Winter is my favorite season, but let's be honest, it can be brutal. I've spent years trying to find the right gear to stay warm and comfortable, especially when it comes to finding the perfect winter hat. I've learned a lot along the way, and I'm excited to share my experiences with you. From battling freezing temperatures to searching for stylish and functional headwear, I've got you covered!
Living in Calgary, I know a thing or two about cold weather. One year, I was on a mission to find the perfect beanie. I had a specific style in mind: something well-made, durable, and, of course, stylish. I remembered seeing some nice ones online, specifically Pistil beanies. They looked fantastic, but finding them in Calgary proved to be a bit of a challenge.
My first stop was The Bay. I figured they'd have a decent selection, and they did, but nothing quite caught my eye. Next, I tried Simon's, which had a slightly different vibe, but still not the perfect fit. I even ventured out to Eddie Bauer, hoping for some rugged, reliable options. While they had some solid choices, I was still on the hunt for that one beanie.
Then, a friend suggested Mooseknuckles in Chinook Mall. I knew they were a bit pricier than my usual go-to's, but I decided to check them out anyway. They had some really cool-looking hats, and I almost pulled the trigger. However, something still felt like it was missing.
I remembered seeing a recommendation for Pistil beanies online. Someone mentioned they are well-made and last for years, even with daily wear. The only downside was the limited availability in Calgary and the slightly higher price point. But, knowing I'd wear it every day during the winter months, I decided to invest in one. I found a store locator on their website and finally tracked one down. It was worth the effort! The quality is amazing, and it’s become my go-to winter hat.
A few years ago, I spent a winter in Helsinki. Let me tell you, that's a whole different level of cold! I quickly realized that my usual winter gear wasn't going to cut it. I needed to rethink my entire strategy for staying warm. The biggest issue was my toes were constantly freezing! I was desperate for solutions that wouldn't break the bank.
The key, I learned, was layering. Instead of relying on one super-heavy jacket, I started wearing multiple layers of clothing. This made a huge difference! I also realized that my regular sneakers weren't doing the trick. Even with thick socks, my feet were always cold. I needed proper winter shoes with enough room for warm socks.
Someone suggested checking out local flea markets for second-hand clothing. That was a brilliant idea! I managed to find a really warm jacket for a fraction of the price of a new one. Of course, I didn't buy shoes or socks second-hand, but the jacket was a lifesaver.
I also discovered the magic of wool socks. I started wearing wool socks over my regular socks, and it made a world of difference. My feet were finally warm! And I learned that mittens are much warmer than gloves, especially windproof ones. I even saw some leather mittens with soft fur inside on sale for under 20 euros. That’s a steal!
I also heard about Motonet, a store that sells affordable clothing, mostly hunting gear. I picked up a pair of gloves there, and they are incredibly warm and high quality. They also had merino wool socks, which I highly recommend.
After my experiences in Calgary and Helsinki, I've put together a list of winter wardrobe essentials that I swear by: