It rarely gets below 30 degrees where I live and we have winters when whatever snow there is doesn’t stick at all. Consequently, when we have wanted to play in the snow, I am still using the cold weather gear I’ve had for 25 years which was never warm or dry to start with. It is past time for an upgrade. I want WARM and waterproof gloves, warm, lightweight snow boots that are easy to hike in and of course a good coat…one that is warm and also waterproof for when the snow inevitably turns to drizzle. I am not a skier, but I do go up to the mountain every year, just to enjoy the scenery and maybe go sledding. There is the occasional trip east of the mountains or a freak cold snap here, so I do want something that will be warm down into the low teens.
Recommendations? What gear have you found and loved? Anything to stay away from? Clearly, this is a long-term investment for me, so price is not really a concern but I don’t want to overpay either.
Look at REI and LLBean. They list the temps for their outerwear. I have longer jackets from both and they are very warm. I would suggest NOT getting a waist length jacket if you plan to spend time walking outside. I would get one that comes to hips.
REI and LLBean also have gloves.
I will say, you might want to look at the new ski gloves. They use the warmth from your hands to maintain heat…no more of those little packets. They are expensive, but very worth it if you tend towards cold hands.
For boots…Sorels. You can’t beat them for warmth and durability. I have a pair I got so long ago I don’t even remember…but at least 40 years.
I bought this coat last year at Saks Off 5th outlet online Thanksgiving weekend - it was less than $100, plus I got 20% back on Rakuten. I absolutely love it. It’s really warm (even when I walk in subzero temperatures), blocks the wind, and is synthetic so doesn’t get soggy in rain/sleet. Kristel Mid Length Parka | Noize
Love Merrill Moab high hikers waterproof. They work well with snowshoeing and cold weather.
I recommend a short puffy cold weather coat as opposed to a long one- shop at REI for options. The long coat does not do well if you are snowshoeing or running or walking fast.
I find sorel boots to be the best for lightness, comfort and waterproof. They do run best for those with a narrowish foot and do run small. I’ve bought a lot of boots
Everyone has their favorite coats. We did river cruises 2 Novembers in a row. I found that a coat that ran a bit longer was warmer for me than a hip length one.
The most important thing for staying warm is to buy big. Bigger outerwear has more room to trap insulating air underneath. So size up a minimum of 1 size and preferably 2-3 sizes. (As an example, my true size is S or M, but I always buy XL in jackets and coats. My true shoe size is a 6, but in winter boots I size up to an 8.)
This only works if there is no easy way for that warm air to escape. I find that TTS fit is much better for warmth than oversized outerwear. Also, fitted with a belt is better than baggy.
I am a fan of the Barbel coats by Moncler. Not inexpensive!!! Lightweight but so warm. Canada Goose makes some excellent ones, too.
I just bought a coat at Costco in size L even though I could fit the S.
Incidentally, for random driving around and shopping, etc, this inexpensive coat works well for my purposes even though I have nicer coats. Perhaps not for serious outdoor activity in other parts of the country, but for those on a budget who only need something for walking around a little bit, it’s not a bad option. It was cheaper in store, 19.99. Lacks sleeve cuffs, but when they’re a little long that hasn’t seemed to matter.
To add, while I can’t comment on the style as I have zero style sense, at this price it’s not a bad “fracket” for students looking for an inexpensive jacket they don’t have to worry about losing.
My younger D has a Moncler puffer coat. She’s had it for 8-9 years and it’s in great shape. It’s pricey, but for her it turned out to be a good investment.
Mine is 10 years old! I have been wearing it for 7, and someone else had been for 3 prior to me (bought resale). I wash it once a year. Still looks good.
Another approach instead of a coat would be layering which would let you tune the warmth to the conditions. You could start with a good waterproof breathable shell then underneath it wear anything from a longsleeve merino shirt on warmer wet days to a sweater, a down jacket, and various permutations thereof.
REI, as recommended above, is a great place for outdoor wear. I think layering may be best option in the conditions you describe. The brand Patagonia came to mind when I initially read your post, but there are lots of good brands of coats. Gloves do seem to be “new” technology, and thicker doesn’t mean better.
I guess my disclaimer on short jackets is that I am short (5ft) and a regular short jacket does sit a little longer than the waist. I do also have a longer puffy coat for those days when it is just incredibly cold and I’m needing to stand outside some.
I wear ski pants with long underwear for snowshoeing.
When the puffy coats came out years ago I was thrilled. So much lighter weight and warm I thought I was floating and in heaven.
I am a person who runs cold, so I’m picky. I live in Chicagoland and there are not many days where the dogs and I don’t spend at least an hour outside for one long walk, and then multiple shorter ones.
I’ve had some fleece pants from LLBean, Patagonia and North face which are all OK, but I will only buy the ones above going forward.
My favorite boots by far are Ugg Adirondacks…warm, supportive, and good traction. They have much better support than any Sorels I’ve had, at least 3 pair. I despise LLBean duck boots because the traction is terrible. No exaggeration. Unsafe. I threw them in the garbage, wouldn’t even donate them. Here’s the Uggs. Women's UGG Adirondack Boot III | Zappos.com
I’ve had a Lands End down coat for 30 years, lol. I know new technology is better and lighter, but that coat is perfect. Somehow I came into possession of a Marmot down coat and hated everything about it, I promptly donated it. D has a Canada Goose coat which is nice.
I can’t for the life of me find adequate gloves or mittens, my fingers are always cold. I hope someone has recommendations!!! I bet I’ve bought 30 pair in the last 15 years. DH bought me those heated gloves which are pricey, but they don’t have good enough dexterity for walking the dogs, so I sadly never use them.
