Just in time for the plummeting temperatures, I’m reviewing some new winter products from Columbia Sportswear. I’ve worn Columbia outerwear since moving to Colorado 20 years ago – mostly their fleece jackets. I find their stuff to be quality, yet affordable.
First up, I’m reviewing the Turbo Down Jacket. I chose the hyper purple color (because I am spastic and I am sick of wearing all black and looking like a ninja all of the time. Plus, I think it’s pretty).
This coat has 800-fill goose down along with 60 grams of Omni-Heat™ synthetic insulation (cozy!). It is lightweight, non bulky and retains heat even when it gets wet. Perfect for your outdoor
adventures. While I find it runs a bit big (I got the small and probably should have gone extra small), it is form fitting, comfortable and most importantly – warm! One of the main things I love about this jacket - it is not so crazy puffy it makes me look like the Michelin Man.
Secondly, the Minx Boots in winter white color.
Columbia calls these boots “a jacket for your feet.” They are waterproof and have 200 grams of insulation and a thermal reflective lining. Supposedly they will insulate you to –25F! This is very good news for my Raynaud’s Disease. I like these boots because they are functional yet attractive! I typically wear a more masculine looking boot for my cold/wet outdoor activities, so I love the look of something more feminine. I feel like a snow bunny (or old rabbit). The faux fur lining is like stepping into your favorite slipper.
Yes, I realize there is no snow on the ground. Ever heard of props?
Far too often winter comes and people think they need to hibernate inside. SO not the case. Here are a few ways to stay active outside in the cold months:
1. Sign up for a winter running race. There are tons of them these days from hot chocolate runs to turkey trots. Registering will hold you accountable and will motivate you to get out there even when the temps drop.
2. Go Canine. Trust me when I say there is no better way to get psyched to get outside than when you have a dog threatening to pee or poop on your rug. Dogs need to be walked even when it is ridiculously cold outside.
3. Experiment. Promise yourself at the start of the winter months that you will try a new winter activity JUST ONCE. Experiment with ice skating, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Get really adventurous and go ice climbing or ice fishing (like I said, you will not see me up there, but have fun).
4. Do outside chores. Did you know the average person burns 200 calories per 30 minutes of shoveling snow? Kill two birds with one stone by getting your exercise and checking something off your to-do list.
5. Play! Remember as a kid how you loved nothing more than a huge neighborhood snowball fight or sledding down that monstrous hill at the end of the street? Just because you’re over twenty years old and so mature doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun.How else do you stay active in the winter months? SUAR Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Columbia through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Columbia outerwear, all opinions are my own.
