Cold temperatures, snow, and ice make it more challenging—and sometimes less safe—to walk outdoors. But with proper preparation, you can still walk confidently and comfortably in winter months.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
One fortunate aspect of living in the D.C. Metro area is that, even in winter, temperatures rarely drop to a level that’s dangerously cold for outdoor activity. That being said, during a difficult winter, it can still get cold enough in Arlington to warrant caution when walking, biking, or engaging in other outdoor activities, such as shoveling snow. The American Red Cross provides the following guidelines for temperatures considered safe for most people to be outdoors:
- Windchill over 32 degrees Fahrenheit: Safe for most people1
- Windchill of 13–31 degrees Fahrenheit: Limit time outdoors to 20–30 minutes before going indoors to warm up
- Windchill of less than 13 degrees: Stay indoors as much as possible
While local temperatures often vary significantly from one day to the next, with appropriate attire, you should be able to continue walking most days through Arlington’s coldest winter months.
Dressing for the Weather: Layering and Staying Dry Are Key!
Dressing in layers and staying dry are key for winter walking. Your wardrobe should include a midweight base layer (a thermal top and a pair of bottoms), a mid-layer (your clothing), and a shell (your coat). Even if you don’t always need three layers, it’s good to have these items on hand.
In colder temperatures, avoid wearing cotton, which retains moisture and is not insulating. Cotton socks, jeans, denim jackets, and cotton thermals are not the best choices. Instead, opt for items made of synthetics, such as polyester; wool, including merino, alpaca, and cashmere; and fleece. Jeans will not keep you warmest in winter, especially if they get wet, but they can work if they are looser fitting and can accommodate a base layer underneath. Corduroy, although made of cotton and cotton blends, retains heat because of its distinctive “cord” pattern, making it a good option.
A down or fleece-lined jacket or a wool coat will keep you warm. A leather jacket is good for blocking wind, but unless it is lined with an insulating material, it may not work well when temperatures dip below 40 degrees (also, leather jackets aren’t inherently waterproof, so you’d need to treat a leather jacket with a waterproof spray or wear something over it to protect it in heavy snow or rain).
Don’t Overlook Your Extremities
It’s a myth that you lose most of your body heat through your head. As Cleveland Clinic points out, you lose body heat through exposed skin. For adults, the head accounts for about 10 percent of your skin, resulting in much less heat loss than you may have believed. For children, the head makes up a greater proportion of their bodies than adults, making them lose more heat without a hat than an adult.
Myths aside, covering exposed skin in winter, including your head and hands, will still keep you warmer. If you are reluctant to wear a hat because you don’t want to flatten your hair, consider a silk or satin-lined beanie or a hat that is looser-fitting. Several sources state that silk and satin-lined hats create less friction than other materials and will prevent static and breakage and help your hair retain moisture. You can also try a hood, headband, or earmuffs. While a headband and earmuffs offer less coverage, they are still effective.
The best gloves for winter are water- and windproof. They should have a protective outer shell and be lined with materials like fleece and wool. If you’ll need to access your phone while you’re out-and-about, having gloves that are touchscreen-compatible may be important to you. Mittens and lobster-claw gloves are warmer than regular gloves but may not be the best choice if you’ll need to do things requiring more dexterity.
Wool or synthetic socks will keep your feet warmer and drier than cotton socks. Thick, waterproof socks are excellent for keeping your feet warm and dry in the worst conditions. Good winter footwear should provide warmth, traction, waterproofing, and support. If there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground requiring boots, consider purchasing a pair of trail running shoes, which offer excellent traction and flexibility. Some brands of trail running shoes are less expensive than road running shoes or snow boots.
Staying Safe on Your Winter Walk
Once you have organized your wardrobe, you can consider yourself well-prepared for whatever conditions winter sends your way. If walking is part of your commute—walking to a bus stop, Metro, or to your workplace itself—carry your dress shoes or keep them at your place of work and wear your walking shoes until you arrive. Allow time to change clothes (e.g., remove your base layer) when you arrive at your destination, if needed.
If temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you may encounter ice on your walk. Black ice—a thin, transparent layer of ice that is very slippery—often forms in shaded areas, on bridges, or in situations where refreezing has occurred (e.g., snow melted during the day but then refroze overnight when temperatures dropped).
Besides having proper footwear, many source say you can reduce your chances of slipping on ice by walking like a penguin—arms outstretched, with your toes pointed outward, taking small steps. Other experts recommend marching—lifting your feet (not shuffling) and taking short steps. If there is fresh snow, you can avoid falls by walking on the snow instead of the pavement. A trekking pole or two can also help with stability when walking around town in snowy and icy conditions—you don’t have to be a hiker to use them! If it’s icy and you’re still unsure about going out, stay home or telework if you can.
Staying Hydrated
A final consideration for your winter walks is to remember to stay hydrated. Drink before and after you reach your destination or carry a water bottle. Even though you aren’t dealing with summertime heat and humidity, your body is still working and in need of water. Numerous sources point to the importance of staying hydrated in winter for a host of reasons: indoor heat is dehydrating; cold air masks thirst sensations; and while layering will keep you warm, it can also make you sweat, and you’ll need to drink more to replenish fluids lost.
**
Motivating yourself to get out the door on a cold-weather walk is often the biggest challenge. If you are properly dressed, you will be comfortable, and being outdoors and walking in the fresh air will be exhilarating—good for your physical and mental health! With a little effort to prepare, you’ll be glad you chose to keep walking through winter.
- These thresholds may not be correct for infants and older adults, as well as people with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory conditions. If you are not sure what is best for you, check with a healthcare professional.
About the Author
