The big freeze: 21 winter essentials to get you through the cold snap

For many of us, 2026 has started with ice, snow and frost. And with weather warnings continuing across the UK, spring feels a long way off.

So whether you’re heading outside for winter hikes or exercise, or just want to raise your temperature indoors without racking up your energy bills, we’ve rounded up some of our most loved products to get you through the cold snap – from cosy pyjamas and electric blankets to hand warmers and winter running essentials.

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Everything you need to keep warm

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How to stay cosy at home

Women’s flannel pyjamas

£34.90 at Uniqlo

If you’re going to stay in, snuggled on the sofa, you may as well do it in style – this pyjama set comes in tasteful navy, olive green and rust brown. “They wash beautifully, fit comfortably and do a great job of helping me look semi put together,” said Kate McCusker in her roundup of the best women’s pyjamas.

Men’s checked flannel pyjamas

From £27.95 at Sea Salt

“This pair comes in flannel, so it’s a real winter warmer,” says Peter Bevan in his guide to the best men’s pyjamas. With four classic checked patterns to choose from, these pyjamas are equal parts cosy and chic.

Women’s mule slippers

£15 at Regatta £15 at Debenhams

“I’m a big fan of a mule slipper you can wear at the same time as your chunkiest sock, especially in the depths of winter,” says fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley. This stylish pair from Regatta fits the bill, and were a favourite from her roundup of the best slippers (and they’re currently half price).

Unisex classic slippers

£99 at Mahabis £99 at Amazon

“More professional than your average slipper”, says Ellie, who named these as the perfect pair to keep you feeling cosy and productive when working from home. “Wool, washable and with a neoprene heel to lock in your foot, they certainly help me feel more switched on, even while I’m on the sofa,” she says.

Slouch Heattech socks

£7.90 at Uniqlo

Uniqlo’s Heattech socks have long been a Filter favourite for keeping our toes toasty. The material is designed to retain heat while wicking away moisture, perfect for warm but not sweaty feet.

For more, check out 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine

Fleece electric throw

£32 at Dunelm

Rated the best budget option in Emily Peck’s test of the best electric blankets, this fleece throw was your favourite winter warmer from that roundup. Emily says “it felt lovely to touch – neither too thick nor too heavy”, and it has six different heat settings to help you find the ideal temperature.

Love Mornings cotton heated duvet

£199.99 at Dreamland £199.99 at Amazon

Keep toasty on winter mornings with a heated duvet (be warned, this may make it impossible to get out of bed). This Dreamland offering was another favourite from Emily’s electric blankets roundup. “The duvet’s dual controls worked well for my partner and me: I could blast the heat on my side while he, who prefers cooler climes, didn’t need to have it on at all,” she says.

Hooded blanket

£15 at M&S

Perhaps not the most fashionable, but the practical design of this hooded blanket means it will stay in place on your head and arms to keep you extra snug. It was one of our suggested cosy updates for your home and routine.

Beldray electric heater

£206.75 at Argos

In need of an extra boost of heat in your home? Pete Wise put some of the best electric heaters to the test to help you heat your home efficiently. This offering from Beldray was rated best overall thanks to its helpful smart features, intuitive controls and quiet operation. “After half an hour, the room was wonderfully snug throughout,” Pete says.

Minky SureDri heat pod drying system

£90 at Argos £49.99 at Amazon

Combat the damp, musty smell that comes from trying to dry your washing indoors with this system that turns your old airer into a heated one. Jane Hoskyn rated this genius option from Minky as the best for fast drying in her roundup of the best heated airers.

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How to stay warm outdoors

Puffertech compact vest

£34.90 at Uniqlo

When it comes to keeping warm outdoors in winter, hard-working layers are key. This versatile vest will add warmth to your outfit, and is compact enough to wear under a coat without looking bulky.

Oocoopa hand warmers

From £14.99 at Amazon

One of your favourite products of 2025, these rechargeable hand warmers are an effective antidote to frozen fingers. Whether you’re doing the playground pickup, work outside or are choosing to brave the cold in the name of getting your steps in, these handy warmers are pocket sized and easy to use on the go.

Janelle waterproof raincoat

£99.95 at Harts of Stur £180 at Seasalt

“If you like a bit more coverage than a hip-skimming waterproof jacket, you’ll love Seasalt’s popular, longer-cut Janelle waterproof coat,” says Sian Lewis in her roundup of the best women’s waterproof jackets. Its rain resistance and insulation (with plenty of room for extra layers) makes it ideal for facing cold and rainy days.

Hybrid recycled down coat

£99.90 at Uniqlo

Peter Bevan picked this coat as his favourite insulated raincoat, thanks to its “water-repellent outer with targeted ventilation zones and high-performance down”, in his roundup of the best coats for men.

Men’s Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots

£155 at Merrell £149.95 at Decathlon

Keep your toes dry and toasty with a pair of shoes that are built to endure the elements. If you have to venture out into the rain or snow, these Merrell hiking boots are up to the task. Rated the best budget option in Paddy Maddison’s test of the best men’s hiking boots, he says he’d “recommend the Moab 3s to anyone looking for a comfortable, versatile hiking boot that won’t completely drain their bank account”.

Women’s Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots

£175.95 at Snow + Rock £219.95 at Cotswold Outdoor

“This is the model I recommend to those hoping to invest in a comfy boot that can tackle most terrain,” says Sian Lewis. She put some of the best women’s hiking boots through their paces and this Lowa pair came out on top.

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What to wear exercising in the cold

Sealskinz merino running socks

£15 at Sealskinz From £14.66 at Amazon

If your new year resolution was to start running, don’t let a bit of cold weather stop you. “Merino running socks will keep your feet toasty without overheating and quickly wick away moisture if they get wet. These are thicker than a summer sock and come up to your mid-calf – bare ankles will never do in winter,” says Lisa Buckingham in her guide to winter running essentials.

Kiprun running headband

£5.99 at Decathlon

For a boost of warmth that won’t make you overheat on your run, try a running headband. This one has a breathable design to stop you from feeling sweaty while providing some insulation so your ears don’t feel as if they’re going to freeze off.

Women’s Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex road-to-trail shoe

From £60 at Merrell From £60 at Amazon

Men’s Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex road-to-trail shoe

From £60 at Merrell £69.99 at Sports Shoes

If you run on a combination of grassy and paved areas, then you need a shoe that can handle wet, slippery surfaces. Lisa recommends these road-to-trail shoes to cover all bases. “They have the flex and cushioning of a road shoe, combined with tacky rubber soles and lugs that provide extra traction,” she says. “They also have a Gore-Tex membrane, so you can crash through mud and puddles with abandon.”

For more, check out the best running shoes to take you from trail to road to marathon

Water-repellent running gloves

£34.99 at Cotswold Outdoors £45 at Sealskinz

If you want to take up (or keep up) an outdoor sport throughout the winter months, then a pair of gloves that will keep your hands warm but not sweaty is essential. “The Sealskinz are water-repellent and have a nifty retractable mitten you can pull over your fingers on especially cold days,” says Lisa.

For more ways to keep cosy with the Filter, read 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine