BIFL 2022 Winter Gear Request thread!

Submitted by Robot_ninja_pirate t3_yski45 in BuyItForLife

Well, it's coming up to that time of year again Winter the coldest season of the year (at least if you are in the Northern Hemisphere sorry everyone else)

So the team here thought we should make a new thread this year specifically for Winter Gear, Jackets, Boots, hats, gloves and whatever else is appropriate if you have a good suggestion please post it here.

There are a lot of Threads this time of year and I can only Sticky Two posts at a time so other threads of interest are:

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lwrdmp t1_iw2557h wrote

Columbia jackets are underrated imo they're pretty affordable and the Columbia challenger lasted me a few years and still like new (used it hiking, skiing etc) not a sign of going to break

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw38399 wrote

How do they compare to Patagonia, Arc'teryx and TheNorthFace products?

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lwrdmp t1_iw3h52j wrote

Patagonia is imo in the hall of fame of bifl, good quality and they repair what's broken

The north face is basically the same quality as Columbia but more expensive they have shifted their focus from solid reliable outdoors gear to more streetwear products so it's not really worth it I'd say

Never tried arc'teryx

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LegendaryWolf36 t1_iw6b9gj wrote

Yup I agree my 2¢ you don’t need to pay the extra $ for arc’teryx because unless you are mountaineering or doing a lot of skiing it’s not gonna be used up to it’s potential

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reginwillis t1_iw3edwu wrote

Struggling with choice paralysis over brands here, as those mentioned + Fjallraven, Eddie Bauer, and Carharrt are the top ones mentioned in this subreddit

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DistanceProduct t1_iw4p8wv wrote

Agreed, I got a jacket for$30 at an outlet that has lasted me 6 winters

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Robot_ninja_pirate OP t1_ivzgpka wrote

While not a specific product I thought I should recommend this website Rate my Treads which do extensive testing on the slipping resistance of footwear certainly something I would refer to before buying any new winter boots

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HereToStayThisTime t1_iwdmzgn wrote

I’m looking for a puffer style jacket, that has the option to tie around the waist for a more feminine look! One of the bigger kind of more fluffier ones rather than the more compact sleek puffers

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reginwillis t1_ixc23w1 wrote

I was looking for winter gloves/mittens this year, Detroit winters are brutal sometimes. Any suggestions?

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_ivzlz20 wrote

I like my Duckworth products specifically the powder hoodie. Best hoodie ever

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Poke_Baller t1_iw0dao8 wrote

How’s the sizing? Curious to try one but not sure if I should get an M or L. Do they shrink? Thanks in advance for any info.

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_iw0e7a0 wrote

They are typically made for layering. However I like my hoodies oversized so it’s not a problem for me. It will be a bit big if you don’t layer

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_iw0ebzx wrote

They have a huge shipment of them coming in next week. Plenty of colors coming

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3pointrange t1_iwhpz1b wrote

should i get a:

  1. Patagonia Torrentshell + Nano Puff hoody

  2. Arcteryx Atom LT (on a Black Friday Sale) + Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Hoody

  3. Aritzia Super Puff Waterprood

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5nothing t1_iwueyy7 wrote

The Uniqlo is not BIFL (loses feathers and tears easily) and I wouldn't recommend the Aritzia puffer for anything mildly outdoorsy. Patagonia and Arc are good for their warranties. However I was surprised about how flimsy the Torrentshell is when I saw it in stores. It wouldn't last sustained downpours and I think it's best for lighter use.

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Hailsabrina t1_iwx010j wrote

I like some Patagonia but I recommend trying them on first and feeling the material . I have a soft shell that is terrible quality .

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ItsSoFluffyyy t1_ix2m8nk wrote

Atom LT is my most worn jacket and I have 25+ patagonias and arcteryx. Make sure to get the hooded version.

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BlackLagerSociety t1_iw4np9a wrote

What slippers do people like? I don't expect an actual lifetime of use, but a few years would be nice.

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whatisthisadulting t1_iwmvcc0 wrote

I researched this too and the answers were overwhelmingly Glerups, Zermatts, and Wicked Good by LL Bean. I’m going with LL Bean Squam Lake myself this winter and am excited to try out their longevity! I take good care of my stuff but I’ll be wearing them every day of winter!

