It’s the great paradox of 2019. Parts of the US continue to endure artic temperatures while others are beginning to emerge from the doldrums of winter and step into spring. Sandwiched in the middle is a heavy dose of unpredictability that dramatically swings between bright sun and heavy rains. All told, it’s a dramatic game of temperature roulette. For those who go all in during this season, you need versatile performance coupled with cozy comfort. To meet the moment, our editors picked a select list of our favorite cozy items for the season ahead!
Men’s Surge Warm Long Sleeve: Lululemon Men
Temperatures can fluctuate wildly depending on the location, elevation and weather (even during the same season). With that in mind, the first step to staying comfortable is a quality base layer, enter the men’s Surge Warm Long Sleeve from Lululemon.
It features construction that’s soft to the touch yet durable enough for serious active wear. The synthetic fabric provides cozy insulation against the cold and manages moisture to keep you comfortable. A four-way stretch material keeps up with you no matter where the adventure leads. Need a little added warmth? Reach for the Lululemon City Sweat Zip Hoodie. Crafted with sweat-wicking Tech Fleece this hoodie not only offers a quality dose of warmth, but a little sleek sophistication to your routine.
Verglas Down Insulator Jacket: Helly Hansen
No matter what Mother Nature is doing, you deserve to be warm without being forced to commit some heinous fashion crime. That’s true whether running errands around town or grabbing a morning latte at the lodge. For those moments and everything in between, we recommend the Helly Hansen Classic performance Verglas series. This line of jackets has been protecting outdoor professionals and enthusiasts for well over a decade, and stands as a definitive testament to Helly Hansen’s commitment to performance.
The Verglas Light is designed to provide reliable warmth, whether you’re wearing it under a shell or on its own. A combination of mapped 800-fill goose down and Primaloft Gold insulation keep your valuable body heat in, while the breathable softshell panels help you regulate body temperature when you’re working hard on or off the mountain.
For bigger warmth on bitter cold days there’s the Verglas Down Insulator jacket (available in men’s and women’s). This jacket offers durable versatility and plenty of warmth during your daily, cold-weather adventures. With 700+-fill European goose down, this jacket provides an excellent balance of warmth and minimal bulk. Pertex microlight rip stop fabric coupled with soft snow stop lycra cuffs cuts the cold and performs exceedingly well when shoveling driveways or embarking on casual winter outings with your pals.
Women’s Arcata: Bogs Footwear
The Bogs Arcata might be the very definition of cozy season gear. When the weather outside is frightful, slip on your Arcata Stripe Boots, grab your thermos, and head out into the big world of the unknown. What’s the Arcata? Well, take the warmth and weather protection of a winter boot and marry it with the stylish appeal of street savvy boots and you’ve got yourself the Arcata. Our Gumption Gal described it as the quintessential Tahoe Winter Boot.
Bogs’ thin and insulating Neo-Tech insulation keeps you warm and mobile with its four-way stretch inner bootie. The Striped wool and faux fur not only adds extra coziness, but gives a technical winter boot visual appeal. Whether you head down mainstreet, or the road less traveled, the GlacialGrip sole ensures solid and determined grip.
Trail Model Rain Jacket: L.L. Bean
A simple, no-frills rain shell is an adventurer’s best friend. When you’re living in the midst of an ever changing season, a effective and affordable rain shell is not only a cozy season essential, it’s the cornerstone to a quality outdoor wardrobe. To keep you dry and cozy even in the biggest downpours, you can’t go wrong with the L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket (men’s and women’s).
L.L. Bean redesigned this customer favorite waterproof jacket with a laminate construction – which means the waterproof interior is bonded to the exterior shell, making it even more durable while maintaining a lightweight feel and breathable air flow for all-day comfort. Our team loved the overall fit of this jacket —not too tight or too loose—with sleeves that are actually long enough to keep you covered. It’s performance is on par with far more expensive options, it comes with a generous return policy, and it’s made from 100% recycled nylon for minimal impact on the environment.
Need something a little more aggressive than your standard rain shell? Then we suggest rolling with the brands TEK O2 3L Storm Jacket (available in men’s and women’s). This weather proof shell will quickly become your best friend when stepping into a world of unpredictable weather. Innovative first-to-market waterproof/breathable technology and bright colorblocking is prepared to weather any storm, with three layers of high-performance fabric that instantly moves moisture away for maximum protection against the elements.