Tired of buying a pair of new boots or a new shovel every winter? That’s what you get when you grab the cheapest model at the grocery store or mini-mart. A quality product may cost a bit more up front, but in the end it’s more than worth it. Make an investment in your future and save yourself the shopping hassle.
THE SNOWPLOW SNOW PUSHER
Price: $59.99 | Buy it from Northern Tool & Equipment Invest in this lightweight-yet-durable, 36-inch model, which is praised as easy to handle, virtually indestructible, and rustproof. Countless five-star reviews (from snow-heavy states including Pennsylvania and Minnesota) back the descriptions.
MEN’S MOUNTAIN CLASSIC DOWN VEST
Price: $129 | Buy it from L.L.BeanA down vest is an autumn-to-spring staple for many men, and this style from L.L. Bean comes in sizes small to XXL in two styles and two colors. Ideal for Friday night football or a weekend camping trip, the vest features the trademark Bean Tested DownTek insulation, designed to keep a guy warm even in wet conditions.
1000 LUMEN BROADBEAM LED LANTERN
Price: $40 | Buy it from LuxPro Whether it’s for your camping getaway or to light the kitchen during a winter-storm power outage, this battery-operated model features a brightness dial so you can adjust the strength, plus an easy-to-carry rubberized metal grip that allows for easy hanging on hook or branch.
MAGLITE ML50L LED FLASHLIGHT ADVENTURE PACK
Price: $68 | Buy it from MagliteMag Instrument has been in business since 1979, supplying its durable flashlights to thousands of law-enforcement officers, first responders, military personnel, and everyday consumers. This LED C-Cell model, a severe-weather suggestion, features a multi-mode electronic switch, advanced focus system, and runs up to 112 hours on its Eco-Mode.
VORNADO 1500-WATT FAN UTILITY ELECTRIC SPACE HEATER
Price: $130 | Buy it from LowesEveryone has that person in their family who is never warm enough in winter, no matter how high the heat is on. Give them a boost — or set this up in a garage workshop — to take that chill off. It’s complete with two heat settings, thermostat, remote (energy saving) setting, and also includes safety tip-over and over-heat protection — all backed by a five-year satisfaction guarantee.
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FIRST LIGHT HOODY
Price: $249 | Buy it from Black Diamond EquipmentWhen it’s time to hit the slopes, ladies can do it with smarts — and style. The award-winning First Light Hoody is designed for movement up and down the mountain and has lightweight Schoeller construction as well as PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active baffling. Buyers will love the company’s apparel warranty policy: “We trust what we make because we use what we make. If for any reason, you’re not 100% satisfied with your Black Diamond apparel, we’ll repair, replace, or refund it. No charge. No fine print. No debate. Guaranteed.”
STAINLESS STEEL STOCKPOT
Price: from $160 to $280 | Buy it from Le Creuset of AmericaWhat’s winter without a steaming bowl of soup? Le Creuset’s stockpot, with capacities from 4 to 11 quarts, features the same European craftsmanship that’s been a trademark of the company’s cast-iron products for decades. This model features tri-ply construction to conduct and distribute heat evenly and has ergonomic side handles to make lifting and transferring easier.
COMPACT BIRDWATCHING BINOCULARS
Price: $135 | Buy it from Wingspan OpticsA premium lifetime warranty is included with the Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 Compact Bird Watching Binoculars with ED Glass. They’re lightweight, ultra-HD and highly-rated on website reviews. They may be billed as a product for birders, but take them along to sporting events and concerts, too.
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FISHERMAN’S SOLUTION KNIFE
Price: $99 | Buy it CutcoCutco’s Forever Guarantee says, “If you are ever not satisfied with a product, we’ll make it right.” So buy the ice-fisherman in your life this must-have tool that features an extendable, flexible stainless-steel blade, pivoting sheath, a built-in line cutter and hook sharpener. Even better, it’s made in America.
