6 Tips for Staying Warm Outside This Winter
I HATE THE COLD. I even wear ski pants to work. Earmuffs are on my head for at least eight months out of the year. I consider anything less then 75 degrees Fahrenheit to be too cold, but I climb YEAR AROUND!
I live in New Mexico in the southwest United States but most of my bouldering takes place at 7,000 feet. That means in the winter, I’m typically climbing in temperatures which are 30s or below. How do I manage in freezing temps if I can’t handle room temperature? Well, let’s just say I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. This article is all about staying warm outside when Mother Nature won’t!
#1 An outdoor space heater
It’s not an overstatement, it’s just the truth; propane space heaters have been a total game changer for me. There are different brands out there, but I own the Mr. Heater Lil Buddy. Its small, portable and affordable. One little propane tank lasts me several sessions of climbing and only costs a couple of bucks. It keeps my hands and feet warm and makes it easier to deal with plunging temps during the winter. If the temp is below 50 degrees, I’m definitely bringing this with me!
#2 Rechargeable Hand-warmers
Most people know about single use hand-warmers but did you know that rechargeable hand-warmers can keep your hands warm and charge your phone? I use mine to keep my hands toasty between climbs. While I’m climbing, I store them in my approach shoes or socks to keep them warm. The ones I have, are easy to use with only two settings, high and low. Low is still really warm and lasts me about four hours. I own a few of these for the sole purpose of never climbing with cold hands, but they’re a great way to stay warm during winter hikes and other winter activities. These handwarmers also charge your phone!
#3 Legwarmers
Legwarmers add an extra layer of warmth without the bulk and weight. They don’t inhibit your movement and you can pull them over your feet between climbs (I told you I’m serious about keeping warm!).
#4 Ski pants and #5 Vests
Ski pants aren’t just for snow sports! They make great hiking pants. I wear ski pants over my tights during the approach to the crag and sometimes slip them on between climbs. It’s difficult to move in them so I definitely don’t recommend climbing in them.
I LOVE VESTS. They don’t restrict my arms while climbing and they keep my core warm. Full range of motion and fashionable?—yes, please!
Earmuffs and vest stay on while climbing, but the ski pants (next to the crash pad) come off. Ya girl comes prepared.
#6 PSYCHE
Sometimes when all of the items above fail, a ton of PSYCHE will keep you going during those moments when it feels like your fingers are going to fall off.
How are you staying warm this winter?
…it’s time to rest; to confront our burnout by putting down the work. The liberation movements we belong to are not a short term thing. They will occupy our entire lives, and possibly the lives of our children and their children. The work is never done. So rest for a time. And recharge, until hope feels more tangible.