How to Stay Warm During Skiing

I’m a big fan of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. I’m just not a fan of the cold, at all.

What once felt like an impossibility has become a reality in the past few years. Advancements in electric heated apparel really made many winter activities possible for me. I’m no longer cooped up in the house for months, instead I’m more confident than ever to go outside and just have fun. And its all due to using proper thermal and electric apparel, equipment and gadgets available on the market.

Skiing is an activity requiring plenty of flexibility and movement, which is always difficult if you need to wear 3 or more layers of clothing to get warm. I always felt like a suffocating grizzly wearing several shirts, sweaters and thick winter jackets. Truth be told, I felt silly.

With proper thermal and electric apparel I was able to get rid of heavy and bulky layers of clothing. Focusing heat on critical body parts and extremities can do wonders, and enjoying winter sports has never been more enjoyable for me.

I could barely force myself to visit Copper Mountain once or twice a year, but I’ve made dozens of trips over the last few years. It all changed once I started discovering all the different ways to stay toasty warm in wind and snow.

Below I’ll outline just some of the ways I learned to stay warm during skiing. The same can easily work for snowboarding, sleighing, snowball fights or whatever else your heart desires.

Thermal and compression under-layers

Wearing two t-shirts or two sweaters is extremely uncomfortable. It’s bulky and hinders your movement a great deal. Proper thermal compression underlayer is easily worth two layers of regular clothes, and it’s the main way I keep myself warm during winter.

Thermal under layers or underarmor will keep majority of heat generated by your body from escaping. Modern thermal underlayers are usually made of breathable materials which prevent excessive sweating, but at the same time your body heat doesn’t just evaporate like with regular materials. This ensures long lasting self-sustained heat which helps you stay warm during skiing or any winter activity.

I also always use compression apparel as well. Compression clothes fit snugly and do not cause me any discomfort or chafing at all. They don’t itch or get pulled down or up or anywhere they shouldn’t. This isn’t the case with regular cotton long johns people are used to wearing. Compression clothing also helps prevent muscle fatigue, which is very important for an intense physical activity such as skiing.

It can be difficult to go through your winter jacket and sweater and fix anything you’re wearing underneath it all. Not to mention taking off any outer layer of clothing in harsh cold can further expose your body to the elements. Compression clothing will stay put. Proper thermal compression layer is like wearing a second skin and besides feeling the heat, I don’t even know I have it on.

Make sure you see our entire Thermal Base Layer product category to find the best thermal pants and shirts for you!

Electric socks

Electric socks are possibly the best trick I learned for keeping myself warm. My feet are always cold, and low circulation in legs can make you always feel cold no matter the temperature. Even if its 60°F outside, if my feet are cold, I’ll be cold over my entire body.

Electric socks help me get warmed up quickly and they continue warming me up for hours. Most socks even on lower temperature settings are enough to prevent extreme cold feet. There’s no single piece of clothing that will keep you as warm as electric heated socks will.

When buying electric socks for skiing you need to first and foremost pay attention to battery placement. Batteries located at knee level or on waist are best as they won’t get in the way of your skiing boots.

If your budget allows you should strongly consider electric socks with remote control. Pulling down your thick skiing pants or boots in the middle of a slope to change heat settings is a huge inconvenience. Remote control will allow you to adjust temperature or turn socks on and off as you please.

Thermal socks

I  shouldn’t even have to mention it, but thermal socks are an absolute must have for skiing too. That is unless you have electric socks, which are far superior for my legs.

Thermal socks alone just never cut it for me. How are thermal socks supposed to keep my feet warm when they’re always stone cold? In extreme and ongoing cold my feet will never warm up making thermal socks useless. Electric socks actually generate heat which is otherwise absent and I wouldn’t trade them for any number of thermal sock pairs.

You can always wear two pairs of socks, one thermal and one electric. I find two pairs bulky and unnecessary and prefer to rely on electric ones, but if you have room in your skiing boots you can always double down.

Electric gloves

Regular thick thermal winter gloves are enough for most people, but if you need to go a step further you should consider electric heated gloves. Because honestly, why not? Your hands and fingers deserve to feel toasty warm regardless of the temperature.

Good pair of quality-made thermal gloves for skiing can easily cost nearly as much as these electric heated ones, so they’re worth taking a look at. You will likely never be skiing without gloves anyway, so gloves aren’t even an additional layer you need to put on.

Thermal hats

Fleece or wool, or some combination of warm thermal materials is crucial for the head. Keep your ears, forehead and scalp covered and your head will thank you many times over.

