10 things that will keep you warm while dining outside this fall and winter
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For many of us, outdoor dining has become the new normal when it comes to eating out during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we head into the colder months, you might be worried about how you'll continue to enjoy—and support—your favorite restaurants when the temperatures drop.
While many restaurants are doing their best to "winter-ize" their outdoor dining spaces with patio heaters, tents, and more, there are also things you can bring with you to stay warm. Below are 10 top-rated products that will make dining outside much more comfortable this fall and winter, including outdoor blankets, cozy Ugg boots, and the warmest parkas.
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1. An outdoor blanket to snuggle up with
Taking a blanket to a restaurant may sound weird but hear us out—this one, which has over 1,000 glowing reviews, is waterproof on one side and soft and fleecy on the other. And since fans say it's so portable and lightweight, it's perfect for draping over your legs under the table or for taking to an establishment that allows for picnics.
Get the Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket from Amazon for $41.99
2. These top-rated touchscreen gloves
Wearing gloves while dining outside is all fun and games until you go to send a text—or take a pic of your food for Instagram—and are forced to expose your fingers to the cold air. That's why our experts recommend these touchscreen gloves, which we dubbed the best ones you can buy. According to our tester, they feel like slipping your hands into a pair of fuzzy socks.
Get the Harms Leather Gloves from Amazon for $24.99
3. This warm Carhartt hat
Everyone knows that one of the best ways to stay warm outdoors is by wearing a hat to trap in any heat you lose from your head. This one from Carhartt, the brand known for durable, heavy-duty gear, has over 40,000 (!!) positive reviews thanks to its cozy knit material and how it stretches to comfortably fit almost any head size or shape.
Get the Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat from Amazon for $16.99
4. A high-quality parka
Fact: You're only as warm as your best parka. While you can spend nearly $1,000 on the splurge-worthy Canada Goose jacket (which our Shopping Director owns and loves), you can also find an equally cozy parka on Amazon for less than $150. I have the wildly popular "Amazon Coat" and can attest that it's just as warm and well-made as the 11,500+ reviewers say it is.
Get the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket from Amazon for $139.99
Get the Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka from Nordstrom for $995
5. A pair of the coziest Ugg boots
When it comes to winter footwear, few brands are as popular—or as beloved—as Ugg. The iconic boots are back in style for 2020 but more importantly, they're famous for the thick sherpa lining that is equal parts warm and cozy. You don't have to settle for the classic bootie, either—Ugg makes other styles of boots for both men and women that look more "flattering" yet have the same plush interior, like the Chukka boot.
6. This oversized blanket scarf
Is it a blanket or a scarf? The correct answer would be both. This blanket scarf has over 3,500 rave reviews for being super soft to the touch and the perfect balance of warm yet lightweight. At 59" x 59" (a.k.a. almost five feet long and five feet wide), it can be wrapped around your neck as a scarf or draped over your lap while you eat as a blanket.
Get the American Trends Blanket Scarf from Amazon for $13.99
7. These popular Smartwool socks
Take it from many of our staff members—Smartwool socks are where it's at once fall and winter hit. One of our managing editors raves that they keep your feet snug and warm without making them sweaty and that they're just the right amount of thickness. Bonus: They look cute and stylish peeking out of boots.
Get the Smartwool Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks from REI for $24.95
8. These fleece-lined leggings
Your average pair of leggings is comfortable, yes, but usually not very thick or warm. That's where these fleece-lined leggings come in. With a soft plush lining that shoppers say is very warm without being suffocating, they have nearly 7,000 reviews and come in both regular and plus sizes.
Get the Conceited Women's Fleece-Lined Leggings from Amazon for $10.99
9. These faux fur earmuffs
Want to keep your ears warm without dealing with the dreaded hat hair? Enter these faux fur earmuffs, which have hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon. People like that the muffs are big enough to completely cover your ears and that the headband fits comfortably but not too tightly so you can wear them for hours without a headache.
Get the Brook + Bay Earmuffs from Amazon for $9.99
10. This thermal shirt from Cuddl Duds
Cuddl Duds makes some of my favorite thermal shirts for the colder months. I love how soft the fleece is and how the shirts are thick enough to keep me warm yet thin enough that you can layer them under sweatshirts and coats without added bulk. I'm not alone in my love, either—this thermal Cuddl Duds top has a near-perfect 4.7-star rating from hundreds of reviewers on Amazon.
Get the Cuddl Duds Women's Long Sleeve Softwear from Amazon for $31.99
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed.com: 10 things that will keep you warm while dining outside this fall and winter
