Baby It's Cold Outside: How To Stay Warm when Bike Commuting

Now that it's December it's going to be reliably chilly out, if not downright cold. That's true even here in South Carolina, though I'll confess that it's to a much lesser extent than when I lived north of the Mason-Dixon line. However, the same rules for staying warm apply, and I thought I'd share these today. Note that these are all based on my individual experience and, ultimately, you have to adjust based on your climate and personal resistance to cold weather.

How to stay warm when bike commuting:

1. Layer

   Layering is the single most effective strategy I've found for keeping warm on a ride. It's particularly effective because it's so flexible: too cold? Add another layer. Too hot? Remove a layer. It's a great technique that you'll see recommended time and again, and it really does work. I wear street-clothing while cycling, so I start with an undershirt to help keep my core warm. An athletic shirt can also be effective as a base layer because it wicks away sweat as you ride (and yes, it's entirely possible to break a sweat in 20° weather). Over that, I'll do a sweater or long-sleeve shirt, depending on temperature. I finish it off with a super lightweight rain shell that also happens to serve as the most effective wind-breaker I've ever owned. For me, in the moderate cold of the South, that's enough. If it's cold where you are, swap out the shell for a heavier coat or jacket that doesn't let the wind through. Years ago, when I was biking in the snow, I would include another middle layer, such as a pull-over, when it got really cold.

2. Block out the wind

   Wind quickly robs your body of heat and can make it much harder to stay warm. I strongly recommend a wind-proof outer layer to shield you from the wind and to insulate yourself from bad weather. Not only does a wind-proof layer keep the wind out, it helps keep your warmth in. For example, I have an extremely lightweight Pearl Izumi rain shell that I wear even in 30-degree weather because it also keeps me insulated from the cold and wind. It does an amazing job and makes it so I can get away with wearing less bulky clothing while still staying warm.
   

3. Keep your extremities warm

   Keeping your core warm is essential, but it won't be fun if your core is warm and you're getting frostbite on your fingers. For my hands, I have a pair of ultra-thin UnderArmour Cold Gear gloves that I absolutely love, because they allow me to keep my hands warm without losing dexterity. They're good for about 7 miles in 40° weather. Colder than that, I'll either swap them out for thicker gloves or, if it's really cold out, use them as a base layer and put thicker gloves on over them. Yes, if it's cold enough you can layer gloves and yes, I'm glad this is something I no longer have to do in the winter. Again, layering has the benefit that you can take off the outer pair of gloves to do something without your hands freezing instantly.
   
   For my feet, a normal pair of socks and shoes is usually enough, but for extra cold weather I'd recommend a pair of SmartWool socks or similar. I've used them in very cold weather and stayed warm. And yes, you can layer socks if need be.
   
   My ears actually are more sensitive to the cold than my hands or feet. I think the wind from biking is partly to blame but, regardless, it can get quite painful if you don't keep your ears warm while riding in winter weather. I have a cheap, but remarkably effective, pair of behind-the-head earmuffs that I use regularly. They're the kind that fold up when you take them off, so they're easy to store in my bike bag, and I'm pretty sure they cost about $2.
   
   If it's so cold that earmuffs aren't doing the trick, a balaclava is what you need. Don't spend tons of money on an athletic one - just go to a military surplus store. They'll have military-spec ones (usually black) for much less money. I found one for a very reasonable price, and it's thin enough that it doesn't interfere with my helmet. These work wonders, but if it's extremely cold or windy you still might want to put on earmuffs over it.
   
   Regarding legs (do they count as extremities?), I've almost never needed anything beyond a regular pair of jeans (shorter rides) or athletic pants. The constant pedaling does a good job keeping them warm. However, if it was really cold, layering with a pair of long underwear or a windproof shell would probably be a good idea.

4. Extreme cold

   I've biked in very cold weather before - down into the single digits, and it's vital that you stay warm. For me, all the above steps were effective in keeping me warm even in the worst winter weather I've experienced, but ultimately it's about what keeps you warm. I've provided this as a helpful guide, but if you find something better, use it (and let me know in the comments!)

While it's important to stay warm, it is also entirely possible to overheat, even in very cold weather. Like I said, I've broken a sweat in sub-20° weather. Sweating is bad, because it is designed to cool your body off, which is the opposite of what you want in the cold. Moisture-wicking athletic gear helps, but what works best is not overdoing it. The best rule of thumb I've encountered is that, when you first step outside,  you should be a little chilly (but not uncomfortably so). This is a way to ensure that, once you start pedaling, you'll warm up to a comfortable temperature but not to the point of overheating. It's a handy rule that has consistently worked for me. Wearing clothing with zippers so that you can increase your ventilation if you start to overheat also works well.

I hope that this advice is helpful for you on your ride. It is entirely possible to bike year-round, provided you dress appropriately for the weather. So stay warm, pedal hard, and let me know in the comments if you have any additional strategies for staying warm in winter weather!