While Londoners might grumble about a chilly commute, for residents of the planet's most frigid urban centres, winter is a serious business of survival. From the glacial mountains of Alaska to the snowy forests of Finland, knowing what to wear isn't about fashion—it's a necessity. So, what do the experts, the people who live through these deep freezes, actually recommend?
Expert Picks from the Arctic Frontlines
We asked seven writers living in some of the coldest cities on Earth to share the gear they absolutely swear by. Their selections, born from daily life in sub-zero temperatures, go beyond extreme sports. These are the versatile pieces they rely on for everything from grocery runs in 40mph winds to nine-day dog-sledding expeditions.
One writer in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, credits reusable Ignik foot warmers for saving her feet during a multi-day trek across a frozen lake. She also champions sustainable Mongolian cashmere from Gobi Cashmere and a clever Venustas heated jacket with removable battery packs, perfect for nomadic travel without electricity.
Alaskan Wisdom: Battling Wind and Ice
In Anchorage, Alaska, journalists Lisa Maloney and Julia O'Malley face uniquely harsh conditions. Maloney's secret weapon is a versatile Buff ThermoNet neckwear, which can act as a scarf, hat liner, or balaclava. For treacherous ice, she and many locals depend on YakTrax Diamond Grip traction devices.
O'Malley, meanwhile, solved the problem of perpetually cold feet with handmade Steger Mukluks, crafted in Minnesota from leather and thick wool felt. She also recommends Farm to Feet socks for outdoor adventures and swears by a Patagonia Down Drift parka for its length and recycled down insulation, which spares her from cold car seats.
Canadian and Scandinavian Savvy
From Winnipeg, Canada, journalist Daria Salamon recommends MEC Polypro liner gloves, which she calls "long johns for your fingers," for their touchscreen compatibility. She also praises North Face Thermoball booties for après-ski warmth and modern Sorel suede boots for combining style with serious insulation.
Scandinavian residents, no strangers to dark, cold winters, have their own refined arsenal. In Stockholm, Sweden, a sleek balaclava from brands like Malina or Cos offers a fashionable alternative to bulky scarves. For ultimate foot comfort, some turn to heated socks, with options ranging from premium Lenz brands to more affordable Amazon finds.
In Kuopio, Finland, layering is non-negotiable. Travel journalist Paula Hotti favours mulesing-free merino wool base layers from North Outdoor for their lightweight warmth. She insists on long puffer jackets and reliable, stylish Sorel boots to keep the cold from rising from the ground.
Icelandic Layering Masterclass
In Iceland, where weather can change in minutes, the layering system is paramount. Writer James Taylor states that wool is the gold standard, avoiding moisture-trapping cotton. He uses Zorali merino base layers and the iconic, hand-knitted Icelandic Lopapeysa sweater, made from the dual-layer wool of native sheep.
The final, crucial layer for any Icelander is a waterproof, windproof shell. Taylor notes that many choose the lightweight but rugged 66°North Snæfell shell jacket, a lifetime investment that shields against the island's infamous sideways rain and sleet.
The collective wisdom from these frosty frontiers is clear: surviving extreme cold requires smart investment in versatile, high-performance pieces. The right gear—from heated insoles to windproof shells—transforms a battle against the elements into manageable, even comfortable, daily life.
