Commuting to work in the winter takes a different kind of strength. It's colder, wetter, darker — all things that are capable of sucking any remaining joy out of what is already a fairly joyless pursuit. As a two-trains-and-a-walk commuter, I have discovered that arming yourself with the right kit is key to making things more bearable. I've rounded up my winter commuter kitlist below.
First: the inclement weather essentials. That means investing in a decent collapsible umbrella that won't invert or break the minute the wind picks up. Rucksacks are a commuter's best friend, and opting for a weather-resistant build or a rain cover means there's no danger of your laptop getting drizzled on.
Next: comfort buys. I'm a caffeine fiend, and a hot coffee makes a morning commute feel significantly more manageable. I swear by the Yeti Rambler with — and this is important — the screw-down commuter cap. I've tested those '100% leaf-proof' claims thoroughly; I can chuck this upside-down in my bag and nothing will leak. If you feel the cold, a great rechargeable hand-warmer can be a game-changer, too. I have a LifeSystems one that can also double as a power pack.
Finally: entertainment. I like a Kindle for reading on the train, because there's no chance I'll end up doomscrolling. And for the walking part, I'll choose between over-ears that block out the background noise, or, if it's cold enough to warrant a hat, some in-ears. Scroll down for a closer look at my commuter essentials, with options at different price points to suit different budgets.
Commuter kitlist
Read more: This fantastic backpack means I no longer dread going to work events and conferences
Samsonite Roader Laptop Backpack with Rain Cover
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review
Want to see some other options? Here's our official best noise-cancelling headphones ranking
Pros
- Fantastic, detailed sound with rich bass
- Class-leading noise-stopping power
- Comfortable and premium, with folding design
- Great smart features
Cons
- 24-hour battery life is weak
- Some will prefer a more neutral sound
- No USB-C audio input
- No LE Audio support (but it's promised)
Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds review
Want to see some other options? Here's our official best earbuds ranking
Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, 470ml
Read our full Kobo Clara BW review
Want to see some other options? Here's our official best e-reader ranking
Pros
- New E Ink Carta 1300 screen
- Compact, lightweight and waterproof
- Affordable and repairable
Cons
- No cloud file transfer support
- Dated, plastic design
- 6-inch screen can be small for some