There are several decent electric heated hats available on the market, though I personally don’t find them particularly crucial to have. Unless I’m taking the hat off many times I can keep my head and ears warmed. But if you need an extra touch of warmth you can definitely consider it.

As long as your head is sufficiently covered it doesn’t matter whether you choose a regular or electric hat.

Balaclava – Ski mask

Wearing a balaclava felt very unusual at first, but I certainly got used to it fast. I’m not one for drawing any attention to myself, so walking around the city wearing a balaclava always attracts some unnecessary attention and unwelcome looks. But I figured, nobody knows who’s underneath it anyway so why should I feel embarrassed.

This of course isn’t too big of a deal while skiing since ski masks are common for this activity (thus the name). But I got so used to having my face warm that I often took walks around the city in one. If you don’t mind occasional weird looks, ski masks or balaclavas are absolutely fantastic to wear.

Ergodyne’s N-Ferno is no doubt the best head warming product you can get. You will not believe how warm it is and I absolutely recommend it! You will be convinced as soon as you check some of the immensely positive reviews it received. If you need your face to stay warm while skiing, this product is a must have.

For urban ninjas ZPbliss’s beanie hat with face cover is an excellent alternative. It’s an elegant beanie hat, but with an option to easily pull the face cover up or down. You can pull the mask over your whole face, just the mouth, or use it as a scarf to protect your neck.

Even with the cover down the mask still covers my ears and neck, and prevents that awful cold air from breathing down my neck. You just need to remember not to walk into a bank with one.

Skiing can be fun!

If you ever wanted to stay warm during skiing, snowboarding or other winter sports, many of the products outlined above will keep you protected and comfortable.

There’s really no reason anymore not to enjoy everything winter has to offer. With electric socks or gloves, thermal underlayers, balaclavas, wind-resistant jackets, or hats and face covers, you can completely isolate yourself from winds and cold and enjoy skiing and other snow activities and sports.

Best Electric Socks For Christmas Gifts

Electric socks make for a wonderful Christmas gift. Christmas season is an exciting time for anyone who enjoys giving or receiving presents. Surprising your friends or family with an electric heated product can be tremendous fun and definitely unexpected.

Quality electric heated socks are a product which the recipient will use for multiple seasons, so your gift will no doubt be enjoyed for years to come. Recipients can get a warm feeling in their feet every time they get cold feet and think of you, and what more can you ask from a Christmas present.

If you’re shopping for Christmas gifts and considering electric socks, here are a few things to pay attention to!

Don’t go for the cheapest product

Extremely cheap electric socks are usually not a great idea for a present. You don’t want to gift a product which will break down before the winter is over, so I recommend spending a few extra bucks to get a product with high customer reviews which will last longer.

Rechargeable batteries are recommended

You should also consider batteries. Having replaceable AA batteries is convenient for everyone, but AA powered socks are typically not nearly as good as rechargeable battery ones.

Don’t forget about anniversaries, birthdays, and many other occasions when you can gift replacement rechargeable batteries if your recipients enjoy and use the product you gifted.

Top Electric Socks 2018/2019 Season

All that being said, here’s a few of our top electric socks for this season which can be fantastic Christmas presents!

1 – Mobile Warming Heated Electric Socks

Mobile Warming’s electric socks are one of the best on the market. They feature rechargeable batteries and provide up to 11 hours of heating.

Their most prominent feature is a handy remote control. Remote control allows you to regulate heat levels and turn the socks on or off whenever you please. No more pulling down pants or reaching for battery packs!

Biggest downside to Mobile Warming socks is their price. If you’re buying electric socks for the entire family or several friends the price is probably unacceptable for most people, but if you want to show a loved one that you care they are the best electric socks you can currently buy.

2 – Flambeau Heated Socks

Flambeau electric socks are cheaper than Mobile Warming’s, but they can still keep your toes toasty. Flambeau socks feature rechargeable li-ion batteries and heating on toe area.

Batteries on Flambeau heated socks last from 5 to 7 hours depending on heat levels used.

3 – Global Vasion Battery Heated Socks

Global Vasion’s electric socks are one of the best sellers, and they offer quite a bit considering their price. These are one of the cheapest electric socks but with excellent reviews from many satisfied customers.

Global Vasion heated socks provide heat on front instep. Batteries last from 3 to 6 hours depending on which of the three heat settings you choose.

Alternative to electric socks: Heated Insoles

If for some reason you think electric socks won’t be a welcome Christmas gift, consider electric insoles. For keeping toes happy and warm heated insoles can work just as well.

