Cold Weather Gear

Having spent most of my life in south Georgia, Texas, and Bangkok....I'm not exactly what you would call acclimated to cold weather. I may never be. I don't enjoy being cold and I hate the feeling of being so bundled up I can't breathe. Somehow, ski gear is usually fine, but you can't wear that daily.

Winter for me is a battle to stay warm, even though I love seeing the snow and the mountains. This year (with Herr J's guidance), I made major steps in learning to cope:

• Lightweight, soft long underwear? Check. Thanks, Thermotech!
• I still cringe a little at the thought, but buying a pair of Uggs was the kindest thing I've done for my feet.
• Earmuffs? Got 'em, love 'em! Keeps me warm like a hat, without adding yet more knots to my hair.
• Hand warmers...I use gloves and liners, but usually am still cold. With these guys, I can wear light gloves suitable for photography and stay toasty.

During our recent trip to Finland, I found the ultimate cold weather gear for someone who hates being weighed down and strangled by winter clothes. The Halti Whiff Jacket, made by Finnish outdoor outfitters Halti. It's windproof, water repellant, oh-so warm, and super light. I feel like I'm enveloped in a soft cloud. I actually wore it to walk 30 minutes to dinner in Helsinki at close to freezing, with a very light shirt underneath. No problem!

I have to love any company whose slogan is "Weather Yourself."

Best of all, it folds up into one of the pockets to be a pouch. I'm enjoying hiking, but don't want to carry a lot and don't want to be cold. This thing is pefect (and was half off)!

How light is it? Let's check it out compared to common household items....

Folded up, we have the jacket weighing in at 466g. That's just over 1 lb.

Seems pretty light for wearing and for bringing along hiking just in case (the temps change rapidly at altitudes and depending on the sun)

What about a beer?
Sorry, Augustiner...your Maximator weighs in at almost double. Without the bottle, we'd still be at 500g.

Or my new lens?
Not a very heavy one, but still too heavy 

 How about my wallet?
Nope, those Euro coins weigh a lot! (I even took out 6€ first)

 

Maybe a couple packs of gummis?
Getting closer, but a little light.

A pint glass perhaps?
Almost...

Or maybe a really heavy book?
Perhaps if she hadn't edited down Galt's speech, it would be the right weight.

We finally have a winner...my lovely sugar free coffee syrup

So, it feels great, is super-warm and incredibly light. Of course the question is how does it look?

I'm loving it...can't wait to go hiking again!