If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time you know that I am so cold natured and hate being cold. Thus my love for hot yoga, hot tea, hot summer runs (yes, I’m one of those crazy people who doesn’t mind running in the heat), the space heater that sits next to my desk, scarves, hot showers, hoodies…basically all things warm. When I worked in an office I used to sit on a heating pad if I couldn’t use a space heater!
This is a big problem for me during the winter months because I love and need sunshine and fresh air as much as I hate being cold. So what’s a girl to do? 1) Dress appropriately. 2) Suck it up.
Luckily, I am getting some help this fall with dressing appropriately. I recently received the most amazing cold weather gear from Columbia to test and I can already tell you that this jacket and these boots will not be leaving my body as the temperatures drop this winter. If you 1) are equally as cold natured as I am or 2) live somewhere with cold winters, keep on reading.
My feet stay cold during the winter so I’m always in warm socks or boots. These Minx Boots from Columbia are probably one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have ever put on my feet. They’re incredibly lightweight but so soft and warm. It’s like wearing a soft cozy jacket on your feet.
I think the faux fur lining in the upper part of the shoe is fun and stylish but they’re also extremely functional. The inside of the shoes are insulated and rated -25F/-32C.
And the outside of the boots are made of a waterproof woven synthetic material. Even though they are designed with a lot of laces, they are super easy to slip on and off and fit well over jeans (and fit well with thick socks).
I also tried out the Turbodown Jacket. Believe it or not, this the first down jacket I have ever owned (cut me some slack…I grew up in the South) and I am a convert. This jacket is so light while being so warm. The technology is awesome! And I love this rich purple color I chose. I almost went with basic black but I’m glad I went with purple instead.
The shell is water-resistant and retains heat, even when wet. The Turbodown jacket features a combination of 60g Omni-Heat® synthetic insulation and 800-fill goose down. The Omni-Heat is the silver dots you see in the lining. They’re meant to reflect body heat and make up 35% of the heat retaining lining.
I have been buying Columbia gear since I was in college and (fleece jackets and vests, hats, rain jackets and more) and I’m excited to have these two new products to get me through the winter. I will definitely be putting my new gear to use as the temperatures drop so that I can continue to soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air.
Here are my five favorite ways to stay active outside during the colder months:
1) Playing with Sullie. Running around in the yard with Sullie is always a fun way to get some fresh air.
2) Hiking. We are so lucky to have great hiking options within two hours of us here in Charlotte. I love heading to the Asheville area or Crowder’s Mountain for a hike.
3) Running…especially fall races! Can’t wait to run the Thunder Road Half again in a few weeks!
4) Walking (especially on our rare snow days!) and especially with the pup!
5) Outdoor events like football games, oyster roasts, bonfires, camping, festivals, etc. I need to make time for more of this stuff in my life! I wish I could include mountain activities like skiing on my list but there’s just not a ton of that available around here. I do love to ski! (Although I am always terrified I am going to injure myself!)
What are your favorite ways to stay active outside during the cold weather months?
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Columbia through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Columbia outerwear, all opinions are my own.
Ahhh! I know how you feel! I’m so cold-blooded…I actually laughed out loud when you said you sat on a heating pad when you worked in an office. So did I! Of course I live in one of the coldest places ever too…at least the sun still shines in the winter in the Colorado Mountains. I LOVE these boots, I might need to check them out! Thanks for the review!
Adorable stuff! I love the color of that jacket and looks of the boots. Ever since I moved up to MI, I appreciate warm winter wear like never before! And you’re so right, there are only two things you can do… dress appropriately and suck it up. 😉
Need those boots! Believe it or not, I don’t mind shoveling the snow! I love taking our dog for a walk — this will be our puppy’s first time seeing snow but as a German shepherd I’m sure she will love it like our dog who has now passed.
the jacket looks adorable on you!! and sullie is just the cutest. hope to see you again soon, jen! 🙂
I am so cold all the time! My apartment is a sauna in the winter (thanks to NYC heating laws… I can’t control the heat) but I actually LOVE it, especially coming in from the frigid temps. Love those boots! Too bad I just ordered a pair of awesome Sorels on sale, my first real pair of winter boots. 🙂
I love to take spin classes in the colder months and sledding!
I’m always cold all the time…So lots of hot yoga in the winter is a must…although when I head back east for the holidays, I force myself to take long runs and walks, but always make sure to bundle up. 🙂
I like running fall races too but when it gets too cold I usually bring out the workout videos like insanity and that doesn’t take long for me to warm up 🙂
I love that coat! I had a pair of those boots last winter and they definitely kept my feet warm (even through the polar vortex in Chicago!) but they were definitely NOT waterproof. After about a week my feet would be soaked anytime I walked through the snow in them 🙁
I’m in PA and the the cold! Ours are BRUTAL. But I’m in love with that jacket! 🙂 can never have too many!
Love that coat! I was actually looking at that same one on their website not too long ago. Out of curiosity, what size did you get?
I hear ya about the cold! I’m the same way…I actually wear heated socks during the winter and walk around the house with a hot water bottle. I feel like everyone laughs at me, but I can’t focus on anything else besides being cold. Thanks for reminding me about Crowder’s Mountain. I still haven’t been there for a hike, but it’s on my “to do” list for sure!
Based on your recommendation, I bought the Minx boots. I LOVE them! They are perfect for me. Extremely lightweight and super comfy! I bought them because I wanted something comfortable when I walk my pup in the cold, snowy PA winters. Yesterday it snowed for the first time and I got to try them out: awesome! So happy I listened to you! Thanks!