It’s Hot – So Let’s Dress For the Arctic in 13 “Easy” Steps!


Yes, I know it’s hot out — summer usually is — but not in Greenland. Ever. And it certainly wasn’t anywhere near hot in April, when I went there to film a story for “A Broad Abroad.” Being terrified of the cold and not exactly a “mountain climber”/hike-outdoors-in-the-snow kind of girl (I am much more an après skier than an actual skier), I was concerned.

How to Dress for the Arctic in 13 Easy Steps

(Photo by Corbis/Erik Mace/Yahoo)

So, I checked with some friends and, thanks to their help, was dressed appropriately. In the end, I may have looked like the Michelin man or the kid from A Christmas Story, but I was warm. And this, my friends, is how you dress for the Arctic:

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For a good base layer, start out with some solid long underwear like the Women’s MTF4000 Leggings from Hot Chillys. (Photo: Hot Chillys)

Step 1: Base layer — long underwear

You can use any kind of long underwear, but I prefer the Hot Chillys brand — it has fleece on the inside and hidden key pockets and Uniqlo. (It’s cheap. And good.)

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A pullover like the Women’s La Montaña Zip-T will keep you nice and warm. (Photo: Hot Chillys)

Step 2: Insulating layer — pullover sweater or fleece

I also used Hot Chillys for this.

Related: Iceland, The Most Magical Layover Ever

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Keep your toes toasty with some these Icebreaker socks. (Photo: Sierra Trading Post)

Step 3: Sock liners plus wool socks

I used Icebreaker hike socks. They have support and are made of merino wool. They are a good option, since they wick moisture and keep you dry.

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Layer jeans over your long undies. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Step 4: Jeans (or a layer of pants over the base layer; fleece pants work too)

I used jeans, as they were handy, but fleece is more flexible.

Related: Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty

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ExOfficio’s Calluna Fleece Hoody is just the ticket to keeping warm. (Photo: ExOfficio)

Step 5: Insulating layer, part deux — fleece jacket

I wore an ExOfficio fleece jacket with hood. Bonus: ExOfficio jackets also have the “monkey thumbs” opening in the sleeve so that your hands keep warm.

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Protect your neck with the Icebreaker Flexi Chute. (Photo: Jans.com)

Step 6: Buff for your neck

I used an Icebreaker Flexi Chute — it is merino wool, and if you get warm, you can pull it up over your head and use as a hair band.

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You’ll want to get down with this down jacket. (Photo: ExOfficio)

Step 7: Protective layer — down jacket

I wore an ExOfficio light down zip-up jacket.

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Windproof, waterproof, and fall-down-proof! (Photo: Canada Goose)

Step 8: Waterproof pants

I love the waterproof windproof pants from Canada Goose. For one thing, they have suspenders, so they won’t fall down and don’t have to be too tight.

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Classic fur-lined Uggs for ultimate insulation. (Photo:Zappos)

Step 9: Snow boots

I wore Uggs.

Related: Traveling in the Footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan

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Be sure to bring a parka to the arctic party! (Photo: Fjallraven)

Step 10: Final layer — a heavy-duty parka

I used the Fjallraven Kyla parka, which not only is warm but also has a ton of pockets and zip compartments (because there is no purse in the Arctic).

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A fur hat will keep your noggin nice and warm. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Step 11: Hat and gloves

I bought these locally — sealskin gloves and a fox-fur hat… Yes. I know. Animal skins! However, please note: In Greenland, hunting is regulated. Every animal that is killed is eaten, and all the parts are used. Every skin has a number, and you know exactly where the animal was killed and what happened to it. This is ethical hunting, with ethical products.

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You can never go wrong with some classic aviators. (Photo: Ray-Ban)

Step 12: Sunglasses

Because snow hurts your eyes! I used my trusty Ray-Ban Aviators.

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Crampons slip over your boots to keep you from slipping in the snow. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Step 13: Crampons for boots

These rubber attachments, which can be slipped on and off, are available at any outdoor store.

For more A Broad Abroad awesomeness, check out Meet the Elf Whisperer of Iceland. Yes, She Sees Elves. Yes, She’s For Real:

 


 

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