Shoulder Season & Winter Layering System Uncovered
A guide to smart layering
Layering is the secret code to winter riding. A true art in and of itself, it's one that is mastered over time and through trial and error.
No two riders have the same perception of cold, so see this as a general guide on how to dress in different winter conditions by layering your NGNM gear. Everyone thermoregulates differently, so please adapt our suggestions to suit your personal preference and local conditions.
Check this guide here for your deep dive into the layering principles.
NGNM items offer incredible versatility and layering options - we've purpose-designed them to be able to cover you in a range of temperatures and cold conditions. Most of our outer gear is at the very minimum wind-proof with a DWR (durable water repellency) treatment. Some have insulation embedded in the design or through our informed choice of fabric, while others deploy a water-proof fabric allied with regular seams to allow for breathability.
Consider your personal preference, and how many layers you like to wear. Some women prefer to go for a heavier/warmer outer layer (jacket) with just a base layer underneath, while others prefer to adopt the "onion strategy" with the option of peeling layers off (or adding) if needed - this is commonly considered the most sensible option for winter riding and we've have to agree. However, we've got you covered regardless of which camp you're in!
We've divided the typical weather conditions into three major clusters: Cold Humid, Cold Dry and Shoulder Season. Feel free to email us at info@nogodsnomasters.life with any questions.
PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM HALF
For those who want more flexibility in various conditions, the Performance Winter Bib Shorts are the ultimate choice!
Why so? You have the freedom to select your leg warmers - Roubaix vs merino, o full length vs. 3/4ers - or wear the Winter Bib Shorts as stand alone piece in spring or fall when the intensity is high!
These are built with all-over windproofing and a DWR protection.
Find out more HERE!
The ultimate all-around tights for winter riding - think critical wind and water protection!
The upper part above the knee is constructed in a wind-proof + DWR fabric to block the chill, while the bottom part (from the knee to the ankle) is water-proof to protect you from spray and keep you dry on wet roads.
Reflective branding on the side aids visibility in low light conditions.
Find out more HERE!
PROTECT YOUR TOP HALF IN COLD DRY & COLD HUMID CONDITIONS
There's a different quality to cold conditions depending on where you ride. Ever noticed how in the mountains -5° Celsius (23°F) may feel just as cold as 5°C (44°F) in the city? That's because cold-dry conditions (often encountered in the mountains, snowy regions, or on brisk windy days) feel very different from cold-humid ones.
To help you decode the layering system that best works for you, we've put together a few considered combinations for cold-humid and cold-dry situations in a range of temperatures.
You’ll notice that many products overlap due to their versatility, so it's up to you to figure out what suits you, your riding style, and thermoregulation needs.
The transitional conditions during the shoulder seasons - spring and fall - are hard to figure out. In one way or another we'll never be truly ready for whatever lies ahead; it can be so unpredictable. Therefore we need to make sure we're sufficiently protected from the humidity still lingering in the air or the wind that might build up in the afternoon, and eventually peel the layers off.
Depending on personal preference and thermoregulation needs, there are countless options to go for. Below you'll find a few tried-and-tested solutions on how to pair the NGNM transitional items.
Top tip: always protect the core from the wind.
TAP ON THE TABS TO SEE DIFFERENT COMBOS
SHOULDER SEASON
If you prefer full wind protection on the front (chest & arms) and want to play with different base layer weights, the Mid-season jacket offers priceless versatility.
Pro tip: fold the cap flaps on the inside for added ventilation. :-)
10°-15°C / 50-57° F
Cold humid days are the damp ones when the chill bites a lot deeper. You’ll see grey fogginess out the window. A mist that hangs over the ground. These are the darkest, toughest days in winter. In plus 4-5 degree celsius on a day like this, it is comparable with -5 on a dry cold day. Riding-wise, you’ll need to think about protecting yourself against both the cold and the humidity. Once there’s moisture in the air, it takes more heat out of your body so you need to think extra hard here. Check the Cold Humid collection for an overview and tap below for ideas.
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COLD HUMID
With a winter base-layer, the Fleece +WP Jacket combo performs incredibly well even around freezing temps. The WP jacket will keep you dry, thanks to smart side venting zips. Opt for a lighter base-layer and this combo works at warmer temperatures too.
-5°-10° C / 23°-50° F
Cold dry days are when the sun comes out. There’ll be a crispness in the air and it might look picture-perfect with a frost, the kind of landscape you’d put on Instagram. There’s a different feel to the cold – you’ll feel it more in your extremities rather than the progressive sinking-into-your-bones like on a damp, humid day. On a cold and crisp day, you don’t have to worry about the dampness increasing the windchill factor—just make sure you block out the cold and keep the core warm. Check the Cold Dry collection for an overview and tap below for ideas.
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COLD DRY
Layer the warm Puff Jacket with your mid-layer of choice, whether that's a fleece jersey or a conventional long-sleeve jersey.
Pick a base layer that best suits you - heavier if you're sensitive to the cold, lighter if you're less so.
-5°-10° Celsius / 23°-50° F