This is definitely a post that’s a long time coming! With over 8 years now in the Pacific Northwest under my belt (plus years in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), I have created quite the collection of cold weather gear. So today, I wanted to walk you through all of my recommendations, with a specific focus on cold weather gear for women. Some items are unisex and some are actually from the mens department (I have really long arms) — but everything is stuff I swear by when it comes to winter activities!
My Full List of Recommendations for the Best Cold Weather Gear for Women
Layering: The most important part of starting warm
Before I share my recommendations, I want to stress the importance of layering when it comes to staying warm and dry in cold weather. If you’re heavily sweating while outside, you probably have too much clothing on. So instead of just one really warm layer, I recommend layering a few items so that you can remove and add based on your needs and the temperature.
Here’s my tried and true layering system:
- Wicking layer: this should be the layer closest to your skin in order to help absorb and dry any sweat so you don’t get chilled. Typically this is a tank top or tee in a technical fabric.
- Base layer: then I add a warmer layer, usually something in merino wool
- Fleece and/or down: if it’s really cold, I add a fleece and/or a down layer to provide further insulation
- Wind and water resistant shell: my outermost layer is always something that will block the wind and is waterproof. It’s amazing how much warmer you’ll be if you’re not wet!
The beauty of layering is that you can bring the fleece or down jacket in your pack and add it if you need it. Or you can remove as you warm up! It’s always important to be prepared, especially in cold temps.
I basically have 3 categories when it comes to cozy winter apparel: activewear, everyday gear, and cozy things to warm indoors. Sometimes there is crossover. I tried to be as thorough as possible with these lists, also. And whenever something wasn’t sold anymore or was sold out, I tried to find the most similar.
Activewear for Hiking, Snowshoeing, Rock Climbing, & Camping:
This list is pretty much everything I have in my wardrobe for when we go hiking, snowshoeing, climbing, camping or any other cold weather activities, especially if there’s snow. Keep in mind that it’s all about layering, so I don’t just wear one pair of pants, for example. Instead, I’ve “curated” a layering system of things that work well for me either on their own or in tandem.
Tops and Outwearwear:
- Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell: the best shell I’ve ever owned. I love that the arms are long enough for me, the length covers my butt, and the hood is big enough so I don’t get water in my eyes.
- Patagonia Nano puff: awesome because it packs into it’s own pocket.
- Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Pullover
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer 1/4 Zip
- Patagonia R1 fleece full zip hoody: This is the most recent addition to my gear wardrobe. Sean swears by the R1 series for insulating and I agree. I love that it has a fitted hood and very deep pockets. Great for layering, but also cozy when you’re lounging around the fire after a hike.
Bottoms:
- Outdoor Research Aspire Gore-tex Pants — I have been living in these this winter. Basically, I wear one or two pairs of base layers (below) under them. These pants are block out the wind and are waterproof.
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom
Accessories and Shoes:
- Smartwool beanie
- Smartwool heavy wool socks
- Smartwool lighter wool socks: if it’s super cold, I layer these under the heavier socks linked above.
- La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Mountaineering Boots
- Black Diamond Glissade glove
- Outdoor Research down mitten: I am truly obsessed with these mittens. As someone who’s hands are always cold, they are a lifesaver and keep my fingers nice and warm.
- Black Diamond Lightweight Wooltech Glove
- Carhartt beanie
- Skida Alpine Neckwarmer: seriously such a cozy essential, plus I love that it’s from a woman-owned company out of Vermont. Their hats are great, too.
- Exped Torrent 30 backpack: I absolutely love this pack. Sean’s had his for years and years, so I recently got my own finally. Not only does it double as a dry bag, but it can be adjusted to as small or as large as you need it to be.
Everyday Cold Weather Gear:
When it comes to walking the dogs in the winter or running errands around town, these are my cold weather gear essentials for staying warm. These things aren’t as technical as the list above, but I highly recommend them. Also, keep in mind that I will wear stuff from the list above as well.
Outerwear:
- Prana long jacket: the one I use is about 7 years old, so this is the most similar one from the same brand.
- Stutterheim Mosebacke rain jacket: A quality raincoat is essential here in the PNW and this one is truly the best. It’s completely waterproof, has a nice, big hood, and layers well over other things.
Layering:
- Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Base 4.0 Leggings: I’ve had a pair of these since I was in college — that’s how long they’ve lasted for me!
