real estate adviser: The Top 5 Gear Items That Helped Me Survive a Wintry Trip to Jackson, Wyoming

TRAVEL TODAY

Winter Gear

The Top 5 Gear Items That Helped Me Survive a Wintry Trip to Jackson, Wyoming

I'm not usually a "winter person." In fact, I'm known to hate it. Give me a hot, humid summer day over any season where I have to wear even a light jacket. On winter getaways, you can typically find me in fleece PJs relaxing by the fire.

However, this season, I have been invited to quite a few snowy destinations, most recently Jackson, Wyoming. When I arrived, I was slipping and sliding all over the place because my old combat boots just weren't cutting it. I was also freezing—it barely reached above 0 degrees Fahrenheit even on the warmest day. Luckily, I was able to try out some of the newest, top-of-the-line winter gear on the market during my trip, and what a difference it made! With a few key pieces, I went from "sitting this one out" to hitting the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and actually volunteering to go on a winter hike.

The main lessons I took away on how to enjoy the cold were to get shoes with good traction. Layers, too, are so important—as is finding an efficient way to take them all with you. Here are a few of my favorite gear items that helped me master the cold:

Altra Lone Peak Mid Hiking Boots: Did I mention my balance issues? Well, these shoes were an absolute game-changer! Known for their wider toe and balanced cushioning, Altra's Lone Peak hiking boots help feet sit more naturally, improve alignment, and lessen the impact on long hikes or runs. Plus, their patented TrailClaw canted lugs create extra grip for snowy or rocky surfaces.
Stio Women's Basis Seamless Tech Tight: Layers, layers, layers. That is how you beat the cold. And these are honestly some of the best leggings I've ever worn. Even in -11-degree weather, the thin base layer kept my legs nice and warm, and the poly-knit blend wicked moisture from snow and sweat to regulate my body temperature. The material is also unbelievably soft, making these my go-to leggings for regular gym workouts.
Khatoola EXOspikes Footwear Traction: Back to traction for one more second. Before I got the Altar shoes, I used Khatoola Exospikes, which were an actual life-saver during my winter walks. The traction spikes are connected to an elastic outer band that can be placed over any shoe, and there are different sizes to choose from depending on the type of terrain you're crossing.
Thule Subterra Luggage: I've always found it hard to pack for winter trips. I need several (thick) layers, which end up taking up twice the amount of space in my luggage. For this trip, I was able to test out Thule's Subterra carry-on spinner and 30L backpack, which together gave me more than enough room to bring everything I needed to survive the cold. With compression panels and secret pockets that allowed me to pack items last minute, both bags felt like a bottomless pit. Luggage in the Subterra line is also made with a durable exterior and water-resistant material, keeping everything safe and dry.

These are a few of the great items I got to try on my trip, but there are so many other items that can help you stay warm and have fun in the snow. For more ideas on how to make winter travel easier, check out some of TripSavvy's top-recommended gear below.

	Taylor McIntyre Senior Visual Editor

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.