Stay Warm, Stay Sane

Ten Things for Winter

“In Warmer Regions” An Account of the Norwegian Antarctic Expedition in the “Fram.” 1910-1912. Hjalmar Johansen. 1913.

A list of 10 useful things:

1. Watch an episode of Roy Underhill’s Woodwright’s Shop and buy this book and knife. When the urge to thumb through my dumbphone strikes, I carve a spoon (and don’t always finish it). It leaves shavings on the living room floor, but they’re easy to sweep up.

2. One Jacket to Rule Them All. I bought it through their “Worn Wear” program, and I wear it nine months out of the year, even inside. Threadbare in spots, I repair it with fabric tape. The Patagonia label annoys me, so I also cover it with fabric tape.

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3. Ironically, sometimes the best way to warm up is to go outside. If slipping is a concern, try these microspikes for your shoes. I have both running and hiking versions.

4. Everlasting socks. I’ve returned this pair three times. When they get threadbare in the heel or rip, Darn Tough sends me a new pair. That’s their policy.

5. A fancy/remarketed neckwarmer, AKA a Buff. I use these daily, even as I type this since my woodstove hasn’t heated my house yet. Perhaps the simplest, most economical, and helpful piece of winter gear.

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Courtesy of Matthew Parilla

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6. I’d wager that these gloves would work for 80% of the US population all winter.

My Kinco gloves. Almost time for a new pair.

7. A do-it-all ski bag for going uphill, then down. Skinning may be a new idea to some readers. But this bag is practical for hiking and hunting, too.

8. Warm up for the mind. Mornings are by far my most productive writing time. Blocks still exist, and I’m on a junk journaling kick that reliably breaks through. Anne Lamott: “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts,” which I agree with.

9. This boot dryer saved my marriage. Not really, but wet shoes and boots are difficult to dry out. Sweat and water create a stew of bacteria that is difficult to remedy without sunshine and warm, dry weather. I place a high value on the health of my feet.

10. A Walk. There’s a reason this timeless piece of self-help advice is still around.

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- Jesse

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