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DistanceProduct t1_iw4pu4f wrote

The Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling have been great the last year. I got about 4 years out of my glerups and wore them outside of the home somewhat regularly

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HereToStayThisTime t1_iwdmgxh wrote

Moccasin from Manitobah Mukluks are awesome, they have indoor ones and they’re very well made and very comfortable

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[deleted] t1_iwqooze wrote

[deleted]

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ItsSoFluffyyy t1_ix2m6o3 wrote

I have a pair of north face snow boots and have been down to -15F with no issues. Check them out!

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BodybuilderAlert9801 t1_iwuv9e4 wrote

Looking for some sort of heated or microwavable slippers for my girlfriend who always has cold feet

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw0ipgh wrote

Request: BIFL Winter Beanie

I am thinking about purchasing the Carhartt Knit Insulated Logo Graphic Cuffed Beanie. Do you think it is the best option? I heard that Carhartt products have decreased substantially in quality over the last few years.

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cakstx t1_iw0tyyz wrote

I always get military surplus wool beanies, ones made in USA preferably. They are a little long and last forever, you can grab them for under $10 too. Doesn’t stretch out too much but does pill a little bit after heavy wear.

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SecretProbation t1_iw4srhg wrote

As an active duty person, idk why in the world anyone would want to wear the standard issue crap cool beanie. They are itchy and high uncomfortable. Every time I've gone to cold weather spots people just wear their self purchased beanies with the logo cut off.

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Dressupdown t1_ixf6mtp wrote

Do you feel the same about other standard issue garments as well?

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw0vyt4 wrote

That's interesting. I hadn't thought about this. I will surely check this out. Thanks!

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_iw17fuj wrote

Duckworth has some great beanies and they’re merino wool. Best option, they have plenty of colors

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw2qae3 wrote

People talk great things about Duckworth. I'm gonna check it out. Thank you for the tip!

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voidlenn t1_iw2g7ab wrote

I love my Buff heavyweight merino beanie. Classic cut that covers the ears properly, very supple and soft material, much nicer than any acrylic knit. Mine is 2 years old, which isn’t yet a lifetime of course, anyway it has no holes, no ripped up stitches, not even much pilling. I’m not overly gentle to it too, and often wear it under the parka hood, stuff it in the pocket when entering stores, wash it with my usual detergent (nothing extra delicate or wool-specific). Colors match their neck gaiters, and the logo on the heavyweight version isn’t too prominent. I also have it in lightweight merino, which is fine for mild weather or sports, but the quality of the heavyweight seems better.

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw2qef4 wrote

I have never heard about Buff. Looking at their website, the beanies surely look good. Thanks a lot!

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knowledgeleech t1_iw2w6ee wrote

We have had the Ridge Merino Layton beanie for over 7 years now and it has kept great between Midwest winters and mountain skiing. They also make great wool neck gaiters and thermal underwear that are holding strong for 7 years as well.

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw36pco wrote

Good to know. I still had not looked for Ridge Merino products. Thank you for your help!

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Fantastic_Puppeter t1_iw260ij wrote

Request: Rain coat for men that can actually stand the rain while remaining good looking. Ideally not in the “technical” or outdoorsy style but city-dwelling/ smart-casual.

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ArchdukeOfNorge t1_iwjmrl2 wrote

Helly Hansen deserves more recognition on this sub. Made by people who use their gear, I’ve found living in the high Rockies it’s one of a few brands that can mix stylish and functional in a near perfect way. I’ve yet to buy something from them that I didn’t love. And their jackets look great in general.

They’ll repair clothes at their shops, too.

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Verynearlydearlydone t1_iw2iuio wrote

Thin gloves that still allow for tactile sensation

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knowledgeleech t1_iw2vjaz wrote

Hestra makes some of the best gloves I have ever used. If you will take care of leather, I highly suggest any of their majority leather gloves. They have lots of different options depending on your use and wants.

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw38r4j wrote

I was thinking about buying the Hestra's Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry 5-Finger. What do you think about it? Do you think it is a good model or do you have other to recommend? It would be used during Boston winter

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knowledgeleech t1_iwf0au5 wrote

They are all great gloves. I buy and own their gloves with removable liners so they are easier to clean, useable in the cold and not so cold weather, and you can replace the liners. I opt for the full leather outsides, but those usually cost more.

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Bentendo_GameBoy t1_iw2m6k2 wrote

Depending on what your looking for photography gloves are pretty good. I have a pair of vallerret urbex. they allow me to run my my manual wind film cameras with no issues. I can do most things without opening the finger pads.

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cim9518 t1_iw9rjtv wrote

Manzella Infinium! A bit pricey, but I used them all winter for my farm chores. I just don’t like thick gloves or gloves that restrict my hands too much, and I have found this to be the best! I have used them for three winters now and they are as good as new!

