Your first step in winter is safety. Your second step is staying both warm and dry. In days of yore winter meant wool and down. Today, it means warm and wicking fleece to manage both heat and sweat. Layer yourself top to bottom, inside to out with wicking and breathable fabrics.
1. Smartwool Adrenaline Socks
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Smartwool takes most of the itch out of wool. This light hiker sock is perfect for winter walking. It wicks moisture away and dries fast. The arch base gives you increased support and comfort. Medium density sole padding cushions you.
2. Polar Buff
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.
3. Polar Fleece Cap with Ear Flaps
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. The Patagonia Synchilla Duckbill hat provides good coverage for the ears without looking like a hunting cap. 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. You can find similar models from REI, Lands End and other vendors.
4. Manzella Windstopper Silkweight Gloves
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber
Gloves or mittens are essential, preferably windstopper models to keep the cold air out. These windproof gloves are also breathable. As your hands warm up, moisture and sweat are wicked away so you won't turn cold and clammy.
5. L.L. Bean Comfort Fleece Quarter Zip
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber
Polyester microfleece is cozy and soft, yet wicks away moisture and insulates on the cold walking days. When the temperatures dive below 40F, I wear a microfleece pullover under my waterproof jacket as my insulating layer. The pullover does double duty at home, as I love to slip into a microfleece pullover after a winter walk.
6. Marmot Firefly Windstopper Vest
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber
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.
7. Baselayer Top
Your base layer for cold walking must have high wicking capabilities and provide some insulation.8. Baselayer Bottoms
When it gets really cold, your legs will also want insulation. Wear these wicking long johns under your walking pants.9. Stabilicers
Wendy Bumgardner ©
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.
10. Yaktrax
Yaktrax, used with permission.
Chains for your shoes. Keep these handy for trekking on icy or snowy sidewalks. They slip on over your shoes or boots and slip off once you are safely inside.
