21 Well-Made Winter Essentials You Only Need To Buy Once

Tired of buying a pair of new boots or a new shovel every winter? That’s what you get when you grab the cheapest model at the grocery store or mini-mart. A quality product may cost a bit more up front, but in the end it’s more than worth it. Make an investment in your future and save yourself the shopping hassle.

Price: $59.99 | Buy it from Northern Tool & Equipment
Invest in this lightweight-yet-durable, 36-inch model, which is praised as easy to handle, virtually indestructible, and rustproof. Countless five-star reviews (from snow-heavy states including Pennsylvania and Minnesota) back the descriptions.

Price: $129 | Buy it from L.L.Bean
A down vest is an autumn-to-spring staple for many men, and this style from L.L. Bean comes in sizes small to XXL in two styles and two colors. Ideal for Friday night football or a weekend camping trip, the vest features the trademark Bean Tested DownTek insulation, designed to keep a guy warm even in wet conditions.

Price: $40 | Buy it from LuxPro 
Whether it’s for your camping getaway or to light the kitchen during a winter-storm power outage, this battery-operated model features a brightness dial so you can adjust the strength, plus an easy-to-carry rubberized metal grip that allows for easy hanging on hook or branch.

Price: $68 | Buy it from Maglite
Mag Instrument has been in business since 1979, supplying its durable flashlights to thousands of law-enforcement officers, first responders, military personnel, and everyday consumers. This LED C-Cell model, a severe-weather suggestion, features a multi-mode electronic switch, advanced focus system, and runs up to 112 hours on its Eco-Mode.

Price: $130 | Buy it from Lowes
Everyone has that person in their family who is never warm enough in winter, no matter how high the heat is on. Give them a boost — or set this up in a garage workshop — to take that chill off. It’s complete with two heat settings, thermostat, remote (energy saving) setting, and also includes safety tip-over and over-heat protection — all backed by a five-year satisfaction guarantee.

Price: $249 | Buy it from Black Diamond Equipment
When it’s time to hit the slopes, ladies can do it with smarts — and style. The award-winning First Light Hoody is designed for movement up and down the mountain and has lightweight Schoeller construction as well as PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active baffling. Buyers will love the company’s apparel warranty policy: “We trust what we make because we use what we make. If for any reason, you're not 100% satisfied with your Black Diamond apparel, we'll repair, replace, or refund it. No charge. No fine print. No debate. Guaranteed.”

Price: from $160 to $280 | Buy it from Le Creuset of America
What’s winter without a steaming bowl of soup? Le Creuset’s stockpot, with capacities from 4 to 11 quarts, features the same European craftsmanship that’s been a trademark of the company’s cast-iron products for decades. This model features tri-ply construction to conduct and distribute heat evenly and has ergonomic side handles to make lifting and transferring easier.

Price: $135 | Buy it from Wingspan Optics
A premium lifetime warranty is included with the Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 Compact Bird Watching Binoculars with ED Glass. They’re lightweight, ultra-HD and highly-rated on website reviews. They may be billed as a product for birders, but take them along to sporting events and concerts, too.

Price: $99 | Buy it Cutco
Cutco’s Forever Guarantee says, “If you are ever not satisfied with a product, we’ll make it right.” So buy the ice-fisherman in your life this must-have tool that features an extendable, flexible stainless-steel blade, pivoting sheath, a built-in line cutter and hook sharpener. Even better, it’s made in America.

Price: $42.99 | Buy it from Thermos
The trademarked Stainless King 16-ounce Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler and Food Jar from Thermos will keep your sitting-in-the-stands time warm and cozy. Fill these retro-inspired products with hot cocoa, chili, or anything else to ward off the chill. Thermos is also committed to ensuring high-quality products, so it says, “If you’re dissatisfied for any reason, we want to make it right.”

Price: $300 | Buy it from Williams-Sonoma
Too cold, rainy or snowy to head out to the local multiplex? Settle in for movie night at home — and pull out all the stops with this retro-inspired snack machine. Its tour-de-force design lets you serve up your own kettle-fresh popcorn in an atmosphere imbued with nostalgia. What’s a microwave?

Price: $239 | Buy it from Orvis
Orvis’ 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy adds an extra layer of comfort to the splurge purchase of this soft cashmere/wool blend herringbone-checked throw blanket, available in three colors, all handwoven in Ireland. Adding to the pedigree, the wool mill Avoca has roots in the 18th century.

Price: $120 | Buy it from Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer’ has reintroduced its K-6 hiking boot, a design that first appeared in the company’s 1964 catalog. Billed as “a boot that will last a lifetime,” it features waterproof full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction. Step with confidence.

Price: $190 | Buy it from Osprey
Osprey products are guaranteed forever, making the Kamber 42 a smart choice for those whose winters include skiing, mountaineering, and hut trips. The pack features easy access to snow safety gear and space for the essentials needed on technical ascents. The pulls are also glove-friendly, ideal for those frigid days.

Price: $110 to $136 | Buy it from Manduka
For those whose winter workouts take place indoors, consider Manduka’s trademark Black Mat Pro, which is guaranteed to last a lifetime if used and cared for properly. It’s an ultra-dense and spacious performance mat designed to offer unmatched comfort and cushioning. It comes in two sizes — standard and extra long.

Price: $35 | Buy it from Lands’ End
Little ones won’t want to lose these snowball-proof and smartphone-ready gloves. These waterproof accessories are designed to keep junior hands warm and dry, with an elastic wrist “rip and grip” adjustable strap.

Price: $16 | Buy it from Feetures
Feetures socks offer targeted compression, anatomical design, seamless toes, and carry a lifetime guarantee. Available in seven colors, the Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Sock for women is designed for performance and comfort — ideal for the year-round runner who doesn’t let the winter slow her down.

Price: $130 | Buy it from Dick’s Sporting Goods
If you nursed an Olympic dream that never came true, treat yourself to a return spin on the ice with these skates, which feature a foam-backed tongue cover and additional ankle padding for comfort, plus a layered sole to absorb shocks.

Price: $475 | Buy it from AwayTravel
Whether the winter finds you traveling to visit family for the holidays or jetting off on an island getaway, The Aluminum Edition of The Bigger Carry-On may be the perfect smart-bag travel companion. This model from Away is an unbreakable, thoughtful design that’s guaranteed for life. Pus, its ejectable battery is compliant with all airline policies.

Price: $43 | Buy it from Calphalon
Imagine it… a lazy Sunday morning, snow gently falling outside, and a stack of pancakes ready to be devoured. Serve up such a comforting meal with this Contemporary Nonstick 11-inch Square Griddle. It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, and works equally well for French toast as grilled cheese.

Price: $40 | Buy it from The North Face
Cap any winter outing with this unisex beanie. It’s crafted entirely within the USA, knit in New Jersey from ultra-warm and naturally breathable wool and accented with a Kentucky-made label. The versatile waffle-knit design features a darted closure on top of the crown and comes in four colors, each carrying a lifetime guarantee.