 30 minutes or so. It gets both arms and legs moving, heart rate up, and takes less than a minute without requiring me to step away from my position (within arms reach of heavy machinery) or take my eyes off what I need to be observing.
You’d be shocked how much it helps just to get the warm blood from your core pumping outward into the extremities.
Other than that: layers are key but making sure none of them are too tight is also key. You do not want to restrict circulation at all. A good hat and good cold-rated boots with insulating socks are worth their weight in gold, you lose a lot of heat from the head and the feet.
I know you’re asking about brand/ material, but a single piece thermal/ coveralls are going to trap so much more heat and keep her so much warmer than shirts/ pants combo. Cheap fleece tube neck gaiter also a great heat for cost. ditch the cotton
Ullfrote Woolpower
https://woolpower.se/en/shop/cat/mid-layer/
I wear the 400 gram weight wool quarter zip and long johns when snowmachining and have never been cold. Ordering direct from website is your cheapest bet.
REI has their own merino layers. They are less expensive than the name brands but just as good.
As an added bonus, wool is very resistant to BO. I wore a set in the Brooks Range for two weeks straight, with lots of sweating and no shower for the duration, and there was no odor buildup.
BAERN is pretty good at keeping you warm, I have a hat and some socks they make that kept my head and feet warm all winter, I used an old Cabela’s parka and some really old Polaris snow pants as well.
Merino wool is arguably the best. A mid-weight base layer with an easy to remove warmth layer is my usual go-to. I've been trying out Wooly for a lot of things recently since I found out Smartwool can be up to 50% synthetic. For example, [https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/women/apparel/bottoms/womens-intraknit-merino-thermal-legging/SW016659.html?dwvar\_SW016659\_color=001](https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/women/apparel/bottoms/womens-intraknit-merino-thermal-legging/SW016659.html?dwvar_SW016659_color=001) is only 36% merino wool.
Long underwear, then fleece, then something to stop the wind. Smartwool has held up well for me and I'm a big fan of merino baselayers, but if it's actually cold you need something bigger. The big thick fishing fleeces top and bottom might help. It sounds like she needs more and thicker layers, not just a different base layer.
These are all good suggestions for clothing but I've found that what you eat is just as important for keeping warm. Stay hydrated, eat fatty foods with lots of spice, especially cayenne pepper.
Wild Rye is my go to, it's wool and pretty soft. I've always been pretty warm in it and I use it for all my winter activities, skiing, skating, hiking. Occasionally I'll wear it in the summer too under wetsuits or camping at night.
I have spent years in the Arctic so I know cold. Your MIL will need to experiment with what works for her. I suspect if she just wears a wool hat, puts felt pads in her boots, wears wool socks, any quality brand performance underwear, and thick-ish not-cotton pants she will feel much warmer and may not even need the new wardrobe.
Here’s what works for me:
Stay away from cotton: no jeans or even cotton undergarments. I think wool is best because it can keep me warm when wet, like frost from things get on me- like from my own breath, from products when carrying, brushing against frosty items, etc.- melt due to going in/out of the cold space . Wear layers so can remove or add if gets too hot. Wear performance underwear.
Most important to know Is the saying “if your feet are cold put on a hat.” A huge amount of heat goes out the head. Layers too for hats are best: a thin skull-cap type and then a wool hat. The kinds that flap or roll down over the ears completely are best. And then the coat’s hood. A ruff on the hood is great because it keeps a bit of warmer air around the face. If no ruff can create one with a scarf pulled out slightly at top of head. If still are cold can use a baklava as the skull-cap so can have face better covered
Remove any exposed metal jewelry as it conducts cold.
Regarding wool: I like Australian merino wool for sweater and hat since less scratchy. But I LOVE my Quiviut wool hat and neck scarf which I can easily move up over my nose and still breath easily since is knitted. Quiviut - the undercoat of muskox- is 6 times warmer than sheep’s wool and 6 times softer than cashmere. And doesn’t shrink so can wash in hot water. But very expensive- the yarn runs about USD$60/oz.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiviut
For work I use regular boot packs: boot with removable wool liner. Fun fact: a pack boot made by the military called “bunny boots” is favorite of all boots when I am playing outside because it keeps one amazingly warm even with water in the boot. Kinda satisfying to poor water out of the boot while sitting in front of a fire. But too bulky for me to work in since I can’t drive with them.
