Go farther, stay warmer, and get more done with these cold-weather solutions.
Fortunately, winter’s freezing grip doesn’t cover the entire country; but where it does, you need to be prepared for the worst. There are plenty of products that will keep you warm and comfy during these dreary months, but relatively few will provide the protection and promote the mobility and load efficiency that you’ll find in this collection.
While it’s almost always better to hunker down inside a warm and secure shelter, these products can help keep you alive if you don’t have that option or need to stay on the move.
When it gets cold, be sure to take particular care to protect your extremities, as well as your ears and nose, because these are the first parts of your body to suffer the most from low temperatures and the effects of windchill. And remember that you’re better served by using layers of clothing instead of wearing a single heavy coat or pants.
Layering allows you to adjust your level of protection as temperatures and exertion levels change. Using layers that can be worn in various combinations can prevent overheating and sweating, which can become serious threats to your survival in the winter.
Stormr Strykr Jacket
Overview
Utilizing abrasion-resistant material in the high contact areas, along with fleece lining and PU-welded splashproof pockets, the Strykr is designed to withstand harsh weather and tough working environments. The wrists, waist and hood are all adjustable, and the jacket features a water-repellent exterior shell, 3M-reflective graphics and nearly 5 pounds of positive buoyancy.
Specifications
- Sizes: Men’s S–XXXL
- Colors: Black, orange, smoke
- Extended interior collar
- Interior cell phone pocket
- Two chest gear pockets
- Two interior mesh gear pockets
- Adjustable waistband with two interior cord locks
- Two D-rings for accessories or kill-switch tethers
MSRP $325.95
ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava
Overview
Incorporating a ventilator that warms and humidifies cold air, this patented, two-piece balaclava design provides a high level of protection during any wintertime adventure. The two-piece design allows for easy removal of the ventilator without having to remove the full balaclava or other headwear. The ColdAvenger ventilator is made of a soft, medical-grade, antimicrobial polyurethane plastic.
Specifications
- Patented two-in-one balaclava design
- Made from antimicrobial polyurethane
- Hidden nose wire for custom fit
- Double hook-and-loop closure
MSRP $79.95
Pnuma Insulator Outdoor Jacket
Overview
Whether you are hunting, scouting, skiing, skating, sledding, hiking or camping, the Insulator Outdoor Jacket is versatile enough to wear as your outer layer whenever it’s cool or chilly and as a midlayer when things get really cold. The Insulator Jacket is lightweight for easy movement and uses 3M Thinsulate Featherless Insulation (700 fill power) to retain your body’s heat without bulk.
Specifications
- Designed for athletic fit
- Smooth-face, tight-weave shell fabric for easy on/off layering
- Pnumagrid quilting pattern
- 3M Scotchgard durable, water-repellant coating
- YKK heavy-duty, stitch-sealed zippers
- Thumb holes in cuffs for ease of layering
- Sizes: M–XXXL; regular and tall lengths
- Weight: 25.6 ounces (large)
MSRP $135
Marmot 8000 Meter Mitts
Overview
The 8000 Meter Mitt features three gloves in one: a completely waterproof, Primaloft-lined Gore-Tex/Paclite shell, Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable mitten insert and a removable, 700 fill power goose down mitten. The vertical carabiner loop won’t interfere with a harness, ropes or ascenders, and these mitts feature a no-slide silicone treatment on the trigger finger for improved grip.
Specifications
- Primaloft insulation
- Wrist strap and gauntlet drawcord
- Leather-reinforced palm
- DriClime three-dimensional wicking lining
- Weight: 12.7 ounces
MSRP $275
URL www.Marmot.com
Carhartt Extreme Cold Weather Socks
Overview
A great choice for hiking in cold environments, the Carhartt Extreme Cold Weather sock features a reinforced sole that protects against abrasion and limits hot spots and potential blisters. The ankle vents reduce bulk for added comfort inside a boot.
