WINTER WAIT
It’s that time of year again—summer is over, but the real cold has yet to arrive. Instead of just bracing for the worst, prepare for the coming season and take advantage of the comforts it offers.
It’s that time of year again— summer is over, but the real cold has yet to arrive. Instead of just bracing for the worst, prepare for the coming season and take advantage of the comforts it offers.
As of Sunday, we will no longer be saving daylight. As you set back your clocks one hour, you might begin to contemplate the funny coincidence that sees shorter days and longer nights engender a rather lengthy to-do list.
There are snow tires to put on. And the car could probably use an oil change, and it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to get the battery tested and fluid levels checked.
Then there is the home front. There are leaves to rake, gutters to clean and the furnace has been making a funny noise that should probably be investigated before things get really cold. The truly diligent will get the furnace ducts cleaned out then sit back and relax, knowing they will stay toasty warm this winter. But don’t get too comfortable; like cars and furnaces, you also need a little TLC to survive the coming cold.
Our guide to winterizing yourself will keep you comfortable, intellectually stimulated and physically active in the coming season. After all, we’re falling back an hour this weekend, but that’s no reason to start falling apart.
Be Aware of Cold Air
One of the easiest ways to winterize the house is to seal up leaks and drafts. New caulking or weather-stripping is effective, but even a towel stuffed under a door is better than nothing. Of course, there are more stylish ways of keeping the cold at bay.
Heritage Wear
When it was founded in Winnipeg in 1934, Crown Cap catered to farmers. Its basic styles are still sold at the UFA, but Crown also makes fur and leather headwear that is sold at luxury outlets like Holt Renfrew. We like the look of The Yukon Fudd Cap, $135, and the dyed
blue fox and cashmere aviator, $180. crowncap.com. Stanfield’s is 160 years old, but it has changed with the times. Its microfibre Heat FX long underwear, $30, is thin enough to wear beneath work clothes and includes spandex for stretch and comfort. Or go old-school with the merino-wool version, $84. stanfields.com. If it’s good enough for the Belgian army …. Keep your head and neck warm with this wool balaclava, $20. At Crown Surplus, 1005 11th St. S.E., 403-265-1754, crownsurplus.com.
A New Coat of Heat
It’s good for work or play, and Helly
Hansen’s Legacy Parka is also an affordable alternative to a Canada Goose. It’s filled with high-quality down and has fully sealed seams, lots of pockets and a detachable faux-fur-trimmed hood. Canada’s coyotes will thank you. $595 at Mountain Equipment Co-op, 830 10th Ave. S.W., 403-269-2420, mec.ca. Rudsak, the Montreal brand, proves that staying warm does not mean that style goes up in smoke. The Shauna (for women) and Viper (men) are both $1,295. rudsak.com. Patagonia’s Tres 3-in-1 parka makes a good attempt to be all things to all people—well, all women. The lady’s garment can be used as a waterproof coat, a rain shell or a down parka. $639 at Patagonia, 135 8th Ave. S.W., 403-2666463, patagoniaelements.ca
The Other Bits
These cycling socks from Defeet are made from merino wool, nylon and Spandex. Wear them even if you’re not a winter cyclist; they’re warm and clingy and won’t come off when you pull off your boots. $18 at MEC, 830 10th Ave. S.W., 403-269-2420, mec.ca. Sure, the bus shelter can be chilly, but it’s got nothing on a duck blind. Cabelas has been keeping hunters warm for years with things like silk-weight long underwear. Men’s tops and bottoms, $54.99 each; women’s, $49.99 each. 851 64th Ave. N.W., 403-910-0200, cabelas.com.
Under Armour UA Storm Coldgear Infrared
Elements Gloves have an infrared lining with a thermo-conductive coating to absorb and retain body heat, as well as Tech Touch on the thumb and fingers so you can text without taking them off. $44.99 at the Bay, thebay.com. The Gothic Gloves from Arc’teryx have a confoundng name—maybe they make your fingers look like flying buttresses— but they’re touchscreen-friendly and, yes, fit like a glove. $50. arcteryx.com.