10 Things You Should Never Leave Home Without in Cold Weather

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While some summer days can be wonderful, winter too can be a beautiful time of the year — with snow-covered landscapes and the comfort of a night by the fire. But before you go frolicking in the frost, there’s one golden rule: You have to be ready for the cold. Walking out without the proper essentials is a lot like walking into a snowstorm in flip-flops.

If you’re walking to work, hitting the slopes, or just running errands, there’s no negotiating when it comes to being ready for cold weather. Winter can come on you harshly and no one wants to be stuck shivering because they forgot these basics.

Warm Hat

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In winter, your head is like a chimney— if it’s not covered you’re going to lose a lot of heat. When it gets cold, you need a warm, snug hat that covers your ears. The fiber doesn’t exactly matter but wool or fleece will help to keep the heat in. Don’t worry; a hat is a small price to pay for not having an icy cold head, either.

Insulated Gloves

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Nothing makes you feel miserable faster than cold hands, or snowflake. If you’re building a snowman or just waiting for the bus, a good pair of insulated gloves will keep your fingers toasty. If you’re going to spend extended time outside or should happen to be dealing with wet snow, be sure to look for waterproof gloves.

Layered Clothing

In cold weather, layering is your best friend. To begin with, you want a moisture wicking base layer keeping sweat off your skin, followed by a warm insulating layer made of fleece or down. To keep you dry and protected from the elements, wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer. It traps heat but allows you to add or lose layers as you need.

Thick Socks

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Frozen toes are the worst and you can get them numb pretty quickly if you’re not careful. Thick wool socks are a game changer when it’s cold. They do keep your feet warm, even if they get damp. Cotton socks do not keep your feet warm and can make things worse once wet. If it’s cold double up with a liner sock underneath for added warmth.

Winter Boots

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In cold weather, your feet take a beating, so you need a good pair of winter boots. Waterproof, insulated boots with thick soles are what you are looking for. Not only will they keep your feet warm and dry, but they’ll also give you traction on icy sidewalks. Good footwear is important, if you’ve ever taken a tumble on a slick street.

Moisturizer

Dry, cold air can really dry out your skin, leaving it chapped and dry and cracked. Moisturizer brings hydration to the skin and protects it from the elements, it’s a good one. Before setting off, apply it to your face and hands and be sure to bring some in a handbag for touch ups. I promise you: your skin will appreciate that later.

Scarf or Neck Gaiter

Your clothes may expose your neck to the biting wind, but you can use a scarf or neck gaiter to keep the cold air from sneaking in around your collar and adding an extra layer of warmth. If it gets really cold, you can pull it up over your mouth and nose to keep your face from getting so windburned.

Lip Balm

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Before you know it, winter weather can dry and crack your lips. Remember to have a good lip balm on you to keep them hydrated and smooth. Bonus if it’s an SPF one because, according to Better Health, even in winter, your lips are susceptible to the sun’s rays reflecting off of all that snow.

Sunglasses

In winter, you might think it’s strange to worry about sunglasses, but the sun reflecting off snow can be blinding, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology attests. A pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare and harmful UV rays. It also gives you that cool, incognito look (bonus points for style in winter survival!).

Portable Phone Charger

Your phone battery won’t last long in cold weather. Out in the cold for too long and your phone could die at the worst possible moment. Don’t get stuck with a dead phone so keep a portable charger with you at all times. You’ll be happy you brought it along to navigate, call for help, or just listen to your favorite podcast.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.