Cold weather walking gear - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Cold weather walking gear

elpgal

Veteran

So, I have never walked in winter but I realized it is very enjoyable. However, my ski jacket and snow pants are making me exceedingly warm and I need something breathable.

What do you all wear for cold weather walking? Appreciate if you could share specific brands/store to consider. Low temperatures we typically have are in the teens and usually it is damp but not wet.

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Because of the dampness, I'd say consider something fleecy. I like wicking top, Patagonia R fleece plus a nanopuff jacket on top. And this year I'm very happy with Lululemon toasty tech leggings. I also have a tech fleece skirt from athleta that I wear on particularly chilly days.

elpgal

Veteran

Thank you. Patagonia fits me well and I have a furry fleecy thing from them that I particularly enjoy. I'll look for the jacket.

crazyone

Veteran

I'll be watching this thread with interest as I got a fitbit and am trying to walk around more, cold be damned! As long as it's in the 30s F I'm fine but below that my face gets cold

catgirl

Veteran

I wear wind proof leggings and a down skirt. Check out the store:

http://www.skhoop.us

elpgal

Veteran

Una: what leggings do you wear?

Crazyone: I have been watching Game of Thrones - long capes and furry pelts seem to be their preferred wear.

elpgal

Veteran

Una: that store is a little out of my price range. Because I am not running, I suppose I will need more warmth than a runner.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am no help because in the teens is not "cold" to me. For walking in those temps I just wear regular clothes, like jeans and sweater with raincoat (if damp out) or peacoat (depending on wind chill etc.) I might add gloves and scarf.

I think the fleece recommendations are spot on if you want gear.

elpgal

Veteran

Suz: just a peacoat in the teens?! I am in awe.

Anonymous

I'D wear a lightweight down puffer with a sweater and undershirt. I don't think I'd wear snow pants ... But maybe long underwear instead.
The down seems to work well in lots of different temperatures.

greycat6

Veteran

I recently purchased a down skirt from Athleta (on sale plus additional mark down). I didn't want to invest a lot because I wasn't sure I would like it. I have to say that I am wearing it much more than I thought I would and am loving it! I wear it with Nike fleece lined leggings. Depending on the temperature, I either wear a puffer vest or light weight puffer jacket on top.

Good luck!

Gap Downalicious Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

1

SandyG

Veteran

It's my first winter wearing Athleta Polartec Power Stretch tights at windy, snowy Lake Tahoe. They work fine for lengthy dog walks and early morning training sessions. Currently on sale on the website.

carter

Veteran

I love Winter walking too. I find that my Lulu Ebb to Street pants (check Ebay), my LL Bean all-weather commuter coat (aka dog-walking coat), a scarf and a regular long sleeve tee are just right for me. I do struggle to find a pair of gloves that are warm but not bulky though.

Ebb To Street Pant

View Info

Top Pick

1

All-Weather Commuter Coat

View Info

Top Pick

2

always trying

Veteran

I do some snow shooing and used to wear my ski pants, but have found some Columbia fleece pants that are warm in temps in the 30's. maybe for colder I would wear my ski thermals under them. also the fleece pants are so comfy and soft.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I think layering is key. I love a fine knit merino base layer in these conditions because it is cozy but breathable. Layer it under a fleece and a rain jacket, add hat and scarf and you're done.

Icebreaker used to do very good ones (I have several and they are just the thing at this time of year) but I have the impression the quality is no longer what it once was. Shop around.

Anonymous

I very much dress in layers. My outdoor walking capsule is so old that I can't easily provide brands, but I'll try to remember.

I usually start with a long sleeve tee shirt (I have technical shirts), but I actually prefer cotton to absorb sweat (Old Navy and Caslon). I layer this with a fleece zip-up jacket with LOTS of pockets to carry keys and IPod (Target). I add very light weight, but water repellent jacket over the fleece (LL Bean). The combination works for me for most weather conditions.

