{"id":682752,"date":"2026-01-08T18:19:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/682752\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:19:10","slug":"the-big-freeze-21-winter-essentials-to-get-you-through-the-cold-snap-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/682752\/","title":{"rendered":"The big freeze: 21 winter essentials to get you through the cold snap | Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many of us, 2026 has started with ice, snow and frost. And with weather warnings<\/a> continuing across the UK, spring feels a long way off.<\/p>\n

The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So whether you\u2019re heading outside for winter hikes or exercise, or just want to raise your temperature indoors without racking up your energy bills, we\u2019ve rounded up some of our most loved products to get you through the cold snap \u2013 from cosy pyjamas and electric blankets to hand warmers and winter running essentials.<\/p>\n

Everything you need to keep warm<\/strong>How to stay cosy at home<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s flannel pyjamas<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a334.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to stay in, snuggled on the sofa, you may as well do it in style \u2013 this pyjama set comes in tasteful navy, olive green and rust brown. \u201cThey wash beautifully, fit comfortably and do a great job of helping me look semi put together,\u201d said Kate McCusker in her roundup of the best women\u2019s pyjamas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Men\u2019s checked flannel pyjamas<\/strong><\/p>\n

From \u00a327.95 at Sea Salt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThis pair comes in flannel, so it\u2019s a real winter warmer,\u201d says Peter Bevan in his guide to the best men\u2019s pyjamas<\/a>. With four classic checked patterns to choose from, these pyjamas are equal parts cosy and chic.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s mule slippers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a315 at Regatta<\/a>\u00a315 at Debenhams<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a big fan of a mule slipper you can wear at the same time as your chunkiest sock, especially in the depths of winter,\u201d says fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley. This stylish pair from Regatta fits the bill, and were a favourite from her roundup of the best slippers<\/a> (and they\u2019re currently half price).<\/p>\n

Unisex classic slippers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a399 at Mahabis<\/a>\u00a399 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMore professional than your average slipper\u201d, says Ellie<\/a>, who named these as the perfect pair to keep you feeling cosy and productive when working from home. \u201cWool, washable and with a neoprene heel to lock in your foot, they certainly help me feel more switched on, even while I\u2019m on the sofa,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Slouch <\/strong>Heattech socks<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a37.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n

Uniqlo\u2019s Heattech socks have long been a Filter favourite for keeping our toes toasty. The material is designed to retain heat while wicking away moisture, perfect for warm but not sweaty feet.<\/p>\n

For more, check out 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fleece electric throw<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a332 at Dunelm<\/a><\/p>\n

Rated the best budget option in Emily Peck\u2019s test of the best electric blankets<\/a>, this fleece throw was your favourite winter warmer from that roundup. Emily says \u201cit felt lovely to touch \u2013 neither too thick nor too heavy\u201d, and it has six different heat settings to help you find the ideal temperature.<\/p>\n

Love Mornings cotton heated duvet<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a3199.99 at Dreamland<\/a>\u00a3199.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Keep toasty on winter mornings with a heated duvet (be warned, this may make it impossible to get out of bed). This Dreamland offering was another favourite from Emily\u2019s electric blankets<\/a> roundup. \u201cThe duvet\u2019s dual controls worked well for my partner and me: I could blast the heat on my side while he, who prefers cooler climes, didn\u2019t need to have it on at all,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Hooded blanket<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a315 at M&S<\/a><\/p>\n

Perhaps not the most fashionable, but the practical design of this hooded blanket means it will stay in place on your head and arms to keep you extra snug. It was one of our suggested cosy updates for your home and routine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beldray electric heater<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a3206.75 at Argos<\/a><\/p>\n

In need of an extra boost of heat in your home? Pete Wise put some of the best electric heaters<\/a> to the test to help you heat your home efficiently. This offering from Beldray was rated best overall thanks to its helpful smart features, intuitive controls and quiet operation. \u201cAfter half an hour, the room was wonderfully snug throughout,\u201d Pete says.<\/p>\n

Minky Sure<\/strong>Dri heat pod drying system<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a390 at Argos<\/a>\u00a349.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Combat the damp, musty smell that comes from trying to dry your washing indoors with this system that turns your old airer into a heated one. Jane Hoskyn rated this genius option from Minky as the best for fast drying in her roundup of the best heated airers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to stay warm outdoors<\/p>\n

Puffertech compact vest<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a334.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n

