5 Tips for Getting Outside When it’s Cold (& How to Stay out Longer!)
If it’s cold outside where you are and you’re anything like me you’re probably getting outside much less these days. But here’s the thing, there are SO many wonderful things going on outside in the winter that you just have to get out there and see. So if you need a little encouragement and inspiration or you don’t even know where to begin when it comes to exploring in the cold here are 5 tips that have helped me get outside and stay outside during the colder months!
Tip #1: Layers, layers, layers
The key to success for staying warm when you’re exploring in the colder months is layers! Making sure you have a great base layer will keep you warmer and allow you to stay outside longer. Opt for clothing made from wool or synthetic material with both insulating and wicking properties. Picking the right materials will help you make the layers you do have really count, and it’ll help you avoid feeling like a real-life Michelin Man. We are OBSESSED with our 100% cotton sweatshirts, buuuut in some scenarios you may want to wait and wear them after your adventure when you’re cozy and dry. Particularly if you’re venturing out in some extremely cold temperatures or wet conditions. Cotton tends to stay wet and get heavy which can be problematic when trying to stay warm. Finally, having a waterproof outer layer will seriously make all the difference in the world! Waterproof pants and jackets are totally game-changers and will make the rest of your layers truly work to keep you cozy.
P.s. For more helpful information check out these articles via Bearfoot Theory and Modern Ratio both of which are super helpful and helped inform me while writing this section!
tip #2: A cozy head, fingers, and toes are key
Turns out my mom really did know what she was talking about when she used to tell me to always remember a hat and gloves before going out to play in the snow. We lose a lot of heat from our head, fingers, and toes so having a good pair of wool socks, waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves, and a cozy hat or beanie truly goes a long way. Personally, I’ve even found that if I have these 3 areas well covered I often don’t need as many layers for the rest of my body. Some of these items are ones you may want to invest in, but always try to use what you have first. If you do plan on buying, think about investing in really good quality items that will last or buying lightly used from somewhere like Worn Wear, Patagonia’s used gear website. That way you’re keeping your cold outdoor adventures light on our dear planet by keeping more winter gear out of the landfill!
tip #3: Keep on moving
The more you move the less cold you’ll feel and the more fun you’ll have! Over the years when I’ve led groups on outdoor education trips in chilly temperatures the last thing I’ve wanted to do is run around outside- but getting your body moving seriously makes all the difference in the world. By the end of these nature walks, I’d be shocked and happily surprised that I wasn’t utterly freezing. If you typically like to take your time outside doing more stagnant activities, maybe this winter try mixing it up! You can still enjoy the beauty around you while moving a bit more quickly. Some ideas include a brisk walk, run, or even trying your hand at something like snowshoeing if you live in an area with plenty of snow!
tip #4: Embrace the cold and look for something new
One of the biggest motivations for me to get outside when it’s cold is the chance to experience things that only occur that time of year. What things might you see or discover that you’d never be able to under the warm summer sun? If there’s snow where you live, one of my favorite things to do after a snowstorm is to go out and look for animal tracks. No other time of the year are our backyards or local parks so perfectly primed to show us what wildlife has been stirring! There are so many new experiences available to us in this landscape that is unfamiliar to most of us who typically opt to stay cozy inside our homes in winter.
tip #5: Just get out there!
My last tip is a pretty simple one. Just get out there! There have very few been times that I’ve truly regretted bundling up and heading outside on a cold winter day. Getting a burst of fresh air and the chance to see what’s going on in my neighborhood always leaves my heart full and soul warm with gratitude (even if it takes a little while for my toes to defrost when I get back inside lol). Start small with a simple walk around your neighborhood or a quick visit to your local park. Maybe your first “cold adventure” only totals in 15 minutes outside, that’s still a win in my book! You don’t have to go on a multi-mile hike this winter to be “outdoorsy” or enjoy the outdoors- you just have to simply go outside. Just get out there my friends! And let me know what wonder you experience when you do.
BONUS TIP: Be prepared!
The quickest way to end any winter adventure is to be unprepared for the conditions you plan on going out in. While there’s quite a big difference between a walk around your neighborhood and hiking in a snowstorm it’s still important to always be prepared! Make sure someone knows you’re heading out and how long you plan to be gone. If you plan to be out for over an hour, bring a snack and plenty of water. It’s super easy to get dehydrated when it’s cold because you’re not hot and sweaty like you are in summer so you probably won’t think to drink water as much. Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the weather is doing. Things can change quickly and you want to make sure you can make a plan *before* you’re stuck in a sticky situation. Be safe, be prepared, and have the most fun ever.
Happy exploring,
Christiana
