Why do you like Winter? It's ASS!
Cause it's fucking awesome. There's plenty of reason why winter is amazing. For starters, it's the Holiday season! People are in a jolly and giving mood cause of the holidays, malls/stores are open later and with beautiful decorations and people errwhere! Spending time with family during Christmas, eating delicious food and getting fat, giving and receiving gifts. And that's just one aspect of winter! Can't forget about the beautiful scenery! Trees covered in snow, frozen lakes, snow capped mountains and plenty more! There's also a lot of activities to do which I'll get to later on.
Days are so short!!
Yup, but it's not like you were gonna do anything anyways other than go home and browse GAF amirite?
Oooh sick burn bro!
Not gonna lie, I don't like the short days either but that's just how it is. Blame God/Earth/Whoever.
But it's so fucking cold!!11!1!!!
That's the best part of winter! Yes it can get RIDICULOUSLY cold at times which even some #teamwinter members don't like, but it's just something we have to deal with living in
THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE. There are ways to help deal with the cold and make winter a lot more comfortable. Read below!
mr.rager's guide to dressing for Winter.
Look like this guy.
Real talk, proper winter attire from head to toe is needed to stay comfortable! Below are some tips/suggestions to survive our winters and hopefully turn some of you #teamsummer jerks into #teamwinter winners!
HEADGEAR
Keeping your head warm is essential in staying warm. A nice thick toque/beanie is a must. Get a merino wool one if you can. If you're not a fan of those, get a headband or ear muffs. or get a balaclava and be all ninja-like and shit.
Suggestions:
Patagonia, The North Face, Arcteryx
NECKWEAR
Bling Bling yo! For serious, Scarves. A scarf helps keep the heat from escaping. Also looks
SWAG AS FUCK when worn right.
Suggestions:
Wool ones from your fave store/brand or whatever you can afford. Again, merino if your budget allows.
JACKET
A nice jacket is a must to survive the harsh winters! Winter jackets come in all types and varieties; wool, parkas, pullovers, bombers, pea coats, down filled etc. A down filled jacket is optimal but not needed. Yes, jackets can get ridiculously expensive but remember that jackets are an investment. You'll be using your jacket for 5 months every year for years. In my honest opinion, spend the extra money for a nice quality jacket. Remember that the type of jacket you wear will dictate what you wear underneath to be comfortable and warm.
Suggestions:
Too many to list. This all comes down to your budget/style. If I have to make a recommendation in terms of best bang for buck go with either of these Columbia jackets.
No Hood Down Jacket for $180
Hooded Down Jacket for $200
If you want to splurge on a jacket, can't go wrong with any of the big name brands.
UPPER INNER
All this depends on what jacket you're wearing. Thin winter jacket? Thermal shirt and long sleeves/sweater/hoodie. Thick jacket? A long sleeve with a tee underneath. So many combinations depending on what you want to wear. Just remember to WEAR LAYERS YO.
Suggestions:
Whatever you like as long as you follow the above.
HANDS
Wear insulating gloves. Keeping your hands (plus your head and feet) warm is key in staying warm.
Suggestions:
Plenty of brands with insulated gloves. H&M probably has the cheapest one.
LOWER
Jeans/Pants are usually enough on most days. Thermals underneath depending on how cold it is.
Suggestions:
Whatever you like.
FOOTWEAR
Proper footwear and socks. For non snowy days, boots are preferable but most types of footwear is good enough to use as long as you wear the right socks. Socks are the most overlooked item in a persons winter attire, no, your cotton socks aren't good enough. Invest in some wool/fleece/merino wool socks. Your feet will thank you. For snowy days, you'll want some boots. Most boots are breathable and waterproof so all you really need are the socks I mentioned. If you buy rubber boots (sorels, hunters) buy a sock liner.
Suggestions:
Sorel, Palladium, Columbia, The North Face, Timberland
Remember that these are just general guidelines to staying warm. Some people have different thresholds when it comes to temperatures and might not need to wear a beanie/scarf/glove combo unless it's -40 out. Mix and match and find out what works for you.
ACTIVITIES
There are various activities only possible during winter, below are some of those activities.
ICE SCULPTING
Only possible during the winter months. Beautiful sculptures crafted out of ice.
SNOWBALL FIGHTS!!!
SNOWBALL FIGHTS!!!!! FUCK YEAH!!!
SNOWBOARDING and SKIING
Tell me that does not look dope as fuck. Only possible during winter. There's Skiing too but it's not as cool as snowboarding. Blue Mountain and Mt St Louis are popular destinations.
SKATING
Who doesn't like going skating? Can't call yourself a Canadian unless you can skate. Great activity to do on dates/random night. You can skate year round indoors but it's mostly seen as a winter thing, popular spots include the super crowded Nathan Phillips Square and Harbourfront. Also, Kim Yuna.
HOCKEY
Canada's Sport. Another sport you can do year round but is synonymous with winter. Can't mention hockey in Toronto without mentioning these clowns.
Toronto is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team with a fanbase who will gladly pay ridiculous ticket prices year after year despite being shitty year after year. Apparently they're doing good right now but we all know they'll crash and burn come February/March. They'll probably win a Stanley cup in 2̶0̶,̶3̶5̶ 50 years. Maybe.
WINTERLICIOUS
Great food on the cheap! Running from January 30 to February 12 of next year.
ICE FISHING
Haven't gone ice fishing but several of my friends have and they all enjoyed it.
In closing, winter is awesome.
Fuck Winter!
No,
Fuck you.