WHAT TO WEAR - WINTER EDITION

• Avoid thick, heavy layers, try multiple thin layers instead for ease of movement and adjustability (remove or add throughout the hike/run)

• Cotton is not your friend, it doesn't stay warm once damp; focus on natural wool fibers or polyester

• Sweat management is a very real problem, once you get damp it's hard to stay warm, dress so that you're a little chilly in the beginning and you'll warm up once you move

• Carry extra layers for longer hikes/runs, these can be useful to add if you get chilled or change out your layers if they get damp/sweaty

• Wear a headlamp for those dark early morning and evening excursions

• Reusable or single use hand/toe warmers can be a great addition, and can be used in a pinch on any body part that's getting chilled; keep a few extra in your pack for emergencies

FOR YOUR HEAD

• Change your headgear based on temperature; for warmer winter days try a buff (a tubular piece of cloth) or headband over your ears, pull out that trusty toque for colder days

• Consider wearing a buff, or very thin scarf, over your face and nose for extra cold days - protect that nose

FOR YOUR UPPER BODY

• Leave the bulky ski jacket/long jacket at home - they'll limit your mobility

• Try adding a variety of layers with a thin(ish) wind resistant jacket over top, or a thinner "puffy" style jacket for the brutally cold days

FOR YOUR HANDS

• Try out different thicknesses of gloves and see what works best for you;  most times you may not need really thick "ski mittens" for most days

• Try layering thin gloves under mittens for extra warmth

• For long hikes/runs you may want to consider carrying an extra pair of gloves in case one pair soaks through (hands get sweaty and snowy)

FOR YOUR LEGS

• Much like your upper body, layers are key, try layering long underwear underneath of running tights or hiking pants and/or shorts/skirt over top of the pants

• Bulky snow pants can make movement challenging and get sweaty fast; if you're still cold with layering you can try thin, insulated hiking pants or nordic ski pants

FOR YOUR FEET

• Traction is key; use microspikes (tringular spiked ones, not small, round traction devices) with your trail runners/hiking boots, or use winter running shoes (i.e. icebugs) with built in spikes 

• Ensure your trail runners are gortex or duct tape the mesh areas of regular trail runners

• Avoid large, heavy snow boots; they make technical steps challenging

Don't be scared to experiment with layers you already have at home and try out different combinations, you'll quickly learn what works for you!