Over the last week we've had much cooler conditions, more like our first week or two after we got here. Colder temps & more rain are hinting that winter is not far off. The hints led us to the winter clothing store to buy some warm gear. Now is the time because everything in the winter lines were reduced by half in most cases.
Now for the lesson. The key to staying warm in minus stupid (as in other cold climates around the world) is LAYERS. It's particularly important in Calgary because of the huge temperature fluctuations (yes, even more than Melbourne). It can go from 25 above to 25 below within hours during winter. You have to have options with you to be prepared for the different conditions.
So you start with something synthetic against the skin. Apparently, this stops sweat from freezing close to your body.
Then you need something mid range to protect you from +5 to -10.
Finally there's the top layer which is the weather proof & warm. It also has a hood to keep the icy winds away from the head. They call this a shell and is crucial when it gets properly cold.
You can use all sorts of combinations of the three, but the use of all three with protect you from -20 & below (minus stupid). The same principal applies for the legs.
