The Secret to Staying Warm on Winter Travels

Choose Mittens Over Gloves

Mittens might make you feel like you're a kid again, but they'll keep your hands warmer than gloves will. That's because your fingers will generate more heat when they're next to each other (instead of separated in gloves).

Mittens designed for the ski slopes are a good choice, as they're meant to hold up in freezing, wet conditions all day long. Gordini's Paramount Mitts have a special rib knit cuff (kind of like a sweatshirt sleeve) that will keep cold air or icy snow from slipping inside, without annoying adjustable ties or clasps. The Primaloft insulation is designed for cold temperatures, and the Hydrowick lining will keep your hands dry by wicking away sweat.

Want warmth but can't go for more than a few minutes without playing on your smartphone? "Glittens" aka, a hybrid of gloves and mittens are what you need. The mitten top folds back to reveal fingerless gloves, so you get the best of both—warmer fingers and the ability to actually use them. We like this Polarex pair from Hot Headz.

(Photo: Hot Headz)

Keep Your Torso Warm

Your hands might be the first thing on your body to get cold, but you might be surprised as to why—it's partially due to the fact that your body devotes blood flow to your essential organs first when everything is cold, diverting warm blood from your hands and leaving them chilly.

A good vest or Merino Wool undershirt can keep your vitals warm, leaving plenty of warming circulation power for your hands and feet.

(Photos: Columbia and Merino)

Layer Correctly

Don't just pile on clothing and hope for the best. You need to layer correctly in order to retain heat. A base layer will help you hang on to your heat when you come into contact with something cold (like sitting on a cold bench) and a good jacket as an outer layer will prevent wind and water from making you even chillier.

Thermal long underwear like these from Hanes, are thin enough that you can discreetly wear them under jeans or pants, but still have a thermal knit fabric to lock in heat.

(Photo: Hanes)

Pick the Right Jacket

That outer layer is important—a good jacket should shield you from wind, rain, and freezing temperatures. You'll also want it to cover a good amount of your body, so for really cold days, leave the hip-length coats behind in favor of one that covers your backside.

For women, the Kilnsey Jacket from Craghoppers is a good option, thanks to its long length. The AquaDry Membrane layer will keep rain and snow from soaking in, while the inner satin lining helps retain warmth. The hood (with faux fur) zips off when you don't want it, and there are plenty of interior pockets that are perfect for travel.

Men, this coat from AFS Jeep is long and warm, but also specifically made to be lightweight and breathable (and easy to pack).

(Photo: Craghopper's and AFS Jeep)

Pack Some Warmth in Your Pocket

We don't know how they work (we're going to assume magic), but Hothands are one of the greatest and cheapest inventions for winter. These little packets emit hours of heat after they're exposed to air—which makes them perfect for stuffing in your mittens to keep your hands even warmer. They even come in foot warmer versions (that stick to the bottom of your sock) and in larger body warmer sizes.

(Photo: Hothands)

Wear a Hat

Yep, that old tale about losing most of your body heat through your head is just a myth. (You actually lose heat that's equivalent to the surface area of an uncovered body part—so in your head's case, about 7 to 10 percent.) Nevertheless, you want all body parts to be covered, so pick a hat like this one from Odema that has a warm liner and ear flaps that can be worn up or down.

(Photo: ODEMA)

Heated Clothing

If you really hate the cold, clothing that's heated by a battery pack can be a good way to get you outside in freezing temperatures. You can find everything from jackets to gloves that will generate warmth for hours.

(Photo: Venture and Volt)

Sleeping Bag Jackets

Admit defeat. Give up on looking like a presentable member of society and don a wearable sleeping bag. Drastic weather calls for extreme measures—but you'll be warm and happy, so we can't judge you.

The Selk'bag will let you look like the Goodyear Man come to life, but man will you be toasty with the thermal collar, water-resistant finish, and insulated hood.

Or, cocoon yourself in the Poler Napsack, which you can sleep in or wear like a coat. You'll never have to leave the safety and warmth of your sleeping bag again.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Warmest Boots for Comfy, Cozy Winter Travel
• 8 Crazy-Fun Sports to Mix Up Your Winter
• 10 National Parks That Are Better in Winter

Caroline Morse is a Senior Editor for SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @travelwithcaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1 for trip inspiration.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

(Photo: Poler and Selk'bag)