Gear Review: Winter coziness

Winter is designed for cozying up; with that in mind, here are my latest picks.

Outdoor Research Women’s Trail Mix Cowl Pullover

Completely warm and super cozy, this stylish pullover just makes me happy. Part of it involves the Galaxy blue color I ordered. In addition to it coming in my favorite clothing color, which isn’t that easy to find, its ActiveTemp technology results in a warm, yet breathable and moisture-wicking fleece, which also provides UPF 30 protection. I love how the soft waffle grid fleece feels against my skin, including my hands when I use the thumbholes, which allow the fabric to extend over my knuckles — I’ve had days writing in my north-facing office where my hands or fingers get cold, despite keeping my home toasty, so that’s an added bonus. The cowl neck adds extra warmth, whether I’m wearing the pullover as a mid-layer skiing or standalone fleece when meeting friends. Within the kangaroo pocket, which lays nicely rather than slumping out, hides a mesh pocket to carry keys or a small phone. Comes in nine colors.

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$95, outdoorresearch.com

Cotopaxi Roso Tights

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These tights are so comfortable and fit so well, that they’ve become absolute favorites. Made of 79% recycled polyester and 21% Spandex, they perfectly blend softness with a stylish, form-hugging, flattering fit. Normally, I become cautious when I hear tights feature pockets for fear of unsightly bulging, but looking at the Rosos, you’d never know they have five well-placed pockets — even a zippered one in the back. The high-rise, wide waistband stretches nicely and fits my waist perfectly — and is ultra-comfortably. These feel like a soft hug against my lower body. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, the wide waistband keeps any extra monthly bloating in check, and the anti-odor finish is a plus. And, the color blocks add interest to typical black or maroon tones, yet still pair well with just about any top. They also provide plenty of warmth for walking around on winter days. Plus, Cotopaxi donates 1% of revenue to support non-profits.

Regularly $95, now on sale, $57, cotopaxi.com

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket, National Parks Collection

Indoors, this blanket keeps me nice and toasty (I have it on my legs now, and I can feel the heat). Outdoors, they’re designed to keep you warm in 45 degrees or higher. The cape clip allows me to wear the blanket, hands-free, so I can carry other gear, and the lightweight, 2.1-pound blanket stays put on my relatively narrow shoulders while walking; I can even prevent the corner from dragging on the ground by clipping in one of the corner loops. Rumpl, a Climate Neutral Certified and Certified B Corporation, donates 1% of all sales to environmental causes. These blankets are made completely of post-consumer recycled 30D ripstop polyester within the durable shell and 100% recycled 3D hollow fiber siliconized synthetic insulation, the latter of which feels soft and silky. The one-person-size blankets, measuring 52×75″, utilize 60 bottles. The DWR finish results in stain- and water-resistance and acts as a pet hair and dirt repellant, so it’s perfect for carrying around in the car and taking on outdoor adventures. And, the inspiring artwork just makes me want to pack my blanket in its stuff sack and head toward the national parks. As a bonus, both the sack and blanket come adorned with a fun, artistic national park patch.

$125, rumpl.com

Oofos OOcoozie Thermo Mule

Oofos’ new OOcoozie Thermo Mule is made with both warmth and recovery in mind. Its Primaloft hi-loft ultra-insulation, built for cold temperatures, keeps toes toasty. Meanwhile, the company’s OOfoam technology delivers that wonderful springy comfort and recovery Oofos is known for. Its patented footbed design evenly distributes pressure throughout feet and adds nice arch support. OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, reducing stress on knees, ankles, and other joints. The open-heel style makes these quick and easy to slide on before and after skiing or other athletic endeavors or when simply taking my dog out — and the sole holds up to snowy conditions. Comes in men’s and women’s.

$119.95, oofos.com

Manitobah Métis Moccasin

For the ultimate in luxurious feel and natural materials, Manitobah’s Métis Moccasin is a must. The sheepskin shearling inner lining cradles your feet (especially bare) in softness, while the rabbit fur lining around the ankle feels wonderful to the touch. Meanwhile, the beading on the cowhide suede is just exquisite. Manitobah, a company founded in Winnipeg, directly supports Indigenous people by prioritizing Indigenous art, suppliers, employment, and equity ownership and is a Certified B Corporation. The traditional fit of these moccasins, employed in indigenous footwear for thousands of years, means they don’t come with a right or left foot. This allows the natural materials to form to your foot, creating a completely custom — and perfect — fit, which I appreciate. And, its crepe rubber sole adds both cushion and durability for outdoor wear.

$145, manitobah.com

Swiftwick Pursuit Twelve knee-high socks

I’m a bit finicky with ski socks: They must be thin enough to avoid any hot spots or bunching while still providing warmth, and these deliver. Made of 59% merino wool, 37% nylon, and 4% Spandex, Swiftwick’s Pursuit Twelve is breathable and wicks moisture away, which is important to avoid stinky boots or cold feet. Though I haven’t worn these for an entire season, the reinforced heel and seamless toe box look promising in terms of durability without adding bulk. The sock provides medium cushion and contoured arch support. And, the company is committed to sustainability (including manufacturing in the USA) and giving back. I initially ordered a small, based on my size 7 ½ foot, but since this sock has compression qualities, it fit too tightly around my calves, which are not big by any means. Women’s smalls range from size 4-7 ½, while mediums range from 8-10 ½, but the mediums form to my foot very well, while still providing plenty of comfortable compression in my calves.

$34.99, swiftwick.com