From snow-capped mountain hikes to scenic bike rides and cold-weather running, winter sports and activities require the right clothing and equipment, whether you’re doing them in your own backyard or are road tripping to the nearest mountain. While you might not need gloves on every adventure, it's smart to have a pair handy for when the wind chill dips; a lightweight but insulated jacket can be used in most outdoor pursuits, and won’t feel like a slog to carry around.
When shopping for cold weather gear, look out for updated technology like EVA foam and tech fleece fabrics to add insulation and allow you to still move around easily. From leggings to running beanies to down vests, here are some suggestions for winter essentials to keep you going outside for longer in the winter months.
Having a good, warm glove to wear on cold weather runs can make the difference between an unpleasant distraction and being able to go the distance. These gloves from Salomon have thermoregulation through the stretchy fleece construction, [[which allows hot hands to breathe]] while also repelling sweat. If you plan to run at night, the reflective branding will help alert passing drivers of your presence.
If you’re going from city slicking to a rugged day hike, the Refrigiwear 1954 Roll Top Bag is the perfect transition piece: both stylish and functional. It has ample pockets for storing hiking or biking gear inside and a zipper pocket on the exterior for stashing your phone or wallet. Colors range from bright yellow to black, so you can choose how flashy you want to be on the trail.
The brisk air coming off that mountain has met its match with the Fleece Grid Hoody by Ortovox, made with warm, fleece wool. Although constructed with merino wool, the hoodie is lightweight and easy to pack. For bike rides and winter sports, the hood is thin enough to fit comfortably under a helmet, while the double-breasted pocket on the outside protects important loose items when out adventuring.
One of the best pieces of clothing you can wear during cool fall hikes or winter bike rides is a warm vest. The Adidas Prime Cold Down Vest looks runway-ready but has functional features that were made with cold weather in mind. The overlapping down baffle design and the adjustable webbing helps to keep heat close to the chest, while the built-in cross body bag will keep your keys and phone close by.
Danner’s fall and winter hiking boot is waterproof and available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The Trail 2650 GTX is made with lightweight EVA foam so it won’t be your boots holding you back climbing up that steep mountain. The midsole is also designed to combat uneven surfaces, like rocks, fallen branches, and gravel, that you’ll likely encounter while trekking. Depending on your taste, the boots come in several colors that range from neutral brown, sand, or olive to a brighter red or tangerine.
If you’re headed out of town and need to save some space in your carry-on, the Dasche K3 Jacket is supremely packable, thanks to a self-stowing pocket. Available in four colors—blue, gray, black, and red—the water- and wind-resistant hybrid jacket has synthetic down that is targeted on key areas of your torso to keep you warm without adding extra weight.
This hat is a match made in heaven for people with lots of hair. The Run For it Beanie by Lululemon’s best feature is the ponytail opening in the back, which helps ensure the fabric lies flat over your neck and ears during cool runs. The water-repellent beanie has tech fleece fabric with reflective details for alerting oncomers of your presence in the evening.
Backcountry’s classic Sundial Tight was updated in 2020 with a high waist design for a secure and comfy fit. For those intense fall and winter hikes, the material is made with quick-drying nylon to keep your legs cool and dry while on the go. To store phones and credit cards, utilize the two side cargo pockets.
There’s no worse feeling than flying down the slopes or biking along a waterfront in the winter, only to have your neck feel like it’s on fire because of the biting cold. The Helly Hansen Neck Warmer made with microfleece features a combination of wind block fabric on the interior and soft fabric on the exterior to keep you warm without roughness.