Must Haves to stay warm this winter

Wisconsin Winter Must-Haves to Stay Warm this Season!

The Midwest has officially hit its deep freeze, and if you’re like me, bundling up is a must to survive the chill. Wisconsin winters may be brutal, but trust me—these winter essentials have completely turned things around for me this year.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m NOT a fan of being cold. Sure, I’ll take a hot, cool Spring or Fall afternoon over frozen fingers any day. But with the right winter gear, I’ve found it’s a lot easier to brave the icy winds and even enjoy the season (yes, really).

Boots

I did a lot of research when it came to boots. I wanted a pair that would last a long time were cute enough to wear outside outdoor activities, keep my feet warm and dry! These do the trick for sure! Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots are amazing! Justin and I have matching boots. We love them so much!

I wore these in Iceland & my feet were dry even walking through streams. Also, I wore them Tobogganing with family, and my feet were warm and dry the whole time!

If you are worried about snow getting in your boots, get a pair of gators! These are usable year-round!

Must Haves to stay warm this winter

HAT

A good hat isn’t just an accessory; it’s a lifestyle choice. Enter the beanie, the all-time MVP of cold-weather headwear. Whether you go for a chunky knit with a playful pom-pom or a sleek, no-fuss style, beanies deliver on coziness and charm. They hug your head like an old friend and trap heat like they’re auditioning for a spot as your personal heater.

GLOVES

You want to keep those hands warm! The worst thing is when your fingers go numb from the cold! It can ruin any outdoor outing! I love Mittens over Gloves! Mainly because I have found it easier to pick things up with mittens than gloves. I have also been warmer with mittens!

Mid Layer

A good mid-layer is vital too! The North Face Mountain Quarter-Snap Sweatshirt has been my go-to!’ It’s not too heavy, not a puff, and looks great when you take your coat off! I also adore this Patagonia Retro Pile Marsupial Fleece Pullover. I have TWO in Nest Brown! One for layering & one for comfort at home! Our house is chilly!

Smartwool Base Layers!

Under that quarter zip, you will want another base layer! Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer & Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Base Layer are amazing! Smartwool, in general, is a great base layer!

Why are they so good? The interlock-knit merino wool enhances comfort, breathability, and odor resistance. It wicks the moisture away when you sweat and keeps you from becoming super smelly! Good base layers should be on your winter must-haves list for sure!

BUDGET FRIENDLY base layers:

Leggins are great too! Wear your workout leggings underneath, and you will be fine too! I do this sometimes too! For the top, you can use a workout shirt you may already have too! Something like this one!

Pants

For the snow warriors out there, unapologetically invest in insulated snow pants. These guys are water-resistant, windproof, and ridiculously warm—perfect for trudging through snowbanks or turning your walk to the mailbox into an arctic expedition. Bonus? They pair perfectly with your puffiest jacket for an unbeatable cold-weather look.

And don’t sleep on the unapologetically cozy world of thermal base layers. Worn underneath your main pants, they add a slick layer of warmth without bulk. Plus, they make you feel like you’re wearing secret winter armor. Cozy and functional—what’s not to love?

These are our favorites or wants:

Wool Socks are a significant winter must-have!

When it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry, good socks are essential! I love thick wool socks for this! I like socks that are tall enough, not too tight to go over my leggings and wool! Wool helps both keep you warm and your feet drier!

Faves are:

Jackets

Your winter coat is your best friend. I’m talking about one of those jackets built for arctic explorers. Think down or synthetic insulation and a windproof outer shell. Life-changing when battling those blustery Wisconsin gusts!

Justin and I do this a bit differently. He has a wool Marmot (linked to a similar one) layered with a The North Face Venture 2 Jacket. He likes this as the rain jacket can be worn alone when needed.

I have two different options that I do. When I am just going around the town or quick stops, I wear a Patagonia Down Puff. When I am out sledding, hiking, or out for a more extended time, I wear REI Co-op Farlands Down Parka. This parka is so warm. I love it! I want Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, but the price got for now! But a good alternative is this one from REI! I got it last year & LOVE IT!

Now get you there and enjoy this winter!!

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