4 proven ways to beat the cold at markets – you’ll need these tips this winter!
Have you ever been standing shivering at a winter market, wishing that you could just jump into a hot tub and warm your bones again?! Not that jumping in a hot tub is everyone’s favourite pastime, but when you are colder than you have ever been, stood up for hours at a stall, it might feel like the only answer! Outdoor markets can feel even colder than you’d think when you’re standing still for hours (although we do recommend not standing still if possible!). It’s hard the beat the cold at markets at this time of year, so we’ve collected our stallholders’ top tips on what will help you.
When it’s 1 or 2 degrees and common sense would say to move around, keep walking, get a hot drink ~ but when you are trapped behind your stall you can’t just walk away and get a hot drink or go inside to warm up. Even titivating with your stall or the odd jog-on-the-spot doesn’t instantly work.
Here are a few tips for stallholders, from those willing to share their trade secrets.
1. Get your feet off the ground and use thermal insoles
Putting an extra barrier between your self and the cold floor is always a good idea. If you’re at an outdoor market especially, you could use a floor mat, yoga mat, or many stallholders use the cheapest option of cardboard under foot. An old piece of carpet could also work, or a piece of foam polystyrene can all be ways to slow the chilling process!
We love using thermal (with sheepskin) insoles/shoe liners. You would have to have a pair of boots with ample room in order to use these, but these insoles are so good they should be sold with your stall, apparently! There are a huge variety of choices but we found these on Amazon, click here to see. Of course, if you see a stallholder selling something like these, always shop small when you can!
It’s always a good idea to wear walking boots or similar – something sturdy and comfortable so you’re happy being on your feet all day. Ideally with a thick sole – the further you are from the cold ground, the better.
2. Hand warmers like Hot Rox
Hot Rox are little electronic hand warmers, for those that haven’t heard of them, and they do have pretty good reviews on Amazon! Keep the batteries topped up and you should be fine. Simply hold them in your hands to keep your hands warm when you’re not dealing with sales – having to sort cash/car readers/different payment methods and packing everything up can mean your hands get cold quickly. Click here for the Hot Rox.
There are plenty of alternatives on the market – all sorts of hand warmers are available. You could even take a hot water bottle with you, but these do go cold very quickly outdoors. However, it’s just a good idea to grasp any warmth you can! You could even start your day with a hot water bottle up your jumper, to keep you warm from the off.
3. Consider natural fibres
Pedddle founder Nicki bought a pair of Alpaca wool/hair socks for a trip to South America and highly recommends these natural fibres for keeping warm. This can extend to any item of clothing made from natural fibres – wool jumpers are always a good idea for keeping warm outdoors.
Whilst we wouldn’t suggest them as an under garment (they could be itchy), wearing a jumper made from natural fibres over a thinner under layer definitely retains more of your own body heat and will assist in avoiding heat loss for at least a few hours. A wool scarf is also a great idea.
Many of our stallholders use natural fibres to create their own products, including wool scarves. Check out our ‘Clothing and Jewellery’ section of stallholders on Pedddle – it’d be great if you could support a fellow stallholder for your own market wares!
4. Food & Drink
Be prepared and take plenty to eat from home. There are two benefits to this – you don’t spend all your profits on food but also a well fuelled body stays warm better! Taking a thermal flask with a hot drink or soup in is super important to help keep your internal temperature up throughout the day too.
If you want to beat the cold at markets, keeping your energy levels and food intake high is essential. It will help you to keep focused and on your best form all day.
See you at a market soon!
We hope you have found these tips useful and if you have any more to add, please let us know we will happily share them. Have a great time trading in the meantime.
Click here to view our full market checklist, which has useful lists to check what you need to take to market!