Enjoying a walk, in any weather condition, boils down to comfort. I know for me, if I’m uncomfortable I can’t focus as much on the walk and my walks get cut short.
So that’s where strategic clothing comes into play. If I want to enjoy a walk in the winter cold, it takes much more preparation and thought than if I set out for a walk in the summer. Part of it is because I’m a cold person and can easily get uncomfortable and start shivering so owning a few key pieces is a MUST!
1) Fleece pants
This is a new one for me, as in the years prior I always relied on long johns or leggings and just put them on underneath any pant I was wearing. However, this year, I made the switch to fleece pants and it’s been a game changer. For one, these pants block wind due to their outer layer. And the lined fleece which is present from waist to ankle makes them cozy and warm while still comfortable. Now on really cold brittle days slipping on a pair of long Johns underneath these is an even better combination while still staying comfortable. I wear these anytime I’m going to be outside in cold weather and especially going for a walk and I couldn’t be more impressed.
2) Merino wool socks
These merino wool socks are my absolute go to for any cold walk. No one likes cold toes and quite honestly it can make an outdoor walk painful and eventually lead to the loss of feeling in your toes. I have found that a good pair of merino wool socks are not only cozy and warm, but also have moisture-wicking properties so if you pick up the lace and your body warms up your feet don’t have to suffer in sweat! Absolute game changer. Plus, merino wool is an all around great material and even more of a plus of you prefer natural fiber-clothing.
3) Boots, up until this year, I’ve always opted for fleece lined boots for my winter walks. However, I stumbled upon a pair of leather boots this year with no lining and have found them a little more comfortable to walk in when covering longer distances and with a good pair of socks my feet and toes still remain warm and comfortable. I never wear tennis shoes while walking in the cold because I just have never found a pair warm enough for the low temps and wind that comes with Winter.
Those are the 3 main ingredients that make the difference in an enjoyable walk in the cold and a downright painful walk in the cold. Of course, I have other clothing piece favorites as well that I rotate depending on if the temps are brutally low, if the sun isn’t shining etc. If you love walking, don’t let the cold temps keep that away from you.
Pen and Page Journey 