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This weekend, it’s predicted that much of the US will experience severe winter storms. Piles of snow and below-freezing temperatures could last for much for the week.

It’s recommended to stay indoors (perhaps under a fluffy blanket while finally finishing the ambitious jigsaw puzzle you started over the holidays). And if you must venture into the treacherous weather, wearing proper gear is a must.

Below, we’ve shared our ultimate guide to winter gear: tools for power outages, cozy activities for home and picks for the warmest clothing you can wear all winter long. Our recommendations come from experts based in chilly spots across the US and around the world.

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Our top six winter essentials at a glance

$399 at Back Country

$39.95 at Ignik

$78 at Malina

$65.99 at Wayfair

$31.94 at Gamers Guild

$799 at Amazon

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Our picks for hibernating at home

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station

$799 at Amazon

$799 at Jackery

Tech writer Alan Truly lost power for three days when Hurricane Fiona tore through Nova Scotia in 2022. He and his wife had to cook on a camp stove and ration phone use the whole time. “The moment power returned, I knew I needed a better solution for the next outage,” he wrote. He now relies on the compact but powerful Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 to charge electronics and cooking appliances such as an Instant Pot, electric kettle or induction burner.

Twing 1000W Car Power Inverter

$74.99 at Amazon

“It’s impossible to predict how many batteries you need in a multiday power outage. Fortunately, I have a massive amount of energy sitting in my driveway: my Toyota Prius C. With the Twing 1000W car inverter, the car can act as a power source, charging a MacBook, iPad, iPhone and Pixel at the same time, or even refill smaller battery packs. I turn on the car, connect the inverter, and have power that lasts long after the sun goes down.” – Alan Truly, tech writer

Bedsure Gentlesoft Bubble Faux Fur Blanket

$65.99 at Wayfair

$79.99 at Bedsure

The Lola blanket is a faux-fur throw that promises “life-changing softness” but costs $275. Our home expert Jon Chan found a dupe made from the exact same materials for $66. “The Bedsure is just as soft and warm, while costing less than half and measuring about 10in longer,” he reports. Cozy up in one while flipping through a novel that’s been languishing on your to-read list.

Bomb Busters Board Game

$31.94 at Gamers Guild

$38.93 at Amazon

Snowed in? This is the most popular family board game among our readers. When our board games writer Nicole Lee asked experts for the best family board games, “one game kept getting recommended by our experts more than any other,” she wrote. “And that was Bomb Busters.” As one expert put it: “You’re going against villains, trying to save the world from people that want to blow it up. It’s a lot of fun.”

1,000-Piece Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle

$18.74 at Ravensburg

$18.74 at Amazon

We tested 80 puzzles to find the absolute best indoor activity for a snowy afternoon: Ravensburger’s 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles. “After more than a century of producing puzzles, Germany’s Ravensburger has built a reputation for being among the best brands out there,” our resident jigsaw enthusiast Tim Stevens said.

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Our picks for ultra-warm winter coats

Aritzia Super Puff

$250 at Aritzia

I depend on my Aritzia Super Puff to keep me warm on my frigid walk to the office. I credit this coat (that I fully acknowledge lives up to its name, making me look like a marshmallow) with helping me bear the last three winters. Its 800+ premium down keeps me warm, and I love that it’s both wind- and water-resistant. – Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US

Lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Long Jacket

$448 at Lululemon

I call this Lululemon puffer my “sleeping bag” coat because it looks like one, but it’s also so soft and warm I could sleep in it. I’ve worn it for six winters, through which it’s stayed waterproof, wind-repellent and roomy enough for a thick sweater (and more layers) underneath. It’s freezing in New York City right now, but this coat has kept me toasty. – Karen Yuan, commissioning editor at the Filter US

Venustas Heated Jacket

Women’s

$189.99 at Venustas

Men’s

$189.99 at Venustas

When we asked writers around the world for their essential winter coats, Mongolia-based Breanna Wilson recommended her Venustas heated jacket, which she’s worn traveling with nomadic herders in the frigid countryside. “Thanks to the jacket’s heating zones in the chest, shoulders and pockets, my core stays warm,” she wrote.

Rains Long Puffer Jacket

Men’s

$550 at Rains

Women’s

$550 at Rains

“It’s like wearing a duvet,” an engineer in Stockholm told writer Jonna Dagliden Hunt about her black long puffer, a staple in many Swedes’ wardrobes. “It’s also great for wearing with a skirt underneath – or the opposite: sweatpants for a grocery run, and no one will notice.”

Patagonia Down Drift Parka

$399 at Back Country

$399 at Patagonia

“I can tolerate a lot of cold things, but not a cold bum,” wrote Alaska-based journalist Julia O’Malley. She recommended her thigh-length Patagonia Downdrift Women’s Parka, which is extra warm thanks to 600-fill-power recycled down.

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Our picks for durable winter boots

Red Wing Classic Moc

$309.95 at Tip Top Shoes

$319.99 at Red Wing Heritage

In 2019, I pulled the trigger on a pair of limited edition Red Wing boots to traverse filthy salt-covered sidewalks and lingering ice patches – and I learned they’re suited to just about any weather condition. The sturdy soles provide much-needed stability, and the leather repels whatever wintry mix is falling from the sky. They also play nicely with about 80% of my wardrobe. Seven years and hundreds of wears later, I can confidently say they’re one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. My exact pair has limited availability, but this style comes pretty close. – Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters

Danner Explorer boots

$439.95 at Dodds Shoe Co.