I always have fleece gloves (Target) and a scarf (Target). My problem area is my ears. I have tried multiple different caps/head bands and none are perfect. I eventually settled on the headband. WOULD not want to run into an old boyfriend wearing the headband!!!!

Everything is washable and drys incredibly well.

JAileen

Veteran

I have two dogs and so go out walking every day, morning and afternoon, rain, snow or shine. I probably have to dress warmer than some, such as Suz, because the dogs are not brisk walkers, they have to sniff here and there. Brisk walking keeps you warmer than any jacket!

What I wear in the 20sF:
medium weight down jacket (Eddie Bauer)
long sleeve tee
jeans
hiking socks
shoes with traction
ball cap
fleece gloves

In the teens F, add the following:
warmer hat
Scarf
Fleece shirt over tee

If we're birding I need to dress warmer because it involves standing around and even slower walking.

Mostly I dress warm in winter because my house is cool.

Anonymous

Did I say 'lightweight down' - sorry, I didn't mean that. I meant medium weight, as in, not Canada Goose heavy.

LaPed

Veteran

Uniqlo has some nice slim-fit trousers made of stretchy nylon with a microfleece lining. They're my go-to for walking and snowshoeing. They run somewhat large I find, but have a drawstring to help with the waist. I'm a 0/2 and the XS has plenty of room for long johns underneath if it's really cold. They are slim enough to tuck inside boots or gaiters, which is nice.

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/produ.....54155.html

Up top I do a combo of fleece and wool layers (e.g. warm wool baselayer plus fleece hoodie) and then add a softshell over top (I have a winterweight one from Outdoor Research and lighter one from Oiselle, which is better for jogging or xc skiing)-- much more breathable than a waterproof jacket or a puffy.

If I am doing anything where I anticipate sweating, I leave the puffies at home -- they aren't as effective when they get damp, and it wears them out faster. Puffies are great for stationary and low-energy activities like sitting in a stadium or at a campsite, not so good for being on-the-move. I do add a puffy once it gets down to low single digits Fahrenheit, because then I probably won't work up a sweat.

Inge

(website)

I'm taking note here, thanks for starting this thread, elpgal!-)

I recently bought two of these Uniqlo Heattech fleece poloneck tops, which feel promising. Haven't had a chance yet to try them out. I will layer them over a Heattech tee, add a workout jacket and a puffer vest. But if temps are below freezing, I will leave of the jacket and light down puffer vest and just wear my long, warm puffer coat over the fleece top. (I do feel the cold very easily.)

Women Heattech Fleece Polo Neck Long Sleeve T-shirt

View Info

Top Pick

1

Women Heattech Fleece Polo Neck Long Sleeve T-shirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

Women Heattech Extra Warm Crew Neck T-shirt

View Info

Top Pick

1

Women Ultra Light Down Vest

View Info

Top Pick

5

catgirl

Veteran

Elpgal, I have some really old Icebreaker tights but there are lots of "tech" tights at REI and probably Athleta and Title Wave have similar...

http://www.rei.com/c/womens-ru.....ing-clothe...

Style Fan

Veteran

My cold weather walking gear is ancient but works very well. I also dress in layers. My first layer is either a cotton long sleeved T shirt or a cuddle duds long sleeved T shirt. Then I have a Columbia fleece zippered jacket thing without a hood. I also have a cashmere hoodie as an alternate. On the bottom I have a pair of Lulu dog walking pants that they no longer make. Very sad. They are great. Fleece lined with zippers and reflective strips on legs. I have long underwear for my legs if it is really cold. Smart wool socks. Merrell boots or New balance shoes.
Outer layer is a down vest, or down coat. I also have a pea coat that I wear. Another coat I have is ancient and I would never want to run into an ex if I was wearing it. It is a fleece coat but it has great pockets. I am always thinking about pockets when I am walking.
I would wear jeans but my dog walking pants have zippers for doggie bags and treats.

