What to Wear this Winter

Bring the heat: an Up North insider's guide

By Krista Weaver | Dec. 11, 2021

A Good Foundation
One of the most essential items to keep you warm is one few people will see, but it doesn't hurt if it looks stylish too — especially if you like to strip down to your skivvies for your apres ski session. Smartwool's Merino 250 base layer tops and bottoms are 100 percent Merino wool, slim-fitting, and lightweight. They won't bunch up under other layers, and they pull sweat away from your body, keeping you warm and comfortable in chilly conditions. Plus, they even come in an ironic palm tree pattern! Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Pattern Crew, $110+, Backcountry North in Traverse City.

Wearable Blanket (pictured)
Why not? Especially one as sleek, stylish, and — gasp! — practical as the NorSari. This adjustable wrap secures easily over any type of clothing and can and should be worn by anyone, male or female, wanting an added layer of protection. The NorSari Sport's weatherproof polyurethane shell and wool-blend lining give you maximum warmth anywhere your adventures take you — even if it's sitting at your desk in a way-too-chilly office. $149 Norsari.com. 

Portable Campfire
Be the hit of the party at your next outdoor gathering when you effortlessly bust out a surprise campfire! At just 8 inches in diameter, the Radiate Portable Campfire fits in just about any bag or backpack. Light it as you would a candle, then kick back and enjoy the 2-to-3-foot flames, 3-to-5-hour burn time, and admiration from your friends and family. No embers, no smoky smell, no mess. Eco-friendly, they're made from recycled soy wax and paper briquettes in a lidded tin, making clean-up and safety a breeze. Odd bonus: a 30-year shelf life. $27.99 radiateportablecampfire.com 

Use Your Head
A warm hat is crucial to outdoor comfort in the winter. A good one helps your body conserve heat; a bad one triggers thoughts of the Donner Party. Whether you prefer a beanie, pompom, headband, or cap, a synthetic blend or woven wool, trust the designers at Eisbar to keep your noggin and ears warm and frostbite-free. Using only the finest quality yarns and knits, Eisbar has been the officially licensed supplier to the Austrian Ski Team for more than 50 years. It's safe to say they know a thing or two about winter lids. Prices vary. Don Orr Ski Haus.

Splurge On Your Hands
For sub-zero conditions (or anyone who just can't keep their hands warm) Outdoor Research's "Lucent" mittens and gloves might be the solution. The nylon/leather design is battery powered, offers three heat settings, and EnduraLoft synthetic insulation. The combo gives you up to eight hours of powered heat, but of course, the higher the heat, the shorter the battery life, so there's a trade-off. The other consideration is the price; at $359, heated gloves and mittens aren't for every budget. A slightly less costly option is Arc'teryx's Fission SV glove. The GORE-TEX Fission is their warmest, weatherproof glove. At $199, it's intended for severe weather but durable and versatile enough for skiing, working outdoors, fat-tire biking, or day drinking. Local Outdoor Research retailers include Bearcub Outfitters, Backcountry North; Arc'teryx retailers include Backcountry North and The Outfitter of Harbor Springs. 

Warm Feet for the Win
For years, the Smartwool Ski Full-cushion Over-the-Calf socks have been a top pick with skiers. Still, they're an equally effective all-around winter sock, no matter your outdoor activity. It's a midweight merino/synthetic blend sock that breathes, stretches, and has padding in all the right places. A toasty, foot-warming gift for the skier, runner, hiker, or utility line worker in your life! $17, kids (shown here); $27 adults. Retailers include Don Orr Ski Haus. 

Winter "Shoes"
Whether you're a seasoned driver or have a newbie who just got their license, excellent snow tires are an absolute must in Northern Michigan. That’s why we turn to those crafty Fins, makers of Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires — or, as they call them in Findland, tyres. Their R3s, in particular, are top-rated on ice and have a short braking distance. Solid handling on wet, dry, snowy, slushy, or icy enables your car to grip and go without slide whether you’re accelerating or unexpectedly have to hit those brakes. Plus, reinforced sidewalls are your secret weapon against bumps and potholes — a must in Michigan. Authorized dealers include Lakeshore Tire & Auto, Charlevoix; Accurate Tire and Marathon Automotive, Traverse City; and Cadillac Tire, Cadillac. Prices vary.

Hydrate!
Frostbite and hypothermia aren't the only risks to be aware of during frigid temps. Dehydration is a legitimate health concern too. Cold weather tricks us into thinking we're not thirsty, but our bods lose a lot of water through the mere act of breathing ("Look! I can see my breath!" Get it?) Plus, all the extra clothing makes our bodies work even harder than usual. Couple this with the scientific fact that sweat evaporates more quickly in cold, dry air, and, next thing you know, you've got no attention span, a bad memory, and you're in a lousy mood — just a few symptoms of dehydration. Plus, you know, chapped lips. Remember: Women should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and men should drink 12. Camelbak’s Powderhound makes it easy; it boasts 12 liters of storage space, a 3-liter reservoir, and an insulated “Therminator” harness so you can zip the drinking tube inside your shoulder strap. [Buh-bye frozen bite valve!] Bearcub Outfitters and Backcountry North. $105+