Winter Cross Training: Staying Warm and Dry

Layering 101 & Taking Along Something Hot to Drink! 

Winter is perhaps one of my favorite seasons for getting outdoors. My Dad taught us to love the snow and cold weather. He was always taking us sled riding...at night. I tell you my brother invented snowboarding by standing up on his Flexible Flyer on his down hill runs! We wore wool sweaters gloves and hats but none of the technical base layers we have available now. How ever did we survive?

Get Those Layers Right
Wool or Silk or even synthetic base layers beat cotton for winter layering. Why? Well, for one thing once cotton gets wet, it STAYS wet causing you to chill down. That's why denim jeans are not recommended for wear in the wintertime. Same thing. It gets wet, stays wet and then freezes... on you. You'll even do better wearing synthetics than cotton.

Women's Super.Natural Base layers shown here in Caviar

Super.Natural Wool Blend Base layers
These offer the best of both wool and easy care polyester. Made of 48% Merino Wool, 48% polyester and 4% Lycra for shaping and stretch, these are very thin and do not add bulk of restrict your movements under your clothes. Wool naturally wicks moisture and resists odor. The wide waist banded pants are also quite comfortable to wear under hard shell ski and snowboarding pants or bibs. See the entire line at SuperNatural.com

Waistband detail on Super.Natural base layer pants

Mid and Top Layers
A lot depends on the outdoor temperature and your level of activity when choosing your mid-top layers. As I prefer to operate more on the cool side, my base layer is all I would wear under my top layer jersey or thermal cycling jersey like this one below from Giordana with Bib Tights.

Giordana's Silverline Longsleeved Jersey & Bib Tights

Another option is to pick something like SmartWool Midlayers
which offer a bit more "heft" to the fabric. These are made of 100% Merino Wool and are very soft against the skin. I also like their designs with a zippered neck which help regulate your body temperature and keep you from overheating. So your base layer goes on first and then if it's really cold, a mid layer like this before putting on your coat.

Smartwool Women's NTS Mid 250 Zip T

Top Layers: Your Jacket, Vest or Coat
Once again there are so many ways you can go with this depending on the amount of physical activity you have planned for the day. When hiking, I prefer a vest and gloves which are usually fine enough for 35-40 degrees and above. The vest keeps my core warm without restricting movement in my arms. Gloves and wool socks help keep my extremities warm.

ExOfficio's Storm Logic Vest

I'm also liking the Novara Baker Bike Jacket because the sleeves have a stretch panel in them making it easy to bend at the elbows. It is actually a REI label jacket but really works well on a bike commute or walk in 35-40 degree weather. Read my full review on this jacket HERE. Visit REI.com online for the Baker Bike Jacket.

Novara Baker Bike Jacket

Skiing, Snowboarding Snowshoeing Top Layers
If you plan to be out in the snowy elements then you would do well wearing a goose down ski jacket. The second choice would be something like this Jenny ski jacket from Lole. It has a hood which is really important as about 90% of body heat escapes from the head and neck area.

Lole's Ski Jacket & Knit Cap

Wet, Rainy Weather
Some days we are up against the cold AND the wet. If this is you, you'll need to make sure you have a good, thermal waterproof jacket. The Portland Jacket from ShowersPass is amazing for a cold drizzly ride. Has a soft, brushed insulated interior with lots of pockets and zip pits to avoid overheating. Completely waterproof too. This jacket would work well with Giordana's FRC Thermal Bib Tights.

ShowersPass Portland Bicycle Jacket

Warm from the Inside
Our winter expeditions are never quite complete without taking along an insulated container of hot chocolate. It makes a big difference especially when you find yourself getting chilled. It is a very quick way to alleviate frosty feelings. I pack my Kleen Kanteen with hot soup, coffee, cocoa, whatever!

I have a larger Stanley Thermos that holds enough chunky hot stew for two people! Both travel along with us to the slopes and snowy fields.

A thermos of hot soup to keep you warm!

Transitional Bikewear - Novara Baker Bike Jacket for a Windy 40 to 50 Degrees

Trying on the Baker Bike Jacket at The Women's Story

Fall is quickly turning to winter so you may need to update your cycle-wear to adapt to the dropping temperatures. Added to this is the fact that the days are shorter and often a bit dismal and gray which is much like the day I went for a ride in the Baker Bike Jacket. You may not be quite as visible on the road under those conditions. So now is the time to go warm and bright.

Novara Cycle Wear is a REI Label of high quality pieces that look great both on and off the bike. I first saw the Baker Bike Jacket at The Women's Story Media Event at Crystal Springs Resort, NJ this past June. Part of their Fall 2014 collection, they offered fresh designs and built in reflective threads for increased night time visibility.

Baker Cycling Jacket Features: I was really drawn to the design and colorways of the Baker Bike Jacket as shown here in a highly visible Electric Blue with 360 degree reflective piping around the shoulders and down the back. Quilted without actually being a "puffer" it has comfy stretch panels and knit cuffs/neckline to keep the cold wind out. I found myself quite toasty on my bicycle when the temperature was between 45-50 degrees. Keep in mind when you are doing about 18-21 mph, you have to factor in wind chill. This jacket is highly wind resistant however due to the synthetic fill and quilting so no problems there.

49 Degrees for my Baker Bike Jacket test ride

Flexibility The stretch panels also give you more flexibility on the bicycle especially when riding down in the drops. The zippered pockets and front zipper operate with only one hand. 

Inner pockets and quilting throughout

Invisible zippered rear pouch with reflective piping all around.

Women's Baker Bike Jacket by Novara

Features - The Baker Bike Jacket has two invisible zippered pockets deep enough for your cell and a Mp3 player. Inside the jacket are two inner pouches which neatly kept a few tissues close at hand. The stretchy ribbed hem of the jacket stayed in place during my ride and kept the cold air out. This is an REI exclusive so check out The Baker Bike Jacket online at their website.

Amare Helmet & Matching Full Fingered Gloves: by Giro

Baker Bike Jacket Details:

• Shell fabric and lining are made of 100% recycled polyester
• Outer shell fabric is water resistant, wind resistant to 50 MPH, and rated UPF 50+
• Quilted with lightweight, warm polyester-fiber insulation
• Breathable stretch panels along sides, cuffs and hem
• Piping along front and back yokes glows brilliantly in headlights or streetlights at night
• Large back pocket has horizontal zipper
• Zippered hand pockets
• Dropped tail adds coverage while on the bike
• The women's Novara Baker Bike Jacket transitions easily from bike paths to city sidewalks