With indoor activities very limited this winter, many of us will spend much more time outdoors than usual.
Turning to nature and all the wonderful things it offers is one of the few things we still can do safely. And we should take this time to get back to our roots and feel like kids again!
However, to stay warm during a morning forest hike or an afternoon slope session, we need to appropriately dress. As the saying goes – there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.
So here’s what you need to have in your wardrobe to enjoy your winter outdoor activities to the fullest.
Layers!
According to Verywellfit.com, the best way to stay warm and dry during cold-weather activities is to learn how to properly layer your clothing.
This way, you can easily regulate your body temperature even when you’re active and sweating.
It’s easy to remember the 3 main layers – base, middle, and outer.
The base layer keeps the moisture away from your skin and keeps you dry. Think long underwear, leggings, long-sleeved undershirts, and quality fabrics.
The middle layer is the one that keeps you warm, so here you want to choose fleece, wool, or synthetic fiberfill.
Finally, the outer layer blocks wind and allows moisture to escape. You want hard or soft shell and waterproof or water-resistant materials jackets such Gore-Tex.
Puffer Vests
Puffer vests are one of our favourite winter pieces, especially for warmer days or when you’re extra active. They keep you warm but allow you to move freely and without feeling bulky.
So if you’re going for a brisk walk or need to shovel the snow off your driveway – ditch the thick jacket and wear a puffer west!
Merino Wool and Thermal Clothing
One of the things we recommend investing in is warm, high-quality underwear. Our favorites are thermal clothing and clothes made of merino wool.
Thermal clothing has deservingly gained popularity as even the thinnest layers add extra warmth. The highest quality of merino wool is also excellent as it’s warm and non-itchy.
For the warmer days, choose high-quality t-shirts such as those from Fresh Clean Tees – you’ll be comfortable and will look great after you remove those top layers.
Socks
Not many things feel worse than wet and frozen feet, especially in winter! That’s why you should pay extra attention to your socks and boots.
Leave the cotton socks for warmer seasons and go for wool, shearling, fleece, and similar synthetic materials.
You also should opt for medium or thick-weight socks depending on how cold your feet usually get or what type of activity you will do.
Boots
When buying boots, pay attention to height, insulation, and the outer layer. Choose calf-height or higher shoes as you want to prevent snow from falling in.
When inspecting insulation, choose shearling lining or thermal materials such as Thinsulate. Remember, the thickest isn’t necessarily the best, because if you get too warm, you’ll start sweating and eventually get cold!
The outer layer should be made of leather, nylon, or Gore-Tex. Keep in mind that Gore-Tex is the most breathable and waterproof material, while nylon can be less waterproof and leather less breathable.
So your final choice will come down to style and type of activities – will you be hiking trails, forests, or only your neighbourhood parks, for example.
Hats And Gloves
Last but not least – hats and gloves. Some people feel uncomfortable wearing hats, but they make all the difference on a cold winter day!
Reviewed.com recommends buying a warm hat, beanie, headband, or mountaineering cap made from merino wool. If these are not available to you, get a sheep’s wool or well-insulated fleece hat.
The best option to consider for gloves is thermal ones with insulated interior and protective outer shell. They will protect your hands from getting wet and getting frostbite.
If it’s not too cold or you’re exercising, get smart gloves that will keep you warm and allow you to use your phone. Forget getting frustrated when trying to switch a song on your playlist when running!
Go for merino or regular wool, and as always forget about cotton!
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