“I spend more time outside in the Winter than any other season - and I’m always comfortable. Between skiing, hiking, and running, clothing choices make all the difference.”
Winter Clothing Guide
Winter in Kentucky can be anything from a rainy day in the 50s to bitterly cold single digits with wind chills to 20 below or worse. As a result, your clothing options need to cover the full spectrum of Winter days so you can get outside in comfort and maybe even a little style. Below is a quick guide that’ll give you all the options you need to stay warm and dry - whether from rain or sweat. Enjoy the season - it’s ideal for off-trail exploration!
General Rules
We’ve all heard that cold weather requires layers, and that’s because it does! You should never expect a single clothing item to cover all conditions - even if it’s advertised to do so. You’ll always be better off with multiple layer weights and fabric types than with a so-called ‘all-in-one’ solution.
So, here are three basic rules to help you along:
For any clothing item, there are light-, mid-, and heavy-weight options - start with light- and mid-weight options
Use a combination of moisture-wicking, insular, and wind-breaking/water-resistant fabrics - moisture-wicking closest to your body, insular further away from your body, wind-breaking/water-resistant on the top layer
You don’t need a bunch of expensive brands, you need clothing that performs well while fitting your body and your budget (see my Wal-mart note below)
The Quick List
Bottom
wicking socks
merino wool socks
quick-drain trail shoes
waterproof trail shoes
insulated winter boots
wicking baselayer tights
insulated wicking baselayer tights
wicking pants
insulated wicking pants
rain pants
insulated snow pants
Top
headband or buff
beanie
thick winter hat
glove liners
soft-shell gloves
waterproof gloves
waterproof mittens (deep cold use)
wicking baselayer shirts
insulated wicking baselayer shirts
wicking short & long sleeve shirts
insulated wicking long sleeve shirts
rain jacket
3-in-1 winter jacket (zip out fleece and outer shell)
facemask and goggles (deep cold use)
Tips
aim to be a little cold - when you first step outside, you should feel a little cold; as you start moving, you’ll quickly heat up; when that happens, read the next bullet point
backpack - as temperatures and activity levels change throughout the day, be sure to carry a backpack to store layers not being used; I favor a larger backpack with a full zipper for ease of access; lose a layer at the first sign of sweat; add a layer when your fingers/toes get cold
hand warmers - these are great to add a little heat for your hands and feet
spend more on outerwear - of all the items, the area to invest the most money is on outerwear; you’ll get better waterproofing and breathability with more money
Outdoor Clothiers
Wal-mart
You can, in fact, get fully outfitted at Wal-mart - well, technically, on walmart.com. Here’s the thing: Wal-marts in Kentucky carry a small fraction of what Wal-mart sells in colder parts of the country. So, shop online, and you’ll find everything you need. [shop now]
Columbia
I wear a ton of Columbia gear and for good reason - it’s quality stuff that performs well at a lower price point than many other brands like North Face or Patagonia. Plus, outlets aren’t far from me, and they have a shipping facility in Kentucky. [shop now]
Other Options
If you like to try things on before you buy, here are some outdoor retailers to consider:
Cincinnati/NKY - REI
Lexington - J&H Lanmark, Water & Oak
Louisville - Quest Outdoors, Water & Oak
Frequently Asked Questions
My moisture-wicking clothes smell terrible over time. How do I get the stink out?
Buy some sport wash online or at your local running shop. As a runner, I’m all too familiar with the stench that builds up in synthetic fabrics. Using specialty sport wash in combination with your regular laundry detergent will get the stink out and keep you from having to buy ever more clothing. Many of my running shirts that see year-round use have lasted many years thanks to these special cleaning agents. I use one simply called ‘Sport Wash’ that I buy on Amazon. [learn more]
How much does it cost to get all the gear I need? Where should I spend more?
You can spend a few hundred up to a few thousand dollars on clothes. I’m cheap, so I lean toward the low end. I look at fabric composition more than brand labels - allowing me to spend more on adventures. That said, there are a few pieces of gear where I will spend more - outerwear, gloves, and footwear. These items keep your core body temp under control while protecting your extremities. On my wish list right now are this and this. Having purchased and used waterproof gloves with the same material, I know it is superior to my current wet weather options - especially after having hiked all day in the rain multiple times.
2019/20 Winter Explorations
Winter truly is the best time to get out on the trails and do some exploring. There are a number of arches that are easier to reach this time of year and while there won’t be any leaves on the trees, there also won’t be any underbrush to fight through. Also, when we get our annual deep freeze, I’ll be looking for some frozen waterfalls to visit. So, here are some destinations this Winter:
Nada Arches
Eholia and Anvil Arches
Osborne and Unicorn Arches
Sand Arch from Eastern Approach
Copperas Falls
Bell Falls
Princess Falls
Lick Creek Falls
…and a number of other arches outside of major hiking areas