HALF MOON BAY, Calif., January 24, 2012—You don’t have to be a sporty woman to want to keep warm and dry in the winter when you’re outside. Here are some key items—from wool to down to snow-proof skiwear—that will help you enjoy the outdoors, even in the roughest months. All are products that have gotten rave reviews from sport-minded women, and on top of that, I’ve wear-tested them myself.
Icebreaker Quantum Hood
Icebreaker Quantum Hood (Photo: Icebreaker)
An Icebreaker Women’s Quantum Hood is an ideal weapon in the fight against winter. Made of 100 percent merino wool, the mid-weight jacket is cozy and soft—but lacks the itch factor. The sleeves come with thumb loops, so you can secure them lower on your hands when the weather’s cool. The reflective front zipper comes in handy for wearing at night, and eyelet gussets in the sleeves aid in ventilation. Each Icebreaker item has a “Baacode”; enter the number in a box on the company website to see where your wool came from. Icebreaker Quantum Hood, $180 from www.icebreaker.com.
Nau Down Sweater
Nau Down Sweater (Photo: Nau)
Surround yourself in goose down with the Nau Down Sweater, and that howling wind won’t be so threatening. The down “sweater” is more low profile than many full-size down jackets—so you get protection and warmth without the marshmallow look. Made with 850-fill goose down, the jacket will keep you toasty in chilly conditions. The front zipper has a wind flap to block the wind from whistling right through the zipper teeth. A draw-cord hem allows you to tighten things up down below. Nau Down Sweater, $235 from www.nau.com.
Baffin Judy Boots
Baffin Judy Boot (Photo: Baffin)
When it comes to stomping in the snow, flimsy shoes and boots just won’t do. Rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and constructed with a seven-layer inner boot system and Thermaplush liner, Baffin Judy boots will keep your toes warm and dry when other boots quit. Plus, the leather upper and faux-fur trim make the lace-up boots a stylish match with “normal” clothes, and not just that snow stuff you take off the second you get indoors. Baffin Judy Boots, $184.99 CDN from www.baffin.com.
Obermeyer Coco Jacket and London Pant
Obermeyer Coco Jacket (Photo: Obermeyer)
Sometimes, performance and style don’t always match on the slopes. They do with the Obermeyer Coco Jacket. The 100 percent Cocona polyester fabric, interior stretch panels, inner cuffs with thumbholes and other features made me wish I could wear this jacket every day. If you’ve been looking for a great-performing ski pant that fits perfectly, try out the Obermeyer London Pant. Made with MicroTec 100 percent polyester twill with HydroBlock, they’ll keep the snow out, whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or just hiking. Heavy-duty zippers, reinforced hems and an adjustable webbing belt add to the useful features. Obermeyer Coco Jacket, $399.50 from www.obermeyer.com. Obermeyer London Pant, $159.50 from www.obermeyer.com.
Jill K. Robinson is an award-winning journalist and adventure seeker. Follow her adventures on dangerjillrobinson.com and Twitter @dangerjr. Jill and her husband are avid kayakers and own Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
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