Simple living in cold weather doesn’t mean you avoid the snow and the cold.

In fact, you can’t avoid it. There will inevitably be snow to shovel and it is probably going to be you out there shoveling it! In addition, nothing brings on the winter blues like holing up inside for months on end. Maintaining good general and mental health during the darker winter months means getting outside, even when temperatures are frigid.

Let’s talk about the ONE thing that you can do to make your winter easier every single day.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The products I share are to inspire you to embrace winter and are practical solutions to barriers between you, your mindset, and old man winter.

If you struggle with winter, do this one thing…

The biggest barrier between us and the outdoors in the winter is the cold weather.  If you want life to be simple in the winter, you need to be warm when you go outside.  Dress properly.

Who is Alfred Wainwright?

I always find it fascinating to look into the people behind the quotes that I love to use. Alfred Wainwright loved to walk.

Most of his walking adventures took place in Wales between 1950 and 1975 and he published a seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells based on his walks during this time. You’ll find an informational post on Mr. Wainwright and his story (and also links to gorgeous photos of the areas where he was known to walk) here.

I really enjoy seeing someone follow their passions, which he definitely did!

In Alfred Wainwright’s day tweed jackets and woolen jumpers were suitable clothing. As a more modern Canadian gal I suggest going a little more high-tech and taking advantage of some of the advances in cold weather clothing.

Gear Up!

Boots

Starting from the ground up, you need really warm boots. Cold toes do not make for a fun outdoor adventure!

I love my Baffin tundra rated boots. They are light and super cozy! Warm without being clunky. They are not the cheapest boots on the market, but as a minimalist I like to buy quality items and these boots are Canadian made quality! (This post is not sponsored by Baffin, I just love them that much!)

Snow Pants

Keeping your legs warm is your next mission. Especially if you are actually putting your butt in the snow, which you might be if try any of the outdoor suggestions below!

I have owned every style of snow pant over the years from one-piece to bib style. My Columbia Shafer Canyon hiking pants have my praise (I believe Columbia has replaced this line with the Bugaboo Oh Pant – all the same features with added back pockets.)

• They have a reflective lining that not only keeps me warm, but also slides easily over any pants that I am wearing without dragging my pant legs up (like fleece lined pants do – so annoying).
• An adjustable waste means they fit over my leggings just as easily as they fit over my jeans.
• Zip up pockets ensure I don’t lose my keys in the middle of the woods during a snow shoe expedition.
• The leg design at the bottom fits well over boots, skates, skis, etc. This is not true of all snow pants!
• The outer shell is nylon so the snow doesn’t stick!

Jacket

My winter jacket came from Sears Canada of “The Christmas Wish Book” fame which closed down in 2018. You’ll never find this jacket now but I can tell you what to look for in a cozy winter jacket.

• First, never buy a winter jacket without a hood. The extra layer of protection can make all the difference, especially against the wind.
• Make sure it zips up over the chin and protects the neck. The lining inside this area should be soft so that it won’t irritate if your face gets cold.
• Look for material that snow won’t stick to.
• Zip up pockets are best so the items you stash there don’t end up in a snowbank.
• Look for the most warmth with the least amount of bulk.

If I were going looking for a new jacket today I would definitely check out anything with Tmax (trademark) technology. Somehow it keeps you warm without weighing your down or feeling bulky.

Mittens (not gloves)

Mittens will keep your fingers warmer longer than gloves, so don’t make the rookie mistake of wearing gloves!

Mittens can still be a bit of a landmine, however.

The lovely double knitted patterns or those made from recycled sweaters with a cozy fleece lining are eye candy. They are all so cheery and pretty! They definitely give you winter hygge vibes.

They are also a trap! A snow trap. Snow is going to stick to them and make your hands cold.

I have Watson Puffer Mitts with 3M Thinsulate (trademark). They are thin enough that you can still use you hands to grip, lift, and manhandle a shovel, ski poles, or firewood. They create a “pillowy warmth” that keeps your fingers warm and functional for your cozy outdoor adventures.

Canadian Toque

Top off your outfit with a cozy and warm hat!

My toque quite literally says “Canada” on it and looks very much like this one (except mine is pink and gray rather than red and gray).

There is always some debate about the usefulness of the pom pom.

Does it just get in the way when you put up the hood on your jacket? Maybe, but they do look cute!

The one I have linked to above has a removeable pom, making the debate a moot point. If you are a lover of the pom you can keep it fluffy by removing it when washing your hat!

Skip the Scarf

Many people will add the additional layer of a scarf.

If you have chosen the right hat and jacket with a hood you will have all the protection from the cold that you need.

A scarf just gets in the way and collects moisture when you breath making the area around your lips & nose damp and promoting chapped lips.

I also think they can be unsafe, especially for the kiddos, if they get caught on something when you are sliding, skiing, etc. If you do opt for a scarf tuck it inside the jacket so there aren’t any long, trailing ends to get entangled on anything.

Get Outside!

The real trick to embracing a Canadian winter is to get outside.

Vitamin D (aka the sunshine vitamin), fresh air, exercise and connecting with nature will all help to keep the winter blues away.

Now that you are dressed for winter you will stay cozy and warm, and it is time to have some fun playing in the snow!

If you want to simplify winter, make sure you have the right gear.  Going outside is unavoidable and staying inside isn’t good for your physical or mental health.  

When you step outside you want to be warm and cozy from the boots up.   Choose gear that keeps you warm but still lets you move freely.

It’s much easier to embrace winter when you can enjoy yourself when you step outside.