How to Equip Yourself for the Cold and Still Enjoy the Outdoors
- Himalayan Terra
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This year’s winter is expected to be one of the harshest in recent times. But that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate indoors. With the right gear, you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable while embracing everything the cold season has to offer. Whether it’s an early morning walk, a weekend trek, cycling around or simply your daily commute, smart preparation makes all the difference.
Here’s how to gear up for the chill and enjoy winter the right way.
1. Start with a Reliable Down Jacket
Your outer layer is your shield against freezing winds. Invest in a high-quality down or synthetic-insulated jacket, one that’s lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. Look for features like adjustable hoods, storm flaps, and secure pockets for extra warmth and functionality.
Top Picks:
Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket - Warm, packable down jacket for winter hiking and mountaineering.
Built with a lightweight Pertex Quantum Pro fabric and recycled 700FP down, it offers excellent warmth for weight, ideal for combatting the cold as you explore beyond the treeline.
Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket - Extraordinary warmth for minimum weight, this Pertex Quantum down jacket is a gamechanger for alpinists.
Combining TILT tech with 900FP down and offset baffle construction, it’s Rab's warmest lightweight down jacket yet, the product of extensive R&D.
2. Master the Art of Layering
The secret to winter comfort lies in layering. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer that keeps sweat away from your skin. Add a fleece or insulated mid-layer to trap body heat, and finish with a windproof, waterproof shell to seal it all in. This system lets you adapt to changing conditions without overheating.
Top Picks:
Dynafit Radical Polartec Hooded Fleece Jacket - The Dynafit Radical Polartec Hooded Jacket is a warm, breathable midlayer designed for ski touring and alpine adventures.
Made from high-performance Polartec Power Grid fleece, it delivers optimal moisture management, freedom of movement, and lightweight insulation. Featuring an athletic fit, snug hood, and practical pockets, this jacket is ideal for layering in cold conditions.
Craghoppers CO2 Renu II Full Zip Fleece Jacket - Insulating CO2Renu microfleece jacket made from an innovative blend of polyester and carbon smart polyester fibres recovered from spent carbon using award-winning CO2 technology.
Featuring a full-length zip fastening with twin zipped handwarmer pockets and elasticated bound hem, cuffs and collar.
3. Protect Your Extremities
Cold hands and feet can ruin any outdoor plan. Opt for thermal gloves that let you use your phone, merino wool socks for moisture control, and insulated boots with reliable traction. Don’t forget a warm hat or beanie : up to 10% of body heat escapes from your head.
Top Picks:
Forclaz Merino Wool Liner Gloves - MT500 - Designed by seasoned trekkers, these Merino Wool Liner Gloves are perfect for anyone who loves exploring in cold weather. Made from soft, 86% Merino wool fabric (190 g/sqm), they offer excellent warmth, breathability, and comfort. The wool is reinforced with a polyamide filament for better abrasion resistance, while a touch of elastane adds flexibility and a snug fit.
Their touchscreen-friendly design lets you use your phone without taking them off, and the breathable knit keeps your hands dry on long hikes. Lightweight yet durable, these gloves are ideal on their own or as a base layer for extra warmth on winter adventures.
Rab Mojette Beanie - A warm and sustainable knitted beanie made with 30% wool and 70% recycled polyester.
With a fully recycled, half fleece lining for additional comfort and warmth, this cosy hat is great for everyday wear and chilly days on the trail.
4. Add the Essential Accessories
Small things make a big difference. A neck gaiter, balaclava, or thermal face mask helps block icy winds. Pair these with polarized sunglasses or ski goggles if you’ll be outdoors for long hours — glare from snow can be surprisingly harsh.
Top Picks:
Rab Powerstretch Fleece Neck Shield - The Power Stretch Neck Shield is a stretchy and breathable neck gaiter made with Polartec Power Stretch fabric.
Providing a high level of breathability and wind resistance, it pulls moisture away from your skin to keep you dry.
Under Armour RUSH ColdGear Seamless Leggings - Under Armour Rush legging powers your toughest workouts, your biggest games, your most intense training. It gives you back energy, fits great, keeps you dry, and makes you feel like you can crush every PR.
Body-mapped, nearly sew-free construction is super-smooth next to skin & helps eliminate chafing which is a very good feature.
5. Stay Dry, Stay Hydrated
Moisture is your enemy in winter. Choose breathable, waterproof materials to prevent internal condensation while keeping snow and rain out. And remember- dehydration happens even in cold weather, so carry a thermal water bottle to keep drinks warm and accessible.
Top Picks:
Milton Steel Convey Insulated Water Bottle - The Steel Convey is a stylish and practical water bottle. It features an insulated stainless steel interior that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
The bottle is leak-proof with a flip-lid, making it convenient for travel and outdoors. It is ideal for carrying water or hot and cold beverages on the go.
Sea to Summit Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Magnetic Sip Cap camping Bottle - This slimline insulated water bottle, built for both rugged trails and daily use. Its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 48 hours and hot for 12, while the 18/8 stainless steel body resists dents, rust, and punctures.
The leakproof lid ensures your drink only touches stainless steel, and the BPA-free, food-grade materials keep it safe and pure. Designed with a hygienic, easy-clean interior and a durable powder-coated finish for better grip, it’s made to last. Its sleek shape fits most bike holders, and the sturdy handle makes carrying or clipping to backpacks effortless -perfect for travel, gym, hiking, or biking.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be something you endure — it can be something you enjoy. The right gear transforms bitter cold into crisp adventure. So gear up, step out, and let the season surprise you.
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