STAINLESS KING TRAVEL TUMBLER AND FOOD JAR
Price: $42.99 | Buy it from Thermos The trademarked Stainless King 16-ounce Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler and Food Jar from Thermos will keep your sitting-in-the-stands time warm and cozy. Fill these retro-inspired products with hot cocoa, chili, or anything else to ward off the chill. Thermos is also committed to ensuring high-quality products, so it says, “If you’re dissatisfied for any reason, we want to make it right.”
THROWBACK MOVIE THEATRE POPCORN MACHINE WITH CART
Price: $300 | Buy it from Williams-SonomaToo cold, rainy or snowy to head out to the local multiplex? Settle in for movie night at home — and pull out all the stops with this retro-inspired snack machine. Its tour-de-force design lets you serve up your own kettle-fresh popcorn in an atmosphere imbued with nostalgia. What’s a microwave?
AVOCA CHECKED WOOL THROW
Price: $239 | Buy it from OrvisOrvis’ 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy adds an extra layer of comfort to the splurge purchase of this soft cashmere/wool blend herringbone-checked throw blanket, available in three colors, all handwoven in Ireland. Adding to the pedigree, the wool mill Avoca has roots in the 18th century.
MEN’S K-6 BOOT
Price: $120 | Buy it from Eddie BauerEddie Bauer’ has reintroduced its K-6 hiking boot, a design that first appeared in the company’s 1964 catalog. Billed as “a boot that will last a lifetime,” it features waterproof full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction. Step with confidence.
KAMBER 42
Price: $190 | Buy it from OspreyOsprey products are guaranteed forever, making the Kamber 42 a smart choice for those whose winters include skiing, mountaineering, and hut trips. The pack features easy access to snow safety gear and space for the essentials needed on technical ascents. The pulls are also glove-friendly, ideal for those frigid days.
BLACK MAT PRO YOGA MAT
Price: $110 to $136 | Buy it from MandukaFor those whose winter workouts take place indoors, consider Manduka’s trademark Black Mat Pro, which is guaranteed to last a lifetime if used and cared for properly. It’s an ultra-dense and spacious performance mat designed to offer unmatched comfort and cushioning. It comes in two sizes — standard and extra long.
KIDS EXPEDITION GLOVES
Price: $35 | Buy it from Lands’ EndLittle ones won’t want to lose these snowball-proof and smartphone-ready gloves. These waterproof accessories are designed to keep junior hands warm and dry, with an elastic wrist “rip and grip” adjustable strap.
ELITE MAX CUSHION NO SHOW TAB SOCK
Price: $16 | Buy it from FeeturesFeetures socks offer targeted compression, anatomical design, seamless toes, and carry a lifetime guarantee. Available in seven colors, the Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Sock for women is designed for performance and comfort — ideal for the year-round runner who doesn’t let the winter slow her down.
JACKSON ULTIMA WOMEN’S MYSTIQUE FIGURE SKATES
Price: $130 | Buy it from Dick’s Sporting GoodsIf you nursed an Olympic dream that never came true, treat yourself to a return spin on the ice with these skates, which feature a foam-backed tongue cover and additional ankle padding for comfort, plus a layered sole to absorb shocks.
THE BIGGER CARRY-ON
Price: $475 | Buy it from AwayTravelWhether the winter finds you traveling to visit family for the holidays or jetting off on an island getaway, The Aluminum Edition of The Bigger Carry-On may be the perfect smart-bag travel companion. This model from Away is an unbreakable, thoughtful design that’s guaranteed for life. Pus, its ejectable battery is compliant with all airline policies.
NONSTICK GRIDDLE
Price: $43 | Buy it from CalphalonImagine it… a lazy Sunday morning, snow gently falling outside, and a stack of pancakes ready to be devoured. Serve up such a comforting meal with this Contemporary Nonstick 11-inch Square Griddle. It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, and works equally well for French toast as grilled cheese.
MADE IN USA BEANIE
Price: $40 | Buy it from The North FaceCap any winter outing with this unisex beanie. It’s crafted entirely within the USA, knit in New Jersey from ultra-warm and naturally breathable wool and accented with a Kentucky-made label. The versatile waffle-knit design features a darted closure on top of the crown and comes in four colors, each carrying a lifetime guarantee.
