Staying warm outside: experts offer a few tricks of the trade

Despite sinking temperatures, road crews, construction workers, even people working around the house have to be outside.  So how are you supposed to protect yourself in these abnormally cold conditions?  There are some things you may not know about that can keep you safe and warm when the mercury drops.

"Within the past two weeks we have sold so many items," said Simone Simmons with Academy Sports and Outdoors.  But what are your best bets for warmth?  Folks here at the store say it's not just about outerwear. 

There's a relatively new product that offers better protection when you're working outside.  Simmons says silk thermal underwear are really great for working outside because they pull the sweat away from your skin keeping it dry.  Under Armour items serve the same purpose as silk thermals. 

So what about the coat?  Down, wool:  is one thing better than another?  Simmons said you want "pretty much anything that's insulated and really heavy."  That's basically anything with two layers. 

That goes for coveralls too.  And surprisingly the basics like gloves, warm socks, shoes and hats aren't that expensive. Simmons says hats can be as low as $1.99.  And for a little added heat you can put hand or body warmers in your pant or coat pockets.  Once you open the packet, the air activated warmer lasts up to 24 hours. 

And if you're going to be running or biking outside, you may want to look for athletic-wear made of man-made materials like Thermolite or Thermstat.  They're warm and they pull sweat away from your body.