Items I use to spend a comfortable winter

Hello, good evening, this is Harushika.

When I posted an article titled "Items I use to spend a comfortable summer" around the beginning of this summer, it was viewed by a great many people.

This time, as a winter version of that, I will introduce "Items I use to spend a comfortable winter".

As we approach the middle of December, the weather has suddenly become winter-like, and it has become cold enough for our breath to turn white. My favorite items that I pulled out of the closet are already proving useful.

I hope this article will help you find items that make you think, "This might be good!"

±0 / Carbon Heater H210

An electric heater from Plus Minus Zero characterized by its compact and rounded design. It uses a carbon heater, and the far-infrared effect warms you from the core of your body.

Even when the heating is on at home, there are times when only your feet feel cold, right? Both my wife and I tend to have poor circulation in our extremities, so we often experience this, especially in the mornings and evenings. At times like that, I use this heater to warm my feet.

It warms up in a few dozen seconds after turning it on, so you can get warm immediately, which is especially valuable right after waking up in the morning. It lacks the power to warm your whole body on its own, but if you use it in combination with an air conditioner, it is sufficient to eliminate cold feet.

A big reason I like it is the oscillation function. The oscillation angle is about 84 degrees left and right. When my wife and I sit on the sofa together, it warms our feet alternately. Thanks to the oscillation function, it warms us just right, and I'm happy that I can avoid the heat of being exposed to it constantly.

The size is 15.3cm wide, 15.3cm deep, and 35.8cm high, making it easy to carry and install in narrow spaces. It can also be placed under a desk, so it is useful when working remotely.

The reason I chose this is, after all, the design. The rounded triangular form is incredibly cute. It blends in with the interior. I chose white for the color. It is a white with a beige tint that feels warm. It is a slight pity that the cord is black. Personally, I would have preferred it to be white.

I just bought it recently, but I have been using it every day without fail since it arrived. I have knocked it over a few times due to carelessness, but it hasn't broken yet, and the off-switch activates when it tips over, so it is safe in terms of safety as well.

IRIS OHYAMA / Electric Heated Blanket

An electric heated blanket that is one size smaller than a single bed. It blocks cold air from the floor, allowing you to sleep comfortably without feeling the cold even in winter.

In our bedroom, due to the positions of the bed and the air conditioner, the air from the air conditioner blows directly onto our bodies. Therefore, if I sleep with the air conditioner's heating on, my throat feels bad the next morning due to dryness. If the humidifier runs out of water while I'm sleeping, it's even worse. However, the electric heated blanket solved the problem of it being too cold to sleep without the air conditioner... and so on.

The size is 150cm x 70cm. I use it sandwiched between the mattress and the mattress pad. I keep it from touching my skin directly because the texture isn't exactly great, and to prevent my body from getting too hot. Also, the temperature can be adjusted in two stages, and I always use it in the low-temperature mode. As a result of searching for the perfect balance where it is neither too hot nor too cold, I arrived at this position and temperature setting.

It has a safety feature that automatically turns off when it reaches 55°C. However, I think it would be even more convenient if it had a timer function. It's my own fault, but I tend to forget to turn it off.

In winter, I can't sleep comfortably without this electric blanket, and I end up waking up from the cold. Sleep is directly linked to physical condition and immune function, so for me, it is an essential item for managing my health in winter.

By the way, the one I use is no longer sold, and a new model is available. Besides Iris Ohyama, many other manufacturers offer items that can be used in a similar way, so I think it's best to look for one that suits you by considering size, functionality, and cost-performance.

BALMUDA / Rain

A humidifier characterized by a design like a water jar and a structure that allows you to pour water directly from the top.

Besides the cold, another thing that concerns me in winter is dryness. The air is already dry, and heating makes it even worse, so I think a humidifier is essential to keep my throat and skin in good condition.

To be honest, the Balmuda Rain is a humidifier that seems to have gone all-in on design, so I can't recommend it to everyone. The style of pouring water directly was fresh when it was first released, but now there are products from other manufacturers that can be refilled in the same way, and above all, it is expensive. I think it's only worth buying if you prioritize design above all else or if you want to collect home appliances from Balmuda.

I might sound a bit critical, but I like it because I look for good design as well as functionality in home appliances. It blends in with the interior of my living room, and its humidifying capacity is sufficient for the size of my home. Also, I like the unique and interesting way of operating it by turning the ring.

The humidity in a room changes significantly depending on whether or not you have a humidifier. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but I'm very bothered by dryness when the humidity is low. It's an indispensable item for spending time comfortably at home.

Montbell / Superior Down Round Neck Jacket

A lightweight down jacket with excellent heat retention that uses high-quality 800-fill power EX down.

