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thats_your_name_dude t1_irpkhc0 wrote

Welcome! I was once stationed in Arizona but am from Wisconsin, so I think I can speak to this:

  1. High quality winter coat. Lots of great options in this department, but if you want something to truly last for life, heavyweight wool will be the best. Synthetics and goose down are awesome, but they both lose more of their insulating properties over time. Personally speaking, I have met more than one old timer who still wears the same Mackinaw wool coat they bought 30-40 years ago. A few different companies make this style of coat, and the ones I know of are Filson (the original/most options), Johnson Woolen Mills (made in USA/comes with a hood), and Stormy Kromer (best price/made in USA). Mine comes from Stormy Kromer, and got it at the factory where it’s made in Michigan for $330.

  2. Winter boots (preferably Pac Boots). Sorels are well known, but for a little more money, you can get much better quality/comfort/durability with Schnees. Modern Sorel is basically a fashion brand these days, but Schnees still makes them geared for the outdoors. They will even rebuild them for a fee you when you wear down the outsoles too much. Whether you’re shoveling snow, ice fishing, or snowmobiling, these will keep your feet warm.

  3. Thick, knee high wool socks to wear in your boots. My preference is Darn Tough due to their quality and ridiculously good warranty.

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