Everyone wants to talk about the latest and greatest in outerware, but if you don’t get the base layer right, no $800 jacket is going to save you. So here’s the skinny on really staying warm.

Helly Hansen Lifaloft Stretch Insulator, $350

Your shell will be stiff, but that doesn’t mean your insulated level need be. Helly Hansen’s new layers move like a T-shirt but insulate like a parka.
hellyhansen.com

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech, $98

It’s apres time, you unzip your coat and… the silver woven through this technical top keeps your smell at bay. Your friends will thank you.
shop.lululemon.com

Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Warm Legging, $29

Uniqlo may crank out the product in huge numbers, but they’ve always been on the forefront of fabric technology and their Heattech is leading edge for warmth (and easy on the wallet).
uniqlo.ca

Arc’teryx Axino Knickers, $200

Why do ski pants go all they way to the bottom, only to bunch up at the top of the boot? Leave it to local legend Arc’teryx to solve the problem.
arcteryx.com