Tips on How to Properly Care for Snowboards and Skis

How much time do you put into snowboard or ski maintenance? If you only tend to your equipment at the beginning of each season, then you’re not doing nearly enough to keep everything looking and working like new. Even purely recreational snowboarders and skiers can benefit from well-maintained gear, so do yourself a favor and follow these tips:

Wax your board or skis at least once every three outings to keep the wood sufficiently lubricated
Thoroughly clean your gear after each use and carefully inspect it for damage
Repair minor gouges immediately with the help of repair plastic and a scraper. More extensive damage might require the services of a professional mechanic at your nearest shop.
Sharpen the edges of your snowboard or skis regularly to facilitate greater control when out on the slopes
Transport your gear in a hard ski case or hard snowboard case to safeguard it from harm
At the end of the season, seal the base and edges with storage wax to prevent excessive drying
Store your equipment on well supported wall-mounted ski or snowboard racks, never on the cement floor of your basement or garage

Spending some extra time learning how to properly care for snowboards and skis is a smart move that will pay off in the long run. Good maintenance can extend the life of your gear while also helping to deliver better performance for every outing, so keep the above tips in mind as you get ready for the winter sports season.

How to Care For and Store Battery Heated Clothing

Staying warm during your favorite outdoor winter activities has never been easier thanks to battery heated clothing. With just the touch of a button, your heated vest, gloves, boots, or jacket can provide extra warmth and comfort to combat the blustery winds, low temperatures, and other extreme elements that threaten to ruin your fun.

But unlike standard apparel, battery heated clothing requires special care and attention to ensure proper operation. Here are some pointers about how to care for and store your heated garments:

Remove batteries before washing
Follow the instructions on the care label attached to the garment. Some pieces are meant to be machine washed, while others must be hand-washed only.
Do not wash with bleach
Do not wring out your garments, as doing so could damage the heating elements
Do not dry clean
Store your heated motorcycle gear and other battery heated clothing in a clean, dry environment
Storage containers should be kept away from direct sunlight and other sources of extreme heat
Batteries MUST be recharged to at least 60% once every three months to remain in working order

Bear in mind that different manufacturers may have different washing and storage protocols for their garments, so the above tips are simply intended to be general guidelines rather than specific instructions.

Learning how to care for and store your battery heated motorcycle gear, outdoor apparel, hand warmers, and boots will allow you to enjoy these products season after season. Visit CozyWinters.com for more information about battery heated clothing or to browse our entire collection of heated outdoor gear.

5 Reasons House Pets Need Help Staying Warm in Winter

Everyone knows that outdoor dogs face serious health and safety risks in winter when nighttime temperatures drop to well below freezing. That’s why it’s smart to provide your pet with things like windproof shelter and a heated dog bowl to keep him comfortable despite harsh environs.

But did you know that indoor pets may also require extra help staying warm during the coldest months of the year? That’s right, even if your dog or cat has the benefit of four walls and a roof 24 hours a day, it might not be enough to prevent excessive shivering and discomfort in winter. Here are 5 possible reasons why:

Your pet is a toy breed such as a chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, or papillon
Your pet is hairless or has a very thin coat like whippets, greyhounds, and Sphynxes
Your pet is elderly
Your pet suffers from chronic health problems
You turn the heat off when you go to work or keep the thermostat set very low to reduce energy costs

If any of the above conditions apply to your household, don’t worry. It’s actually very easy to give your pet that extra little boost to help him stay warm. For example, a heated pet bed (either plug-in or self-warming) or a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket will allow him to snuggle up to something warm at nap time. Moreover, pet clothing such as sweaters and jackets do a great job of retaining body heat, while booties can protect tender paws from snow and salt when out on a walk.

Although house pets are significantly better off in winter than pets that stay outdoors year round, it would be a mistake to automatically assume they’re warm and comfortable. Take a few moments to assess your pet’s risk factors, and then make sure you provide additional means of warmth when it’s cold out there.

When and How to Use Heat Therapy to Treat Pain

Heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat persistent pain associated with minor injuries, sore muscles, and chronic arthritis. When applied to problem areas, heat increases blood flow and loosens stiff joints and muscles, bringing almost instant relief to your ailing body.

But when is the best time to use heat therapy and how can you apply it? Let’s take a look at a few of the more common scenarios.

When to use heat therapy

Heat therapy can be used to treat a number of non-inflamed injuries, disorders, and conditions, such as:

Minor muscle pain resulting from repetitive motion or exercise
Joint pain related to the onset of arthritis
Discomfort stemming from menstrual cramps
Lower back pain
Migraines
General stress relief

How to use heat therapy

There are a variety of ways to deliver the heat required for therapeutic uses, so you can just choose the method that works best for you. Bear in mind that safety and comfort are the key points as you consider the following:

Wearing a battery heated back wrap
Soaking in a warm/hot bath or whirlpool
Sitting in a sauna
Wearing a reusable therapeutic shoulder wrap
Using a hot water bottle
Applying warm compresses or heat patches

Whatever your ailment and whichever delivery method you choose, experts recommend engaging in heat therapy for up to 20 minutes twice a day for the best results.

