“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”
Whoever spoke these words first was someone who embraced the beauty and diversity of the natural environment, and it’s importance to our well being. Going out for a masked-walk with a friend? Walking to get groceries? Anything in town or within a 1-3 mile radius is accessible by walking, and you’re doing your cardiovascular and muscular systems a big favor by using your legs instead of your car. Also, the environment, your fuel expense and in-town traffic congestion will all be alleviated by this choice. Getting out of the house and away from screens is important for your mental and psychological health. Since the great outdoors is now being re-discovered (and recommended) as a great place to socialize and exercise safely, it’s time to up your outdoor gear game.
Here are some suggestions on how to get comfortably outside, do your workout, and safely socialize with friends no matter what the weather or plan. The key to successful outdoor clothing is layers.
Upper Body Layers:
Your base torso layer: When in doubt wool. Silk is great too - natural fibers are your best choice for wicking and heat retention even when wet with sweat or precipitation. Keep this layer thin and light - merino wool is a good choice. Avoid cotton in the winter - it absorbs water and will be too cold.
Middle torso layer: this is your warmth layer - fleece or wool go well here. Again, not bulky, you want to be as mobile as possible. Next time you are in a thrift store and there is a cashmere sweater available in your size - nab it. It’s perfect as your middle layer.
Top torso layer: Wind or water repellant - Goretex or some sort of breathable yet wind-resistant material. Not a rain poncho or weird-plastic-bag-like jacket . This keeps the wind from blowing away the body heat stored within your lower layers, but you can still release water vapor before it condenses on the inside of your clothes. A zippered front makes for quick and variable heat release, and zippered pockets are important so you don’t lose things like keys, and your hat (see below). Just above hip-height is a good length so your legs are free to move in all directions.
Lower Body Layers:
Base layer: same as for the top - Long johns (polypropylene? Wool?) if it’s really cold (relative to you, but below freezing is a good benchmark) then lognjohns are a good plan. Remember it’s hard to take these off in the middle of your workout, so if you think you will be building up a sweat, you might not need them.
Top layer: thicker-weight leggings or pants that are not too loose at the ankle.
*Wind or rain pants are helpful if you suspect precipitation, or you are going for a walk on the beach or in the snow. These can be game changers and will help make your walk much more fun. If you are going snowshoeing you might like gators - they keep snow from ending up in your boots and socks.
Hats/mitts/neck:
- We lose a lot of heat through our heads, so a small lightweight wool hat is helpful here. If you over-heat, it can be quickly stashed in a zippered (!) pocket of your jacket. If you start to chill, it can be put back on without breaking stride.
- I prefer mitts over gloves, and actually my fave are the lobster-claw mitts. These provide some dexterity while still keeping a couple of fingers together for warmth.
- If my neck is warm, I am warm. The “turtle-fur” double fleece layered neck warmers at Reny’s are great, but anything compact will do. Scarves have floppy ends that will get in your way. A neck warmer goes on and comes off fast to regulate your heat. I double-wind the neck warmer around my wrist so it’s right there when I need it again (bonus- pull it over your nose and It doubles as a mask!)
Shoes and socks: get a lightweight hiking boot or trail runner and some wool socks. Darn Tough is a great sock brand, and Smartwool are good too. If it’s going to precipitate - embrace it!! Use a longer boot, but one with good tread. This is where gators can be very useful to keep your feet dry and warm.
One more tip: stash some lip balm in a pocket of every winter jacket you have. You’re welcome.
Now you have a new reason for thrift stores, you’ll never be hard to buy for again, and you can socialize and exercise safely in the great outdoors! Head out and enjoy yourself!
