My Favorite Things for Winter Walking

Winter Walking Gear Favorites

I just can't say enough how much I love this hat. It keeps my tender ears warm from cold without making me look like Elmer Fudd in his hunting hat. It is nearly impossible to have blown off your head. It has a bill to shield my eyes and complexion from the sun, and it wicks away sweat and rain. I own at least 4 of these -- I am so afraid of not finding one when I want one! I wear it when temperatures range from 35F to 60F.

Polyester microfleece is cozy and soft, yet wicks away moisture and insulates on cold walking days. When the temperatures dive below 40F, I wear a microfleece pullover as my insulating layer -- under my waterproof jacket and over a long-sleeved Coolmax shirt. The pullover does double duty at home, as I love to slip into a microfleece pullover after a winter walk.

Smartwool takes most of the itch out of wool. Wool provides warmth, but it also has moisture management properties. The blend in Smartwool wicks moisture away and dries fast. This light hiker sock is perfect for winter walking. The arch base gives you increased support and comfort. The medium density sole padding cushions you.

I am amazed at how much my hands warm up once I get walking, except on the coldest and windiest days. A fleece mitten will keep your hands warm until you warm up. If the day is still cold, a fleece mitten that isn't windproof allows some air in to keep your hands from getting sweaty. If it is a brutally cold and windy day, you want a windproof mitten. Or, you can slip some newspaper or plastic wrap into the mitten to make it windproof.

A Buff is a seamless tube of fabric that can be worn as a hat, a neck gaiter, a ski mask or balaclava. You may have seen contestants on Survivor using their Buffs in many different ways. A polar Buff has a band of microfleece at one end for extra warmth. It makes a great balaclava to cover the head, neck and chin. You can layer it under another hat. The Buff packs up very small. It is easy to carry one in your pocket, purse or pack to use when you really need it, and stow it once you have warmed up.

For the really brutal days, you need an insulation layer between your shirt and your jacket. This vest insulates, yet is thin enough not to add bulk. The microfleece provides warmth and is windproof. Moisture can escape so you won't get clammy, but the wind can't come in to chill your bones.

When the temperature falls below 40F, I like to switch to a microfleece hat. It has to have ear coverings, as my ears get very cold. But, again, I want to avoid the hunting hat look. I like having a bill to keep the sun and rain out of my eyes while walking. The microfleece insulates yet is breathable so moisture is wicked away from your head. This is my favorite fleece winter hat.

Ban frigid fingers with this great little packet of gentle heat. Keep your hands warm simply by opening the packet. It heats up as a simple chemical reaction produces warmth. Carry it in your hand or pop it into your mittens. Or, put it in your pocket for a truly warm pocket to warm up your hands. A great way to keep your fingers warm on a walk.

This is a great safety item for walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. They provide great visibility and signal your presence to vehicles as you cross streets. You can wear these open-finger gloves by themselves in any weather, or over other gloves in colder weather. It is fun to "show them the triangle" when you cross a street. Also available in a bike rider style with padded, non-reflective palm.

Stabilicers are slip-on cleats for your shoes or boots. I keep a pair of these in my car throughout the winter for those times I have to trek on icy or snowy sidewalks. They slip on over your shoes or boots and slip off once you are safely inside. I think of these as emergency equipment rather than using them for fitness walking. If it's icy -- walk inside instead!