What To Wear: Winter Road Trip (His)
As Hayley mentioned, while driving cross-country, we left the vast majority of our packed bags in the UHaul. Thankfully, there were some items that I kept with me in the car. Most of these things I still use almost every day, especially in winter. All of the items I have chosen have been with me across Alaska, through the desert, and of course, across the country on our road trip. I’m not one for shopping for a lot of items, but when I do buy things, I make sure that they are quality and will stand the test of time. Below are my selections for what I felt was most important on our trip and what I would bring with me time and again.
1. Hayley made me bring this kit, and I have to say, it was a great decision. Having good soap and shampoo that doesn’t dry out your skin when going through the different terrains was great. About the second day in, my lips started cracking and my skin was flaking. This helped majorly. Plus, I think she appreciated my being clean when being stuck in the car together.
2. Keeping beverages hot or cold on the road is one of the small things that makes life more enjoyable. My yeti rambler's got an almost permanent spot in the cup holder of my truck. Don't underestimate its value for keeping beer cold on desert camping trips either.
3. The pima cotton Grana sweater's my go-to. It's hard wearing, soft and cozy, and their manufacturing exudes quality. Having a good sweatshirt layer on the road is invaluable as conditions change quickly as the miles add up.
4. I've got a love hate/relationship with raw denim. I'm not a denimhead, and I think raw is overhyped, but I appreciate the quality of materials and craftsmanship that go into a pair of APCs. They're uncomfortably stiff for the first month of wear, but treated correctly will break in, fitting you as if it was made to measure. My last pair of raw jeans lasted 8 years of constant rotation, never so much as requiring a repair, and were to date the most comfortable pants I owned.
5. Having a warm, repliable coat is essential, both on the road and in New York. This North Face coat kept me warm in even the coldest of climates on the road. I surely would’ve froze without it.
6. A nice set of gloves can be the difference between comfort and misery when you're in cold conditions. I love these from Upstate Stock gloves as their palms are leather reinforced, but they still have a good look. They're equally as comfortable chopping some wood by the campfire as they are around the city.
7. American Apparel Tee's are a great basic, especially the 50/50. As a tip - buy these from third party retailers as you can frequently get them cheaper than from the American Apparel store itself.
8. I've owned multiple pairs of Timberland boots over the years, and to date they're the most reliable brand I've owned when both comfort and durability are considered. This american made boot is goodyear welted for easy repairs and resoling, and should last you a decade with proper care.
9. Filson bags are a staple of outdoorsmen and have been since 1897. The Seattle based company produces some of the most rock solid clothing and luggage that I've ever encountered. The large duffle has a rectangular as opposed to rounded shape, making it friendlier to tetris in while packing a car for a road trip.
10. A beanie is both perfect for keeping your head warm, and hiding the fact you're not concerned with combing your hair on the road. The Everlane cashmere beanie is soft and fits the bill perfectly.
11. The Everlane scarf travels with me whenever it's cold. It's wide enough that if need be it can be wrapped to cover much of the face acting as sort of a balaclava when the wind chill starts biting.
12. William Painter is a company founded in San Diego by some good friends of mine. They use aircraft grade titanium and aluminum in their manufacturing, and these things are bulletproof (editor's note: not literally bulletproof, don't try anything funny). As an added perk, which initially seemed like a hokey gimmick, they have a bottle opener built into the arm, which has come in handy more often than I would have ever guessed.
13. I was hesitant to include a simple shemagh on this list, but in truth, it's one of the most versatile and useful pieces of clothing/gear that I've ever owned. It's been lifesaving for cooling off when off roading through the blistering heat of the desert in the summer, and prevented frostbite to my face when traversing glaciers in Alaska. It weighs nothing and when packed takes up almost no space. There's a reason why this simple piece of cloth is standard issue to special forces in the US, Australia, and Britain.
What are some of the items that you bring with you? What are your go-to items that you use time and again? We love hearing suggestions and finding new brands that continue to make quality products.
Love,
The Nortons
