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Facing Snowstorms
This winter has been super chilly and fraught with one winter storm warning after another, and now, what’s predicted to be a colossal snowpocalypse is on the way. If you’re in the path of the next big snowstorm and don’t know what to get or how to prepare, I get it, having faced the historic blizzard of 2016 in College Park, Maryland, myself.
I had just moved to the area to work at the USDA, and one of my apartment’s walls was basically just windows. Thoughts of a power outage chilled me, if you catch my drift. Being young and not knowing what to do, I bought out a local store’s supply of HotHands and figured I’d ride out the storm under the covers with my dogs as living heaters if the worst things came to pass.
I got lucky. No power outages. But I’ve done a lot of thinking since then. From Pop Sci to Men’s Journal, I’ve covered every kind of snow blower, have found myself the owner of a portable power station, and now understand that there’s more to picking a winter jacket than choosing something that’s vaguely the right shape. So, with experience gained, here’s what I might consider buying for a snowstorm today.
Merrell Speed Strike 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof, $130 on Amazon
At some point, you may actually have to get out in that snow, and there’s nothing like cold, wet feet to ruin your day. A quality waterproof winter boot like this one has deep lugs that shoppers say make the boot “surprisingly anti-slip without cleats.” Merrell makes a great product, but if you don’t want to spend as much, Amazon staple Nortiv8 makes one for under $45.
Amazon Basics 1500W Ceramic Space Heater, $20 on Amazon
If you’re freaked out about getting chilled during the storm, having a spare heater on hand (no matter the quality of your HVAC system) is a good call. And, because one 1500W heater puts out just as much heat as the next, you don’t need to splurge to get a backup.
Columbia Voodoo Falls 590 Turbodown II Jacket, $80 (was $160) on Amazon
It’s embarrassing to admit, being the USDA-bound scientist that I was, but I thought the heaviest, jacketliest looking thing was all that could keep me warm. Instead, something like this specially-formulated down jacket uses air pockets to “trap heat very well” while remaining light and flexible. It’s good for shoveling snow and, if you have to layer with a hoodie or sweater under it, you won’t feel as bogged down the way a thicker winter coat would make you feel.
Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Radio, $70 on Amazon
Staying informed is half the battle during a storm, and there’s no better way than an NOAA broadcast. Missouri-based Midland has long been the gold standard for emergency radio tech, and this device with NOAA weather scan, alerts, a built-in emergency flashlight, and even a dog whistle for search and rescue assistance is a fantastic way to stay safe and in the know.
Related: Trainer: Is Working Out in the Cold Bad for You? Experts Explain the Real Risks
Under Armour Storm Liner Gloves, $23 (was $25) on Amazon
I have mittens that pull back to expose your fingers when you need them, and they are the epitome of why mittens are awful. When I get a chance to go back up north, I’ll get a set of liner gloves like these that have fingers, are phone compatible, and are waterproof, so I can return snowball fire at those punk kids. And, if the temperature drops below freezing, these will easily fit into a larger glove for extra protection.
EF EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station, $315 (was $529) on Amazon
A backup source of power in your home is vital for peace of mind during winter storms. Having an electric one like this also means being able to use it inside, unlike a gas generator that produces toxic fumes. The River 2 by EF EcoFlow can run appliances up to 1600W for at least a little bit before its battery dies, making it one of the most versatile units you can get under $350 right now.
Note: Though the River 2 is at one of the best price points of EF EcoFlow’s lineup, you should know the company is generously having a special Power Through Winter sale event now through Jan. 28 as a response to the extreme weather conditions much of the country is currently facing.
Fruit of the Loom Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Set, From $22 (was $30) on Amazon
You don’t need the best thermal underwear to get a warm boost from the extra layer long johns will give to your legs. In fact, Fruit of the Loom’s highly-rated waffle-style thermals are selling for around $20, and wearers say they’re “perfect for layering in colder weather.”
Ework Corded Snow Shovel, $90 (was $120) on Amazon
While purchasing a world-class snow blower isn’t something anybody should do on a whim, nearly everyone is going to want some sort of snow shovel. And, knowing even the toughest of men can suffer a heart attack from manual snow shoveling, getting an electric one like this one isn’t a lazy choice; it’s actually a smart one. If you need something with a little extra oomph, we’d suggest looking at this two-stage gas-powered snow blower instead.
