When I backpack or camp in cold weather, I sleep with a beanie on my head for added warmth.  Over the years, I have been driven crazy by the fact that the beanie NEVER stays on my head.  I invariably wake up in the middle of the night aimlessly searching for it in the dark tent.  After several futile attempts, I usually give up and lie there – freezing – for what seems like eternity.  If I do get lucky and find the beanie, the vicious cycle seems to continue throughout the night.

What is my solution for this maddening situation?  I just discovered the Patagonia Women’s R3@ Hi-Loft Hoody which is considered one of Patagonia’s warmest layering pieces – it is thick and fluffy. I do have to warn you, if you have a tendency to sleep warm, this may not be the solution for you.  If you sleep cold like I do, you will be nice and cozy.  If you get hot, you simply pull off the hood.

If for some reason you find it is not the best option for sleeping and would like it for other uses, you will appreciate the fact that with the hood on, you will avoid the feeling of wind on the back of your neck whilst enjoying those cold winter days. Depending on the temps, it can be worn by itself or as a toasty mid-layer.

I love all Patagonia has to offer for many reasons, but I particularly like their green attitude. Per their website, they “recycle used soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers to produce many of our clothes.”

Environmentally friendly AND good for noggin warming – what’s not to love?

One Thursday morning in the dead of winter in Colorado, I was wheeling the trashcan down to the curb for pickup.  Just so happens, the driveway was an ice field as it was one of the coldest winters we had in a long time.  Large amounts of snow dumped all over the state and with ridiculous travel schedules, we couldn’t keep up with the shoveling.  One minute I was excited to start the day, and the next thing I know, my feet were flying out from underneath me.   I landed directly on my bum and the back of my head hit the driveway with a healthy bounce.  Luckily I didn’t crack my skull, but I am convinced I broke my butt-bone. I couldn’t sit without wincing for about a year. That was an awesome year.

The memory of that day still sticks in my mind and since then I have issues with ‘black’ ice, white ice, snow packed trails, etc.   In order to muster up the courage to actually leave the house in the winter and take out the garbage, trail run or hike in the shoulder season when trails can be slick, I discovered Kahtoola MICROspikes.  They were a ‘Winner of the prestigious Backpacker Magazine 2012 Editors’ Choice Gold Award.’ You can buy ’em at your local REI or on websites like Amazon.

This cool little traction system easily slips right over all types of boots and shoes. They are sturdy and well made – mine have lasted a few years already. Keep in mind, these are not to replace crampons for serious climbing or snowshoes for deep snow hikes, but they are definitely useful for all types of winter situations I described above.

I am so grateful to have found these little gadgets, you can bet I will have a pair on hand when I trek in Nepal this winter.  They also live in my backpack so I have them in a pinch when I am playing outdoors on a pristine Colorado winter day and find myself in a slippery situation.