$465.99 at The Western Company

“I made those boots!” a total stranger once told me at a party, shortly after I bought these Portland-made Danner Explorers. Buying local has never felt more personal. The lugged Vibram sole laughs at snow and ice, and the full-grain leather upper is borderline indestructible. While they’re pricey, after 16 years and counting, I’d say they’ve earned their keep. The Gore-Tex liner doesn’t quite lock out water like it used to, but a once-a-year coat of Sno Seal keeps them serviceable. – Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US

Steger Mukluk North Country Boots

$249.95 at Steger Mukluks

After years of searching for boots that kept her feet completely warm, Alaska-based O’Malley found the Steger Mukluk. “They keep my feet toasty – whether I’m riding on a snowmobile, slipping bare feet in them for a short drive to a hot yoga class or even on assignment in the Arctic,” she wrote. Handmade in Ely, Minnesota, they’re crafted with leather, canvas and thick wool felt.

Polyver Winter Boots

$196.95 at BobLeisure

In Stockholm, winters can range from 50F to 5F, with anything from slush to three feet of snow. Many of its residents wear the waterproof Polyver boots. “I can’t have a separate pair of shoes for every type of weather – ideally, I want one pair that works across the board,” a teacher told Dagliden Hunt. “Polyver boots have that dressing-gown or pyjamas feel – you just slip them on and head out.”

Sorel Waterproof Slip-On Boots

$120 at Free People

$120 at Zappos

Reporting from Kuopio, Finland, journalist Paula Hotti recommends these thick-soled Sorel boots that she loves “for their stylish green and pink color combination”.

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Our picks to stay warm and stylish

Alex Mill Nottinghill Sweater

$198 at Shopbop

$198 at Nordstrom

Tell me you’re an elder millennial living in Brooklyn without telling me you’re an elder millennial living in Brooklyn: yeah, I did buy myself an on-sale Alex Mill Nottinghill sweater on Black Friday. It’s a perfect uniform when I need to look presentable but absolutely do not want to leave the house. A birthday party on a frozen Saturday night? Perfect. The office when I’m running late? Yes. Meeting a friend at an overpriced wine bar? Throw it on! I have tried to limit myself to wearing it no more than twice per week, and I have not been successful yet. – Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters

Aritzia knit pants

$110 at Aritzia

I’m a sucker for a wide-leg pair of pants, and these knit ones from Aritzia have lasted me through the past four winters. Made with a double-layer structure, soft yarn and an added elastic waistband, these pants are warm and comfy without sacrificing style. They’re versatile enough to pair with my Salomon shoes for a gorp-core look or loafers for a dressed-up office outfit. And bonus: they’re stretchy enough to layer a pair of tights or leggings underneath for added warmth. – Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US

Sezane Gaspard Cardigan

$120 at Sezane

Recently, I’ve been on a mission to up my office outfit game. For a fun pop of color, I adore this red knit cardigan from cool-girl-approved French brand Sezane. Made with Mohair and Alpaca, it keeps me warm, while its pearl buttons add an elegant touch. And if you’re a chronic outfit repeater like me, it’s also reversible, doubling as a chic boat neck sweater. – Lauren Gould

Aritzia polar tech fleece

$138 at Aritzia

This thermal hoodie has gotten me through chilly hikes in Peru and winter runs. It keeps me warm, and its fleece material elevates it beyond your average hoodie. I love pairing this with my Free People barrel jeans for an elevated sporty look. – Lauren Gould

Gobi cashmere organic sweater

$159 at Gobi

While cashmere is an investment, Mongolian resident and travel journalist Breanna Wilson swears by this sweater from Gobi for keeping warm. “When temperatures are about -13F outside, only the best garments are going to cut it.”

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Our picks for something warmer than a scarf

Smartwool Merino Neck Gaiter

$32 at Amazon

$35 at Smartwool

When temps drop below 30F (-1C), you won’t find me running, biking or even walking the dog without this thing. You can push it down over your chin to keep the wind at bay, or hike it up over your nose, mouth and ears in extreme cold. I’ve owned several varieties, and it’s worth spending extra for soft, breathable merino wool to avoid the clammy feeling you’ll get from synthetic versions. – Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US

Inner and outer winter glove combo

M Mcguire Gear Wool Nylon Blend Glove Inserts

$9.99 at Mcguire Army Navy

$12.99 at Amazon

ATG MaxiFlex Ultimate Work Gloves

$7.97 per pair at Home Depot

$17.95 for a pack of three at Amazon

This inexpensive duo of winter gloves warms your hands as well as one bulky pair does, but they’re much easier to move your hands in. While they aren’t a substitute for a thicker pair of mittens, they’re perfect for when the weather warms up a bit. – Nick Mokey, Editor at The Filter US

Athleta running gloves

$27.99 at Athleta

A pair of well-constructed gloves is an absolute essential for my winter runs. I love this pair from Athleta, which shields my fingers from the cold without feeling too thick or bulky. I wear these for more than just runs, and love that this pair comes with touchscreen-enabled fingertips and gripping dots – which makes them suitable for climbing or hiking too. – Lauren Gould

Ignik compostable foot warmers

$39.95 at Ignik

$39.95 at Amazon

Breanna Wilson credits these eco-friendly footwarmers for keeping her feet toasty during a nine-day dog-sledding trip across Mongolia. These are also reusable, coming with an AiBarrier pouch to preserve any leftover heat.

Malina balaclava

$78 at Malina

A balaclava is the hat and scarf combo’s fashionable counterpart. This one from Malina is made from an alpaca blend and is loved by one Scandinavian resident for keeping her face warm without sacrificing style.

More advice on how to stay warm this winter