I hate heavy, restrictive outerwear. I like the design of duffle coats, but they are too heavy for me to even consider wearing. Last winter season, I was looking for something light, warm, and easy to move in, and I found the Montbell Superior Down.

There is a spec called fill power that indicates the performance of down. It is a numerical value that refers to the loft of the feathers, and the higher the value, the lighter and warmer it is. For example, Uniqlo's Ultra Light Down is 750 fill power. On the other hand, the Superior Down is 800 fill power. It seems that 800 fill power is enough for winter mountaineering, so it has more than enough performance for wearing in the city.

I use this not as outerwear, but as an inner jacket. Both the outer and inner fabrics are very thin and not bulky, the round neck design doesn't interfere with the collar of my outerwear, and there is enough room to wear a knit underneath, so it's perfect as a mid-layer.

Specifically, I often wear a wool long-sleeve T-shirt, a cotton knit, an inner down jacket, and a thin outer layer. It's warm enough for midwinter in Tokyo. The point is that both the Superior Down and the outer layer are thin, light, and easy to move in. The Superior Down weighs only 165 grams, and it's so light that I forget I'm wearing it.

I'm 175cm and 62kg, and I wear a size L, which feels reasonably roomy. The sleeves are made wide, making it easy to move my arms, and it doesn't feel uncomfortable even when wearing an oversized knit underneath. This point is typical of an outdoor manufacturer.

The price is 14,080 yen, which is higher than Uniqlo or Muji, but it is cheaper and has better cost-performance than other outdoor manufacturers. Down jackets from The North Face or Patagonia cost at least 20,000 to 30,000 yen.

It's an item I always wear when going out in winter. With this, I don't need a thick winter outer layer, and I'm glad I can use the same outer layer for autumn and winter.

Workman / Wool Underwear

Underwear made with merino wool. Merino wool is a natural material that excels in moisture-wicking, heat-generating, heat-retaining, and humidity-regulating properties, and also has antibacterial and odor-resistant effects. It is the clothing I use most heavily during the cold season.

Wool underwear is simply the most comfortable thing to wear. It is on a completely different level from cotton or synthetic fibers. When I first used it last year, I regretted not buying it sooner.

While its heat-retaining power and warmth are a given, the key to its comfortable feel is its natural moisture-wicking and releasing properties. Moisture-wicking and releasing refers to the ability to absorb moisture when humidity is high and release it when it is low.

In winter, you sometimes sweat due to the temperature difference between the cold outdoors and the heated indoors. In such cases, wool absorbs the sweat and releases the moisture once your body cools down, so it feels less uncomfortable compared to cotton or synthetic fibers.

Also, even if it absorbs sweat, it has antibacterial and odor-resistant effects, so it doesn't smell. Or rather, even if I wear it for a whole day, I don't notice any smell at all. Really. I feel like I could wear it for a week straight. There are synthetic fiber clothes with antibacterial and odor-resistant effects, but the antibacterial and odor-resistant effect of wool is natural, so a big advantage is that the effect does not diminish even after washing.

There are some points to note. Since the fibers are very delicate, you need to put them in a laundry net and use the delicate cycle when washing. Of course, you cannot put them in a dryer because they will shrink. Washing takes a little bit of effort, but it is more than worth it to wear wool even with that effort.

I use Workman's merino wool long-sleeve crew neck shirt and merino wool long tights. The reason I choose Workman is for its overwhelming cost-performance. Both the shirt and tights are 1,900 yen each. Even compared to Montbell's merino wool, which is relatively inexpensive among outdoor brands, it is about 5,000 yen cheaper. It's just too disruptive to the market.

It might lack the functionality and durability for outdoor use, but at least for daily life, the quality is sufficient. I like them so much that I have five of each shirt and tights. I have decided that I will only wear wool for winter shirts and tights.

By the way, even if this Workman merino wool underwear is sold out in the online store, there is often stock left in physical stores. You can check the stock status of physical stores from the online store.

The Inoue Brothers / Brushed Scarf

THE INOUE BROTHERS is a brand launched by the Inoue brothers, who were born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark. An iconic item from The Inoue Brothers is the "Brushed Scarf," a scarf made using baby alpaca. It is a staple item sold every season.

I have two in different sizes. One is the standard in-line size. The other is the large size exclusive to Adam et Ropé. The standard version is 35cm wide and 180cm long, which is a typical scarf size. The Adam et Ropé exclusive is 70cm wide and 200cm long, which is big enough to be a blanket.

