Extreme cold is not just about temperature: it combines wind, humidity, body heat loss, and effort intensity. Proper gear for these conditions requires a precise understanding of the body in motion. At AYAQ, cold-weather apparel—technical down jackets, active fleece layers, RWS merino wool base layers, and 52,000 Schmerber membrane hardshells—are designed to retain heat, minimize loss, and protect without restricting. Here’s how to build a coherent system to face truly cold days.
1. Base Layer: Thermal Regulation Starts Next to the Skin
The base layer is essential in extreme cold: it manages sweat, wicks moisture generated by effort, and prevents rapid cooling during breaks or descents. AYAQ base layers use RWS-certified merino wool from outdoor farms, spun in Italy: a natural fiber that stays warm even when damp.
- SHIRWALI (men / women): merino + Tencel (~240 g), warm, ideal for cold days with moderate or variable effort.
- MEFONNA (men / women): 100% versatile merino, breathable, suited for active efforts in cold conditions.
- BIAFO (men / women): 100% lighter merino, perfect when effort remains high despite low temperatures.
- ISEO: long-sleeve performance, balancing warmth and mobility.
The goal: stay dry as much as possible, since moisture is the number one enemy of cold.
2. Midlayer: Active Fleece Jackets and Insulating Layers
The midlayer stores body heat and prevents rapid heat loss.
Active Fleece for Effort
KOKANEE (men / women) is designed to support activity: highly breathable, it wicks sweat and limits moisture buildup. The ideal midlayer for climbs, fast approaches, or sustained activity in cold conditions.
Warm, Enveloping Fleece
AROLLA (men / women), a thicker fleece, provides significant thermal comfort, useful during rest phases, static days, or prolonged outings in subzero temperatures.
3. Insulation: Down Jackets for Extreme Cold
Outer insulation is crucial when cold dominates conditions.
ULTAR (men / women): AYAQ’s Warmest Down Jacket
ULTAR (men / women) is built for environments with very low temperatures. The warmest piece in the range: powerful, stable insulation designed for long stops, very cold environments, and low to moderate intensity outings. It protects without restricting upper body mobility.
BALTORO (men / women): Innovative Insulation and Freedom of Movement
BALTORO (men / women) uses a blown fiber system in a unique design, awarded for innovation. Its key feature: exceptional freedom of movement, ideal for active cold-weather sports (ski touring, mountaineering, fast hiking at altitude). Insulation remains stable while allowing wide gestures.
FORNO (men / women): The Smart Sleeveless Down Jacket
FORNO (men / women) is a sleeveless down jacket designed for easy layering. Its magnet system allows removal even when a hardshell is worn over it: it simply detaches at the collar. Perfect for fine heat management during intermittent effort, transitions, and cold but dynamic days.
4. Outer Layer: Full Protection Against Wind and Snow
In extreme cold, wind amplifies heat loss. A truly effective outer shell is essential. AYAQ hardshells—SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women), and LONAK-XT (men / women)—feature a hydrophilic non-microporous membrane, tested up to 52,000 Schmerbers with a RET < 12. They are:
- completely windproof,
- waterproof against snow and prolonged contact,
- breathable even during climbs,
- lightweight thanks to a membrane weighing only 170 g/m².
Dry or windy cold demands a hardshell that blocks air without trapping internal moisture—exactly what this unique membrane offers.
Softshell RAVEN (men / women)
RAVEN (men / women) combines a windproof membrane on the front with a highly breathable back. In active extreme cold, it’s ideal when managing wind is a priority without trapping excess heat. A hybrid piece designed for fast movement.
5. Building a System for Extreme Cold
The colder it gets, the more transitions must be anticipated:
- For active effort: BIAFO (men / women) or MEFONNA (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + RAVEN (men / women) or LONAK (men / women).
- For dry but intense cold: SHIRWALI (men / women) + AROLLA (men / women) + SKORA (men / women) / LONAK (men / women).
- For stops and static phases: SHIRWALI (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + ULTAR (men / women) or BALTORO (men / women).
- For fine heat management: add or remove FORNO (men / women) as needed.
In extreme cold, transitions—not temperature—cause heat loss. Hence the importance of an adaptable system.
6. 100% European Manufacturing & Responsible Materials
All AYAQ cold-weather components are:
- made in France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal,
- crafted from RWS merino wool, recycled technical materials, or high-performance hydrophilic membranes,
- designed to last multiple seasons, even under intensive use.
The philosophy remains consistent: genuine performance without compromising environmental impact.
Conclusion
Equipping for extreme cold requires a coherent system: RWS merino base layers to manage moisture, fleece jackets to stabilize heat, down jackets for insulation, and hardshells to protect against wind and snow. With ULTAR (men / women), BALTORO (men / women), FORNO (men / women), AYAQ fleece jackets, and 52,000 Schmerber membrane hardshells, the wardrobe enables enduring the coldest conditions with a balanced mix of warmth, breathability, and freedom of movement.
