I went to Iceland in January three years ago. When packing for my trip, I knew I needed to bring warm clothing as we were taking an adventure tour and would be spending most of our time outside exploring. Packing for Iceland wasn’t a problem because the first thing I learned upon arriving is that Maine is colder.
Having the right winter gear is essential if you want to truly embrace winter. You’re not going to have fun if you are cold or wet. So how do I dress for winter? Layers, Layers, Layers. The colder the weather, the more you want add on the layers.
Below are some winter gear items that keep me warm.
- Winter Jacket. This is a must have item and necessary for any excursions in colder weather.
- Fleece or Zip Up. Under my jacket, I add a lighter weight zip up jacket for an extra layer of warmth.
- Snow Pants. Waterproof and warm. Pants are the first to get wet out in the snow. You need to cover them up for added protection.
- Hat. Keeping your head warm is key. Basically, you want to try to cover anything exposed to the cold air.
- Earmuffs. If your hat doesn’t cover your ears, earmuffs can help. Fun fact, earmuffs were invented in Maine. They still celebrate Chester Greenwood Day each December in honor of their hometown son.
- Balaclavas. If it’s really, really cold then adding one of these to your gear will help keep your head and face warm.
- Long Underwear. I have different weights and styles depending on the temperatures. I have a lightweight, silk layer that doesn’t add a lot of bulk but keeps me warmer. I also some thermal pairs. On really cold days, I’ll wear more than one.
- Socks. I have a variety of winter socks but my favorite are a pair of wool compression ones. They keep my toes toasty and energize me on hikes.
I started and ended my A to Z challenge blogging about how cold winters can be in Maine but that doesn’t make winter any less amazing. The key is embracing it.
Do you like being outside in the winter? Do you have a go-to piece of winter gear?
I’m participating in a Blogging A-Z Challenge for April 2018. I will be posting new content every day this month except most Sundays. Each post is associated with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. My theme for the challenge is Winters in Maine. To read more of my A to Z posts, click HERE.
I grew up in a place where it often got cold, but it wasn’t until I moved to Maine that I learned the importance of dressing for the weather! It makes life so much more enjoyable. I have really enjoyed your posts this month. I will be back! Melanie’s Stories
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Snow angels – how fun! Takes me back to my childhood 🙂 Congrats on making it to Z!
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Thank you! Yes, snow angels are a blast from my childhood too. It was fun to do one again as an adult.
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I’m from SoCal. Snow is something to visit, not to live LOL
Congrats on finishing the challenge. I enjoyed reading about somewhere too cold to live =)
Dena
https://denapawling.blogspot.com/
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SoCal is beautiful. I’ve taken a few trips out that way. Weekends In Maine
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Congrats on finishing the A to Z. Thanks for taking us through the winter in Maine and making me realize again how glad I am not to have to deal with zero degrees!
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Thank you! The cold temps can be unpleasant at times, but for the most part I bundle up and embrace it. It makes winter more fun.
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Oh you look warm despite being surrounded by snow. Congratulations on finishing AtoZ – you did it and I enjoyed all of your photos and posts presenting Maine during winter. Great to connect and enjoy your day. x
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Yes, I’m definitely dressed for the winter temps during this outing. Thanks for visiting during the challenge! Weekends In Maine
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It has been great to connect Karen and will be continuing to follow your blog. Have a great week!
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Our wardrobes are virtually the same! Totally understood the ’different weights
And styles’ of long underwear! 🙂
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It really helps you navigate those cold temps!
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I gotta have gloves and scarves. the nooks and crannies where cold air seeps in is at the wrist and neck! Congrats on an awesome theme this year!
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You do have to keep as much area covered as possible. Gloves and scarves come in handy.
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I last about 5 minutes outside in the snow, then I’m ready to go back into the warmth! Thanks for all the posts about Winter in Maine this month, well done on reaching the end of the challenge 🙂
https://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/30/z-is-for-zaragoza-spain/
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Thanks! There are some days I only last a short time too but overall I love being outside in the winter.
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Congratulations on completing the Challenge! I’ll probably never get to Maine, so it was nice having an insider’s point-of-view.
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Thank you! I hope you change your mind. Maine is a beautiful vacation destination.
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I grew up in Mass and New Hampshire so cold was nothing like Iceland (or even Maine). LOL!
Congrats on finishing the A-Z!!!
Donna B McNicol, author & traveler
Romance & Mystery…writing my life
A-Z Flash Fiction Tales: http://dbmcnicol.blogspot.com
A-Z of Goldendoodles: http://ourprimeyears.blogspot.com
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I lived in Mass for many years. I was always amazed that when spring hit and we would head up to Maine for a visit that winter would still be in full force even such a short distance away.
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Congrats on completing your A to Z Challenge! And now you can enjoy a Maine spring.
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It’s suppose to be 80 tomorrow so we’re on our way.
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I’ll be visiting when it’s warm, def will not be coming in the winter. I enjoyed your blog. But now what will we write about next year? https://everyonehasafamilystorytotell.wordpress.com/category/2018-a-to-z-all-about-nancy-drew/
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Summer is a beautiful time to visit Maine. There is much to see and do!
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Congrats on completing another A-Z! While I have enjoyed reading your winter series, I am happy that spring is upon us (and hopefully you)!
My favorite winter gear item is one that I can only wear on dry days: my ugly, yet cozy and warm UGG boots!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.ch/2018/04/z-is-for-zug.html
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UGG boots are super cozy. I am happy spring is here too!
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I hope you have a chance to visit someday. There’s lots to see and do in Maine.
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