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A lot of people in our movement are trying to buy less, buy used, and shop small. That is good and necessary. Thrift stores, mutual aid gear swaps, and local businesses should always be part of the plan.
At the same time, most of us still end up at big-box stores sometimes, especially when we need durable, winter-ready gear in bulk for volunteers. When that happens, it is worth noticing which giants behave better than others.
Costco is not perfect, but they do some important things right. They are known for paying their workers better than many other large retailers, offering benefits, and keeping turnover lower as a result. And now they are also taking Trump’s tariffs to court. Costco has joined other companies in filing actions to demand refunds on import tariffs that lower courts have already ruled illegal, rather than quietly accepting sweeping “emergency” tariffs that Trump tried to impose on goods from almost every country. That legal fight matters because those tariffs have raised tens of billions of dollars and driven up prices for ordinary people, all while Trump tries to claim almost unlimited power over trade.
So if you are going to spend money at a warehouse store to keep your protest team warm, Costco is one of the less-bad options, and in this moment, they are at least pushing back on Trump’s power grab on tariffs.
We do not get any money or kickback from recommending these products. They are simply practical tools that help people stay safe and comfortable while they are out doing the work.
Cold-weather visibility events, canvassing shifts, and rallies get harder once the temperature drops. Warm hands and steady circulation are not a luxury, they are safety. They also help people last longer outside and stay focused on the mission instead of the weather.
Below are our favorite winter-ready items available at Costco right now and why they matter for anyone spending long hours on sidewalks, at intersections, or going door-to-door.
1. ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Mug Set
URL: https://www.costco.com/p/-/thermoflask-stainless-steel-insulated-coffee-mug-set-2-pack/4000403921
Hot drinks are morale-boosters. These mugs keep coffee, tea, or cocoa hot for up to four hours, which is exactly what you need when you are standing outside in the wind or finishing a canvass route after sunset.
Why they help:
Warm hands, warm core temperature, fewer volunteers having to tap out early
Splash-resistant lids mean you can walk, wave signs, or clip the mug to a bag
Two sizes included, so one can be used for a hot drink and one for water
Stainless steel, easy to clean, and sturdy enough for being tossed in a gear bin
2. Little Hotties Hand Warmers (80 pairs)
Hand warmers are a must for long stands or canvassing days where you are constantly gripping clipboards, pens, or signs. These last up to eight hours and activate as soon as they are exposed to air. A box of these can cover a whole team for several weeks.
Why they help:
Keep circulation going so people can write, hand out flyers, or use phones
Pocket-sized and disposable, ideal to hand out to new volunteers
Great for safety teams, sign holders, and anyone standing in one place
3. Little Hotties Toe Warmers (60 pairs)
Cold feet will knock someone out of a protest faster than anything. Toe warmers keep volunteers mobile, especially if they are walking neighborhoods or shifting positions along a sidewalk. These pair well with thick socks and solid shoes.
Why they help:
Adhesive backing keeps them in place
Designed for inside boots or sneakers
Keep volunteers comfortable enough to stay for the full action
4. POWERPAW 501 Rechargeable Hand Warmer (2-pack)
Rechargeable warmers are ideal for frequent volunteers who show up week after week. They are waterproof, shockproof, and last up to six hours per charge. One per pocket is a game-changer.
Why they help:
More sustainable and do not require continuous restocking
Work in rain and snow, so they are perfect for winter visibility events
Heat quickly and have multiple settings
Great for marshals, leaders, and anyone managing equipment outdoors
5. Touchscreen Running Gloves (Men’s and Women’s)
These gloves are light, warm, and most importantly, allow you to use your phone without exposing your skin. That matters for communication, maps, safety coordination, and rapid-response messaging. They also work as liners under heavier gloves.
Why they help:
Touchscreen-capable fingertips for texting, taking photos, or using maps
Flexible enough to handle clipboards and sign edges
Silicone grips keep phones from slipping
Good for mild to moderate cold days
6. Waterproof Hybrid Gloves (Men’s and Women’s)
Once the real cold hits, these are the upgrade. They are waterproof, windproof, and lined with ThermalFUR, which traps heat without adding much bulk.
Why they help:
Essential for long visibility stands on freezing days
Waterproof so you do not lose heat if it is raining
Touchscreen-friendly for communication
Higher insulation for volunteers who get cold easily
7. 32 Degrees Rechargeable Heated Vest
This is probably the most impactful single item on the list. A heated vest keeps your core warm, which makes everything else easier. When your core temperature drops, your body prioritizes vital organs and pulls heat from hands and feet. That is when volunteers start getting stiff, shaky, or uncomfortable.
Why it helps:
Up to six hours of heat, perfect for events, canvassing, or sidewalk stands
Lets you avoid bulky layers so you can move and lift signs easily
Great for team leads or marshals who need to stay outside the entire time
Helps retain body heat even when wind chill kicks in
8. Panther Vision Rechargeable LED Beanie (2-pack)
URL: https://www.costco.com/p/-/panther-vision-rechargeable-powercap-led-lighted-beanie-2-pack/4000225110
Winter protests often happen at dusk or after dark, especially with early sunsets. A lighted beanie gives you hands-free illumination for safety, visibility, and setup. These are extremely useful for marshals and anyone handling logistics.
Why it helps:
LED light keeps you visible to cars
Perfect for setting up tables, loading cars, or navigating dark sidewalks
Rechargeable, water resistant, and warm
Makes volunteers more confident walking to and from events
Why These Items Matter
Protest season does not pause for cold weather, and we do not want anyone risking frostbite, numb hands, or miserable canvassing sessions. Warm volunteers stay longer, move safely, and communicate better. Good gear also lowers the barrier for new people who may be nervous about attending their first event.
If you want to donate any of these items to our weekly stands, rallies, or canvassing teams, they will absolutely get used.
Stay warm, stay visible, keep organizing. Woodstock shows up.