Cold-Weather Gear — 4 Must-Have Features For The Ultimate Winter Jacket
You might have heard the meteorologist’s predictions for this winter already — it’s gonna be a cold one.
That means you’ll likely require a bit of extra preparation to stay warm.
It might be a good idea to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows, get your furnace inspected, and make sure your winter tires are in good shape.
The most important thing though — the thing that’s going to keep you warm when you’re outside in the blistering cold — is your winter jacket.
It would be nice if we could just stay inside through the winter months, or teleport somehow between various locations without going outside.
Since that’s probably impossible, the next best thing is a supremely warm winter jacket with all the features you need to stay warm, no matter how cold it gets.
Here are a few things you should look for when choosing your winter gear.
- The Shell
Arguably the most important part of the jacket — it’s your first line of defense, and the first thing people see.
You need a shell that’s waterproof, windproof, stylish, and easy to clean.
My go-to is recycled polyester — because it’s all of those things, and also has a lower environmental footprint.
2. The Hood
Your face and ears are important, and the best way to protect them is by keeping them inside a hood.
A beanie or toque will certainly help, but they’re not nearly as insulating as a good jacket hood.
Look for a hood that ties down or has drawstrings so you can tighten it up in strong winds, and if it has storm flaps, that’s even better.
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3. The Insulation
Typically, most jackets used to use duck or goose down.
They work, they’re warm, but they’re also heavy — and when they get wet, they’re super heavy.
New vegan insulation has all the same warmth, without any of the weight, even if it gets wet.
It’s also cruelty-free and way more sustainable, which is a big bonus.
4. The Pockets
You need a variety of pockets, trust me.
No matter how well you plan, at some point you’re going to need to get something out of your pockets while you’re in the freezing cold.
If all of your pockets are inside of your jacket, that means you need to open it to access them, and there goes all of your warmth.
On the other hand, if all of your pockets are outside, you won’t be able to keep anything warm — everything that goes into your pockets will come back out frozen.
Try to find a jacket with a few pockets both inside and out, and you’ll be able to keep yourself warm even when you need to reach into a pocket.
With the right jacket, as well as a good set of mittens and boots, you should be ready to face the cold no matter what the winter throws at you.
Many fashion brands are even making the switch to more eco-friendly products, so you don’t even have to choose between maximum warmth and the environment.
As much as I love the environment, and want to do my part, I also really love staying warm.
Environmentally responsible, sustainable fashion lines finally allow me to do both.
I hope you will too.
