Cold Comforts

You never know what Farch will bring — it can be arctic one minute, slushy the next, so it’s important to have cozy items to turn to. Here, a handful of products to help keep you from shivering, whether you’re on a snowshoe adventure, or just trying to ge

Selk’bag

The second we saw these wearable sleeping bags online, we knew we had to try one. Who hasn’t hopped around a campsite in sleep gear, trying to stay warm? And as a fashion statement, it’s pretty irresistible. We tried out the Patagon model, the highest-tech and only four-season option in the line, which offers the added benefit of zippered feet so you can wear it with your own boots. As fun to wear as it is toasty — to 2C anyway. Black only, US$259 at selkbagusa.com (Selk’bag original US$159)

Zippo Hand Warmer

It resembles a giant Zippo lighter, which brings us back to the rockers smoking Export As in high school. But this little chrome wonder consistently gets the best reviews of products in this category, so it’s worth overcoming lighter-fluid intimidation to get at that radiant heat. The product is safe and rewards hands with up to 12 hours of toastiness (just don’t try to bring this one on the airplane). $29.95, zippo.ca

Moshi Digits Touch Screen Gloves

One of the bummers about cold weather is it gets between us and our devices. But not anymore! We were skeptical that these gloves by tech accessory company Moshi would actually allow us to access our apps while keeping our fingers from freezing, but now we truly don’t have to wait to get inside to see who sent that last text message. Phew! US$30 at moshimonde.com

Th ermacell Heated Insoles

These are heat-giving insoles controlled by wireless remote control. What’s not to like? They tuck into insulated boots to prevent your toes from turning to ice, and they work — for several hours between charges, we found. They are designed to get warm but not hot to the touch, so the shoe vibe is cozy rather than burny. They come in S, M, L, XL and XXL and can be trimmed to fit. $129, Canadian Tire

Icebreaker Merino Leggings

When it comes to staying warm, it can help to look to the animals, who have been smart enough to adapt to outdoor living. Merino sheep’s wool has long been prized for its quality and softness, and Icebreaker makes excellent base layers that function like armour against the polar vortices. We tried the leggings, which were soft, though of course not as stretchy as their non-wool counterparts, but who cares about that when you are finally warm for once? $99.99, icebreaker.com