I enjoyed the refreshing cold air and snow on my face on my morning walk, but had to consider the excess weight I carry into the backcountry.

I carry a bag with an OR Windstopper balaclava, goggles, dry gloves and shell mittens anytime I trek into winter conditions. I can only remember using them once in the last decade when my friend told me I had gray spots on my face.

You will need to pry them out of my cold, dead fingers to take them away from me - literally.