23 winter beach gear essentials to shore up with

The relative tranquility of wind-swept beaches, the sleepy towns that surround them, and those gnarly winter currents swelling up offshore ought to be more than enough to get you out there. Whether you're staying on snowy sands, hunkering down with a bowl of clam chowder, or manning up and swimming/paddling out, these goods ought to keep the frostbite off your tippy toes and other free-hanging extremities.

Landlubbing:
Or at least staying out of the water.

Patagonia Special Edition Post Foamback Cagoule - $349
The cagoule rain jacket was originally developed for British climbers. Cut long so that you might pull it over your knees during rainstorms or at bivouacs, it's perfect for these purposes. Waterproof so that it will keep most of your body dry, the outer layer is still breathable so you won't overheat in an unintentional suana of sweat/water and wool/thermal layers underneath.

Mollusk Fisherman Sweater - $128
The Alpaca-based homage to old American wharfs will keep you as warm and comfortable as it did the hard-working dock workers and sea-faring anglers. 

M.Nii Corduroy Drowner Pant - $187
There's  rope belt to keep them up, and in high drifts they're easy to stuff into your boots or simply roll above. Designed by a once mom-and-pop tailor shop on Oahu who also introduced some of the first surf trunks, these are as beach-ready as you get, with a thicker corduroy material to ward off the cold.

Best Made Co. American Wool Base Layer - $200 (Set)
Not only is wool warm and breathable, but it keeps you warm even when wet. And if it does get wet, it dries really quick. 

Tretorn Wool Blend Crew Sock - $12
See base layer above.

XTRATUF 16-Inch Insulated Neoprene Boot - $119.50
Waterproof, watertight, and with the right traction for staying on your feet, these we're built explicitly for the most severe oceanside conditions.

ISOTONER smarTouch Marled Knit Gloves - $45
A dense outer layer and soft lining will make sure your fingers are nice and toasty and the suede palm patch increases grip and durability — but, perhaps most importantly, the thumb, index, and middle fingers are embroidered with a conductive thread that conveys an electrical impulse to the touchscreen, making them smartphone-friendly.

Brixton Heist Beanie - $18
Gots to keep the tops of your head covered.

Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses - $200
These coastal classics are not summer specific.

Getting Wet:
Surfs up!

O'Neill Heat FSW Hooded + SL Lobster Glove + Heat Round Toe Boot - $375.95 + $50 + $54.95
While brands like Patagonia are quickly becoming the standard-bearers for the best in wetsuits (and they are damn good), feel free to also trust a mainstay alternative which offers its warmest garb at a more swimmable price. Obviously the thicker the better, and the thickest in these designs will keep you roasty toasty in the most frigid of conditions.

Arbor Jameson Thermal Henley - $50
Taking a break? Grabbing a hot toddy on shore? Dry off. Roll down the upper half of your wetsuit and stroke into this heater.

L.L.Bean Water-Resitant Fleece-Lined Canvas Shirt - $74
Stay dry and comfortable in between paddles out with the Nor'easter' staple. With a generous cut, it'll be more than good if your thermal isn't enough and your need more layers underneath.

Oakley Surf Report - Free
The first mobile surf reporting app, rebuilt. Weather and water conditions, worldwide. It's generally good to know what you're getting into, and this allows for that, before you even roll out of bed.

Keeping Dry:
Gear for your gear.

Snow Lizzard SLXTREME 5 - $149.99
Not only is this case waterproof in the wettest environments (six feet deep), but it's got battery boosting powers alongside a solar charger in case your phone is dying and you're without charger/outlet.

ECOXGEAR ECOXBT - $129 (Currently $99 via Sonic Electronix)
Now that your iPhone is protected, connect it to this Bluetooth compatible speaker that also happens to be water-resistant, so much so that it'll survive being fully submersed, then will float to the surface where you'll be able to easily identify the bright red.

Stanley x Filson 100th Anniversay Vacuum Bottle - $175 
Two iconic heritage brands. Stanley's all-purpose thermos will keep the hots hot and the colds cold for up to 24 hours, in the off-chance a blizzard keeps you stranded, or you simply lose track of time. Then Filson's tin cloth and genuine bridle leather will have this durable casing standing tough for awhile and more.

Lowepro DryZone Duffle - $149
For all your serious electronics, such as the DSLR you're going to have your friend snap those crazy shots of you surfing in a downfall with, this is the rugged choice. 

Alite Shifter Pack - $135
Weather- and water-resistant to keep your smartphones, extra layers, and surf garb dry, the bright color combinations inspired by Japanese design will make sure you don't lose track of your smartphones, extra layers, and surf garb when/if a whiteout occurs.

For the Ride Home:
A little damp from outside? Change into these.

Poler Napsack - $130
This mobile cover-all is the grown-up version of the Snuggie, after it traveled the world and learned things. Strip down to your skivvies and throw this over your bones. It's perfect for warming up, and then staying warm on the drive back inland. [More... ]

Columbia Packed Out Omni Heat Slipper - $55
In the offchance that water did somehow find its way into your boots and soaked through your socks, these are the ideal way to kick them off.

Billy Wolf Colt Water Resistant Coat - $68
Not even the harshest of conditions would keep Wolfie at home or even in the car. With water-resistant waxed canvas and Soft Khaki Sherpa lining, your pal may be cozier than you.