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Vinayplusj t1_iwlqp87 wrote

Any opinion on Watson gloves or Raber gloves ?

Looking for articulation and touchscreen compatibility. I need to pick my phone out of my pocket and use it with the gloves on in Toronto winters.

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musicmerchkid t1_iwmjel7 wrote

I have a 3 in 1 L.L. Bean Winter Jacket - I bought one in about 2014 and it lasted two years and then had a little pilling - they replaced it with another one that I've had about 6-7 years. It's a great coat with no signs of wear. I paid about $150 for it, which seemed like a lot of money to me at the time.

My goal was to buy a winter coat and never to need to replace it - sure I can replace it for style if I want to, but it fits and it has no wear.

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Hokie23aa t1_ix83psd wrote

Have you looked into Patagonia? I don’t have too many things from them but they have a lifetime warranty, and their products are definitely BIFL.

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musicmerchkid t1_ix8qdzf wrote

I have the ll bean for 8 years, don’t need a new coat

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Hokie23aa t1_ix8rrke wrote

Misread your comment - I thought you were asking for a request. My bad.

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Agreeable-Most-9556 t1_ix8wnub wrote

Request: Warm winter gloves for temperatures of -10° Celcius

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Shaidreas t1_ix9icr0 wrote

Don't know if they sell this brand where you live, but check out Hestra gloves. They're excellent quality and sell models to keep your hands warm in basically any weather

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3pointrange t1_iw821i2 wrote

thinking of getting a patagonia or arcteryx winter jacket as i’ll be in toronto till 20 december. it’s already below freezing point right now. after that i go back to singapore so my budget is around CAD$300

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taylorxo t1_iwc05u0 wrote

You could look for a parka from Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” section which will be less in price than the same coat brand new, and then you can trade your coat back in to their Worn Wear section when you move back to Singapore!

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Shaidreas t1_ix9jl6j wrote

High-end brands on a relatively small budget requires some second hand shopping. Check out FB marketplace or similar in your area. Can find some good scores there.

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Both_Rise_2267 t1_iwck6dv wrote

Request: Green Peacoat. Spier and Mackay have one but I am unhappy with some of the recent products I've gotten form there. Poor stitching and not durable.

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level_orginization t1_iwz02ky wrote

request: Sherpa lined black trucker jacket similar to the Levi’s type 3. Slimmer cut preferred but not necessary, under 200

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whales-are-gay t1_ix3w3j3 wrote

not exactly winter gear, but i'm looking for a plastic-free (materials-wise) raincoat. i would rather have animal products than any plastic.

(and, if possible, i do not want to give money to a brand that thinks shearing sheep is somehow animal cruelty)

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Shaidreas t1_ix9j38i wrote

Buy second-hand. That's the most sustainable way of shopping, and you can buy something made of synthetic materials / plastic with good conscience.

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buckGR t1_ix4e7jf wrote

Well leather with a beeswax treatment would work well or perhaps waxed cotton.

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Dangthesehavetobesma t1_ix4iawa wrote

Second waxed cotton, I've got a Kuhl waxed cotton light jacket from about 6 or 7 years ago. Still looks great, stands up to light outdoor work. Working under car in gravel, clearing brush, that sort of thing. I wear a hoodie underneath but they've got insulated options now too.

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muslimmmm t1_ix3w4c9 wrote

Request: slip on/off insulated water proof boots.

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buckGR t1_ix4e3y2 wrote

Waterproof rubber or waterproof leather or waterproof modern synthetic style?

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muslimmmm t1_ix4ob27 wrote

Leather, synthetic, then rubber would be my order of preference.

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buckGR t1_ix4ecw7 wrote

Request: 3-in-1 parka with synthetic (or I suppose wool but not down) insulation that fits big&tall

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MIDTOWNPCD t1_iy1ljh2 wrote

The Columbia jackets with the foil lining are great. I have a couple different outer layers that i change up on the foil lined base jacket and I’ve used it for 5 years. They repell water well also

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Hokie23aa t1_ix83jz6 wrote

Request: Wool overcoat, ideally a bit longer and single breasted. Would like to spend <$250. Hawes and Curtis looks nice, but I think i’d like it a bit longer down the leg.

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3pointrange t1_ixe9d5j wrote

is TNF Nuptse Jacket BIFL? If not are there any jackets I should get instead for December in Toronto

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patronxo t1_ixqz6am wrote

Should be good enough for a long time in Toronto weather. Issue is so you want a parka or not.