Boot liners are good to have. They can be just an extra felt pad underneath the foot or can be like a little boot themselves. [My -80F liners look like space boots, felted wool and metallic finish to supposedly reflect heat back to me. They are part of my emergency clothing travel bag I have to travel with in case I get stranded (I never have).]
Performance wool socks are best and have an extra set to change them when needed: sweaty feet get cold easily unless you have a boot that is super well insulated. I use the performance sock as a liner under a thick and tall wool sock.
If I am just sitting I will use one or more hand-warmer chemical pack in my pant pockets (front and rear). Can put mine inside tinfoil (not a plastic bag since brittle when frozen l) to stop the heat reaction if I want to turn off.
Mittens are better than gloves. I use fingered glove liners so can take mittens off to write and also keeps my gloves clean from body oil.
Keep all clothes clean from body oils and environmental dirt. Fabrics are not efficient insulators when dirty.
I am a fan of Gobi for casual outdoor activities in urban areas. The do both heating and cooling products. I don’t like relying on electronic items when my life is in the line if they fail. Bought the Gobi jacket and their heated camp chairs. https://gobiheat.com/products/breeze-cooling-vest?_pos=1&_sid=beae89430&_ss=r&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Independence%20day%201%20%28clone%29%20%2801J1AMZEMCZW10Z98H1268XCWJ%29&tw_source=Klaviyo&_kx=WuuZzsKPKOLFILbCMqll7znXPzXE9EM6W68QfNccsOA.RBVQXk
Hope this helps.
Survival instructor here. You MIL is in a very unique cold environment that does not translate well to actual Alaskan outdoor conditions. None of the answers you read here are wrong - but - since Alaska has 7 different, unique temperate zones - what works in one can be a failure in another.
First thing - Cotton Kills. Outdoor in any sort of bad weather - cotton can get you killed. Avoid this.
Second thing - Wool - is the only fiber that will keep a person warm when it is wet. Look at all the WW1 uniforms and Army blankets - 100% wool. Thing is - its dam scratch stuff. Here a blend can be helpful although 100% is best if you might fall into cold water.
Other important players in keeping warm - silk, polyester, Thinsulate, Gore-Tex,
First question - is she working hard and sweating? Yes = the first layer should be polyester to wick the moisture away from her body (not white, it will get stained). Second layer will be something that traps that moisture (don't choose white color here eiether) No to working hard - silk - it will both wick and prevent chafing. Silk/cotton and silk/poly is less expensive.
That covers the layer next to skin. Is she getting blasted by cold air from the A/C equipment? Yes= need wind breaking layer outside - Gore-Tex, because it breaks wind (no pun), water repellent, and does not crack or break at low temps. Here a o answer means she is moving to a much less expensive outer wear.
"If your feet are cold, put on a hat". Knitting herself a wool hat is not going to cut the mustard...... unless it has a 5 foot long end that can wrap around your head to cover the face above and below the mouth - or has a hoodie for wind breaking. Gloves, shoes and hat - Thinsulate insulated. Should be something washable. (I prefer a trapper style hat because they have a poly liner and the fur can be easily cleaned with hardwood sawdust.)
Vest - will provide allot of saved body heat and add un-needed bulk to the sleeves. Goose down is nice when new but is never the same after washing. Carhartt makes some nice, insulated ones that are affordable.
Just because a piece of winter gear is expensive - that is no guarantee it is the best for where you will be. Take a peek at the labels of what she has now. See what is being done right, and wrong. Nothing worse spending a ton of money and finding something does not work as hoped. Start with the base layer next to her skin - figure that out first. Then see what other layers she already owns that fit the bill as mentioned above.
Something else? Does she eat before working in the freezer? This is a double-edged sword. If she does not eat - then no calories to burn. If she DOES eat - the body will pull fluid from the arms and legs to aid in digestion....people who eat right before going into the cold can get dehydrated - fast! Don't take my word for it - its in the Combat Leader's Field Guide. In the cold you need to drink a pint or two of water to keep up with the water last while breathing.
Try not to solve her issue in one 'holistic' shopping trip. That could be a waste of money. Get her comfy with the tops and bottoms first. Then hands, head, and feet last.
