Guardian’s Filter lists winter essentials as UK faces cold snap

The UK has started 2026 with ice, snow and frost, and weather warnings continue across the country. The Guardian’s Filter has rounded up winter essentials to help readers through the cold snap, covering items for staying cosy at home, keeping warm outdoors and exercising in the cold.

Indoor recommendations include women’s flannel pyjamas (£34.90 at Uniqlo), which Kate McCusker said “wash beautifully, fit comfortably and do a great job of helping me look semi put together,” and men’s checked flannel pyjamas (from £27.95 at Sea Salt). The round-up also highlights Heattech socks (£7.90 at Uniqlo), a fleece electric throw (£32 at Dunelm) rated best budget in an electric blanket test, a Love Mornings cotton heated duvet (£199.99 at Dreamland) praised for its dual controls, a £15 hooded blanket at M&S, a Beldray electric heater (£206.75 at Argos) chosen as best overall in a heater test, and a Minky SureDri heat pod drying system (prices from £49.99) recommended for fast indoor drying.

For outdoors and exercise, the guide recommends layering with items such as a Puffertech compact vest (£34.90 at Uniqlo), rechargeable Oocoopa hand warmers (from £14.99 at Amazon), longer waterproof coats like the Janelle (£99.95 at Harts of Stur, £180 at Seasalt) and a Hybrid recycled down coat (£99.90 at Uniqlo).

Footwear suggestions include Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots (£155 at Merrell) and Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots (£175.95 at Snow + Rock).

Key Topics

Culture, Winter Essentials, Uniqlo, Merrell, Beldray, Minky