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swgpotter t1_iw09fcs wrote

Sorel boots

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canteen_boy t1_iw55lpf wrote

We got some snow last night, so I put my Sorels on this morning that I bought last year and noticed this had happened: https://i.imgur.com/1nnNiq7.jpg
I’ve only worn them a handful of times.

YMMV, but in my opinion, Sorels are NOT BiFL. If customer service doesn’t make it right, I’ll never buy another pair.

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swgpotter t1_iw7kicx wrote

Holy smokes, that sucks. Quality seems really to have gone down the tube.

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mega-husky t1_iw4fvop wrote

I go through a pair about every year. They are good, but I wouldn't expect them to last a lifetime.

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swgpotter t1_iw4s6wf wrote

Interesting. I bought a pair when I moved to Winnipeg and wore them a bunch every winter for 9 years.

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_iw4w79t wrote

I've heard that the quality has decreased significantly over the last few years

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HomeRepairViking t1_iw7ci1e wrote

Request: work pants for women. I’m looking to do a lot of brush removal this winter while the leaves are gone. My SIL is a farmer and she was saying carhartt quality is inconsistent and declining. Searching “made in America” gets you a lot of patriotic garbage and I’m not even looking for made in America as much as I’m looking for a fair exchange of labor and wages which results in a good quality item… but I don’t have to explain that to this crowd! TIA!!

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sexpedition t1_iwp3vu3 wrote

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair of work pants for each season, I’m in construction but as an on-site project manager/site super, so I’m a lot pickier about look & fit - here are my general thoughts so far:

Dovetail workwear might fit the bill but I don’t have personal experience with them. Update I literally just ordered a pair of their overalls to try out, will report back lol.

Patagonia’s hemp line is great, but sizing is tough to nail down - the hemp is durable but not scratchy, and moves nicely, like a much better version of denim. The hemp ranch jacket is awesome for all season layering, I got one two months ago and have worn it every day and have gotten more compliments on it than any other article of clothing I own lol, vouching for the nice fabric.

Kuhl is pretty good, but their sizing is all over the place and not good for curves, is generally sized very small for slimmer athletic figures. I have a couple pair that work for me but they’re a loose straight fit/oversized.

Duluth Trading is worth looking into to see if it fits your ethics, their overalls are amazing, and their lined pants are hard-wearing but not flattering on me at all lol, but it’s worth it to stay warm. They run large.

For Carhartt, I wouldn’t bother with real pants-pants unless you have a larger waist and very slim legs, the cut of the pants is just so unique, I’ve never had one work out for me. The best are the force utility leggings, the lined ones are okay for fall or a sunny calm winter day, no harsh conditions. The unlined ones are fine for summer. Both are annoying for no belt loops, but they do have like 6-8 pockets. I’ve found their quality to be perfectly fine - I have a full-swing Cryder jacket that I’ve worn every day in the winter season for three years and it still looks in new condition as far as fabric wear/seam integrity/zipper function/etc. but is getting a nice worn-in look to the fabric. I also wear the leggings in my weekly rotation for three years, and they look brand new.

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ThatIsNotACatamount t1_iwnjsw3 wrote

Red ants pants! They’re expensive but higher quality than carhartt and are specifically made for women (carhartt’s womens clothing sizing and fit aren’t great). They don’t have any lined options for colder weather, but I’m happy working outside all winter in them with a pair of long underwear underneath.

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atownerik t1_iwjqm73 wrote

I’ve been using truewerk stuff lately and it’s been great.

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blergems t1_iwh5u8s wrote

Any comments on Legendary Whitetails quality? TIA

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Able-Exercise6842 t1_iwukyqt wrote

I’m looking for a black beanie that’s sustainably made and chic. No (or minimal) logos. Any ideas?

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BlarkinsYeah t1_ix2hogx wrote

Dehen 1920

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Able-Exercise6842 t1_ix3d9oz wrote

Thank you!! Just took a look- will probably also get my dad a few Christmas gifts from here.

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BlarkinsYeah t1_ix5u9xq wrote

Absolutely! The factory is still making stuff in Portland Oregon. I’ve been and it’s really cool inside

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Phfr45 t1_ix5ilsf wrote

Comfortable bomber hat that has some sort of chin strap buckle.

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celestialpenguin t1_ix5yz6l wrote

Request: Winter trench coat for UK weather

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Shaidreas t1_ix9irhu wrote

UBR have some very stylish coats that will keep you warm and dry.

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