Prepare for Colder Temps With Winter Clothing and Gear Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Get the Right Gear for Outdoor Safety and Comfort This Year

Protection from the weather boosts enjoyment of activities like running skiing camping and more

Courtesy REI . It's also a good way to maintain your health and well-being. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Whether you're or skiing, it's important to stay warm and protect yourself from hypothermia and frostbite. Having the right clothing and gear can make a big difference in how warm and dry you stay — and how much fun you have. The type of clothing you wear affects how much heat your body loses through sweat. Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture and can cause your body temperature to fall. Instead, wear moisture-wicking natural fibers like wool or synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene. Make sure your clothing and gear aren't tight, which can restrict blood flow to your extremities.

Start with a focus on layering

"Whether you're walking, skiing or snowshoeing, layering is really key,” says Rachel McDonald, a field guide and instructor for REI in Seattle. Layers, as well as a hat, gloves and wool socks help protect Jilly Whiting during winter running. Courtesy Jilly Whiting The best number of layers varies, but three is standard: a base layer (underwear) that wicks sweat away from your skin; a middle, insulating layer like fleece or down that helps retain body heat; and a shell that helps block wind, rain and snow. Adjust the layers as your activity level and the weather changes, so you stay warm without sweating too much.
Lori McGee Koch, head running coach for Chicago Endurance Sports in Chicago, wears multiple thin layers in winter. "Everyone is different,” she adds. “I know guys who will wear shorts even if it's zero degrees outside."

Protect your extremities

Covering your head, face, feet and hands is important because they're at the greatest risk of exposure. Wear a hat to prevent losing heat through your head. A fleece neck gaiter is versatile: You can pull it up to cover your mouth, nose and cheeks, and it doubles as a . Cyclists may want to invest in helmet or shoe covers to block the wind. Have you ever had frozen fingers? It's hard to rewarm them, so keep them warm from the start. McDonald suggests choosing your gloves or mittens based on your activity, so your hands don't overheat. Consider layering liner gloves under waterproof shells, which block wind and moisture. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Jilly Whiting, 62, of Freeport, Illinois, uses two home remedies for shoes. For “extra bite” when walking outside, Whiting pushes 3/8-inch sheet-metal screws into the bottom of her shoes (it doesn't damage them). She also bought a windbreaker for 50 cents at a thrift store, cut out pieces and glued them to the front of her running shoes to block the wind. Air-activated hand and toe warmer packets are popular, especially if you're or have poor circulation. Sheet metal screws pushed into the bottom of shoes can provide better traction in snow and ice. Courtesy Jilly Whiting Sheet metal screws pushed into the bottom of shoes can provide better traction in snow and ice. Courtesy Jilly Whiting

Consider other gear for specialized hobbies

Some winter activities require special clothing and gear. For winter camping, you'll need a four-season tent, a warm sleeping bag and an insulated foam pad underneath an air mattress. For snowmobiling, you may want thicker layers, bib snow pants and a windproof shell as you race through the cold air. It's common when snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to heat up, and you'll likely want to shed some layers. But you need somewhere to put them. REI's McDonald recommends carrying a backpack (at least 25 liters) for excess clothing, water and snacks. It's also important because people tend to stop less for food and water when it's cold, increasing the risk of dehydration. Consider getting an insulated sleeve for your water bottle or packing a warm drink like hot cocoa. The sun's reflection off snow is intense, so or goggles. And don't forget to protect your skin with an effective sunscreen. For safety, wear reflective clothing or gear — even during daylight — to increase your visibility to others. Carry a battery-operated headlamp if your activity will continue after sunset.

Prepping for winter doesn t have to break the bank

You'll find no end of retailers and options for buying cold-weather clothing and gear. Experts advise basing your choices on the weather where you are, your metabolism, your activity level and your personal preferences. You may find surprises by looking beyond the obvious. Trager likes shopping at Army Navy stores online and Costco. Whiting has found deals at thrift stores, discounters like Sierra Trading Post or Steep & Cheap, and even hardware stores. "I got one of my favorite zip-down fleeces at a hardware store,” Whiting says. “I love being outdoors." How to Protect Yourself From Cold Weather More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS