I like warm woolen mittens, but they aren't my favorites for winter walking. I prefer non-scratchy microfleece. Here are my favorite things that I have to have handy when I'm going on a cool weather walk. You can
add your favorite winter walking items.
Wendy Bumgardner © 2005I 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.
Photo courtesy of PricegrabberPolyester 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.
Courtesy of PricegrabberSmartwool 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.
Photo courtesy of PricegrabberI 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.
Wendy Bumgardner ©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.
Photo courtesy of PricegrabberFor 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.
Wendy Bumgardner ©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.
Wendy Bumgardner ©Your fingers can get pretty cold before your walk warms you up. But use these little single-use packets to provide hours of warmth. You can carry it in your hand or keep it in a pocket.
Wendy Bumgardner ©These gloves can save your life. If your walk takes you across intersections at night, these gloves have 360 degree high-reflective visibility. I even show the stopped cars my palm where there is a bright triangle. They have open fingers so you can wear them over other gloves, or even wear in warmer weather without too much sweat.
Wendy Bumgardner ©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!
Wendy Bumgardner © 2005If the walk is going to have snow, ice, or mud I like to put on my own 4-wheel drive by using trekking poles. My pair of Leki Trail Trekking poles have served me well. They telescope so I can carry or store them easily. They fit into my checked luggage with no concern from TSA when traveling to a snowier climate.
