The winter weekend cabin getaway—nothing quite like it to kick back and relax in total isolation (despite the neighbours). Getting away from the city, breathing in fresh air, reading by the fireplace…I can’t imagine winter without at least a week at the cabin. Or without my cabin essentials.

It’s also a golden opportunity to get out and do some winter activities. All it takes is a snowman and a crazy carpet to turn you into a kid again. And proper winter clothes like boots, mitts, jackets, pants and the rest let you take full advantage. 

It’s fun outdoors—but equally fun hibernating inside. For those so inclined (like yours truly), I’ve put together a list of my essentials for a cozy cabin life. 

Cozy Nest Essentials

The first thing to do once at the cabin is to settle in. Unpack the groceries, stoke the wood-burning stove and wait for the warmth. But why wait? Throw on some music and wrap up in a Pendleton blanket. 

At home, I’m never far from my Bang & Olufsen speaker, so there’s no leaving home without it. Powerful, precise and Bluetoothed-up, I connect my phone and play my tunes through it. The only trouble is finding a playlist everyone agrees on…or you could just choose your friends according to your musical tastes. 

Distractions, distractions

With so little time to read at home, I make it a point to tune out the world and immerse myself in real pages when away. Phone off, horizons expanded, I peruse an issue of Beside or a Gestalten publication to get me thinking about getting myself outdoors, travelling or just for a fresh perspective on things. 

Heading Out

Adventure stories make me want to poke my nose outside, so good thing my cottage comes fully snowshoe-equipped. Just throw them on and out you go. A good pair of warm winter boots and you’re crushing through the snow, delighted at what winter has to offer.

Of course, let’s not forget essential jackets. Sometimes I bring multiple layers, sometimes I just bring one go-to. My women’s Kensington Parka by Canada Goose fits, so warm I can just throw on a tee underneath. For him, the Gotham Jacket III by The North Face fits the bill. 

Wrapping up

Is there any better feeling than wrapping up nice and warm after being outside? No jeans by the fireplace please—elegantly comfortable is how we roll in cabin life. 

For the ladies there’s nothing like Kari Traa. Knit base layers both cozy and cute will draw attention, interest, maybe even a bit of jealousy at brunch. 

Fleece sweaters for him from Patagonia and The North Face, if you want style both trending and that fit right in at your wilderness retreat. Seriously, nothing looks better on him than a fuzzy crew neck sweater for men. Comfy, warm and snuggly, they’re perfect for lazing around the fire or chopping wood for the stove. 

And you can’t forget the slippers. Anything worse than walking on a cold floor? Most cabins are not built with optimal floor heating, so treat your feet all weekend. 

Unwinding Time

After all that, you deserve a drink of your favourite. From a cold micro-brew beer to hot chocolate or a glass of red while watching the snow fall, you can bring along your bevvy of choice and keep it at the perfect temperature. 

Yes, sometimes the fridge up north goes on a vacay of its own and you’re facing two days of potato chip dinners. At least your drinks will be perfect when packed in Hydro Flask bottles, insulated flasks and containers suited to every libation of choice!

Take time off. Get away from the city. Explore winter—and winter sports! Find a cabin, grab your cabin essentials and escape, and check out what winter has in store. It makes me appreciate the cold months a lot more when I know I can spend time comfortably immersed in winter at the cabin.