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Got the cold weather blues? Consider the following:
NANOspikes: A potential life saver (or at least broken-bone preventer) for vacationers at winter resorts or travelers negotiating ice-coated sidewalks, this product from Kahtoola is an ultra-light winter traction gripper that slips over shoes, sneakers or hiking boots to provide firm footing on dicey icy footing. The manufacturer aptly describes NANOspikes as snow tires for your feet inasmuch as 10 cleated tungsten-carbon-spikes-per-shoe bite into ice and snow. Upward-facing traction nubs lock the system to the tread of your shoe to prevent unwanted movement or slippage. NANOspikes are sized from XS to XL, and weigh from 7.2 oz. to 9 oz. per pair. Other features include tough polymer connectors, a supple harness for a ready fit, a heel tab for easy on and off, reinforced eyelets and a tote sack. $49.95; www.kahtoola.com.
Scotte Fleece 8.0 Jacket: This warm jacket boasts heavy-weight fleece and the usual attributes that make Scotte a standout when it comes to travel attire for the well-dressed tech enthusiast. The jacket, which has 19 pockets for all your stuff, boasts reflective accents, front and back; an RFID-blocking pocket; an eyeglass pocket with attached chamois; and a tablet pocket. Other goodies include a bottle holder; ID holder; extendable and detachable key holder; and a built-in wire-management system that enables the wearer to put a cell phone in either of two pockets and wire it to earbud pockets near the collar. Enhancing the jacket's versatility, it can be converted to a warm fleece vest or serve as a lining to the Scotte Shell 8.0. Sized, in black, from small to XXXL. $170; scottevest.com.
AlphaHeat Heated Mittens: Powered by AA batteries, these chill-resistant mittens can push the thermometer up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, taking the bite out of winter's worst. Great for almost any outdoor activity, the mittens have built-in heating panels that provide warmth to the back of your hands for up to six hours. A pair requires six AA batteries for the AlphaHeat power packs in the lining. One size fits all. $39.95; www.thewarmingstore.com.
ThermaCELL ProFLEX Heated Insoles: A wireless remote gives users, who could well include hikers, skiers and anyone out and about in winter weather, the flexibility to control the warmth of their feet, from off to medium (100 degrees F) to high (111 degrees), while wearing their own shoes or boots. Powered by a removable battery that can be recharged while keeping the insole in the footwear or swapped out for an already charged spare, the new ProFLEX are water-resistant, unisex and customizable to fit any shoe size, ranging from small to XXL. The batteries are said to last up to five hours per charge. $179.99; www.thermacell.com.
Reader's Wrap: Janska, the Colorado Springs clothing outfit, is offering this functional and comfortable wrap that will make a perfect travel accessory on planes, trains and in hotels. Made of machine-washable fleece that is at once warming and light weight, this aptly named product has pockets to hold books, reading glasses or a cell phone. The wrap's design incorporates a shawl collar and a 20-inch back drape that lies flat for comfort. The Reader's Wrap comes in black, ocean (blue), red and crocus (purple). One size fits all. $69; www.janska.com.
Muk-Luks Women's Slippers: Designed primarily to be worn indoors (they have rubber soles but are generally not water proof), these slippers will keep your toes toasty, and depending upon the style you chose, your ankles and shins toasty, too. Take the Angie Slipper, for example. Included in Muk-Luks' White Winter series, it is dressed in creamy whites and taupe colors; is made of 100% acrylic knit; has a 100% polyester fleece lining; features a striped pattern with poms dangling; and has a heel kick for added fit and support. Coordinating Winter White Accessories are sold individually. This style is available in sizes from small to XL. Prices range from $40 to $50; www.muk-luks.com.