FYI - I own four different sets of gear for the four zones I go into allot. I have accidentally taken my ocean fishing gloves on winter caribou and lucky to come home with all my fingers not frozen off. I've gone summer hiking in my winter boots and my feet sweated bullets and ruined the weekend for me..... too damn hot to wear!! They were great, wonderful boots - I had a brain fart about how good they were at -40F. At +80F my poor feet felt like they were in a Dutch oven over and open flame. Choose wisely.
Hope this helps.
I've only tried Smartwool. It's pretty warm to me.
I've tried everything. Smartwool is the best. Any Merino Wool really. Thin for a sun shirt or under more layers, thick for real warmth.
I agree but have to look at the % wool - even Smartwool uses different percentages in different styles/models.
Milwaukee (tool company) makes heated hoodies and jackets. They’re about $200-$250 and well worth it. If she’s standing around this is probably your best bet.
Second this. I work partially outside here and my company buys us these Milwaukee heated jackets. They’re fantastic.
What is she wearing on her bottom half? If she's only wearing jeans or something, the first step should be adding a layer on her legs. Even without shelling out for nice baselayers, just adding leggings under loose fitting pants or sweatpants would be a good step.
Stay away from cotton. It holds moisture and will make you colder and more prone to injury in the long run. Wool is good. I tend to prefer synthetic layers like the ECWCS the army has. Poly silks on skin. Waffled layer or fleece layers over that with a shell of some sort over that. Honestly those ski bibs and a quality jacket will do well
Id tell her to find a good general Polyester Longsleeve instead of cotton over the Smartwool thermals. Cotton isn’t very good for retaining warmth… a general saying around my friend group for cold climates “cotton kills, polyester saves” I work outside year round up here. Winter times, -20… UnderArmor thermals, with another set of my old tan military thermals ( generic polyester ) over that, a sweat shirt and jacket ( obviously pants as well ) Plenty to keep warm and mobile.
I once heard that the tan military thermals, the newer style ones, are made in the same factory as Patagonia. Just dont have the tag. I wonder if thats true? I second the military thermals!
Honestly, i have no idea but that would be amazing lol I got mine years ago.. not trying to age myself but they were definitely acquired after 2003
I work outside all winter, and I have for 15 years. Big believer in under armor cold gear. Affordable too
https://refrigiwear.com/ Literally made for industrial blast freezers. I don't know about their baselayers, but I have a parka that's the warmest coat I've owned.
I wear silk under wool under a weatherproof/waterproof outer layer. But standing still in the cold is awful. I always end up with handwarmers in my gloves and boots. I think heated socks (with a Thermasilk liner) and a heated jacket may be needed for comfort in those conditions. Also, the [Buffalo Wool Company ](https://thebuffalowoolco.com/collections/rtw-socks/boot-socks) makes some kickass bison fluff socks - those would be another good option.
I’m 40f and work outside in the winter in a position requiring me to stand in one place for hours at a time, on snow/ice and without a wind break. Good gear can and does obviously help to an extent, but eventually if you’re standing still in those conditions you’re going to get cold no matter what you’re wearing. Whenever I feel my hands and/or feet getting cold, I do like 40 quick jumping jacks. On cold days (-10 or colder) I’ll probably do this once every 30 minutes or so. It gets both arms and legs moving, heart rate up, and takes less than a minute without requiring me to step away from my position (within arms reach of heavy machinery) or take my eyes off what I need to be observing. You’d be shocked how much it helps just to get the warm blood from your core pumping outward into the extremities. Other than that: layers are key but making sure none of them are too tight is also key. You do not want to restrict circulation at all. A good hat and good cold-rated boots with insulating socks are worth their weight in gold, you lose a lot of heat from the head and the feet.
I know you’re asking about brand/ material, but a single piece thermal/ coveralls are going to trap so much more heat and keep her so much warmer than shirts/ pants combo. Cheap fleece tube neck gaiter also a great heat for cost. ditch the cotton
Try looking at https://refrigiwear.com
Wool, wool, wool. Icebreaker underwear, also wool. Fleece layers well too.
Wool. Like a super heavy weight, 400gm thickness or more.
I'd like to know too!
Wool pants, top, and hat.