When comparing prices and customer reviews, ThermaCell heated insoles offer the best for your money.

ThermaCell electric insoles have rechargeable batteries, and a handy remote control allowing their user to regulate heat levels on demand.

Must Read Advice For Buying Electronic Socks

Buying electric heated socksElectrically heated socks are a great way to keep your feet warm. They are used for a variety of different hobbies and lines of work, with many styles and models to choose from. When picking out an accessory to keep your feet warm, it is strongly recommended that care is taken while taking the vast models into consideration, as slight differences can make wearing them uncomfortable. While these differences are very slight, they cause huge changes depending on what you’re using them for, such as thickness, durability, and material.

Some things to take into consideration when purchasing electrically heated socks are what you’re going to be using them for, how long you’re going to need them, and how much money you’re willing to invest in a pair, as the twenty dollar pair you pick up from Walmart is not going to stack up to the hundred dollar pair you can purchase from a specialty store, depending on what you’re going to use them for. If you’re planning on using these on hour long hunting trips in the blizzard, you probably should spend your money on a pair that features a rechargeable battery, as carrying around some extra batteries could be rather annoying. However, on the flip side, if you’re just planning on using them around the house, there are models out now that feature an AC adapter, so you can plug them into any wall socket, and enjoy the warmness the socks protrude.

As far as cost goes, if you’re really counting on the product, go for quality, and spend the extra money, although cheaper models are relatively inexpensive, so they are replaceable for a low cost. Higher prices models now usually feature a temperature control, so if your feet are too warm, you can turn down the heat, or vice versa if needed. Also, different models may have different thicknesses. So, if the plan is to go hiking or mountain biking, you may want to choose a thinner style, depending on the conditions that you will be facing. The thinner styles are generally made from pure cotton, so they’re still warm, but offer more flexibility than the thicker wool styles, which are great for being in the cold for hours on end.

One important thing to note about the socks, as they carry electronics, they are indeed washable. However, do not throw them into the washer with other clothes by any means. They need to be washed by hand, and hung dry, so the electronics do not get damaged. It is also recommended that an extra pair of socks is worn before putting the electronic heated sock, because the metal inside of the sock could potentially cause burns on the foot if they’re worn for long periods of time.

All in all, if you’re interested in keeping your feet warm in cold conditions, electronically heated socks work great. Please take consideration while looking at these, though they are great products, they are not for everyone. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, an extra pair of wool socks may do you justice, but you may still feel the cold.

How Electronic Heating Socks Work

How electronic heated socks workElectronic heating socks are used by many people for a variety of different reasons ranging from working in cold conditions, hunting, and even just having cold feet around the house due to poor circulation, arthritis, and a number of other different variables that cause discomfort due to cold feet. A lot of people don’t like them, because of how they work. But exactly how do they work?

Basically, the electronic sock works by having a D-Cell battery, or a higher grade rechargeable battery, run electrical currents through wire, that are fashioned around the area that are around where the bottom of your foot would be placed, if worn properly. When turned on and the battery connected, electricity warms the wire, in turn, warming the foot and toes. A lot of models now come with an AC adapter that plugs into an ordinary wall socket, instead of running off of bulky batteries that need to be recharged over time.

The materials that are used in these socks vary from product to product, however, most models feature the same type of metal found in electric blankets, which is a resistive wire that generates heat when electricity is running through it. Generally, they are made with either wool, or a pure cotton material, depending on the make that is purchased. It is highly recommended that with whatever conditions you’re using heated socks in, that you wear a thin sock, so the heating elements have no direct contact with your feet, because that could cause burns over extended periods of use.

There are several models to choose from, ranging from a thick wool for long hunting trips or work days in the cold, to a thin cotton, that is meant to fit inside smaller, athletic shoes for hiking, mountain biking, or other sports. Like I stated earlier, there are also models out there that are a medium sized thickness that are made for chronic cold feet due to a number of different issues, which are usually used around the house.

As far as the battery goes, it really varies, as technology is always advancing, and needs are always changing due to the market. Some less expensive models feature a D-Cell battery, while more exquisite models feature either an AC adapter, or a rechargeable battery. The more expensive makes also usually feature a control box that can be used to control the heat of the socks. The battery is mainly fashioned on the inside of the calf in a hideaway, so it doesn’t cause irritation, or weigh the socks down. However, with the less expensive models are said to have cheaper elastics, so the battery weighs down on the calf, making the sock ride down.

