By: Levi Opsatnic
It wasn’t too long ago that we ran through a list of products to get all of you guys and gals through those chilly late fall days, but as I type this, State College’s first snowfall has come and gone, we’ve been experiencing the lowest temperatures of the year, and most of us have been well on our way to getting outside and enjoying the winter weather. However if you haven’t, I’ve compiled a list of products that will have everyone welcoming 2018’s upcoming adventures with open arms.
We’ll start things out with a product that’s made for both men and women with Arc’teryx’s Atom LT Hoody. Not only is this a favorite jacket around Appalachian Outdoors, but it’s also an Arc’teryx favorite; the story at their head office goes: “every person at Head Office owns at least one Atom LT; most of them have two.” While that seems like a bold statement, it makes perfect sense whenever you realize that the Atom LT offers unparalled lightweight Coreloft insulative power, a DWR finish to shed wind and light precipitation, as well as a set of Polartec Power Stretch side panels that run through your armpits so you can dump heat on those long days. The perfect midlayer and a pretty darn good outerlayer, the Atom LT is a piece of gear that everyone should have in their rotation. And for those of us who don’t like to deal with a hood, their Atom LT Jacket offers all of the benefits of their Hoody but without the hood.
While most of us favor our time spent in the woods to other things, most people can’t spend every day of the winter season hiking, and for the days spent around town, Sorel created their Cheyanne II Boots. One of the more popular men’s boots in their line, the Cheyanne Boots offer full weather protection everywhere you tread. With 200 grams of insulation, a fully waterproof construction, and a tall build, these boots have just the right combination of warmth and waterproofing to let you stay toasty while stomping through snowy alleys and streets. Also, they have that classic look to them that makes for a simple way to spruce up your winter style.
Another classic winter favorite from Sorel, their Joan of Arctic Boots are here to protect all of you ladies from harsh winter conditions. With a construction that shrugs miserable weather away without fail, these boots pair a waterproof upper with 6mm of removable insulation to trap heat and keep you comfortable all day long. The only boots that you need for nasty weather, the Joan of Arctic Boots turn freezing days into a mild summer afternoon.
Easily the most versatile product in this list, Hydro Flask’s 16 oz Wide Mouth Bottle (don’t worry, they come in larger and smaller sizes if sixteen ounces isn’t your thing) is an everyday tool that everyone will enjoy. Just what you need to warm yourself up with a refreshing sip of your tea or coffee, this bottle utilizes a double-wall insulation to keep drinks hot for six hours and cold for twenty-four. The fun doesn’t end there, as these bottles won’t sweat, and on those long winter trips, you won’t have to worry about your drinks freezing like they would with a conventional bottle.
Patagonia’s Lightweight Black Hole 45 L Duffel (also available in 90 L and 60 L) is the packmule of all forms of travel. Designed to be highly weather resistant, this bag has a nylon ripstop construction with a DWR finish to easily shed water, and its built in stuff sack allows for simple storage whenever you’re not on the road. Whether you’re looking for an easy bag to throw your camping goods in for a car overnighter or need to get out of the cold for a tropical jaunt, the Black Hole will stow it all and prevent things from getting messy.