Winter can be a great time to tailgate or watch a game from the bleachers. Make a plan so you’ll stay warm at an outdoor event. That way, you can keep your focus where it belongs — on the game!
This guide is for you if you’re looking for ways to stay warm at an outdoor event. Activities include:
- Watching an outdoor sporting event
- Tailgating
- A parade (spectating or participating)
- Walking outdoors while viewing winter lights
- Spending time at a park on a blustery day
- If you’re not used to cold weather
Here are some tips on how to stay warm when you’re outside for a few hours.
I’ll explain how to dress, how to make tactical seating choices, and how to add heat.
Table of Contents — How to Stay Warm at an Outdoor Event
Dress in layers for your cold game-day outfit
We’ve all heard this advice, but what does it mean to dress in layers?
- Layering traps body heat close to you, creating an insulating effect
- If you start to get too warm, you can remove a layer
- If you get too cold, you can add a layer
- Layering with the right fabrics helps you stay dry. Sweat and wet are your cold-weather enemies!
Remember: Base layer + middle layer + top layer + outerwear + accessories
Choose your clothes based on the temperature and wind chill, the type of activity you’re planning, and if your body tends to run warm or cold.
Want more info on layering specifics? Check out my guide on how to layer clothes to stay warm outside. I explain how to choose your base, mid and top layers, outerwear, footwear, and accessories.
Prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics against your body. Be sure to have a waterproof outer layer if you expect rain.
Also, remember to moisturize your skin and use sunscreen.
- Moisturizer helps protect your skin barrier. You don’t want cracked, chapped skin.
- Even the winter sun at northern latitudes can cause sunburn, especially if it’s reflecting off of a snowpack.
Tip: As you remove layers (or those worn by your kids), have a tote bag ready to stash all those mittens, hats, scarves, and coats. We do this when we step in from the cold (say, a restaurant) or when the weather is warming up, and we’re getting too toasty. The last thing you need is to lose someone’s mitten!
Block the wind, cold, and rain
What can you put between you and the frigid air? Assess your available options. If you’re at a youth soccer match and have your choice of seating, position your chair with the wind at your back.
If you’re sitting in bleachers and there’s a pillar, maybe you can use it to your advantage as a windshield.
If the sun is out, angling to face it can go a long way in adding some warmth.
How to insulate your seat
Here’s a cold thought: Your bum + metal bleachers on a wintry day.
No. We’re not going to do that. Even if your winter coat is long enough for you to sit on, bring an insulated mat to place between you and your seat.
Without it, the cold in the metal will transfer directly to your poor bottom. Your body heat will warm the bleachers — and you’re no benchwarmer! Step up your game and try this:
- Sit on an insulated, dense foam cushion or Heat-A-Seat
- Bring a portable heated seat
- If you’ve forgotten those, you can try sitting on a thick blanket or towel, but the cold will eventually seep in. Try sitting on a newspaper or game program, as the stack of paper can add a little bit of insulation.
Use a wind-resistant and water-resistant stadium blanket
Wrap yourself (and your seatmates) up in a cozy stadium blanket. This wool blanket provides an extra shield against the elements and will trap heat. Didn’t bring a blanket? Make friends with someone who did. Tell them it’s a hot tip from someone on the internet.
Choose blankets with densely woven fabric, particularly with a waterproof outer layer. Bring a stadium blanket that can serve as a windbreaker and will help keep you dry if it starts to rain.
If it’s 34 degrees and it starts raining? Just leave. It’s not worth it.
Bring these items to help you stay dry
I hope it’s not raining on you. Cold rain is such misery that it’s better if it’s cold enough to be snowing.
If rain is at all in the forecast, be sure to pack:
- A poncho (these are compact and can stow in a bag or pocket)
- Umbrella
- That waterproof stadium blanket I just mentioned
- A dry change of clothes, or at the very least, a dry pair of wool socks to change into
Also, consider wearing waterproof shoes. Cold, wet feet are almost as bad as a frozen bum.
Add a heat source with hand warmers and body warmers
So you’ve properly layered your clothing, insulated your seat, and chosen your location based on avoiding the wind. Your next step is to add a heat source.
Your body can only put out so much heat. If you’re like me, it’s not much! I am often so cold that I need something heated on me. Otherwise, I can’t warm up.
Hand warmers are worth the hype
You have options available in disposable, rechargeable, refillable, and DIY. Check out my guide to hand warmers here. I compare them and describe the best situations for each type.
If you’ll be outside for a few hours, I recommend taking some disposable hand warmers with you. They are activated by exposure to air and typically last a few hours.
Or, a USB rechargeable hand warmer that you can toggle on and off may suit your needs.
Keep the hand warmer in your mittens or pockets, or move them around to where they might feel warmest.
Avoid using hand warmers with babies or young children, elderly folks, or people who have certain medical conditions. These factors make it more challenging for them to know and communicate if they’re feeling burned. Some hand warmers get truly hot.
Consider bringing disposable heat wraps and body warmers
Not just for sore muscles or menstrual cramps, these disposable heat wraps can keep you toasty for a few hours when you’re outside. So many options, including:
- Oversized hand warmers
- Toe warmers
- Shoe insole warmers
- Body warmers and
- Thermacare heat wraps for backs, necks, or lower abdomens
Warm up with food and a hot drink
Warm yourself from the inside with hot food and beverages. If you can bring your own drink, fill your thermos with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and you can sip it throughout the day. Staying hydrated goes a long way in helping you stay warm.
Be cautious with alcohol consumption in the cold. Alcohol can be tricky. We might have an alcoholic drink and perceive that we feel warmer. But, studies have shown alcohol can lower our core body temperature, cause us to sweat, and lead to hypothermia when outdoors in the cold.
A little bit of preparation means you’ll be warmer
Now you’ve got a plan for staying warm the next time you’re at an outdoor event. You’re going to dress warmly and in proper layers, bring warm accessories, situate yourself in the warmest possible area in the venue, insulate your seat, and add warmth.
A bit of planning can help you stay warm and have a great time. Rather than focusing on staying warm, you’ll be able to pay attention to the game.
Well done, you. You vs. winter: You are going to win.
