TempoLife › Features › What to wear for a run or walk by temperature › m18c
Dressing for -20 to -16 C
At -20 to -16 C the layer plan is: heavy thermal base, two layers. — with the wind and rain modifiers, separate running and walking notes, and the layering principle it follows.
The layers
| Layer | Job | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Wicks sweat away from the skin | Heavy thermal base, two layers. |
| Mid | Traps warm air | Insulated mid. |
| Shell | Stops wind and rain | Insulated, windproof outer. |
| Extras | Hands, head, neck | Mittens over gloves, hat, buff, goggles. |
Running vs walking
| Activity | Note |
|---|---|
| Running | Short, easy runs only; frostbite on exposed skin in tens of minutes. |
| Walking | Serious cold — layers everywhere, minimal skin exposed. |
Adjust for wind and wet
Strong wind: feel about 3-5 C colder, add the shell. Rain: about 3 C colder, and change out of wet base layers as soon as you stop. The modifiers are stated approximations — your climate and your pace move them.
Cold injuries are real: at -20 to -16 C watch exposed skin for numbness or white patches, especially hands, ears and face. Keep sessions short enough to stay safe.
Layering principle: REI Expert Advice — layering basics (base, mid, shell) · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
What do I wear at -20 to -16 C?
Base: Heavy thermal base, two layers. Mid: Insulated mid. Shell: Insulated, windproof outer. Extras: Mittens over gloves, hat, buff, goggles.
What about wind and rain at -20 to -16 C?
Apply the modifiers: strong wind feels about 3-5 C colder — add a shell; rain about 3 C colder, and wet layers must come off. The felt temperature is what you dress for.
Will I overheat once I start moving?
Probably — that is what the zips and the tied-around-the-waist mid are for. Start slightly cool; you warm up in the first kilometre.
-25 to -21 C
Most people should train indoors; if outside, keep it short and covered.
-15 to -11 C
Face protection matters at pace; watch for frostbite on exposed skin.
Log the session the clothes made possible
TempoLife tracks the run or walk against your plan — distance, pace, and how the weather felt.