Looking at predictions based on available data January to March 2024 might see a severe cold spell. Therefore, you will want to plan ahead to keep warm outdoors. I really feel the cold and to be its already starting to feel like chill in the air.

There might even be more snowfall this winter, so this article will suggest some of the must buy products to keep you and your family toasty warm.

Winter Coats

The weather has started off very wet, so rain jackets are a must. But as the months pass further into winter then its important to get as much insulation as possible for your trips outdoors.

Invest in a winter coat with fleece lining and storm cuffs to keep out the cold wind. Also check out the fill power rating of any coat you buy. A coat with a fill power rating of 600 to 700 is ideally what you should be considering. It’s about warmth to weight ratio, so you want a good score, so your cosy but also your coat isn’t too heavy.

Hat or Hood

Don’t forget to pick a winter coat or jacket with a hood. You loose 10% heat without one. When its freezing outside every percentage matters! You can always choose to have a removable hood if its something you don’t feel you always need, some days are milder than others after all. Or have a woolly hat instead.

Scarf

It’s a good idea to buy a scarf to keep warm outdoors. You can cover your neck most people tend to do that to keep out the cold drafts.

But how many consider covering their mouths? It’s actually very dangerous to breathe in very cold air, so it’s a wise decision for your health to keep your mouth covered up during winter. Especially if you have a chronic respiratory health condition like me. I am an asthmatic, so I rely on my scarf to keep me protected.

Scientists are also recommending keeping your nose covered too. Apparently, the cells in our airways fight off viruses better if they are not cold. I will give it a try this winter and also cover my nose too not just my mouth to see if I do a better job warding off winter colds.

Gloves

I always have a pair of gloves in my winter coat. It’s very important to keep your hands warm during winter. Otherwise, worst case you could be dealing with a case of frostbite which can be painful. Additionally, cold hands make it harder to grip and move them comfortably, which is going to impact your work if you have an outdoor job.

But also, the cold elements mean there is less humidity in the air, without gloves your hands can be very dry and irritated. They can soon become quite sore over the winter if they are not looked after properly.

Handwarmer

If you’re spending a considerable amount of time outdoors in frosty weather, then you might also want to buy a handwarmer. You can buy these both as disposable and reusable options. Personally, I have never used a handwarmer myself. However, I can see the attraction of having some additional warmth. I especially like the sound of the Zippo refillable hand warmer, just because it gives you 12 hours of heat.

Thermal Clothing

Thermal clothing are designed to trap in heat. Make sure you choose options that are comfortable to wear and quick drying. They help regulate your temperature, so you do not get too hot and sweat which can be counter productive to keeping warm outdoors.

Layer Up

It’s miserable feeling cold. University of Portsmouth said “As we get cooler, the blood vessels in our skin shut down, shunting the flow of warm blood deep beneath the insulating layers of fat which we all have. This makes the skin, especially of the extremities, uncomfortably cool”. They also mentioned how not everyone can afford thermal clothing. Fortunately, just layering up can make a big difference and stop you feeling uncomfortably cool. You don’t have to spend a lot just use what you have already.

Just don’t make the mistake of over layering! If you do that you will sweat too much and start to feel cold.

Finally

January can be tough enough as it is, so don’t let the cold add to your troubles. Remember “there is no such thing as the bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” (Alfred Wainwright). Follow these suggestions and you should be warm and comfortable.