Saturday, December 17, 2011

Coping with the Boston winter; choosing the right gear.


Everybody tells you how cold is it in Boston during the winter. You’re probably joining in on the fun of telling everyone else how cold it is in Boston during the winter too. But what they don’t tell you is that it's possible to cope with the Boston winter if you choose the right gear.

We here at BostonNewbie created a list of things that might help you survive the New England winter:

· Boots – You will need waterproof boots; there is nothing worse than a wet socks.

· Hat – Ideally a warm hat that covers the ears, otherwise, you’ll need separate ear warmers (locals call them ‘earmuffs’).

· Face mask – Also called a balaclava, this one is for REALLY cold days. Break it out too early and people will think you’re on your way to commit a crime.

· Coat – Make sure that the coat is water and wind proof, ideally with a removable fleece layer inside.

· Pants – Pants with an inner flannel layer can make a big difference. Consider buying a pair if you spend time outside. Like the face mask, this one is for very cold days.

· Gloves – Invest in a good pair of gloves, water proofing can help. Some people prefer mittens as they keep your fingers together and warm.

If you’re willing to spend a little bit extra, EMS and REI stores have large selections of outdoor clothing to protect you from the elements and a very friendly return policy if you can keep track of your receipts.

Eliad