Jamie Ditaranto is a traveler in a love triangle with writing and photography. Follow the drama on Twitter @jamieditaranto and Instagram @jamieditaranto.
Ditaranto joined SmarterTravel in 2015. She loves ecotourism, cities with history, and discovering local hangouts. Though she likes all the continents equally, she holds a special place in her heart for rainy little islands.
Her work has also appeared online at USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and other publications. You can check out her photography on her website.
The Handy Item I Always Pack: "My instant camera comes in handy for giving instant gifts to new friends."
Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Befriending penguins in Antarctica."
Travel Motto: "You have to get the hard places out of the way first."
Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "On short flights, the window. For long flights, the aisle."
It doesn’t matter if you’re embracing your inner Olympian or just trying to stay warm on a leisurely city stroll, packing the right thermal wear is vital.
Thermal Wear for Winter Travel
These must-have pieces of thermal wear will help you stay warm from head to toe this winter.
JTTVO Tactical Balaclava Hood
Ever wish you could wear a balaclava without looking like you’re about to rob a bank? Keep your face warm this winter with the JTTVO Tactical Balaclava Hood. This adjustable hood will fit nicely underneath your winter coat and comes in handy whether you’re hitting the slopes or just trying to make it through a blustery commute.
If you’re looking for something that will keep you warm without adding to much bulk to your outfit, check out the Ibex Crew Shirts for women and men. These long-sleeved shirts made of merino wool offer a close fit that won’t feel restrictive thanks to the rib-knit fabric.
Mid-Weight: Minus 33 Merino Wool
For a base layer made to tackle the cold weather, look to Minus 33 for mid-weight thermal wear. Made of 100 percent Merino, these crew shirts for women and men are super soft and can still fit comfortably under a lightweight T-shirt.
When it comes to thermal leggings, you want to avoid anything too constricting, which is why we like these Merino Jersey Tights from Outdoor Voices. They’re soft and very breathable with an anti-microbial waistband.
Leggings for Men: Icebreaker Men’s Everyday Leggings
Guys, don’t let the word “leggings” scare you away. The Every Day Leggings from Icebreaker offer extraordinary content thanks to the ribbed Merino fabric flat lock seams, which reduce chafing. They are also very thin, which makes them perfect thermal wear for any winter occasion.
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you have to forgo your party clothes. Just pack some specialized layering thermal wear basics like these top and bottom pieces from Angelina and you’ll be ready to hit the town no matter how low the temperature is. They’ll provide an extra layer of warmth under a dress.
Fleece-Lined Tights
If you want to go the extra mile with thermal wear, make sure you travel with a pair of fleece-lined tights. Not only do they provide an extra layer of insulation, they’re also very soft and cozy.
Do your feet a favor and insulate them with some heated socks. These thick wooly socks are designed to keep pouches of warm air close to your skin, keeping you warmer longer. Pair them with some good winter boots and you’ll be walking warm all winter long.
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Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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