There comes a time in every southerner's life where they find themselves in the great northern state of Kentucky. You might just be passing through or you might be in a more permanent situation like mine. Either way, the bone chilling cold will find you. This article is not a how to guide for winter fashion. It is a guide for surviving winter. If you think I am saying all of this in jest, it's because I am. Well... partially. I have an aunt that lives in Minnesota where it truly is bone chilling cold, like, a lot of the time. Kentucky has her days, but they are rare and short lived. Most of my followers are from Kentucky or Alabama (where I am originally from) and are most likely similar to me. Never had the need for real quality winter gear and also very likely hate winter because they aren't prepared for it. I learned that there is a better way to live. A way where you can not only survive, but also thrive in winter! This information won't save you money or even necessarily be "affordable" for many, but it will save your life, (Kidding. But it will change your world ha!)
I wanted to share this information with you for two primary reasons:
You don't know what you don't know.
Your lack of gear is holding you back from activities your mind and body need in winter.
You don't know what you don't know.
I share this point primarily for my Alabama friends. If you grew up like me, then it snowed maybe three times in your life. The temperature was usually just barely below freezing and often melted by noon the next day. It never made sense to invest in a bunch of snow gear because we'd never use it; therefore, we never researched what was available to us. We bought the warmest coat the local store offered and layered up. We survived, but we didn't thrive. Which leads me to my next point.
Your lack of gear is holding you back from activities your mind and body need in winter.
I love to run. It is my stress release. It reduces my anxiety. It makes me feel strong and confident. Seasonal depression is no secret. We are trapped inside due to the bitter cold. We can't participate in many of the things we used to do like running or maybe even hiking. The conditions just don't seem ideal. But our bodies still need that activity. My body still needs that activity and it certainly helps if my mind is on board. It is SO hard to get out of a warm and cozy bed to go for a run in the heart of winter, but when you have the right gear, you don't have to battle your mind quite so hard.
I'm not necessarily writing this to the true northerners. I'm writing this to my fellow delicate southerners who let our semi-mild winters win, but might have a fighting chance with a few basic necessities. At the end of the day, be smart. Stay safe. Stay warm and dry. But if you're looking for a way you can enjoy your year 365, then here is a list of some necessities that I think will help get you out and about this winter! I also want to say up front that I am NOT a brand snob. I've bought a lot of my clothes at Walmart. But I do think that some of the more well known brands in outdoor gear have become so well known because of their reputation for quality products and that makes all the difference when it comes to these 4 necessities. .
Top & Bottom Base Layers: Base layers is a fancy term for long johns except that the items themselves are also fancier. "In the olden days" long johns were a lightweight thermal fabric meant to add an extra layer of warmth. These days base layers are technical pieces designed to wick sweat, provide odor control and trap heat. They look so lightweight that I often don't want to trust them, but if you own a quality pair you can truly tell the difference. I've linked Smart Wool and Patagonia examples here as I can actually vouch for them. I encourage you to shop local as your local stores will have product knowledge and know the garment weight that is fitting for your location. Base layers are great for outdoor activities like running, hiking and more. You can wear them for every day wear as well, but when I tell you they work I mean it. Be prepared to stay cozy.
A Pair of Fleece Lined Athletic Tights: A few years ago I was training for a marathon and could not under any circumstances miss a long run. I ran in the snow. I ran on ice. I ran in freezing cold temperatures. And each time, I was warm and cozy due my Patagonia base layer top AND my Patagonia Crosstrek Fleece Lined Tight (and my body heat of course). I've worn these tights hiking in the middle of January with snow and ice on the ground around me. I basically live in them during the winter months if I am being honest. The difference between any old pair of fleece lined athletic tights and a quality pair of fleece lined tights is going to be the breathability and ease in which you can move in them. I've owned fleece lined tights that were warm outside, but nearly caused a heat stroke while indoors. I've owned fleece lined tights that fit perfectly, until I tried to sit down and couldn't bend at the knees. You don't have to buy a pair of Patagonia tights, but quality is everything when it comes to the pair you own. I didn't link my pair here because they are updating them and have changed the name. They won't be re-releasing the new style until fall of this year. If you need some for the current winter conditions, then you might be able to find a pair through e-bay or a second hand site.
Omni Heat: Columbia came out with a technology called Omni-heat. You will find it in many of their puffy coats. I have to admit that I was originally attracted to it because it was silver and shiny, but I've stayed around for it because it is warm! The purpose of omni heat technology is to reflect your body heat. I'm not educated on all the specifics of different gear, but in my own words, I think it allows you to get an affordable coat that is light enough you can wear it indoors without sweating to death, but also warm enough to get you through winter outings. Not all puffy coats are waterproof but many of the well made coats are water resistant. This is also helpful in the south where we experience a damp cold. A soft fabric coat, like fleece, is just not going to hold up long outdoors.
Waterproof Winter Boots: I have a pair of brown knee length boots. They are super cute. I get compliments on them every time I wear them and they are like 10 years old. The problem is they aren't really meant for winter weather. If it ices, there is a 100% chance I am going to fall. If it snows and my feet get wet, I've got about 5 minutes before frost bite sets in, ha! They are cute, but not very effective for a winter day. Outdoor gear brands are upping their game by creating stylish and effective gear. This is not a plug for Hooper's Outdoor Center where my husband works, but I did link their shoe collection here so you can see a variety in one stop. You can buy waterproof mid calf furry snow boots. You can buy water resistant and stylish ankle length. Whatever you need for however you intend to use them. Just do yourself a favor by opting for something effective and save the stylish pair for a cold but dry day.
When it comes to searching for each of these items I encourage you to shop local. Not only do your local stores need it, but you will find the knowledge and experience in the staff to get the best product for you. This is not a dig at Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Academy etc. I shop these places regularly. But you will very rarely come across an employee who has technical knowledge of the products like you will find at a local shop. When searching for technical items like I've listed above you want product knowledge and product quality.
If you shop online you will find product specifications which can be helpful... if you already have a decent knowledge of the product. Otherwise you might end up with an item that is either too light or too heavy for your area.
In the picture below I can be seen wearing all the things (Columbia Puffy Down Jacket with Omni Heat interior, Patagonia Base Layer Pullover, Patagonia Crosstrek Fleece Lined Tights). Disclaimer: these items are expensive, but I wear them EVERY single weekend from like December to the end of February. The second selling point and the most important thing to key in on in the photo below is that I am ENJOYING myself on an all day hike in the 20 degree weather. That's saying something! Winter doesn't have to be dismal. It doesn't have to be your favorite season, but with the right gear you can stay warm and enjoy the things you love to do! You just have to know a few tricks about how to dress for the cold.
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