Minnesotans are proud, hardy people. But we're still people. And we get cold.
You don't need to tough out our state's coldest, roughest months with blue lips and chattering, gritted teeth. There are plenty of tech tools out there that can keep you warm. Here are 10, in no particular order:
A Heated Jacket That Charges Your Phone
Price: $350-900
Heated jackets aren't an entirely new concept. They've been used in the construction industry for a while. But in recent years, they've become more widely available to everyday consumers. Even fashion companies like Ralph Lauren have hopped on the toasty-warm bandwagon. As techies develop new versions of heated jackets, the coats are getting smarter, warmer and more functional. Some will even charge your phone.
Recharchable, Battery-Heated Socks
Price: $90
When wool won't cut it, slip on a pair of battery-powered socks. They're rechargeable, have a battery life of up to eight hours and can heat up to a temperature of 140 degrees.
Temperature-Controlled Mug
Price: $80
There's nothing better than a warm cup of coffee on a cold day. This mug lets you control the temperature of your beverage, ensuring that it stays hot from first to last sip.
Bluetooth Beanie
Price: $19-$34
Earbuds aren't always reliable during winter months. Sometimes they freeze up, or worse (and I'm speaking from experience here), start shocking you in the ear. Now you can sync your phone to a beanie and project music from the brim of your hat. The tech hipsters have truly outdone themselves this time.
Pajama Warming Pouch
Price: $40
Who doesn't love that feeling of putting on warm clothes fresh out of the dryer? Imagine having that on demand. Enough said.
Snow-Melting Mat
Price: $120
Eliminate some of your shoveling duties with a doormat that melts the snow on its own. This thing can melt up to two inches of snow cover in an hour. Good for a mild snow day or the deepest polar vortex.
Astronaut-Inspired Insulated Sweatshirt
Price: $110
If it's good enough for NASA, it's good enough for you. Oros's clothes are made with aerogel – an insulating, ultralight material with extremely low thermal conductivity to keep people warm. The same material has been used to keep astronauts and deep-sea divers warm. Oros' quarter zip has panels on the front and back to keep your core warm. If you're looking to retire that Patagonia vest from your wardrobe, this is the way to do it.
Thermal Phone Case
Price: $13
Objectively useless but undeniably fun, this thermal phone case responds to your body heat, allowing you to leave a handprint in the case.
Protective, Insulated Phone Case
Price: $30
Ok, maybe you want something that will actually protect your phone from the elements. Consider investing in an insulated phone case. By slipping your device in this little pouch, it'll be protected from cold temperatures, water damage, and falls (you know, when you inevitably slip on the ice).
Embr Wave Bracelet
Price: $300
This is a weird one. But if it works as advertised, it could definitely be worth the money. Developed by MIT scientists, Embr's Wave Bracelet straps around your wrist like a watch and helps control your natural body temperature. By heating or cooling your wrist, Embr triggers the body's natural response to temperature change, making you feel colder or warmer within minutes.
