10 winter essentials that will actually keep you warm

Form, function, packed with travel features. Our list of winter essentials will keep you warm whether you’re on the footpath or the cliff face.

1) A Fleece Jacket

It’s cold, and getting up is hard to do. But you can keep that warm bed feeling at all times with a fleece jacket. Stay extra snuggly with a high pile fleece, or choose a durable, wind-resistant jacket for all your outdoor adventures.

Goodwin and Jo wearing the versatile Trailhead 200 fleece jacket

For every day: Pelorus Fleece Jacket | Travel: Expedite Fleece Jacket
Outdoor Adventures: XT Pinnacle Windforce Jacket

2) A Down Vest

Otherwise known as the puffer jacket, this versatile vest adds another layer of protection and will warm you to the core. This compressible, lightweight layer is also an excellent travel companion.

The Heli Vest is lightweight, compressible but warm.

Goodwin wears the lightweight Heli Down vest

For every day: Epiq Duck Down Vest | Travel: Heli Down Vest
Outdoor Adventures: Epiq Duck Down Vest

3) A Beanie

With beanies available in lambswool, fleece and comfy wool blends — you’ll protect your ears from the winter chill — and your head will get the hug it deserves.

For every day: Khusi Lite beanie | Travel: Federate Beanie
Outdoor Adventures: Vectron beanie

4) The thermals

Thermals, woollens, long johns. Whatever you call them, thermal underwear is designed to give you next-to-skin comfort — whether you’re in a sleeping bag or in the office.

Jo wears the merinoBASE Women's Thermal Top

For every day: KMDCore thermals | Travel: KMDMotion
Outdoor Adventures: KMDAscent thermals

5) A pair of gloves

Gloves are a welcome addition to any outdoor kit, and an important one if you’re heading to the snow. Make the most of those opposable thumbs and find the right pair for your activity.

For every day: Merino Unisex Gloves | Travel: Advection GORE Gloves
Outdoor Adventures: XT Alpine GORE-TEX Gloves

6) The Hoody

Trendy enough to layer under a coat, soft enough to lounge on the couch. This comfy winter staple has earned its place in your wardrobe and in the backpacks of travellers everywhere.

The Federate Longline Jacket features extra length for extra warmth

For every day: Esker Hoody | Travel: The Federate Longline Jacket
Outdoor Adventures: DriMotion hoody

7) A Scarf

Functional. Adaptable. Kind of spiffy. The right scarf will add another layer of warmth to keep you extra cosy — with some added style.

For every day: Lawrence Loop Scarf | Travel: Adapt Travel scarf
Outdoor Adventures: the Headtube

8) The water-resistant pants

Say farewell to skirts and shorts, but a big hello to toasty pins. Invest in pants with a water-resistant finish so light rain doesn’t slow you down.

For every day: Federate Pants | Travel: Flight Pants
Outdoor Adventures: XT Alopex Pants

9) A rain jacket

First rule of staying warm: don’t get wet. You need a no-nonsense, waterproof jacket to protect you from the elements whether you're commuting, travelling, or hiking in the rain.

The Bealey jacket features GORE-TEX technology

For every day: Bealey Jacket | Travel: Benmore 5-in-1 Jacket
Outdoor Adventures: XT Alopex GORE-TEX Jacket

10) The down jacket

Down is one of nature’s best insulators, and with more than one million down jackets sold, you know you can expect exceptional warmth. It’s the jacket you’ll reach for every day this winter.

The Franklyn down jacket features added stretch

For every day: Frisco down jacket | Travel: Franklyn down jacket
Outdoor Adventures: XT Pinnacle Down Jacket