Layering is essential to stay both warm and dry, but not hot and sweaty, when walking in cooler weather. From the base, you need a shirt that will draw away any moisture, a jacket or vest to insulate and cut the wind, and a waterproof layer if you are in a wet climate.
1. Women's Plus Size Thermaskin Crew Top
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Your base layer for winter walking needs to wick away sweat and give a bit of insulation. It needs to keep you warm, cool, and dry all at the same time. This Thermaskin crew neck long sleeved shirt is great for cold weather walking. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.
2. QuikWik® Scrunch Turtleneck
This long-sleeved turtleneck is great for cool weather walks. The wicking fabric is far superior to cotton for keeping you dry yet insulated from the chill. I wear a similar long sleeve technical t-shirt on all of my cool walks - it's perfect under a wind-resistant or waterproof jacket. The antimicrobial finish helps keep odor away. It comes in plus sizes 1-4.3. Lands End Storm Watch Jacket
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I learned at the start of my walking career in the rainy Northwest that you need a waterproof, windproof shell jacket for walking and hiking. Underneath that, you can wear a fleece vest or fleece jacket on colder days, over a sweat-wicking shirt. This trail jacket is lightweight, breathable and packable. It's a great jacket for walkers who don't want to come in out of the rain. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.
4. Lands' End Sport Fleece Jacket
Wendy Bumgardner © 2007
The Sport Fleece Jacket is a great design for fitness walking and nordic walking in cooler weather. It provides an insulating layer that also wicks aways sweat. It comes over the hip but has a tailored profile so it won't get in your way when you move your arms or use fitness walking poles, and is easier to layer under a waterproof jacket. It has two zip pockets in front and two inner patch pockets. Wear this over a base layer shirt on cool and dry days, or wear as the insulating layer beneath a waterproof/windproof jacket and over a base layer shirt on cold and wet days. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.
5. Lands' End Women's Plus Size Performance Sport Jacket
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The jacket is a great design for fitness walking and nordic walking in cooler weather. It isn't meant for rainy days, as it isn't rain resistant or windproof. But you can wear it over a shirt on cooler days, and layer it under a rain jacket on rainy days. It wicks away sweat and dries quickly. I love the length and cut. It comes over the hip but has a tailored profile so it won't get in your way when you move your arms or use fitness walking poles. It has a back pocket for a cell phone, iPod, or other gadgets. Two front zip pockets are ideal for handwarming or carrying essentials. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.
6. Supplex Bra Top
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Underneath it all you need a sports bra that can help support and wick away moisture. This double layer sports bra can do double duty. Plus sizes 0X-6X.
7. Fleece Vest
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This fleece vest may be just the layer you need on a spring or fall day. It is light and packable. It has a two front zip pockets. Plus sizes 1X to 4X.
8. Reversible Poly/Fleece Anorak Jacket
This jacket is water-resistant rather than waterproof. It combines an outer nylon layer with an inner performance fleece layer. You can reverse them if you want the fleece out and nylon in. Best of all, it has a hood. Perfect for climates where you don't walk for long in rain but need a versatile winter jacket combo. Available in plus sizes 1X-6X.9. Active Adaptables Long-Sleeve Zip Hoodie
When rain isn't a problem but you need an outer layer to cut the wind or chill, this hoodie is an essential. It has zippered pockets and elastic cuffs. Team this with one of the shirts and you are good to go. Plus sizes XL-4X.10. Cuddl Duds Climatesmart Plus Size Crew Neck Long Sleeved Top
This top is made with Coolmax Extreme fabric, which provides a great base layer to transport moisture away from your skin to the outer surface of the garment where it can quickly evaporate. Available in 1X and 2X sizes.
