Winter Activewear Staples
There is no bad weather. There is only bad clothing.
I have adopted this common Norwegian quip as one of my mantras. It helps me open-heartedly embrace adventure in all four seasons. It is also incredibly true.
If your extremities are numb and your pants are rubbing in the wrong place, you will not enjoy being active in winter anywhere. The wonderful news is, with the right gear you can be toasty warm in nearly any condition.
A friend of mine described my wardrobe as “Outdoorsy-activewear, but chic and fun.” At first, I did not identify with that portrayal. I realize now that it fits. Every year since relocating to northern Michigan, I have watched each flimsy, fast-fashion piece of clothing in my closet slowly and surely be replaced by a sturdier (and often more moisture-resistant) counterpart.
In my corner of the world, utility trumps trend.
I am an advocate for clothing that embodies three key qualities: durable, comfortable, and fashionable. When an item is the total package, it is also usually an investment. But it lasts SO much longer and performs SO much better than the cheaper, more insubstantial alternative. I am still collecting a wardrobe of total-package items. But six Northern Michigan winters in, I’ve dialed in a solid list of winter activewear staples. During the winter months, I do not leave home for a beer or a grocery run, much less a hike, ski, or snowshoe, without these items.
1. A Warm Parka: I’ve had my trusty waterproof/windproof Tres Parka from Patagonia for 6 years and it is still my everyday go-to piece to stay warm, no matter how wet or windy it is. Plus, it is machine washable!
2. Light Gloves: I’m a big believer in always having a super-warm pair of mittens and a lighter pair on hand depending on how frigid it is. These Outdoor Research are my go-to medium-weight gloves for every day.
3. Easy, Warm Boots: These staple boots get me through winter. I can confidently tromp through snow banks in these beauties. They’re easy to pull on at 5:30 am on the way to a yoga class and they keep me warm on neighborhood walks with my dog. They’re not great for long hikes (poor ankle support), but they are perfect for everyday winter survival.
4. Insulated Water Bottle: Whatever you do, hydrate. This is a year-round essential. I swear by Hydroflask brand. Their insulated bottles keep my hot beverages hot and my cold beverages cold for hours and hours.
5. Warm, Moisture-Resistant Socks: Always pack extra socks. I have a drawer-full of Smartwool socks of varying thicknesses and heights. They are great for moisture wicking and warmth.
6. Non-Itchy Hat: A great hat is probably the most important key to comfort and warmth in the winter. I have the hardest time finding hats that don’t make me want to claw my forehead off. This blend of cashmere and wool seems to do the trick.
7. Headlamp: The days are short, but your adventures don’t have to be. When I saddle up with my 100+ lumens headlamp I can blaze a trail in the early morning and throughout the evening.
8. Top Baselayer: I wear my Smartwool baselayer on every adventure I go on. Smartwool is soft, breathable, and great for temperature regulating. I wear it under whatever extra layers I need for the activity that day. It keeps me warm AND dry— a crucial combination.
9. Neck Gaiter: When that winter wind is whipping, you will want to cover every square inch of your skin. This gaiter is perfect for keeping your neck, chin, and mouth protected.
10. Super-warm Gloves: A unique combination of glove and mitten, these are hands-down the warmest gloves I have ever worn. They are my go-to if I know I will be outside for a long time and I’m likely to get cold fingers.
11. Mid-Layer Coat: This is my all-seasons jacket. In the winter it works well as a light outer layer on a brisk hike or under a waterproof shell on a cold, rainy day.
12. Mid-Layer Sweatshirt: This is often all I need to wear over my top baselayer if I know I am going to be moving fast on a ski.
13. Waterproof Shell : This is another all-seasons layering piece for wet days.
14. Bottom Baselayer: Wool leggings are the bomb in the winter! I wear these for an extra layer of protection and warmth under softshell pants if I’m sledding, hiking, or snowshoeing.
15. Softshell Pants : These are the perfect “snow pants” when worn with a bottom baselayer. This pair also has built-in gaiters to protect the bottom of your pants from moisture and snowshoe claws!
16. Light Ski Hat: Sometimes a heavy hat is too much if you’re moving quickly on a cross-country ski, but you still want to protect your ears from the wind. This light Nordic skiing hat is a great compromise.
17. Sturdy Hiking Boots: I’m obsessed with these hiking boots. I’ve worn them on 5-day backpacking trips in the summer and on every day hikes in the bitter cold. They have great traction and stability and I feel awesome when I’m wearing them.
18. Wind/Waterproof Tights: These are my go-to pants on hikes, snowshoes, and skis if it is not bitter-cold and I know I will be moving a lot. They offer lighter, more aerodynamic alternative to my softshell pants-bottom baselayer combination. They are all-in-one winter exercise tights.
Do you have any can’t-live-without-it winter activewear suggestions? I’m all ears! I want to keep building my adventure repertoire over time.
Side note: You don’t have to buy all these items full-price. I’ve collected mine over time from clearance racks, sales, resale shops, and of course, our local gear shop Backcountry North.
