This is an on going debate this time of year, every year, in every cigar forum, and everyone’s twitter feed. I realize that some people live where it gets really cold, and they can’t smoke inside. So obviously they have it worse than most others. However, there are still options available to everyone.
Luckily, I’ve been blessed and was born in the South where it’s warm 85% of year and I rarely have to worry about snow. I know what you’re thinking, yes, I am a redneck son of the south. Oh wait, you weren’t thinking that? Ok, well that’s good to know! Well after combing through lots of different ideas. I think I’ve compiled some great ideas / suggestions for what to do when it gets too cold to smoke cigars outdoors!
Go Inside!
Ok, I know most of you won’t be able to smoke inside your house or apartment. What about a garage? I personally smoke in my garage and I love it! Nothing like the smell of gasoline and sweaty hockey gear to really help you soak in the aroma of your cigar. I open up one side of my double garage and let the smoke flow out that way. I also bought a POS oil radiator heater that can’t really warm the garage that much. That’s one bad suggestion, don’t buy a crappy heater!
Can’t go inside at your own place? Find a cigar lounge that is close to your house! Obviously, this doesn’t apply to everyone, but most people should have a B&M close enough to them where they can go in and smoke for an hour or two, right? That’s what these places were made for. They want you to come in and smoke there. Plus you can hang out and meet some great people why you are in there. Remember what you all said, talking to people is your #2 favorite thing to do while smoking cigars!
Ok, so you can’t smoke in your house. You don’t have a B&M close to you. My third and final option is, just smoke in your car! Now, I’m not a big fan of this. Mainly because I have a 20 minute commute each day. I personally like to get away from the smell of cigars every now and again. But it could be an option for you depending on how badly you want to smoke. That’s all I’m saying.
Wanna Be Tough? Stay outside then.
Well the choice is up to you and your circumstances. I’m sure you’ve thought about all of your options at this point and have realized you either have to A) Give up cigars for the winter or B) Just get a thicker coat.
Option B leads me to my next point. If you’re going to be outside you need to get prepared.
Warmer Clothing
Hat & Gloves – These are essential! Something like 90% of your heat escapes your body through your head, hands and feet. So protect these at all times. A stocking cap, beanie, toboggan or whatever you want to call it, get one and put it on your head. It’ll keep your head and ears warm and keep the wind from cutting through you.
Gloves, this is always a topic of debate. Fingerless gloves, mittens, or normal gloves. I prefer fingerless gloves for smoking cigars. It keeps the majority of your hands warm and lets you have the touch that you need for smoking some sticks.
Coat – Now this can be a normal smoking jacket or a snow jacket. It’s really up to you and what you prefer. Personally, I don’t want my nice winter coat smelling like a cigar lounge. So I went down to Wal Mart and bought a nice flannel jacket. Probably cost me $30 and it’s super warm! Plus I look like a lumberjack when I wear it so it’s all good.
Longjohns / Thermal Underwear – Again, since I’m from the South we call these longjohns. They are awesome at keeping you warm. Just layer them under your outer clothes and you should be fine. Assuming it’s not -40 degrees.
Handwarmers – Now here, I have a couple of options for you. You can buy the hot hands and keep them in your pockets and pull them out when you need them. However, I’ve found an alternative that I think works just as good, if not better. It actually warms two parts of your body.
Personally, I use my laptop to keep me warm. I have it plugged in and charging while I’m smoking. When it’s charging it produces quite a bit of heat. So I stick my hands underneath the bottom of the laptop and it warms them right up. However, I usually have to keep one hand out because I’m playing blackjack on PartyCasino.com. I know, I know, I prolly shouldn’t be doing that, but I love blackjack! Not only does my laptop keep my hands warm, it also warms my thighs. So to me this is quite effective! But it’s up to you.
Boots – Last, but not least as I said you lose a ton of heat through your feet. Make sure you have some nice wool socks on. Even better than that, make sure you have a nice pair of boots to keep your feet warm! It’s even better if you can tuck your pants into your boots. I realize that may not look cool or fashionable, but hey at least you’re getting to smoke cigars right? That’s what I thought.
Get a Good Heater
This is actually a lot harder than it sounds. I’ve been going back and forth on heaters. I first bought a coil heater and tried it out for a couple of days. It didn’t work as well as I wanted it to. So I took it back to Wal Mart, picked up an oil radiator heater. I’ve had good experience with them in the past and thought I’d try again. No luck so far. Maybe it’s because the garage is too big.
So now I’m trying to decide my next step. So now I’m trying to decide my next step. I’ve looked at ceramic heaters, I just don’t think they will put off enough heat. I’ve also looked at the big heated poles, but they don’t direct the heat very well. I’ve even thought about trying to install a fireplace but that’s a longer term plan.
So I’m going to head to Lowe’s and try to find something that is directional and puts off a ton of heat because I have a feeling it’s going to get downright cold this winter. So if you have any suggestions please post them in comment box below!
Yes, I’m done suggesting ideas
There you have it ladies and gents. Those are my ideas and suggestions for surviving the winter and still being able to enjoy your cigars. Hopefully you learned something, or it sparked some new ideas for you to try out. If this was absolutely zero help whatsoever. Then I apologize, next time you prolly shouldn’t take advice from a southerner on how to stay warm 🙂