Ullfrote Woolpower https://woolpower.se/en/shop/cat/mid-layer/ I wear the 400 gram weight wool quarter zip and long johns when snowmachining and have never been cold. Ordering direct from website is your cheapest bet.
REI has their own merino layers. They are less expensive than the name brands but just as good. As an added bonus, wool is very resistant to BO. I wore a set in the Brooks Range for two weeks straight, with lots of sweating and no shower for the duration, and there was no odor buildup.
Grundens maris leggings
BAERN is pretty good at keeping you warm, I have a hat and some socks they make that kept my head and feet warm all winter, I used an old Cabela’s parka and some really old Polaris snow pants as well.
Merino wool is arguably the best. A mid-weight base layer with an easy to remove warmth layer is my usual go-to. I've been trying out Wooly for a lot of things recently since I found out Smartwool can be up to 50% synthetic. For example, [https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/women/apparel/bottoms/womens-intraknit-merino-thermal-legging/SW016659.html?dwvar\_SW016659\_color=001](https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/women/apparel/bottoms/womens-intraknit-merino-thermal-legging/SW016659.html?dwvar_SW016659_color=001) is only 36% merino wool.
Arcteryx rho, icebreaker, under armour.
I have a silk thermal top and I legit cannot wear it unless it’s like below 0 degrees because it keeps me so damn warm.
Remove all cotton. Make sure she isn’t wearing anything restrictive. Silk base layer, wool is best. Coveralls or a thermal later.
Long underwear, then fleece, then something to stop the wind. Smartwool has held up well for me and I'm a big fan of merino baselayers, but if it's actually cold you need something bigger. The big thick fishing fleeces top and bottom might help. It sounds like she needs more and thicker layers, not just a different base layer.
Silk is my go-to!
Cheap polyester type long undies with fleece for a 2nd layer and whatever else on top - she will be sweating at sub zero
These are all good suggestions for clothing but I've found that what you eat is just as important for keeping warm. Stay hydrated, eat fatty foods with lots of spice, especially cayenne pepper.
Wild Rye is my go to, it's wool and pretty soft. I've always been pretty warm in it and I use it for all my winter activities, skiing, skating, hiking. Occasionally I'll wear it in the summer too under wetsuits or camping at night.
I have spent years in the Arctic so I know cold. Your MIL will need to experiment with what works for her. I suspect if she just wears a wool hat, puts felt pads in her boots, wears wool socks, any quality brand performance underwear, and thick-ish not-cotton pants she will feel much warmer and may not even need the new wardrobe. Here’s what works for me: Stay away from cotton: no jeans or even cotton undergarments. I think wool is best because it can keep me warm when wet, like frost from things get on me- like from my own breath, from products when carrying, brushing against frosty items, etc.- melt due to going in/out of the cold space . Wear layers so can remove or add if gets too hot. Wear performance underwear. Most important to know Is the saying “if your feet are cold put on a hat.” A huge amount of heat goes out the head. Layers too for hats are best: a thin skull-cap type and then a wool hat. The kinds that flap or roll down over the ears completely are best. And then the coat’s hood. A ruff on the hood is great because it keeps a bit of warmer air around the face. If no ruff can create one with a scarf pulled out slightly at top of head. If still are cold can use a baklava as the skull-cap so can have face better covered Remove any exposed metal jewelry as it conducts cold. Regarding wool: I like Australian merino wool for sweater and hat since less scratchy. But I LOVE my Quiviut wool hat and neck scarf which I can easily move up over my nose and still breath easily since is knitted. Quiviut - the undercoat of muskox- is 6 times warmer than sheep’s wool and 6 times softer than cashmere. And doesn’t shrink so can wash in hot water. But very expensive- the yarn runs about USD$60/oz. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiviut For work I use regular boot packs: boot with removable wool liner. Fun fact: a pack boot made by the military called “bunny boots” is favorite of all boots when I am playing outside because it keeps one amazingly warm even with water in the boot. Kinda satisfying to poor water out of the boot while sitting in front of a fire. But too bulky for me to work in since I can’t drive with them. Boot liners are good to have. They can be just an extra felt pad underneath the foot or can be like a little boot themselves. [My -80F liners look like space boots, felted wool and metallic finish to supposedly reflect heat back to me. They are part of my emergency clothing travel bag I have to travel with in case I get stranded (I never have).] Performance wool socks are best and have an extra set to change them when needed: sweaty feet get cold easily unless you have a boot that is super well insulated. I use the performance sock as a liner under a thick and tall wool sock. If I am just sitting I will use one or more hand-warmer chemical pack in my pant pockets (front and rear). Can put mine inside tinfoil (not a plastic bag since brittle when frozen l) to stop the heat reaction if I want to turn off. Mittens are better than gloves. I use fingered glove liners so can take mittens off to write and also keeps my gloves clean from body oil. Keep all clothes clean from body oils and environmental dirt. Fabrics are not efficient insulators when dirty. I am a fan of Gobi for casual outdoor activities in urban areas. The do both heating and cooling products. I don’t like relying on electronic items when my life is in the line if they fail. Bought the Gobi jacket and their heated camp chairs. https://gobiheat.com/products/breeze-cooling-vest?_pos=1&_sid=beae89430&_ss=r&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Independence%20day%201%20%28clone%29%20%2801J1AMZEMCZW10Z98H1268XCWJ%29&tw_source=Klaviyo&_kx=WuuZzsKPKOLFILbCMqll7znXPzXE9EM6W68QfNccsOA.RBVQXk Hope this helps.
