Wisconsin winters can be brutal, but despite freezing temperatures and piles of snow, they can also be a lot of fun if you are properly prepared for the elements. The staff at Sherper's has compiled a list of their top ten "must have" winter gear products to help you prepare for the colder months ahead!

1. Hand & Toe Warmers: Whether you are sitting in a tree stand, headed to a Packer game, or hiking a snowy trail, Heat Factory hand and toe warmers are a MUST have for battling the frigid temperatures of the Wisconsin winter. They may be small, but for a few dollars they can be the difference between an enjoyable or miserable time while enjoying the outdoors in the later months of the year. 
2. Wool Socks: Wool socks are by far one of the most important essentials for battling the cold. Your feet are one of the first body parts to get cold and it is so important to keep them warm. Wool socks do this by not only trapping heat and insulating your feet, but by keeping your feet dry (which is very important in keeping your feet warm)! Wool has great natural moisture wicking properties and dries quickly. Wool socks have also come a long way since your Grandpa's itchy socks that almost weren't worth the insulating properties. With today's soft merino wools, you can get a warm, comfortable, durable pair of socks that will make all the difference when going from working up a sweat to sitting in the cold. When the Wisconsin winter hits, leave those cotton gym socks in the drawer where they belong! A couple of options available at Sherper's include: Ballston Heavy Weight Merino Wool Socks and Fits Ultra Heavy Expedition Socks. 
3. Insulated Boots: Socks and toe warmers are essential, but without a good pair of boots, your feet stand no chance against sub-zero temperatures and piles of snow. Two of our favorites this year are the LaCrosse Whitney II and the classic Mickey Mouse Boot. The Whitney II is a great women's boot that balances fashion and function. It will keep your feet warm on a cold winter morning without looking like you borrowed your husband's boots. The Mickey Mouse Boot on the other hand may look a bit strange, but these boots have been the ultimate in cold weather gear ever since their creation during the Korean War. The air valves on the side also make a nice conversation starter as they were created to allow pilots in the Korean War to open them prior to flying, ensuring that the air pressure differential between the walls of the boot and the outside air did not cause the boots to rupture. 
4. Warm Gloves: As with footwear, it is important to keep your hands warm and dry. There are a lot of different types of gloves and mittens on the market, but for the "best-of-the-best" look for Gore-Tex waterproofing and down filling. The Gore-Tex will insure your hands stay dry by allowing perspiration to evaporate without letting any water in. That, coupled with down which has some of the best natural insulating properties, will make sure your hands stay warm all winter long. Check out these options available at Sherper's: Gordini Women's GTX Down II Glove and the Gordini Men's Da Goose V GTX Gloves.
5. Emergency Shovel: You may not be able to wear this to keep you warm, but it could be the difference between spending the night in a cold car vs. getting home to your warm bed. Whether digging yourself out of a ditch or a plowed-in parking spot, this is a must have when on the snowy roads of Wisconsin. We carry a few options, including the Texsport Deluxe Folding Shovel and the Lifeline Sport Utility Shovel. 
6. Long Underwear/Leggings: A good base layer is a must whether you're running errands or headed out ice fishing for the day. There are many different types of base layers and materials to choose from. A pair of Gold Medal leggings will do for a trip to the store, and a Kombi Omni-Wool set will work for your job that takes you inside to outside many times during the day. Wool is king and for ultimate warmth we suggest the Minus 33 set. It is a greater insulator, it keeps you dry, and is also naturally anti-microbial so you won't be smelling yourself all day.
7. Wool Blanket: I'm sure you are beginning to see a theme here. Wool wins! A wool blanket can come in handy almost anywhere. From cozying up around the fire, to an extra layer on the bed at deer camp, to an emergency blanket in your  car, this is a necessary item to have. Warm, quick drying, and durable. This should be your "binky" from November to February! A couple of our favorites are the Fox Italian Wool Blanket and the Fox Israeli Wool Blanket.
8. Flannel Shirt: A staple of the Wisconsin winter and fall is the flannel shirt. Before it was cool again to wear a buffalo check plaid, we have known it as the perfect layering piece. It works great under your parka or for Christmas dinner at your great aunt Blanche's house. Try a National Outfitters Brawny Midweight Flannel for great value and layering, or dress it up a bit for family gatherings with a Patagonia Fjord Flannel. The flannel shirt - don't leave home without it.
9. Ice Cleats: Whether you're taking the dog for a stroll, heading out to the lake to ice fish, or even exploring the ice caves of Lake Superior, ice cleats are a must for slippery surfaces. One of our favorites is the Stabilicers Lite Walker Ice Cleat. These cleats offer full foot slip protection, making them ideal for city workers, postal carriers, delivery workers, or anyone that spends their days outside on their feet!    
10. Warm Hat: The last, but certainly not least important part of your body to cover up when the temperature drops is your head. There are many great options to choose from, but we recommend a hat from either Mad Bomber or fellow Midwestern brand Stormy Kromer (who makes all of their hats in the good ol' US of A). Why choose between fashion and function when you can have both!

Photo courtesy of Sharon Shepard