Reader Tips on Cold Weather Walking Gear

Generally on cold weather walks, I tend to wear lots of layers...polypro, fleece--as many as I can. I usually also wear a shell on top, since most of that stuff has no protection against the wind. Generally, a hat and gloves are musts, though when I heat up, I generally take off the hat." Mary

"In the Midwest (Ohio), I layer clothing I start with panty hose, then knee socks. Jeans or even a warm-up suit. On top, I start with a camisole or a t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt and sweatshirt. I have a hat with scarf-like ties that protect the ears. I can wear this with my Walkman and tapes. I wear a pair of gloves that go to the wrist, a leather coat with cuffs, and a second pair of gloves. To please my husband, I zip the jacket (until I leave the house). I generally wear regular walking shoes if the walk is on city streets. If it is in the wooded area, I have a pair of rubber boots with me. My jacket has plenty of pockets to hold the gloves, identification, extra tape (Music), AVA Walking Record Books. I use an oil based moisturizer on my face, and if the sun is shining and there is snow, I wear suntan lotion with sun protector." Sandi

"Hat with ear protection (if windy), gloves, winter coat with layers if the temps hover around zero, hiking boots, thick socks, wind gear if needed." Bill

"Lightweight polypropylene first layer, Gore-tex jacket, middle layer depends on precipitation, and just how far below 32 degrees it is." Ruth, Maryland

Layering, layering, layering. I wear wool socks, gloves and a jacket with a polar fleece liner. Unfortunately all this covering up hides my favorite Volks-Ware shirts but the alternative is frost bite! I know that its important to cover our greatest source of heat-loss, our head and so do that with a wool cap. No matter what the weather, I find that I am always overdressed. What I am wearing to be comfortable in order to begin my walk, is always more than I need mid-way through the walk when things start heating up!" Elizabeth, Oregon, with a shameless plug for Volks-Ware

"I generally dress in layers of clothing, attempting to ensure that at least one of two of the outer layers are zippered or buttoned, rather than the pullover style (zippers/buttons allow greater control whereas pullover style clothing is either on or off)." Bill, Ottawa, Canada

"Polar Fleece is my friend, light weight, warm, and a great inner layer for Gore-tex like rain wear. I have vests, sweatshirt type and anorak type all perfect in moderate cold by themselves and in colder weather under Lands End type jackets or ski parkas. I have a fleece hat that covers my ears and a neckwarmer too! The only thing I don't care for is fleece gloves/mittens. Unless they are windstop variety they let tooooo much air in." Susan

"To wear: just a polartec top (pullover), lined warm-up pants, fleece gloves and a ski cap." Charlie, Oregon

"What to wear - loose clothing and the outer layer should be windproof. If you are a brisk walker you will warm up in a hurry. Cover your head, ears and nose and a scarf around the neck is very helpful. On the hands gloves are OK if it is not too cold, other wise wear mittens and a liner for very cold weather. The feet can be a problem for really warm boots are bulky and do not make for good walking.. A good all-leather boot, those with a mesh let in the cold, a thermo or silk liner and a good heavy sock. A trick I use on boots with a mesh is to take a piece of good old duct tape and cover up the mesh, it works wonders." Chuck, Maryland

"It goes without saying that layering is critical. I have found that my thermal top, a sweater, and my jacket are enough. I used to rely solely on my jeans to keep me warm, but I got smarter and now use my thermal bottoms, too. I have also found that it makes a real difference if I use body lotion everywhere. My joints seem to be especially prone to drying out. I also read a tip years ago that lotion helps provide a barrier against the cold." Jan, Washington

"I try to dress in layers. It may seem cold when I start the trail, but I warm up quickly after about 1 km. I need to be able to shed layers to avoid sweating, which would really make me cold if I slowed down or stopped. In very cold weather I wear long johns to help keep my legs and feet warm, but since they cannot be easily shed I would not wear them if it was above 20F. I always wear a hat. I have insulated boots for very cold weather, but they aren't very comfortable for long distances. Note: I also make sure I bring along snacks. I get cold much quicker if I am hungry." John

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