Cold Weather Gear For a Winter Hike, Snowmobile Outing or Other Outdoor Adventure

Cold Weather Gear For a Winter Hike, Snowmobile Outing or Other Outdoor Adventure

A winter hike, snowmobile outing or other outdoor adventure in serious cold requires a lot of layers and high-quality cold weather gear.cold weather gear Insulation should be thick, warm and lightweight; breathable and moisture wicking base layers are also essential. A good jacket should fit snugly over the base layer but be loose enough to allow air and moisture to flow. It should be made of a material that is durable, water-resistant or waterproof, depending on your intended activities and conditions.

Keeping active in cold conditions requires a layering system that allows you to shed or add layers as needed.cold weather gear A light layer of fleece or wool, such as a pullover sweater or vest, is ideal. If you're planning an intense activity, like mountain climbing or skiing, a warm and insulated outer shell is usually preferred over the fleece or wool layer. For the coldest outdoor activities, you may want to include a face mask, insulated headband or balaclava for extra warmth. A pair of insulated gloves is also a must and should be sized to go over thin or fleeced liner gloves. A hat that is insulated or has ear flaps helps keep your body heat in, especially for standing around and not moving as much.

Serious Cold Weather

Serious cold weather outdoor situations require thick, warm insulating layers that can be paired with a waterproof or water-resistant shell.cold weather gear Puffy jackets with down or synthetic insulation are ideal. Down is warmer but not as effective when it's wet, so a puffy jacket with synthetic fill is better for cold, wet conditions. For the legs, a pair of big, insulated snow pants are useful. Bibs are also helpful for outdoor work and camping, and make it easy to zip a heavy jacket over them.

If you're preparing to be out all day in very cold, wet and windy conditions, consider bringing a few pairs of hand warmers or foot warmers that can be worn inside your gloves or boots. A warm hat is also a must, as are insulated or fleeced gloves and a mittens for working hands. A warm balaclava or face mask is often used for very cold, windy days to prevent wind burn on the cheeks and eyes. A day pack big enough to hold food, extra hats, mittens and a thermos of hot chocolate is also a necessity.

If you need serious Arctic-level warmth, Toronto-based Canada Goose makes some of the warmest winter parkas on the market. The Langford parka, for example, is very insulated with 625-fill duck down and a tough exterior shell that cuts the wind and keeps moisture out. The brand's Expedition parka is even more toasty, rated to colder temperatures. It's also a bit more fashion-forward than some other winter jackets but still offers a full range of Arctic features, including a substantial hood and tons of interior and exterior pockets.