Tips For Keeping Warm Outdoors

Having the right accessories such as these snowboarding gloves means warmer hands because you don't have to remove them to adjust your bindings.

Wintertime is always a challenge for getting outdoors. I have and love my Gore-Tex Hardshell Snowboarding Pants which have sealed full length zippers down the leg. These help with my skis or snowshoe boots so that I don't have to take them off needlessly.

Glove Love
The same thing with gloves. If you get a pair that are well articulated (read "fingered") you'll find that they can remain on while you adjust your snowboard or snowshoe bindings. Also, I use my Scott Snowboarding Gloves with my camera and to do other things that mittens won't allow.
Tip for Keeping Hands Warmer: Dry skin is really the bane of maintaining warmth. Try applying a good coat of either Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Coconut Oil to your hands before putting your gloves on. Your skin will be very soft and your hands will stay much warmer.

Soup it Up
If you don't already have one, this is the time to invest in a Thermos or insulated container. They are reusable and can keep soup and or coffee piping hot for up to 8 hours! My favorites are made by Klean Kanteen who has also just come out with thermal food containers. I haven't tried them but their Wide Mouth Insulated containers come in 12, 16 and 24 oz which fits most of my soup and coffee needs. The larger container even holds enough soup for two.
Quick Hot Soup Tip: On the way out with no time to heat your soup? Put a cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Add to your thermal container and add your soup if it's condensed. If not, leave the hot water in for about five minutes, then pour it out and add your cold soup. It will heat up enroute.

Dress the Part & Layer Right
If you train or ride your bicycle during the winter months, try to get a few cycle specific pieces like a jacket and pants which block the wind. Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric is lightweight, non-bulky and can be layered with a Merino Wool undershirt like those from Bluey Australia. Please DON'T layer with cotton though. During the wintertime, cotton holds sweat instead of wicking like wool causing you to chill down and freeze. Wool or silk baselayers work much better. However one of the best cycle wear that looks like street wear would have to be the Portland Jacket by Showers Pass. Fully tricked out as a technical jacket, it won't stand out when you stop for that Latte or Cappuccino Mocha.

Showers Pass Portland Jacket is warm yet breatheable. Perfect for layering and riding in the rain or snow.

Showers Pass Waterproof Pants

Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can sneak up on us during the winter months especially. All the same, if you are dehydrated, you run an even greater risk of hypothermia. Try sipping warm or hot liquids during your hike, ride or run. This is where carrying some hot soup will actually do double duty. The broth will replace much needed water in your system while warming you from the inside out. Don't over-do the coffee though. Caffeine actually acts as a diuretic, causing you to lose even more precious moisture! Soup or even hot cocoa made with milk is more nutritious, keeping you warm and energized for the trek.

Stay hydrated by taking along extra water for the trip.