These are the 5 essentials I pack for a weekend ski trip

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REUTERS/Lucas JacksonIn an attempt to make the most of the last few cold weeks of the year, I'm going to spend my weekend skiing with friends. 

That means a lot of time spent outdoors in the cold, which requires a different thought process when packing.

These are the five essential things I'm going to be taking to make sure I stay warm (and connected) while I sail down the slopes.

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1. A pair of long johns

Mack WeldonI'm new to the long johns game, but after wearing a pair from Mack Weldon for a couple of weeks, I'm sold for life. 

They're thin, not too tight, and very warm. I've worn insulated clothes before, but they tend to make me feel weighed down. I'd rather feel heavy than cold, but now my legs can stay warm without the extra bulk.

Mack Weldon Long Underwear, $78

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2. A Hyrdro Flask

AmazonI'm currently in the process of testing out the Hyrdro Flask, but I'm quickly becoming sold. 

It's capable of keeping cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot for hours at a time — I tested it with boiled water, and 12 hours later the water was still nice and warm. Nothing hits the spot quite like some nice cocoa or tea when you're feeling frigid.

Hyrdro Flask, $29.95

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3. Bluetooth earbuds

AmazonThese may not be the headphones critical audiophiles go for, but the Impulse Wireless earbuds from iFrogz are the ones I'm packing. 

They're very small, come with a clip, and certainly sound good enough to provide a soundtrack to my runs. The integrated clip is actually the clinching factor in my decision to make this my headphone choice for this trip; I don't want to lose any focus thinking about my earbuds as I head down the mountain.

iFrogz Impulse Wireless bluetooth earbuds, $32.75

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4. A portable battery

AmazonThere's no way I'll go on a trip without an external battery, but for this trip I have to keep size in mind. 

Anker's PowerCore Slim battery is small enough to fit in the pocket of my jacket without being overly bulky. I hope I don't have to use this tech accessory, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Anker PowerCore Slim 5000, $22.99

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5. A stationary Bluetooth speaker

AmazonSince we're going to be renting a house for a couple nights, my friends and I are going to need some entertainment. 

We all love music, and I'm currently in the process of testing out The One speaker from Klipsch.

This weekend will be the deciding factor of whether or not it gets my official recommendation, but I like what I've heard so far. It's a Bluetooth speaker, and while it is technically portable, it's better suited for stationary use. 

Thankfully I don't foresee us moving a whole lot, so it'll live in whatever room we choose to use for hanging out.

Klipsch The One speaker, $249, available at Amazon