The material is 100% baby alpaca wool. Baby alpaca does not have the itchiness characteristic of wool and has a soft, silky feel that is pleasant. Another feature is that it is very resistant to pilling. I have been using the standard size for about five years now, and although I haven't taken any special care of it, it doesn't pill at all. It is an item that can be heavily used without worry.

There is a wide variety of colors, but I have the classic light gray. Both the standard size and the large size are the same color. In winter, I often wear dark-colored outerwear such as navy or black, so I try to balance my outfit by using a bright color for the scarf.

Since it is a basic item made of high-quality materials, it is very versatile and can be used regardless of the outfit or occasion. As mentioned above, it is also highly durable, so it seems like I will be able to use it for many more years. It is an item that I have an attachment to because it was a gift from my wife, and I want to use it for a long time.

Nine Tailor / Neck Warmer

A neck warmer made by the Japanese hat brand Nine Tailor. It features a unique shape while maintaining a sense of simplicity.

I don't remember exactly when I bought it, but I think it was about five years ago. In terms of frequency of use, I often use my scarf from The Inoue Brothers, but depending on the outerwear, I sometimes use this neck warmer.

The material is wool, which is characterized by its firm elasticity. By tucking the knit parts that hang in the front and back inside your outerwear, the design makes it look as if you are wearing a voluminous inner turtleneck knit.

What I like about it is that it fits snugly around my neck without any gaps. Since cold air doesn't get between my neck and the neck warmer, I don't feel the chill and it keeps the warmth in. It is especially useful when riding a bicycle.

When wearing high-neck outerwear like a mountain parka, a scarf can be bulky, so having a neck warmer like this is convenient. A mountain parka alone can make an outfit look too casual, so I think incorporating an elegant-looking neck warmer helps create a good balance.

When I looked up the Nine Tailor neck warmer again, it seems that the same type I have is not currently for sale. It looks like they have the "Stoma Neckwarmer" with a zip. This is also super cute, but in terms of heat retention, the one I use seems to be better. What should I do if this one wears out? I thought it was a staple item...

THE NORTH FACE / PS ETIP GLOVE

These are gloves from The North Face, likely the "PS ETIP GLOVE." They were a gift from my wife about 10 years ago, so I don't know the exact product name. I searched based on the model number, so I think it's correct, but... In any case, it's an item that is long out of production.

They use Polartec® Power Stretch® material, which offers excellent heat retention and a great fit. Also, synthetic leather is used on the palms, providing high grip.

The tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are treated with the conductive material X-Static®, which allowed for touch panel operation of smartphones and the like while wearing the gloves. That's in the past tense. At some point, it stopped working.

The fingertips are quite worn, but the gloves still maintain their original functionality without any signs of tearing, so they seem like they can still be used for a while. I pride myself on taking good care of my things, but to have them last about 10 years like this—is that just typical of The North Face?

The North Face gloves have the functionality you'd expect from an outdoor brand, as well as a great fit and a slim, stylish look. I find myself wanting the latest models, but these gloves are full of memories, so I want to keep using them for a long time.

Daily Aroma / Setouchi Lemon Hand Cream

A hand cream featuring a refreshing scent that uses essential oil from lemons grown in the Setouchi region.

Olive fruit oil and lemon fruit extract are included as moisturizing ingredients. It has a texture that blends easily into the skin and feels smooth to use.

The reason I love it is simply because of how good it smells. It's a natural lemon scent. It doesn't feel artificial at all. Since I have a hobby of smelling lemon scents, you can take my word for it.

It's an item where the purpose becomes smelling the scent rather than moisturizing. I don't have it on hand right now, but I also like the yuzu scent from the same series. If you like citrus scents, please give it a try.

Hand warmer (mini size)

A winter staple. Disposable hand warmers. There is no need to explain these anymore. Note that while the photo shows one from Matsukiyo, I have no particular preference for the manufacturer.

If I were to share anything, it would be how I use them. I put the non-adhesive mini-size ones inside my shoes. The cold air coming up from the office floor is freezing.

There are also types that stick to socks, but since I basically don't walk around and stay seated in my chair, I don't feel any inconvenience without them being stuck on. They are also more expensive than the non-adhesive type.

The warmth lasts for 9 hours, so if I start using them at 9:00 AM, they last until about 6:00 PM. That is exactly the length of my working hours.

In the office in the middle of winter, I can't concentrate on work without hand warmers due to the cold. Even though the heating is on. For me, they are an essential item for working comfortably.

***

So, this time I introduced "items to spend the cold winter comfortably." Let's make use of our favorite items and spend a warm and pleasant winter. I hope this article serves as a reference to make your winter warm and pleasant. See you later. This was Harushika.

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