There's a science to dressing warm in the winter time. Here's how to layer properly to stay comfortable while you get active outside.

Layer 1: The base




1. A reversible hat made with moisture-wicking material eliminates sweat, which makes your head cold. Greenlight beanie, $35, brooksrunning.ca.

2. The fabric in this top pulls moisture away from your skin, then pushes it out to evaporate. Body 1 Drirelease top, $50, kombicanada.com.

3. Tech-tipped index fingers on these gloves mean you never need to expose your hands to the elements—and the slim fit is easy to layer over. Run With Me gloves, $28, lululemon.com.

4. This water bottle keeps your beverage warm or cold, whether you're cooling down from hot yoga or trying to warm up at the skating rink. S'well water bottle, $40, indigo.ca.

5. Slim, stretchy and breath­able, these leggings slip easily beneath a pair of pants and are gusseted so they move with you. Icebreaker Vertex leggings, $125, sportinglife.ca.

6. Tall socks keep ankles cozy, while ventilated zones help prevent sweating. SmartWool PhD socks, $35, sportinglife.ca.

Layer 2: The insulation




1. Thermo-conductive technology on the lining of this sporty hoodie both absorbs and retains your body heat. ColdGear Infrared Isa full-zip hoodie, $90, underarmour.ca.

2. This sweat-wicking neck warmer can be pulled up to your nose, and it doubles as a hood when you need it. Run Fast neck warmer, $28, lululemon.com.

3. Moisture-wicking merino wool keeps you warm and dry. (Tip: Size up if you plan on layering over another pair of tights.) Adidas by Stella McCartney seamless houndstooth wool leggings, $100, sportinglife.ca.

4. If you're an avid skier, hiker or snowshoer and plan to spend long hours in the cold, it might be worth investing in heated socks that guarantee continuously warm feet. A battery pack attaches at the top, and you can adjust the temperature to your liking. Therm-ic PowerSocks, $300, sportinglife.ca.

Layer 3: The shell




1. This super-warm coat isn't super-thick, because it uses Omni-Heat (tiny reflective dots) to reflect your body heat back to you rather than relying solely on bulky insulation to keep you warm. The shoulders, sleeves and hood are waterproof, while the body is breathable to prevent excess sweating. Heatzone 1000 TurboDown jacket, $550, columbiasportswear.ca.

2. These water-resistant and windproof mitts have an adjustable strap at the wrists to trap heat inside. Use the mitten “leashes” so you don't lose them when you take them off. La Sportive mitts, $60, kombicanada.com.

3. Every winter runner or walker needs a flashlight to see and be seen on those dark mornings and evenings. This one sits at your waist on a pivoting mount to light the path at your feet or expose obstacles in the distance. Tiger Tail FlashLite belt wrap, $20, mec.ca.

4. Waterproof yet breathable, these pants keep you warm in the snow with heat-reflective technology. Veloca Vixen pants, $180, columbiasportswear.ca.

5. Waterproof trail shoes with tungsten-carbide spikes underfoot help prepare you for rain, snow and ice on your run or hike. Merrell All Out Terra Ice waterproof hiking shoes, $180, merrell.ca. 

Check out these better ways to exercise in the winter.

This content is vetted by medical experts

This story was originally part of "Weather Your Workout" in the January 2016 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!