Living in the Midwest, This Winter Gear Keeps Me Cozy on Walks Even at -10 Degrees

Shoveling snow and navigating icy sidewalks are one thing, but the real challenge of Midwest winters is mustering the willpower to stick to my 4-mile outdoor walks—a habit my summer self was overly optimistic about. Yet, I persist.

Treadmills are a no-go for me, and after hours at my desk, I crave a breath of fresh, albeit freezing, air. Completing the walk always leaves me feeling accomplished. To silence the voice urging me to stay curled up by the fire, I’ve gathered a range of outdoor gear that makes braving the cold a little less intimidating.

While a winter coat and warm boots are obvious necessities, they’re not sufficient for extended walks. I add layers like thigh-high socks, a neck warmer, heavy-duty gloves, and additional items such as compression sleeves and fleece-lined leggings. Below, find my top picks for outdoor winter gear that keeps me warm during Midwest winters, with prices starting at just $8.

Writer-Approved Winter Outdoor Essentials

• Iuga Fleece-Lined Leggings, $25 (was $30)
• Trendoux Touch-Screen Gloves, $9 (was $14)
• Unihand Rechargeable Hand Warmers, $25 (was $30)
• Rosoz Ponytail Beanie, $9 (was $10)
• Blitzu Calf Compression Sleeves, $10
• NovForth Winter Neck Warmer, $18
• Moerdeng Women's Long Winter Puffer Coat, $80
• Moon Wood Thigh High Socks, $10
• Senllen Balaclava Cold Weather Fleece Ski Mask, $15 (was $25)

Iuga Fleece-Lined Leggings

Without fleece-lined leggings, I’m certain I wouldn’t finish my walks. These soft, stretchy leggings trap body heat, making me warmer the longer I walk and raise my body temperature. Available in multiple colors, they also feature two side pockets large enough for a phone, freeing up coat pockets for your hands.

Trendoux Touch Screen Gloves

These touch screen-friendly gloves combine warmth and functionality. Crafted from acrylic and spandex, they’re thicker than expected, ensuring my hands stay cozy no matter how long I’m outdoors. Three fingertips on each glove work with touch screens, and the silicone palm grip prevents my phone from slipping into the snow.

Unihand Rechargeable Hand Warmers

When it’s too cold to exercise outside, but the temperature is just bearable, rechargeable hand warmers are a game-changer. With a heat range of 95-130 degrees Fahrenheit, they fit snugly in your palm and even under stretchy gloves.

Rosoz Ponytail Beanie

I bought this ponytail beanie a few years ago, and it’s still my top winter hat. Just style your hair in a ponytail or bun, slide the hat on, and pull it through the top hole. While the hole makes it less warm than other hats, especially in sub-zero temperatures, it’s perfect for indoor use and errands since it prevents overheating.

Blitzu Calf Compression Sleeves

I use these calf compression sleeves every day for health reasons, but they also provide extra warmth during winter. Made from nylon and spandex, they fit comfortably under socks and thick leggings. While their primary function is to enhance blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue, they’re especially helpful in cold weather.

NovForth Winter Neck Warmer

When scarves fall short, this neck warmer makes freezing temperatures bearable. It can be worn as a turtleneck or pulled up to shield your nose and mouth from icy air. “I didn’t feel the near-zero wind chill during my morning dog walks,” one five-star reviewer shared. “I didn’t even need to zip my coat all the way.”

Moerdeng Women’s Long Winter Puffer Coat

While I love a stylish winter coat, warmth takes priority over fashion for outdoor walks. This long puffer coat might not be the most fashionable, but it excels in functionality. Featuring down cotton fill, fleece lining, an oversized hood, and windproof cuffs, it’s also waterproof, ensuring snow and rain don’t interrupt my walks.

Moon Wood Thigh High Socks

I originally bought these thigh-high socks for indoor use, but they’ve become my go-to for walks. Made from cotton and stretchy yarn, they cover most of my legs and stay securely in place even during brisk walks. They’re thick enough to provide warmth but thin enough to layer under leggings or jeans.

Senllen Balaclava Cold Weather Fleece Ski Mask

When winter hits hard, this fleece ski mask becomes a crucial part of my outfit. It layers over a winter hat and scarf, shielding my face and neck from wind and snow. Soft, breathable, and snow-repellent, it keeps me dry even when it feels like I’m walking through a snow globe.