Long story short, whether you’re ice fishing in Alaska, working a blizzard in the mountains, hunting for hours in below freezing temperatures, or have any issues with feet that just won’t stay warm, these relatively new electronically heated socks could potentially save your feet from uncomfortable conditions, or even save you from losing toes, or getting blisters from cold conditions.

Top Reasons For Using Electric Heated Socks

Why buy electric socksUnbearable climates, poor circulation, or even just a cold house can all be causes contributing to cold feet. However, with that being said, a great idea for tackling the uncomfortableness is the electronic heated sock. These products are used in a variety of different scenarios, ranging from hunting in below zero temperatures for hours, working in harsh, cold conditions, and to chronically cold feet due to arthritis, poor circulation, and other problems that can arise.

Instead of wearing multiple pairs of socks at the same time, a lot of people that hunt, fish, hike, or do any other hobbies in below zero conditions, have turned to heated socks for their convenience and warmth. They are easy to use, you don’t have to wear multiple pairs of socks, and they last four hours, which is great for treading around in freezing cold weather. Generally, the models that are out now for these activities are made with thick wool, which features either a rechargeable, or a replaceable battery, which is very convenient.

Hunting and other strenuous activities are not the only hobbies that the socks are used for. Other outdoor enthusiasts that use these also have a choice for a thinner version, which can fit easier in shoes, which work great for mountain biking, hiking, work, and other hobbies. These specific models are usually made with pure cotton, which does a great job of insulating the shoe, so warmth doesn’t escape.

People that suffer with arthritis, diabetes, and other poor circulation problems can also benefit from using electric socks. If you’re having issues with your feet staying cold no matter what you do, these work wonders. If keeping a fresh battery on hand isn’t efficient, there are models out there that feature an AC adapter, which can plug into your wall outlet, so you can enjoy lasting warmth wherever you are in your home.

One great thing about electric socks is that the battery can last for hours, so you can continue doing whatever it is that you’re doing for a long period of time. Most newer, more expensive models feature a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to carry around extra batteries wherever you’re going. Also, if the one electronic sock is not giving you the warmth you need, you can always wear an extra liner sock, to help keep the warmth in. And, they’re washable, too! Just be sure you don’t throw them in with your normal load of laundry. They need to be hand washed, and hung dry, to ensure the electronics do not get damaged in the process.

Whether you’re going on a long, cold hunting trip, working in blizzard conditions, or just lounging around in your house with cold feet, these electronic socks can definitely be a benefit to you. Be sure to use care whenever they’re used, and treat them properly, and they should last you a long time. They can definitely be a wise choice, and a great investment, to take care of your cold feet issues.

How To Wash Your Electric Heated Socks

This is a pretty straightforward advice, but one that should be noted as I’ve heard of plenty of people that put their heated socks in the washing machine and end up ruining them. Never wash your electric heated socks in a washing machine!

Instead, you need to hand-wash them carefully to make sure the wiring doesn’t get damaged in any way. Most heated socks are pretty durable but a machine wash can easily ruin them so make sure you always wash them manually. Rinse them slowly and wring them as tightly as you can, and make sure you don’t damage anything.

As mentioned electronic socks aren’t very delicate but taking good care of them will make sure they don’t get ruined very soon. When drying them simply lay them out flat somewhere, and make sure they don’t come into contact with pets or direct heat. If you need to dry them faster place them in front of a fan.

This will ensure your socks last as long as possible.

What Are Electric Heated Socks, And Why Use Them

Electronic heated socks have grown in popularity immensely over the past few years and continue to be used extensively for all kinds of activities. These socks are used by both men and women of all ages to keep their feet warm for various reasons and activities:

  • Sports such as skiing, sledding, fishing, football, hunting
  • Outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, or even dog walking
  • Hobbies such as hiking, running, camping, airsoft
  • Outdoor jobs such as a security guard, military, police, roofers, carpenters

Basically any outdoor activity you can think of can be more enjoyable by having your feet warm. It’s not just for geeks, these socks are nowadays used by military professionals and regular people just enjoying a day outside. Even senior citizens and people with chronically cold feet are frequently using heated electric socks to keep their extremities warm at all times.

Electronically heated socks are powered by batteries and keep your feet temperature high for hours, depending on the model or manufacturer. Typically it last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, with some models having additional or replaceable batteries that you can use if the power runs out.

These socks work in a similar fashion as electric blankets. Small wires inside the socks can’t even be felt by the wearer so they won’t interfere with walking in any way. There might be a small bulge where the battery is placed depending on the type of heated sock you get, but it’s usually located in a place where you can safely ignore it.