Sponsored by Zappos

This December, I planned a last-minute, off-season trip to Arizona and Utah, and to prepare for the cold weather I ordered my Columbia jacket and boots from Zappos. They arrived within two days, with free, trackable shipping.

Visiting the Southwest USA during the off-season (November-January) has many pros and a few cons.

Pros: No crowds, better lighting for photos, less expensive travel costs, and cooler temperatures
Cons: Unpredictable weather, fewer daylight hours

The weather in areas near Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon can get quite cold during fall and winter months with temperatures ranging from the 40°s down to the 20°s F. But as long as you are prepared for the cold weather with warm, dependable gear, it’s well worth traveling to during the off-season. I recommend planning your trip to the area for a minimum of 3 full days at least, because if the weather is unpredictable, you will have enough time to wait out a passing storm or watch as the fog burns off in one area before heading to the next spot. Heavy rain and fog may not be ideal for enjoying a vacation, but if you are lucky and are visiting Navajo Tribal Lands while it’s snowing or after the snowfall, it’s a magical experience. A few years ago, I saw the red walls of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon dusted in snow, and it was something I will never forget.

I’m a beach and city girl that takes at most 1-2 outdoorsy trips a year, so I don’t own a ton of gear. But what I do look for in a jacket and boots is that they’re high-quality, dependable, durable, and can be worn year after year. I decided the Columbia Veloca Vixen Jacket and the Meadows Shorty Omni-Heat Boots from Zappos would be perfect for my trip.

The Columbia Veloca Vixen Jacket

“I love your jacket!” - “Thanks, it has FIVE pockets!”

Zappos had dozens of Columbia jackets to choose from, but I ultimately chose the Red Lily Veloca Vixen Jacket to match the red hues of Utah and Arizona’s landscape. In addition to fitting perfectly and comfortably, what I loved about it were the two inner pockets, two outer pockets that are perfectly angled for resting your hands, and one forearm pocket that’s big enough to fit chapstick, credit cards, an ID card, or an RFID lift pass for skiing. The jacket has an adjustable hood that’s also removable, and armpit vents to cool down quickly without having to take off any gear.

Beyond the convenience and thoughtfulness of well placed pockets and zippers, what’s most important about this jacket is that it keeps you warm and dry without being bulky.

The Columbia Meadows Shorty Omni-Heat Boots

Considering I didn’t have a lot of time before leaving for my trip when placing my order for the boots, I was relieved that Zappos made the process so easy. The Zappos shoe size predictor was an especially helpful feature that made me feel confident about purchasing shoes that I haven’t tried on before. I ordered half a size up because I know I like to wear thick socks when I travel to the cold, and the fit was perfect. I didn’t have to use their return service, but knowing that it’s free and convenient was added assurance that I could easily exchange them if they weren’t the right fit.

The Meadows Shorty Omni-Heat Boots are lightweight considering how rugged they are, provide ankle support without feeling rigid, and somehow keep the elements out while still feeling breathable. The boots are rated for temperatures down to -25°F, and were ideal for the 40° weather I experienced. After just one trip with these boots, I could already tell that I’m going to continue using them for years to come.

Leave me a message in the comments below if you have any questions about my jacket or boots, or if you’re preparing to visit the Southwest USA during fall/winter months!