Specifications
- Fights odor
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Colors: Heather black, navy, brown, orange
- Sizes: M–XL
MSRP $14.99 (XL)
URL www.Carhartt.com
Rothco Cold Weather Street Shield Gloves
Overview
The inner lining of the fingers and palm feature a cut-resistant material for protection from sharp objects. The outer palm layer is made from durable synthetic leather, with a nonskid grip material in the cradle of the hand. A snug fit is provided by the 1.5mm layer of neoprene and nylon spandex on the back of the hand.
Specifications
- Materials: nylon, synthetic leather, spandex
- Cut-resistant palms and fingers
- Thermoblock lining for cold-weather protection
- Weight: 25.6 ounces (large)
- Sizes: S–XXL
MSRP $44.99
URL www.Rothco.com
Black Diamond Mercury Mitts
Overview
A fully waterproof insert and PrimaLoft insulation make the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt a good choice, even for year-round use. The four-way-stretch Pertex Shield fabric and a large gauntlet keep moisture from entering the mitten, and the goat leather palm with Kevlar stitching increases durability for rough use.
Specifications
- 100 percent waterproof BDry insert
- Lightweight, abrasion-resistant Pertex Shield shell
- Removable liner features 340 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation
- Removable liner features split-finger design
- Weight per pair: 9.2 ounces
- Temperature range: -20 to +10 degrees (F)
- Sizes: XS–XXL
MSRP $109.95
URL www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com
Pnuma Insulator Hunting Cap
Overview
With 3M Thinsulate Featherless 700 fill power insulation, the Pnuma Insulator Hunting Cap will make sure your head stays warm and your ears don’t get cold. It features odor control, and the surface has a water-repellant coating. The visor is flexible. The cap is made from a durable, high-count polyester weave.
Specifications
- Pnumagrid quilting pattern
- SilverStrike antimicrobial odor control
- 3M Scotchgard durable, water-repellant coating
- Lifetime guarantee
- Colors: Camo, Pine Creek green
- Sizes: M/L–XL/XXL
MSRP $40
Mad Bomber Saddlecloth Bomber Fur Hat
Overview
The Mad Bomber fur hat features a durable canvas exterior (with Mossy Oak Infinity camouflage pattern) with real rabbit fur trim. The rabbit fur ear flaps can be worn down for extra warmth or neatly folded up and attached at the top with a buckle snap closure. The inside of the hat has a soft, fully quilted lining for added insulation and comfort.
Specifications
- 100 percent cotton canvas exterior
- 100 percent polyester quilt-lined interior
- Durable, water-repellent fabric treatment
- Adjustable chin strap
- Front brim is secured by two snap buttons
MSRP $54
Klim Glacier Balaclava
Overview
For those who encounter truly harsh environments (motorcycle, snowmobile, hikes), the Klim Glacier Balaclava features an over-the-collar design for a blend of extreme weather protection and active functionality.
Specifications
- Windstopper fabric
- Coolmax breathable, moisture-wicking fabric on the sides
- Neoprene breath box deflects moisture away from goggles
- Lycra stretch panel
- Fast drying
MSRP $59.99
URL www.Klim.com
Muck Boots Woody Arctic Ice Boot
Overview
The new Woody Arctic Ice extreme conditions hunting boot is equipped with a thick fleece lining and molded outsole. This rubber-and-neoprene boot features Vibram Arctic Grip technology to perform well—even on wet ice. When on dry ice, the outsole also features a Vibram Icetrek base layer for the highest level of traction.
Specifications
- Mossy Oak Country Camo
- Tall calf height
- Men’s full sizes 7–15
- 8mm CR Flex-Foam
- 2mm thermal foam under footbed
- EVA contoured, molded midsole
- Bob-Tracker molded outsole
- Rated to -60 degrees (F)
MSRP $200
URL www.Walmart.com
Simond Fox Carving Ice Axe
Overview
The head of the Fox Carving Ice Ax is made from tool steel with a rust-resistant treatment and is effective in hard-packed snow. The shaft is curved and made from aluminum; the narrowed midshaft provides a better grip.
