Extreme cold is not just about temperature: it’s a mix of wind, humidity, body heat loss, and effort intensity. Equipping yourself for these conditions requires a precise understanding of the body in motion. At AYAQ, cold-weather gear—technical down jackets, active fleece jackets, RWS merino wool base layers, and 52,000 Schmerber membrane hardshells—are designed to retain heat, minimize loss, and protect without restricting movement. Here’s how to build a coherent system to face truly cold days.
1. Base Layer: Thermal Regulation Starts Against the Skin
The base layer is essential in extreme cold: it manages sweat, wicks moisture generated by effort, and prevents sudden cooling during breaks or descents. AYAQ base layers use RWS-certified merino wool from free-range farms, spun in Italy: a natural fiber that stays warm even when damp.
- SHIRWALI: merino + Tencel (~240 g), warm, ideal for cold days with moderate or variable effort.
- MEFONNA: 100% versatile merino, breathable, suited for active efforts in cold conditions.
- BIAFO: lighter 100% 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 the body’s generated heat and prevents rapid loss.
Active Fleece for Effort
KOKANEE is designed to support activity: highly breathable, it wicks sweat and limits moisture buildup. It’s the ideal midlayer for climbs, fast approaches, or sustained activity in cold conditions.
Warm, Enveloping Fleece
AROLLA, a thicker fleece, provides significant thermal comfort, perfect for rest phases, static days, or prolonged outings in subzero temperatures.
3. Insulation: Down Jackets for Extreme Cold
Outer insulation is critical when cold dominates the environment.
ULTAR: AYAQ’s Warmest Down Jacket
ULTAR is built for environments with very low temperatures. It’s the warmest piece in the range: powerful, stable insulation designed for extended stops, very cold settings, and low to moderate intensity outings. It protects without restricting upper body mobility.
BALTORO: Innovative Insulation and Freedom of Movement
BALTORO uses blown fiber technology in a unique design, awarded an innovation prize. Its standout feature is exceptional freedom of movement, ideal for active cold-weather sports (ski touring, mountaineering, fast hiking at altitude). The insulation remains stable while allowing wide range of motion.
FORNO: The Smart Sleeveless Down Jacket
FORNO is a sleeveless down jacket designed for easy layering. Its magnet system allows removal even when wearing a hardshell over it: it detaches simply at the collar. Perfect for fine-tuning warmth during intermittent efforts, transitions, and cold but dynamic days.
4. Outer Layer: Full Protection Against Wind and Snow
In extreme cold, wind amplifies heat loss. A truly high-performance outer shell is essential. AYAQ hardshells—SKORA, LONAK, and SKORA-XT (formerly Lonak-XT)—feature a non-microporous hydrophilic 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 uniquely performing membrane offers.
Softshell RAVEN
RAVEN combines a windproof membrane on the front with a highly breathable back. In active extreme cold, it’s ideal when managing wind without trapping excess heat is the priority. 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 or MEFONNA + KOKANEE + RAVEN or LONAK.
- For dry but intense cold: SHIRWALI + AROLLA + SKORA / LONAK.
- For stops and static phases: SHIRWALI + KOKANEE + ULTAR or BALTORO.
- For fine heat management: add or remove FORNO as needed.
In extreme cold, heat loss occurs mainly during transitions—not temperature—highlighting 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 with 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 for wind and snow protection. With ULTAR, BALTORO, FORNO, AYAQ fleece jackets, and 52,000 Schmerber membrane hardshells, the collection enables you to face the coldest conditions with a balanced blend of warmth, breathability, and freedom of movement.