Great Layers and Accessories for Staying Warm in Cold Weather
With fall here and winter coming, I decided to come up with some strategies to enjoy the outdoors even in freezing cold weather. I shared a whole podcast episode on Live Free Creative Podcast. In addition to the high-level ideas, I thought I’d find some great, specific products that may help increase your tolerance of the cold while you’re adventuring outdoors.
In the show, I compare your winter layers to the three layers of a caramel center, chocolate-coated ice cream bar.
That first layer, closest to your skin needs to be wicking in order to keep you warm. As it pulls the moisture away from your skin, you stay dry and warm. Wool and silk are lovely wicking layers. There are also some great synthetic performance fabrics (like Capilene, developed by Patagonia from recycled plastics) that do amazing at this base-layer job.
The second layer is where you get your warmth. This is the middle, insulation layer. Here is a great place to pull on a wool sweater, fleece jacket, or down vest.
Finally, finish your outfit with a weatherproof outer shell. This can be a heavy jacket, or a lightweight rain coat, depending on the weather and your installation layer.
Here are some favorite base, insulation, and outer layers:
Wicking Base Layers
Patagonia Base Layer Long Sleeved Tee
Patagonia Base Layer Short Sleeved Tee
SmartWool Base Layer Short Sleeve
Warm Insulation Layers
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest
Patagonia Los Gatos Fleece Jacket
Patagonia Better Sweater Full Zip Jacket
Weatherproof Outer Layers
Mountain Hardware Hooded Jacket
In addition to having some great layers to stay warm, it is important to keep accessories in mind. If your hands, feet, and head are warm, it’s much more likely that you will be comfy enough to continue exploring, even in cold weather.
Here are some of our family’s favorite cold-weather accessories:
Winter Hats
Smartwool Lodge Girl Pom Beanie
Warm Gloves
Patagonia Synchilla Kids’ Gloves
**Pack of 12 Black Magic Gloves
Toasty Winter Socks
**Rabbitroom Battery-Operated Heated Socks
Smartwool Basic Cushion Crew Socks
Smart and Cozy Scarves
Kids’ Happy Tree Infinity Scarf
I’ve heard “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” This year, I’m determined to be prepared to go outside every single day, rain, snow, or sunshine. Will you join me?
