Cold Weather Layering - Women
Key Takeaways
Layering
Long underwear
vests
rain gear
down jackets
mittens
wool socks
Under Armour
Kuiu
Prois
Kenetreks
Patagonia
North Face
Carhart
Kings
Courtney boots
Prana
REI
Kuhl
Sitka
Mossy Oak
Drake Waterfowl
Smart wool
Transcript
Hey folks, Kim Sundel here, and today we’re going to talk about cold weather gear for women. This advice could apply to men as well, but men tend to have more testosterone and don’t suffer from the same discomfort in cold conditions as we might. So, here’s a little heads-up on what’s important for staying comfortable, whether you’re hunting, on day trips, on pack trips with horses, or any other outdoor activity.
Preparation Is Key
Mother Nature doesn’t care what brand you’re wearing, where you bought it, or how much you paid. The only thing that matters out there is survival. Be fit mentally and physically, and be prepared for the elements.
Start with Layering
Back in the day, we called them “long underwear.” Now, it’s all about base layers. In colder months, I always start with a layer of SmartWool, but there are plenty of great brands out there. I wear SmartWool leggings and a long-sleeve shirt as my first layer. They’re comfortable, warm, and available in different colors.
Next, I layer up with Under Armour ColdGear. I tend to size up (if I’m usually a small, I go to a medium) for comfort and to allow room for layering. I then add a long-sleeve shirt, typically from brands like Under Armour or Kings. Layering is essential, and you’ll want to find a combination that works for you.
Vests and Mid-Layers
I’m a big fan of vests because they add warmth without restricting movement. My favorite is a down vest by Patagonia; it’s lightweight and can compress down to almost nothing in your pack. I also have a Kings vest, which isn’t down but is lighter for milder weather. From there, I add a waterproof, windproof outer layer. I use an Under Armour jacket, which is large enough to layer over my vest and base layers.
For extremely cold or wet conditions, I finish with an 850-fill waterproof REI down jacket. This jacket is perfect for snow, rain, and general bad weather. If I need something less insulated, I use a Kuiu down jacket, which is warm but not as weatherproof, so I layer a waterproof jacket over it if necessary.
Cold Weather Pants
For cold weather, I like Drake Waterfowl System pants, which are soft, warm, and feel like down. I also have She Outdoor pants, including a fleece pair that doesn’t make noise when moving through the woods—perfect for hunting. I also wear Under Armour pants, which are comfortable and warm but not as heavy as the fleece options. Different colors and patterns are available for different times of year, like fall camo and darker camo for later in the season.
Footwear
In summer, I wear non-waterproof hiking shoes that allow my feet to dry out quickly after crossing streams. For winter, I switch to leather Kenetrek boots, which are heavier and insulated for colder months. I typically go up half a size to fit extra wool socks. I’m also a big believer in hand and foot warmers; they help keep you comfortable, which is crucial.
Outerwear and Gloves
I love fleece-lined sweatshirts, like those from Under Armour, for an additional warm layer. For packs, I have a range of sizes, from large packs for multi-day trips (like those from REI) to smaller day packs. My husband Tim is a fan of Kifaru packs, which are lightweight and vary depending on the type of hunt or trip we’re doing.
Keeping my hands warm is a big deal, especially for shooting. My go-to option is mittens, specifically Sitka mittens, which are excellent for keeping fingers warm. I’ve lost and replaced these mittens multiple times because they’re that good! I also have fleece and Gore-Tex options from Sitka for snowy or rainy conditions, as well as down gloves for milder weather. If you’re budget-conscious, Cabela’s has great options too.
Headgear
Carhartt hats are always a reliable option for warmth. I also use a head wrap or balaclava, especially in the fall and winter, to keep my ears and head warm. Looking stylish isn’t the priority; staying warm is. This headgear is essential for me and keeps me comfortable in harsh conditions.
Preparation and Training
Your life depends on your preparation. You need gear that works in an environment that doesn’t love you back. Know where you’re going, check the weather, study the terrain, and be trained with your firearms and other survival tools. Women like to be warm and comfortable, and I hope this guide helps you achieve that.
Best of luck, stay safe, and enjoy your adventures!
