A Southerner's Guide to Surviving the Cold

Today marks what I'd count as our first true "blizzard". It's been snowing since about 11am and it looks like it's not going to stop until the early morning hours, and might even start up again tomorrow. There's probably about 5-6" on the ground now, with another 3-5" to come overnight.

Last winter our strategy was to hide from the winter. We stayed inside and hated the cold. But, come about April, when it was still so cold, we were going stir-crazy. So this winter my goal is to embrace the cold. Every morning I step out my door and say enthusiastically in my mind, "I love the cold!" as I start my march to the bus stop. We're also planning activities to help us enjoy the winter weather. We might as well take advantage of it while we're here!

In Norway there is a saying, "There are no bad winters, only bad clothes." I am agreeing with that more each day. So here are some suggestions for how to dress.

The first trick is this: now is not the time for vanity. You might look cute in that thin peacoat and the ankle boots but that's not going to keep you warm. So embrace the "I'm wearing a sleeping bag" look, and I promise you won't regret it.

The second trick is this: if you can see anything besides your eyeballs when you look in the mirror you're probably going to be cold.

Third, know what you're trying to do in these clothes. You can be too hot shoveling snow in jeans and a t-shirt when it's 20 degrees. So if you'r reading clothing reviews and everyone's talking about taking it skiing, when you (like us) will be spending most of your outdoors times waiting at a bus stop, know that you're going to want something warmer.

Now for some specific suggestions. Last year as we entered winter we wondered where all our money was going, and then realized we were spending it all on winter clothes. I don't regret a dollar spent because truly, in Boston, you're going to be wearing those winter clothes for at least four months (and if you're like me, more like 5-6 months). So, if you calculate out the "cost per wear" spending the extra money on good clothing that lasts is totally worth it. When it's truly cold you will appreciate every single piece of clothing you are wearing (and desperately miss anything you forgot to wear). So on a daily basis I'm wearing $600 worth of clothing (and none of it designer!), which is a little depressing to think about. But each of these items has lifetime guarantees so they won't wear out, or will get replaced if they do. So if we're here four years and only keep them that long, that's $150 a year = ~$30/winter month = ~$1 per day to be totally warm head to toe--totally worth it, at least in my book.

This hat (The Outdoor Research Women's Frostline Hat) is the best thing I've ever bought. Do I look ridiculous wearing it? Yes. Does my head ever get cold? Not even once. Not even when the wind chill was -10F. (I actually, very sadly, lost that hat a couple weeks ago and I've reordered its upgraded cousin, which has better coverage and waterproofing. We'll see how it holds up.) In addition to full ear coverage it also has a zip-out face mask that covers your nose and mouth.

A good scarf is essential. You'll want it to plug the "cracks" between your coat and your neck, and to pull up over your nose and mouth when it's very cold. My favorite scarves that I have are the Lands End Cashtouch Scarves. They are soft and warm, but not terribly bulky. The "quick dry" component is helpful because snow will saturate it--or if it's over your nose and mouth, the condensation from your mouth will saturate it (and if it's really cold, the whole scarf will freeze, I can tell you by experience!)

Now for the inner layers going under the coat. I am the very warmest when I have on long underwear (tops and bottoms) along with a polarfleece pullover that zips up around the neck (something like this although mine's a cheap Old Navy one I bought years ago). I wear the Lands End Thermaskin long underwear, which are super soft and thin and fit well under clothes. Together those two layers wick so well that if I'm warm enough a layer of sweat accumulates between the polarfleece and my coat, so my skin is warm and dry.

I wear a parka length down coat from Eddie Bauer. Things I love about my coat: the fur lining around the hood keeps the wind off your face and the snow out of your eyes. The pockets are sherpa-lined, making them super warm (although don't put your hands in your pockets when it's icy because better to break an arm when you fall than to break your skull!). The zipper pulls are big enough to grip if you're wearing gloves. There's a cuff inside the sleeves to keep snow from getting in there. Things I wish were different about my coat: I wish there was a cinch cord at the bottom. Sometimes I also wish it were calf-length instead of parka-length, but overall it's warm enough.

I am not entirely happy with my gloves but I am beginning to think gloves can only be so warm. I have the warmest L.L. Bean gloves they sell. They're probably the warmest gloves I have but my fingers still get cold, and the smallest size they sell is still too big. I have windproof fleece gloves and leather/cashmere gloves from Land's End that fit my hands perfectly but aren't as warm. My newest idea is something like sherpa-lined mittens, but I haven't picked any out yet.

Finally, footwear. I chose combo rain/snow boots from L.L. Bean. They're tall enough to step in giant puddles or snowdrifts, and the snow insert is pretty warm. My mom saw Smartwool Ph.D. socks right before I graduated and moved to Boston and bought me a pair of them as a joke, but for real, these are the best socks ever. I know they're quite expensive, but if you just have a few pairs and do laundry frequently, they are totally worth it.

Our latest wardrobe addition, compliments of Patrick's parents, are Yaktrax. While not entirely necessary, these things are awesome because they let you walk on ice without slipping at all. Honestly I think I could run in them no problem...but don't worry, I won't :)

So, bring it on, New England winter! Or maybe not...at least not to the degree to shut down public transit! We did try driving our car in the snow this morning. There was only about 1/2" on the roads yet it still struggled to gain traction. So we'll be riding the trains and buses for the winter and considering buying snow tires for next year if we decide to be even more adventurous :)

Stay warm, dear friends :)