Nov

Dressing for the Cold

Posted by admin

Here in Calgary, Alberta, the days are getting quite cold – and the mornings quite dark. At the peak of the cold season we’re looking at temperatures of about -25˚C (-13˚F) plus wind chill. Keeping up with walking during the winter season takes some pretty tough discipline and great clothing. I thought I’d share some of my best finds with you.

_	For the ladies: Don’t go for a walk without a GREAT sports bra. the Powerback Wirefree Bra is my personal favourite because it doesn’t pinch, twist, ride, squeeze, chafe, flop, or otherwise cause extreme discomfort.
	Next comes a good base layer set which I’ll wear if it’s -10˚C (14˚F) or colder. Make sure it’s got a “Moisture Management System” or you’ll be wet and soggy when you get home, and likely colder than you want to be. I wear the PolarMax brand – mostly because it was crazy cheap when we were in Montana!
	Next comes a turtleneck to keep arms and neck warm
	Then I add my funky injinji toe socks (which I have just discovered in colourful stripes!!!)
	Then come thermal pants to keep the wind out and the warmth in. I managed to get mine cheap at Costco, and they work great!
	Then, of course, it’s my Vibram FiveFinger shoes, which I passionately love, and prefer to never walk in anything else. These winter ones are still on my wish list. Everyone (including Vibram!) is sold out. Sigh.
	If it’s above -10 I just wear a fleece top. If it’s colder than that I move to my ski-jacket.
	Then come the 180′s to keep my ears warm and my iPod ear buds in place. I wear a wool hat over these if it’s really cold.
	And I top it off with cheap wool gloves, unless it’s below -10,in which case I wear good ski gloves.

On dark days I have a blinking reflector that goes on the back of my hat/180′s and a headlamp that goes in front.

On painfully cold days I’ll add a scarf, buy if it’s cold enough for a scarf I also need to wear ski goggles because otherwise my breath condenses on my glasses and freezes, and I’m blind. the good news is, the more stuff I put on, and the more ridiculous I look, the less recognizable I am! LOL!

I also put good cream (I like Avon’s “Moisture Therapy”) on my face and lips to prevent chapping.

If you want more information on waking in/dressing for the cold, check out this video:

Prepare for Winter Walking

And there you have it. I need to get up earlier in the winter just to get dressed! Hopefully I remember to go pee before I start…

Happy Walking!

Darlene