Planning on doing some real back country hiking, skiing or snowboarding while it's still winter in most of the north and the high country? If you want to be sure you come back home again, without frost bite or a touch of snow blindness, dress for success - with style and function! Check the weather before you leave but make sure you're ready for sudden storms and changes in temperature.

From toe to head, it's best to dress in layers. You may want to start with a basic wool sock, since wool keeps you warm even when wet, or upgrade to a wool blend sock designed for hiking or one of the new eco-friendly poly blends. Next are your boots. You'll want sturdy hiking boots, insulated and waterproof.

Moving up a little, protect your legs with today's long underwear, a base layer with honeycomb fabric or stick with wool. Cover those up with an outdoor pant designed for comfort but with all the pockets and gaiters you'll need. If you want more coverage, try a windbreaker-type fabric over the top but bear in mind, you need to be able to move, and you want to let air out.

For your upper body, you'll need a base layer in a poly blend or a wool crewneck. Top that with your favorite sturdy shirt. If you'll be exerting yourself with climbing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, your next item should be a down vest. It will keep your torso warm, but not too warm, while allowing freedom of movement. Finish off the top with a down jacket, a lighter weight one or for a daylight-only adventure, maybe a lightweight shell. If you're at a high altitude or it's just darn cold, you may want to go for a real parka.

Don't forget the accessories. You'll need gloves, a good fleece hat or a woolen one and very good sunglasses or goggles. Along with the necessities in your pack, these should keep you warm, dry and safe in a wilderness adventure.

Whether you're hitting the hiking trails for a cross-country adventure or trekking off to the lakes for an ice fishing adventure, layering up with fleece and wind-resistant fabrics is an absolute must. While a down coat or parka will help you stay warm throughout the day, it's the layers that will trap in your body heat to the max and keep your muscles and joints in great shape during frigid temperatures.

Layering Basics
Camping gurus already know the golden rules of layering; much of this process is common sense, but you'll need to be selective about what types of clothing you're packing on for the day. To stay warm in wintry climates, you'll need to stick with clothing that's lightweight and sticks close to your skin. This means steering clear of too much bulk and avoiding clothes with too many zippers and accessories; too much hardware makes it harder to layer different types of clothing and also makes it harder for you to move around.

For the inner layers, you'll need to stick with thermal underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics that won't absorb any sweat on your skin. This clothing needs to be made of lightweight materials and fabric, which are not only comfortable but also easy to wash.

The mid-layer is one of the most important. This is your insulation layer, the layer that includes pants, vests, fleece jackets and sweaters. This North Face Apex Bionic Jacket is an excellent choice for the mid-layer; it fits snugly and comfortably over basic tanks and tees, and it's made with Weatherblock fabric which stops that bone-chilling wind dead in its tracks. Plus, it's easy to wash and maintain; you can count on this for your mid-layer under a parka or down coat, or just wear it as a light jacket during warmer temperatures.

The outer layer is your final insulating layer and needs to be adjustable so that you can take it on and off with ease. Look for areas with extra ventilation and lightweight materials so you're not weighed down. This is the only layer where you need to pay attention to extra pockets, flaps and other accessories.

If you're anxious to get out onto the lake this winter to embrace ice fishing season, make sure you're braving the icy tundra with the right gear. One of the most important safety measures for any ice fishing adventure is to take along a companion fishing enthusiast; if one of you does slip under the ice, you'll have help nearby. You'll also need to wear special clothing and layer up with a down jacket (or two) so you can settle in for a full day on the ice and make the most of your ice fishing experience. Here's what you'll need to survive the brutal weather and slick surroundings:

Layer up with a Down Parka
Pack yourself into a Patagonia Down Parkato trap in as much heat as possible while you sit on the icy banks of your favorite lake. You'll want to layer up underneath with a flannel shirt, thermal underwear and a sweater for extra warmth and comfort. Any down jacket will help you trap in heat and keep you warm and toasty all day long.

Insulated Boots
Pick up a pair of rugged, industrial-strength boots so you don't have to worry about frostbite nipping at your toes. A pair of boots made with extra grip and down insulation will protect your feet during those long treks across the lake; the North Face Nuptse boots are designed with all of these features and are also ergonomically designed for optimal comfort.

Self-heating Thermos
If you're spending more than a few hours out on the ice, you'll need to make time for a hot meal. Soup and other canned goods are the best match for your outdoor adventure, and you can enjoy a hot meal with a heated thermos. Just light up the burner base and heat up your favorite soup or drink for a nourishing meal in the middle of your trip.

When you're hitting the ice for a day or weekend of ice fishing events, make sure you're well prepared to battle the snow and ice with the right gear. Down jackets and boots, along with insulated accessories will help you survive the tundra as you patiently wait for your next catch.