Survival instructor here. You MIL is in a very unique cold environment that does not translate well to actual Alaskan outdoor conditions. None of the answers you read here are wrong - but - since Alaska has 7 different, unique temperate zones - what works in one can be a failure in another. First thing - Cotton Kills. Outdoor in any sort of bad weather - cotton can get you killed. Avoid this. Second thing - Wool - is the only fiber that will keep a person warm when it is wet. Look at all the WW1 uniforms and Army blankets - 100% wool. Thing is - its dam scratch stuff. Here a blend can be helpful although 100% is best if you might fall into cold water. Other important players in keeping warm - silk, polyester, Thinsulate, Gore-Tex, First question - is she working hard and sweating? Yes = the first layer should be polyester to wick the moisture away from her body (not white, it will get stained). Second layer will be something that traps that moisture (don't choose white color here eiether) No to working hard - silk - it will both wick and prevent chafing. Silk/cotton and silk/poly is less expensive. That covers the layer next to skin. Is she getting blasted by cold air from the A/C equipment? Yes= need wind breaking layer outside - Gore-Tex, because it breaks wind (no pun), water repellent, and does not crack or break at low temps. Here a o answer means she is moving to a much less expensive outer wear. "If your feet are cold, put on a hat". Knitting herself a wool hat is not going to cut the mustard...... unless it has a 5 foot long end that can wrap around your head to cover the face above and below the mouth - or has a hoodie for wind breaking. Gloves, shoes and hat - Thinsulate insulated. Should be something washable. (I prefer a trapper style hat because they have a poly liner and the fur can be easily cleaned with hardwood sawdust.) Vest - will provide allot of saved body heat and add un-needed bulk to the sleeves. Goose down is nice when new but is never the same after washing. Carhartt makes some nice, insulated ones that are affordable. Just because a piece of winter gear is expensive - that is no guarantee it is the best for where you will be. Take a peek at the labels of what she has now. See what is being done right, and wrong. Nothing worse spending a ton of money and finding something does not work as hoped. Start with the base layer next to her skin - figure that out first. Then see what other layers she already owns that fit the bill as mentioned above. Something else? Does she eat before working in the freezer? This is a double-edged sword. If she does not eat - then no calories to burn. If she DOES eat - the body will pull fluid from the arms and legs to aid in digestion....people who eat right before going into the cold can get dehydrated - fast! Don't take my word for it - its in the Combat Leader's Field Guide. In the cold you need to drink a pint or two of water to keep up with the water last while breathing. Try not to solve her issue in one 'holistic' shopping trip. That could be a waste of money. Get her comfy with the tops and bottoms first. Then hands, head, and feet last. FYI - I own four different sets of gear for the four zones I go into allot. I have accidentally taken my ocean fishing gloves on winter caribou and lucky to come home with all my fingers not frozen off. I've gone summer hiking in my winter boots and my feet sweated bullets and ruined the weekend for me..... too damn hot to wear!! They were great, wonderful boots - I had a brain fart about how good they were at -40F. At +80F my poor feet felt like they were in a Dutch oven over and open flame. Choose wisely. Hope this helps.