When it comes to keeping warm outdoors in winter, hard-working layers are key. This versatile vest will add warmth to your outfit, and is compact enough to wear under a coat without looking bulky.<\/p>\n

Oocoopa hand warmers<\/strong><\/p>\n

From \u00a314.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

One of your favourite products of 2025<\/a>, these rechargeable hand warmers are an effective antidote to frozen fingers. Whether you\u2019re doing the playground pickup, work outside or are choosing to brave the cold in the name of getting your steps in, these handy warmers are pocket sized and easy to use on the go.<\/p>\n

Janelle waterproof raincoat<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a399.95 at Harts of Stur<\/a>\u00a3180 at Seasalt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you like a bit more coverage than a hip-skimming waterproof jacket, you\u2019ll love Seasalt\u2019s popular, longer-cut Janelle waterproof coat,\u201d says Sian Lewis in her roundup of the best women\u2019s waterproof jackets<\/a>. Its rain resistance and insulation (with plenty of room for extra layers) makes it ideal for facing cold and rainy days.<\/p>\n

Hybrid recycled down coat<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a399.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Bevan picked this coat as his favourite insulated raincoat, thanks to its \u201cwater-repellent outer with targeted ventilation zones and high-performance down\u201d, in his roundup of the best coats for men<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Men\u2019s Merrell Moab 3 <\/strong>hiking boots<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a3155 at Merrell<\/a>\u00a3149.95 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n

Keep your toes dry and toasty with a pair of shoes that are built to endure the elements. If you have to venture out into the rain or snow, these Merrell hiking boots are up to the task. Rated the best budget option in Paddy Maddison\u2019s test of the best men\u2019s hiking boots<\/a>, he says he\u2019d \u201crecommend the Moab 3s to anyone looking for a comfortable, versatile hiking boot that won\u2019t completely drain their bank account\u201d.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Lowa <\/strong>Renegade Evo GTX boots<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a3175.95 at Snow + Rock<\/a>\u00a3219.95 at Cotswold Outdoor<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the model I recommend to those hoping to invest in a comfy boot that can tackle most terrain,\u201d says Sian Lewis. She put some of the best women\u2019s hiking boots<\/a> through their paces and this Lowa pair came out on top.<\/p>\n

What to wear exercising in the cold<\/p>\n

Sealskinz merino running socks<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a315 at Sealskinz<\/a>From \u00a314.66 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

If your new year resolution was to start running, don\u2019t let a bit of cold weather stop you. \u201cMerino running socks will keep your feet toasty without overheating and quickly wick away moisture if they get wet. These are thicker than a summer sock and come up to your mid-calf \u2013 bare ankles will never do in winter,\u201d says Lisa Buckingham in her guide to winter running essentials<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kiprun running headband<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a35.99 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n

For a boost of warmth that won\u2019t make you overheat on your run, try a running headband. This one has a breathable design to stop you from feeling sweaty while providing some insulation so your ears don\u2019t feel as if they\u2019re going to freeze off.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex <\/strong>road-to-trail shoe<\/strong><\/p>\n

From \u00a360 at Merrell<\/a>From \u00a360 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Men\u2019s Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex <\/strong>road-to-trail shoe<\/strong><\/p>\n

From \u00a360 at Merrell<\/a>\u00a369.99 at Sports Shoes<\/a><\/p>\n

If you run on a combination of grassy and paved areas, then you need a shoe that can handle wet, slippery surfaces. Lisa recommends these road-to-trail shoes to cover all bases. \u201cThey have the flex and cushioning of a road shoe, combined with tacky rubber soles and lugs that provide extra traction,\u201d she says. \u201cThey also have a Gore-Tex membrane, so you can crash through mud and puddles with abandon.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more, check out the best running shoes to take you from trail to road to marathon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Water-repellent running gloves<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a334.99 at Cotswold Outdoors<\/a>\u00a345 at Sealskinz<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want to take up (or keep up) an outdoor sport throughout the winter months, then a pair of gloves that will keep your hands warm but not sweaty is essential. \u201cThe Sealskinz are water-repellent and have a nifty retractable mitten you can pull over your fingers on especially cold days,\u201d says Lisa.<\/p>\n

For more ways to keep cosy with the Filter, read 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For many of us, 2026 has started with ice, snow and frost. And with weather warnings continuing across…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":682753,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[51,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-682752","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-business","9":"tag-uk","10":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115860862746976355","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=682752"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682752\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/682753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=682752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=682752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=682752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}