Heat therapy is a tried and true method for overcoming a whole host of pain-related issues, so if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, it’s definitely worth a try. Be sure to visit CozyWinters.com today to view our selection of effective heat therapy products that can help you beat chronic pain at last.

Slope Safety Tips for Skiers, Snowboarders, and Trekkers

One of the best things about winter is having the opportunity to head to the mountains after a fresh snowfall for a beautiful day of skiing, snowboarding, or trekking. These exciting activities are a fantastic way to get your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping, and they sure beat sitting around the house watching reruns on TV.

But nothing can turn a great day into a horrific one faster than an accident, injury, or other mishap out on the slopes. That’s why it’s important to put safety first and be prepared for some of the most common calamities that might arise. Here are a handful of safety tips that all skiers, snowboarders, and trekkers should keep in mind for every outing:

Dress in layers that can easily be removed or added according to changing weather conditions
Prevent hypothermia by changing into warm, dry gear every day. Portable glove and boot dryers can help get your equipment ready to go in just a few short hours.
Never take a jump blindly. Be sure to scout all landing areas and use a spotter if necessary
When venturing to remote areas, tell others about your plans, route, and destination
Heed all warning signs on the mountain and stay well clear of avalanche danger zones
If possible, carry a small shovel and wear an avalanche beacon as added precautions
Consider fitting your trekking boots with ice cleats to aid with traction and prevent falls
Know your limits and don’t try anything reckless that might needlessly put yourself or others in danger

Not every accident can be avoided, but a “safety first” attitude, common sense, and good preparation will help prevent minor problems from turning into major catastrophes. Keep the above tips in mind the next time you hit the slopes so you can enjoy your day and return in one piece.

Signs/Symptoms of Hypothermia

Some people take refuge in their homes at the first hint of cold temperatures or snowfall, never to emerge again until spring. But there’s plenty of fun to be had outdoors even in the winter, especially if you take care to protect yourself against the elements with battery heated clothing and similar gear.

For example, a high-quality jacket paired with heated gloves can help ward off hypothermia and other serious risks posed by extreme temperatures. Hypothermia is the condition that arises when your body loses heat at a greater rate than it produces heat, causing your internal temperature to dip to a dangerous—or even life-threatening—level.

If you plan to spend significant time outdoors this winter or if you work with children or the elderly, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs and symptoms of hypothermia. These include:

Near-constant shivering that may become progressively more intense
Loss of coordination
Slow, shallow breathing
Stumbling or staggering
Drowsiness or lethargy
Mumbled or slurred speech
Weak pulse
Memory loss or confusion
Irrational behavior, such as attempting to remove warm clothing

In the elderly, the symptoms of hypothermia may manifest a bit differently—particularly if the condition is caused by factors unrelated to the outdoors (such as a poorly insulated home or cranked up air conditioning). In these situations be on the lookout for:

Faster breathing
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Difficulty speaking
Fatigue
Shivering

And in the case of infants, get ready to take action if you notice bright red skin that is cold to the touch or if the child exhibits very low energy levels.

If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to frostbite, gangrene, trench foot, chilblains, or worse. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition is one way to avoid disaster; being prepared for the elements with new battery heated clothing and cold weather gear from CozyWinters.com is another, so check out our site today.

Hypothermia in Dogs: How to Keep Your Pet Warm in Winter

heated dog bed Does your dog stay outside year round? Do you take him hunting in the winter? Does he like to frolic in the snow?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to take extra precautions to protect your pet against hypothermia.

That’s right: despite their heavy coats, dogs are still vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to extreme cold for lengthy periods.

The symptoms of hypothermia in dogs are similar to what humans experience and may include excessive shivering, staggering while walking, listlessness, and clumsiness or loss of coordination.

To ensure your favorite canine companion makes it through the winter in tiptop shape, it’s vital that you keep him as warm as possible even when he’s outdoors. Here’s how to do it:

– Provide a sturdy dog house or other suitable shelter to block out the wind and cold
– Look into dog house heating options from CozyWinters.com, including furnaces and bed warmers
– Give your pet plenty of opportunities to stay active via regular walks and play sessions
– Increase your best friend’s daily food rations to help ensure he has adequate fat to insulate his body against the cold
– Consider outfitting your dog with a jacket, sweater, or booties for additional protection against the elements
– If possible, bring your pet indoors when overnight temperatures are expected to be dangerously low or when a big storm is slated to hit your area

Even the heartiest breeds need help to stay warm through a brutal winter. Follow the tips listed here and visit CozyWinters.com now to browse our complete selection of heated dog beds, self-warming beds, dog house furnaces, and other cold weather pet gear.

CozyWinters Blog

Heated Products to Warm Your Life.