Laura

I am a marine biologist and I end up in a lot of cool locations where I end up doing a lot of walking.

A jacket that is wind proof makes a huge difference and depending on the temperature, you can open or close more of your jacket. I have taken a liking to Super Dry jackets lately for their versatility. An extremely comfortable walking boot that is also weather proof is a Technica moon boot.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

elpgal

Veteran

I am so glad I asked; I had no idea there were so many things out there. Looks like I need an entire capsule.

elpgal

Veteran

Laura: very intrigued by the moon boots. How do they run width-wise? Do you wear socks with them?

Laura

Elpgal: Moon boots, which are made by Tecnica but have similar variations made by other designers like Prada & Guess, are amoung my most comfortable footwear. They have a spongy foam liner inside thus they are flexible in terms of width. They do run true to size and while socks are optional, I usually do wear a pair of soft wool socks when I wear them. If you haven't tried out a pair, you might want to consider them, if anything for the sheer comfort although the unique style is something that I love as well

rachylou

Veteran

I learn so much here about fighting the cold! I did not know there was such a thing as wind proof leggings.

Two of the best things I learned are: wool socks and thermals under the puffer... Throwing the puffy over a thin California dress does not do it. Oh, and two pairs of stockings is very helpful when you're going the stocking way... and fleece lined stockings!

viva

Veteran

First off, let me say: I am not Suz. Okay, whew! That is over.

I love walking but to be honest, on many winter days it's the dogs that get me out. Where I walk, on either side are wide open fields, and if it's windy it can be a killer even if it's not that cold. My favorite walking weather is about 24 degrees F, sunny, and still. I find that pretty glorious, actually.

I can get very warm when walking, and on all but the windiest days I go pretty light. (On the windiest days, I might just stay inside.) I wear a long sleeve non-cotton top, a short lightweight puffer, and fleecey winter running pants. That's it. I've chosen Finds for you that are all similar to what I would wear.

Gap Fastest Track Top

View Info

Top Pick

1

Women Light Warm Padded Parka

View Info

Top Pick

2

Gap Polartec Power Stretch Pant

View Info

Top Pick

1

Glory

Veteran

Many great suggestions here to try. I'm a bit further north than Suz so in the teens I would be wearing regular clothing as well but no hat and likely no gloves either. Isn't that crazy? I think you build up a tolerance to this weather. Every fall my kids start hockey and I work on what I call my "Arena skin" which is my ability to sit in a cold arena for long periods without pain...hahaha.
In all seriousness though I would opt for layers that you can easily remove. Depending on how cold you run I would try thin merino wool long sleeve shirt, then thin fleece (like North face - they sell them in 3 thicknesses, then a down sweater. On the bottoms perhaps a pair of fleece leggings. I have a pair from MEC that I wear in our sub zero temperatures and find them ideal. They have a wind proof panel on the front thighs. I think they will have something similar at REI. Here they are:http://www.mec.ca/product/5034.....38;f=10+20...

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

My daughter lives in northern Wisconsin and I usually avoid visiting her in the winter but I'll be out there in a couple weeks so I've been taking advantage of our arctic wind this week to test out my clothes. She's lived there for several years and insists that layering is the way to go. My best combination so far is wool socks (thick ones, from Target, about ten bucks), fleece-lined boots, fleece-lined leggings (also from Target, they've worn and washed well for two years), topped with cheapo Cuddle Duds thin fleece pants (Target, about $15), topped with really thick polyester sweat pants (sorry, I don't remember where I got them). On the top I wear a thin Under-Armour knockoff, topped with a thick fleece, topped with a lightweight down jacket or sweater (LL Bean), topped with a substantial shell (LL Bean). My hat situation isn't perfect but my ancient Jordan Marsh c.1977 Fair Isle wool cap is working ok-ish. I'd like a pair of snow sneakers if she insists on living out there in the frozen north, and a down skirt.

12