Heading outside in the winter? Here are my clothing faves!

While I wait for winter to bring snow to southern Idaho (it’s trying) I thought I would share some clothing options I prefer for cold weather activities. Feel free to add your own in the comments so we can share ideas!

1. Boots. This may be a no brainer but I would make sure you have a water resistant or waterproof boot. These Salomon boots are my go to for a lot of different adventures and my feet stay toasty warm. I am actually thinking about making them my snow boots because they are that good. Another thing I recommend is having a good grippy sole on your boot. Or carry some spikes to throw on!

2. Base layers. While I am an internally cold soul, I heat up fast when moving. So mositure wicking and breathability is key for me. I prefer to wear base layers and then layer accordingly. I generally go with Kari Traa base layers and I have some REI (merino and midweight) and Under Armour ones I like as well. Since I like to wear leggings or more fitted pants having a base layer bottom that fits under my bottoms but still has good heat technology is key for me.

3. Top. My go to for winter weather is the Kuhl Ida sweater. I love this sweater so much. It is great for chilly fall mornings and all day winter adventures. I love the fit because I can put a base layer top underneath and it still doesn’t feel baggy  or loose. I will often times throw a vest over this top as well. I also love the Altitude Polartec tops from Athleta. They are another great mid layer option.

4. Bottoms. My go to winter legging is the Athleta Altitude Polartec Tight (see link above for Athleta Polartec). It is a fleece fabric on the inside with room for base layers underneath but still has the legging feel. If I am not wearing a base layer bottom I will use my Athleta Raineir Tight. It has a plush SuperSonic interior that is so comfy. For pants I prefer to wear my Kuhl Freeflex roll-up pant with base layers but I did just order their Frost Softshell Pant after trying it on in their Jackson, WY store and I am so excited! I hear the Kuhl Toasty Transcendr legging is great but I have to order petite sizes for my little legs and the inseam is too long for me to try this one.

5. Vest. I have two Patagonia vests that I like that are similar to their Women’s Bivy Hooded Vest and the Women’s Down Sweater Vest. I have my eye on the Kuhl Celeste Lined Vest but that’s a pure want.

6. Coat. While I am trying to find a good winter hiking jacket/coat I do appreciate the two I use right now. For colder adventures I use my Columbia coat that is similar to their Ava Alpine Insulated Jacket. For warmer winter days I use my Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket.

7. Socks. These babies are key for me! I do throw some hand or toe warmers in the toe of my boots because my circulation is not great. But my go to winter sock is from Stance. They have never failed me and hold up great. I do have so say though, I'm not sure they still make the ones I have. I have acquired them over the years and can still find some at outdoor stores, mostly ski shops. I do have a pair of the ones I linked to Stance and they are great!

8. Beanie. I have a couple lined beanies that I wear and while I don't normally have a specific brand preference, I do love my Turtle Fur Freya Hat that I found at REI.

9. Gloves. I actually don’t prefer to wear gloves while hiking and camping but I do keep a pair of The North Face winter gloves with me. For lightweight gloves I use Storm liner inserts for my Dakine mittens that are touchscreen compatabile.

10. Other. I will throw on a neck warmer to cut out the wind and cold. My go to is my Smartwool Thermal Merino neck gaiter. I am really getting into mock turtle or turtleneck tops for my winter activities because it cuts out the need for a neck warmer. And speaking of turtlenecks, one I tested recently and love is the Athleta Flurry Seamless Turtleneck Top. Around camp I switch out my boots for Teva slip ons. They make trips in and out of the tent easier and give my feet some room to breathe.

11. I would say my top two brands for clothing are Kuhl and Athleta. I know they can be spendy but I pick up pieces here and there and do a lot of research on which articles of clothing to get. I tend to not pay attention to my clothing when I’m out and I need clothing that will hold up to that and the elements.

12. When purchasing my clothing, I always check for sales. Kuhl doesn't run sales but places like REI and Backcountry will put their clothing on sale. I also buy quite a bit of my clothing from the REI Re/Supply which is used gear from other REI members.

I hope this was helpful! I’d love to know what works for you! I have spent many years compiling my clothing and coming up with what works best for me.

**For sizing reference: In pants/leggings I am a small, sometimes an xs, and petite length. I do wear regular sized tops though because my torso is a "normal" length but I have to roll sleeves up all the time due to my shorter arms. I wear a size xs or small in tops. And for shoe size, I normally wear a 5.5 but do size up to 6 and 6.5 for thicker socks if needed.