It’s gonna be cold, so we might as well embrace it! Here’s all my favorite winter gear for staying active in the winter!
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Michigan-born and bred…beach girl at heart…
It took me until my 30’s to truly embrace it. My 30’s. I was born and raised in this frozen tundra. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I figured out that making it through the long winter was so much easier if I just got my eyeballs in the daylight and my lungs in the fresh air. Sure, I played outside when I was a kid. But this beachbum lives for the sand in my toes and sunkissed skin, so I spent a majority of my young adulthood dreading winter.
And then kids came along!
I don’t have to tell any Northern momma what cooped up kids feels like in the winter. We went outside from day 1. Even though I cringed at the thought of the cold air, I took them out. Not only because it meant wearing them out for nap time, but because I wanted them to learn to love the snow and the cold. And I knew that their circadian rhythm depended on that real spectrum daylight in their eyes.
And my goodness, did it work!
Now I have 3 kids that actually live for the winter just as much as they love their summer beach time. Of course, part of that winter love is the fact that I have 3 huge bookworms that love a cozy fire, blanket, and a good read! But they’ve never batted an eye at getting outdoors in the winter. Even as teens! I think that love for all seasons will serve them well in health as they grow into adulthood.
But back to how I learned to love a Michigan winter…
When the kids were little, we definitely played outside. Once they were in school full-time, I found myself hibernating a little more. One winter, I was just tired of feeling those winter blues. After having been cooped up with a flu for a week, I decided I needed to go outside for a walk. The almost instant boost of serotonin was hard to deny.
A winter habit that I’ve grown to live for
After years of building my daily winter outside time habit, my thoughts about the long winter months here in Michigan have changed. I actually look forward to my time outside, and even build my day around making sure this happens. And so many of YOU, my dear readers, have messaged me on IG that my winter walks in Stories have inspired you to get outside! This absolutely thrills me!
“There’s no such thing as bad weather…”
I had always dressed my kids in the best winter gear so they could play forever outdoors in the winter, but I never got myself anything. Gifting myself good boots with grips, and warm gear made getting outdoors in the winter more manageable. At my girls’ Montessori school, there was a quote that they used when talking about getting the kids outside to play. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” (Alfred Wainwright)
My favorite winter walking and hiking boots
These boots are my non-negotiable. They are SO warm. They are lightweight and zero drop, so they are great for long hikes. I run a couple times per week, and even run in these! I have had these boots for almost 5 years, and they still do not need to be replaced. My kids also wear them for snow play and hiking!
YakTrax For Snowy, Icy Surface Gripping
These were the game-changer. Having really good grips like YakTrax has allowed me to keep hiking and walking, even when the snow gets packed down and slippery. The best part is they are super affordable and can fit over any boots. If you already have warm boots that you love, you can add these for extra grip. You really will be able to hike and walk just about anywhere with them! I am able to hike the snowy sand dunes, shoreline, and hilly woods all winter!
My favorite warm, but light weight coat
For hikes or winter walks when it is above 25 degrees. Or whatever your cold tolerance is. Honestly, I hike most of the winter in a lighter coat like this because I do get quite warm if I’m hiking by myself and moving quickly! I’ve had this coat for a number of years, and it is a great investment.
My favorite Parka for bitter cold
When the temps are in the single digits, or wind chills are below zero, this bad boy gets pulled out! A good parka truly makes the bitter cold more tolerable, and I can usually last quite long with this on. Even going out for a little bit to get the daylight in your eyes, it is worth it!
I don’t usually use a base layer unless it is single digits or wind chills, but if you are not used to the cold, these will be a game changer! Thin, warm material hugging your skin keeps the heat in. This is my favorite base layer top. And these are the base layer bottoms. You can wear them under your clothes. I also like to wear these on slower family walks or when we are sledding, so I stay warm outside longer.
Snowbibs for family hikes and snow play
Momma gets snowpants too – not just the kids! It makes sledding days, winter walks, and just being out in the snow to shovel and be with the kids so much more comfortable. I have these super warm snow bibs, but you can even get these much cheaper ones and accomplish the same outcome – just getting outside!
Favorite snowshoes – the best workout!
Snowshoes make a super fun family Christmas gift. And snowshoeing is the best workout! When that snow piles super high, you can still go out on trails that haven’t been packed down yet! The kids will love snowshoeing too!
Other warm favorites that I use over and over
- I love these super warm joggers. I use these when I don’t want to get too hot in snow bibs, but also don’t want to wear just leggings or jeans.
- This heavyweight hoodie is super affordable and just so warm. I can hike in super cold air in this and be warm without a coat!
- I don’t always wear a hat because I get pretty warm walking, hiking, or running, but when it is cold enough, I usually wear this hat.
- These are my fav snow mittens for waterproof snow play with the girls.
- And when I’m in the mood for gloves that are fluffier and comfy, these are my pick!