- Uniqlo Heattech leggings: these insulating layers from Uniqlo are awesome for layering under normal clothes, like jeans, without adding too much bulk.
- Uniqlo Heattech crew neck long sleeve t-shirt
Accessories and Shoes:
- Women’s L.L.Bean Snow Boots
- Mongolian cashmere gloves: these gloves are super soft and warm, but also great for layering. Sometime I even layer them under a pair of work gloves when I’m working in the yard in the winter.
- Xtratuf Legacy boot: Truly the gold standard of waterproof boots! I love how grippy the soles are.
- Blundstone genuine shearling footbed: I added these to my Xtratufs for additional warmth and insulation.
- Blundstone Water Resistant Chelsea Boot
Warm Indoor Essentials:
And then, lastly, I have list of cozy clothing that I wear around the cabin because it can be pretty chilly in here. Our house definitely has microclimates that vary from room to room because of our different types of heating (and how expensive electrical and propane can be!). In case your house is drafty or you just want to save a bit on heating costs, these items help me stay warm indoors.
When it comes to staying warm indoors, I still believe in layers… but a bit more luxurious! For example, I absolutely love wearing cashmere to stay warm. Not only is it insanely soft, but it’s a wonderful insulator. Don’t get me wrong, I love a classic set of cotton sweatpants. But if you’re feeling a bit extra, these cozy pieces are my absolute fave:
- Cashmere socks
- Mongolian cashmere sweatpants: these are literally the height of luxury in my book!
- Offhours homecoat: Sean got me this for Christmas and I literally obsessed. It’s like wearing the baby of my favorite hoodie and quilt all at once.
- Mongolian cashmere beanie
- Birkenstock Boston Shearling lined clogs
- Babaà jumper no17: This sweater was a recent addition to my wardrobe because I’ve always wanted one, have heard awesome reviews, and they were on sale… and I have to say, the hype is legit. I absolutely love this oversized wool sweater, especially for hanging out at home.
- Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt
- Cashmere socks
- Mongolian cashmere sweatpants: these are literally the height of luxury in my book!
- Offhours homecoat: Sean got me this for Christmas and I literally obsessed. It’s like wearing the baby of my favorite hoodie and quilt all at once.
- Mongolian cashmere beanie
- Birkenstock Boston Shearling lined clogs
- Babaà jumper no17: This sweater was a recent addition to my wardrobe because I’ve always wanted one, have heard awesome reviews, and they were on sale… and I have to say, the hype is legit. I absolutely love this oversized wool sweater, especially for hanging out at home.
- Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt
- UGG Classic II Genuine Shearling Lined Short Boot
Did any of your favorite cold weather gear make the list? I’d also love additional recommendations if you have any — I’m always down to add to our gear room collection, especially when it comes to useful wearables to stay warm!
Hi! I’m so curious about the Babaa sweater because I’ve been thinking of getting one too. Is the wool in any way “itchy”? I wanna make sure I’d wear it all the time!
I find the turtleneck that I have to be wayyy itchier than the cardigan. I’m not sure if they are different wools or what. But I have heard that the more they are worn, the softer and less itchy they get.
Meant to ask about your boots & sweater the other day– both looked so comfortable and cozy! I LOVE my Torrid jacket from Enlightened Equipment– weighs less than the Nano and packs down just as well and was much warmer when I tried them both at the same time. And made in Minnesota.
I also love my Columbia beanie with their Omni Heat insulation. Keeps my head toasty!
Are you wearing the BD lightweight gloves as liners when you wear one of the other pairs? Still haven’t perfected my glove situation..
Ahh thank you! The jacket I had one was just a cheapy from Costco a year or two ago. Thanks for adding those recommendations, btw!
I use the gloves as both liners and on their own, depending on the weather.
Thanks for this list! I may try the mittens and the shearling footbed – I have used UGG replacements in the past, but will give the Blundstone ones a try. I have always wanted those Blundstone boots! I am an LLBean fan (have had a pair of their boots for 40 years! ) and could not live without their long down coat (really long- goes down to my boot tops!) for my daily dog walks here in Northeast Massachusetts where it was in the single digits all last weekend!
I am so glad you found this post helpful! Keep me posted if you end up getting the mittens and footbeds, I always love to know how my recommendations are working out for you :)