How to Pack a Winter Readiness Kit

Palm trees bejeweled with twinkling lights, jolly faced Santa Clauses decked out in Tommy Bahama shirts, and frosty rimmed tropical drinks perched between reindeer hooves. Florida winters are a little different. Despite our tropical overhaul of the winter months, temperatures still drop, and with the addition of ever-present humidity, those low temperatures can feel even colder. If you’re unhoused or in between shelters or making a winter kit for loved ones in your community, you’ll want to keep a few essentials with you in preparation for those chilly months. We’ve compiled a list of helpful cold-weather items that can be easily transported.

Layering up clothing is a good way to keep body heat in and keep the cold out. Extra pairs of socks, gloves, scarves, and hats are a lightweight and essential addition to your cold-weather kit. But what fabrics work best? Wool is the best for keeping you warm, as the fibers retain heat without trapping sweat. Sweat can chill your body, making you colder in the long run. For this reason, fabrics like cotton aren’t ideal. Gloves and hats are crucial and prevent you from losing too much heat from these vital areas. Don’t be afraid to mix fabrics and sizes to wear multiple socks at a time. If you are staying in a shelter and are without warm winter wear, ask the shelter's employees or volunteers if they are affiliated with charitable organizations that donate coats. Local churches may also be able to help you locate organizations that can provide you with winter wear.

A great addition to your cold-weather kit is reusable heat packs. There are a variety of types and sizes that are affordable and can be stowed away easily in a pocket or bag. If you’re making kits for members of your community, we’d recommend buying these in bulk and stowing them in your car to hand out whenever you see someone in need. Reusable and single-use heating packs can be found in most outdoor, athletic, and department stores. As with most things, you can also buy them in bulk through online retailers. Heat packs can be tucked into pockets, gloves, or even hats, but be cautious about placing the packs directly on your skin. Thoroughly read through the enclosed instructions that come with your heating pack to ensure you are using it properly.

Another cozy and cost-effective way to boost your layers? Blankets! You can ask local shelters, churches, or community centers if they provide free blankets or know of local organizations that do. Charities like Blankets for America work to keep communities warm by giving out cold-weather gear. They can hook you up with helpful items to keep you cozy during the coldest winter months. As with our layers, fleece and wool are effective options for keeping heat in and moisture out. Blankets can be stowed in a backpack, duffle, or backseat if you're living in your car. If you are using a tent as temporary housing, blankets can be used to shield your body from the cold ground. While the tent’s material will keep your body heat in, the ground can leech that heat. Tuck blankets underneath you or your sleeping bag to prevent that bone-aching chill.

Nothing warms you up like hot food and drink. If you are constructing these kits for members of your community, make sure to include gift cards to places like 7/11 or Wawa. A steaming coffee or a piping hot cup of noodles can go a long way during the coldest winter months. If you are living in a tent or vehicle, an inexpensive portable stove can be a worthwhile investment. These can be picked up at hardware and camping stores. Always use the portable stove as outlined by the instructions and be aware of local laws that may affect your usage.

Being unhoused means living in uncertainty, but by preparing a kit for yourself or your community, you are taking a commendable step to help yourself and others. We hope these suggestions help you craft your kit and give you ideas on how to prepare to the best of your ability. These suggestions may not apply to everyone, and we encourage you to conduct your own research, if possible, on ways to tailor your kit to your specific needs. Stay hopeful, and stay warm.