Specifications
- Materials: Aluminum shaft, steel head
- Weight: 10.22 ounces
- Length: 17 inches
- For mountaineering and ski touring on snow slopes from 0 to 40 degrees (F)
MSRP $70.96
URL www.Simond.com
Black Diamond Stinger Crampon
Overview
Designed to tackle ice and mixed lines on winter crags and alpine faces, the Black Diamond Stinger is a lightweight, stainless steel crampon with a replaceable mono frontpoint. The hooded frontpoint and aggressive secondary points are optimized for precise, secure placements. Its asymmetrical design fits the contours of modern mountain boots. Thin, low-profile heel and toe wires offer a precise fit with less weight.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Mono frontpoint is replaceable
- Low-profile, micro-adjust heel level offers precision fit
- Weight (pair): 2 pounds, 1 ounce
- Size: One size fits US 6–12 (12+ size requires the long center bar)
MSRP $219.95
URL www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com
Rab Andes 1000 Sleeping Bag
Overview
The Rab Andes 1000 is a serious, performance-oriented sleeping bag that maximizes warmth-to-weight ratio and is good for reducing pack size. With 1000 grams of high-quality, 800 fill power European goose down, the Andes 1000 is designed for use at altitudes up to 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) or in exposed areas at temperatures as low as -17 degrees (F).
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Pertex fabrics: Endurance outer; Microlight inner
- Polygiene stay-fresh odor-control technology
- Face baffle for improved hood fit
- Internal YKK #3 coil, zipped stash pocket
- Maximum user height: 76.8 inches
- Shoulder width: 29.5 inches
- Hip width: 22.5 inches
- Foot width: 16 inches
MSRP $775
Marmot Never Winter Sleeping Bag
Overview
The Never Winter is an ideal summer bag for camping and river trips, but it also has enough water-resistant 650 fill power down insulation to keep you warm and protected when frost is in the air. The anatomical, wraparound footbox increases insulation and room for your feet, which means more warmth where you need it. The two-way, locking, full-length zipper has an anti-snag slider.
Specifications
- Nautilus multi-baffle hood
- Internal stash pocket and heater pocket in footbox
- Snagless, insulated draft tube
- Ground-level side seams
- Hood draw cord
- Stretch tricot baffles
- Two loops for hanging
- Stuff and storage sack included
MSRP $199
URL www.Marmot.com
Zeal Optics Slate Goggles
Overview
The unique shape of the Zeal Optics Slate Goggles allows for maximum peripheral vision, while a redesigned nosebridge enhances comfort and fit. Built with a foam mold and proprietary venting crafted for a perfect over-the-glass fit with no fogging, Slate is the goggle for those who need top-of-the-line functionality.
Specifications
- Photochromic and polarized lens options
- 100 percent UVA/B/C protection
- Everclear anti-fog lens treatment
- Permashield hardcoat scratch resistance
- Impact-resistant frame
- Multiple frame and lens options available
- Temperature range: -20 to +10 degrees (F)
MSRP Starts at $119
Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer
Overview
Whether hunting, fishing, camping or simply enjoying life in a cold-weather environment, there’s nothing like cold hands to ruin the experience. Zippo’s new and improved filling process for its hand warmers makes it easier to refill the fuel capsule while you are on the go.
Specifications
- Up to 12 hours of heat
- New Easy Fill technology
- Rugged steel case
- Felt pouch
- Fill cup included
MSRP $21.95
URL www.Zippo.com
Weapon Shield Maintenance Kits
Overview
These maintenance kits contain bottles of Weapon Shield CLP and oil and solvent, a syringe of grease for precision application and a refillable Weapon Shield Precision Oiler Pen. They represent a vast improvement over other CLPs, solvents and greases and outperform legacy products in their ability to lubricate, clean and protect critical parts. All are environmentally friendly and have a pleasant cinnamon scent.
Specifications
- Use CLP to clean, lubricate and preserve weapon parts
- Dual-action solvent easily removes powder residue
- Appropriate for use in all conditions
- Nontoxic formulations
- Available in 1- and 4-ounce bottle kits
MSRP 1-ounce kit: $24; 4-ounce kit: $35
