Gear Review: Staying warm

I joke that I ended up with some weird karma: I cooked in my mom’s womb while she sweated in a Louisiana trailer in the summertime while my dad lived on the Army base during boot camp. I’m pretty sure that set my permanent internal thermometer to remain relatively cool in 100-plus-degree humidity. The problem is that I never lived in the South again, and my two absolute favorite sports happen to take place in an ice rink and on powder fields. So, I’ve always had to bundle up (and work hard) to remain somewhat comfortable. As a result, warm gear is No. 1 in my winter-fun rulebook.

Patagonia Down With It Parka

Let’s just say this is an absolute lifesaver. I used to dread taking my dog for walks on cold winter days before I got this beefy baby. This knee-length down parka is a game changer — plus, the price is amazing, especially when compared to other jackets that don’t keep me as toasty. I feel like I’m enveloped in soft-down comfort. Yet, I don’t feel bulked down — or like the Michelin Man — due to its contoured fit, with baffles and “princess seams” in the front and back. The 100% recycled polyester shell is wind- and water-repellent, without the use of harmful perfluorinated chemicals. The insulation comprises 600-fill-power down that’s also 100% recycled. The removable hood keeps my head warm without adding an extra hat, and the neck reaches up comfortably and snuggly, so I don’t need a scarf. Its deep pockets keep my hands warm, and I always appreciate an extra inner zipper pocket for my phone. If you want comfort and stylish warmth at a great price, this is the jacket. Comes in six different colors.

$349, patagonia.com

Avocado Silk Duvet Insert

Having grown up with lofty European down comforters, I’m pretty particular when it comes to bedding — and I’ve experienced a few paltry comforters, down or otherwise. But Avocado’s silk-filled comforter is a dream come true. Even my mom, who was also raised with luxurious European down, wants one. When she felt it, she guessed a price tag of nearly $1,000, but this is another steal for $359-$404 (both queen and king are on sale for $40 less right now). The organic cotton cover is filled with recycled mulberry silk, a renewable resource that also happens to be one of the finest silks in the world. It’s airy and lightweight at 6 pounds and keeps me warm and comfy without overheating. The silk is amazingly satiny — sometimes, I just rub the snuggly softness in my hands. Mulberry silk has moisture-wicking, breathable and thermoregulating properties that work. And, unlike down, which can collapse and lose its warm and airy factor if washed, this comforter holds up to machine washing. It also comes with a 100-night trial and one-year warranty — and Avocado is a Climate Neutral Certified Company.

avocadogreenmattress.com

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

This innovative little item brings non-bulky warmth in a big way. I usually wear it as a scarf, but it also transforms into a vest through the snaps. It takes its name from Chicago’s latitudinal position (41.8 degrees north), where the wind and humidity can cut through to your bones in the winter. So, the company knows how to make a super-warm scarf/vest. Measuring 66 inches long and 10 inches wide with fleece-lined deep inner pockets, the Puffer Hug 418 keeps me warm while making me feel like I’m hardly wearing much extra. It’s easy to pack as an additional layer, and I’ve even worn it around the house. And sometimes, it’s the little extras that win you over: When I slid my hand into the deep pocket, I discovered an attached keychain holding a red heart. It reminded me of my Raggedy Ann doll as a kid — I’d always look at her heart, inscribed with, “I Love You.” Plus, a portion of the purchase price benefits children’s mental health programs. So, this Puffer Hug adds warmth in more ways than one.

$55.10 (regularly $68.88), pufferhug.com

Outdoor Vitals Men’s Highline Thermal Leggings

I snatched these from my husband (Lucky, they don’t have a hole in that private place) because I wanted a loose layer that could easily fit over my tighter thermals. These lightweight (less than 4 ounces) leggings are made of 100% Japanese fabric, which is lofted on the inside, so it feel like fleece without the bulk of fleece. Let’s not get too personal, but I also appreciate the vented, breathable crotch. I suppose some might want spandex for a tighter fit, but due to their breathability, comfortable waistband, and looseness, I can see myself sleeping in them on colder tent nights. I also appreciate how they pack down to take up little space in bags. And did I mention how warm they are, even with nothing underneath?

$79.97 (members, $71.97), outdoorvitals.com

Nathan HyperNight Stealth Jacket

Sometimes layers are key to staying comfortable, and this sporty jacket fits the bill when it comes to a super lightweight underlayer for colder temps or an outer layer for more spring-like weather. It’s perfect for upcoming late spring night walks or runs with its reflective half-tone grey-on-black print on the front torso and upper back. Meanwhile, its ventilated back allows excess heat to escape on those warmer days. The attached hood includes a drawstring to keep it snug. Its DWR finish repels water and wind, and although it’s 100% nylon, it’s silent when you move — no annoying scratchy nylon noise. It is so light, that it hardly feels like I’m wearing anything, which comes in handy when I’m wearing extra layers. Plus, it packs compactly into its pocket, so I love traveling with it (It’s perfect for cooler beach weather, like last month in Florida). Normally, I tend to keep it in my car as a convenient go-to. Comes in men’s and women’s styles.

$120, nathansports.com