Category: gear

Now that winter weather is here, we have to work a little harder to get out the door. The first significant snow of the season here in Massachusetts took some time to shovel out, and I admit I was lazy enough that for two days, most of my bird reports were from the feeders outside my window. But then I was climbing the walls and was soon back outside trudging the fields and visiting areas with open water to see what I could find. I thought I was pretty well set for winter weather, but it really makes a difference whether you keep moving or whether you’re chained to your scope in one position for long periods of time. This morning I was out for about 3 hours, and all that time was spent scanning water with my scope. Even though it wasn’t super cold (about 30 degrees F), my toes got pretty chilled! I’m going to run through my list of relevant apparel to tell you what I like and what needs work.

Coat

Women’s Expedition Waterproof Down Winter Parka with Faux Fur Hood from Lands’ End

This was an impulse purchase. I was always cold in my previous jacket, and a marketing email arrived from Lands’ End with this coat featured at half price and the claim that this was their warmest coat. I clicked and bought! They don’t have exactly this coat right now so I’m not providing a link – I think mine is rated to -25 F and their current one of the same name is only rated to -2 F. But the insulation properties of down are wonderful, and this coat has not disappointed me. I still wear several layers under it most of the time I use it. It keeps me warm! If down fits within your cold weather gear Weltanschauung, this is probably a good bet for you also.

Boots

There is nothing so liberating to a birder as waterproof boots. Even in warm months this is a big deal, because walking through dewy grass on a spring or summer morning will quickly soak your shoes. I have to have minimalist footwear or everything starts to hurt, so my options are very limited. Fortunately for me and minimalist-shod birders everywhere, there is now a solution: Waterproof Boulder Boots from Lems (mens’ are here).

Socks

This is a work-in-progress. I’m allergic to wool so am still looking for my dream socks. Several companies offer what they claim are the best thermal socks, and I’ve gotten some from Heat Holders that are cozy. With the new Boulder Boots, however, which are rather stiff, hauling the boots on over thick socks is kind of a pain, especially if you use charcoal-activated toe warmers and are trying not to displace them. These days I’m wearing a pair of toe socks and thicker cotton socks with toe warmers, but it’s not good enough for standing still for several hours at a time. I hope some of you have some suggestions for me! (battery-operated socks?)

Kahtoola microspikes

Once a few thaw-freeze cycles have occurred and enough people and their dogs have come and gone, some paths become impassable without a set of microspikes. This kind is very durable. I’m on my 3^rd winter using this pair and they have expanded my world! Just pull them on over your boots and hit those icy paths with confidence.

Gloves

I’m going to try to keep this sad story short. My dear husband researched electric gloves last year and got me a pair of battery-heated gloves from Its Motion Electric. I cannot recommend them unfortunately. They are billed as liners, and you’re supposed to wear another pair of gloves over them. I don’t get it – if you’re going to end up with a bulky arrangement that allows you no dexterity anyway, why not go for the convenience of bona fide all-in-one gloves? Also the battery packs are so big that they’re uncomfortable. On top of that the company seems to be a one-man operation and that one man is sometimes asleep at the wheel – I received the wrong order initially, then got the right order but the gloves were too small despite my having measured according to their protocol. What with shipping and customs from Canada to the US, and the company’s slow response time, it was SEVEN MONTHS before my order was complete. The gloves are kinda neat in that they glow different colors depending on the setting, but I wish they were actually more useful. And they were over $200 – gah.

Other than that, the predictable assortment of layers finishes my sartorial array: leggings that are on the loose side to allow some warm air circulation, a ribbed tank and a turtleneck, and my new favorite, a terrycloth fleece sweater that is amazingly warm. I’m linking it here but this particular one is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

Please let me know what winter wear gets you through the cold months!