AsterBlomsterMonster

AsterBlomsterMonster t1_irmcyfz wrote

Look for a "hard outer shell" but I love my winter coats. Living in the Midwest, we get ridiculous amounts of wind year round. I prefer a soft shell hoodie, fleece, and hard shell. Get those three pieces and you can mix and match to any warmth and protection level. Patagonia, REI, Arteryx, Columbia, and most winter brands are great.

I'm currently hanging on to Colombia gear lately, though. I've had the same hard shell and soft shell for over 10 years. My boots I bought used and are still like new after 8 years with me. My Columbia fleeces outlasted my North Face, but I love fleeces and usually buy a new one every 1-2 years..

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AsterBlomsterMonster t1_irmce3g wrote

Columbia and Sorel worked great for me. Look for something with a waterproof lining like Gore-tex. My Columbia winter hiking boots are going on 8 years old and are still like new.

Doubling up with wool-blend socks made a HUGE difference in keeping my feet warm too. I love Darn Tough. Expensive, but they will replace them for life, and super comfortable.

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AsterBlomsterMonster t1_irmc6bk wrote

Layers are the real key. Light t-shirt, sweater/blouse, fleece, then winter coat. I like 3-in-1s but I just got a knee-length puffer last year and love how warm it keeps me by covering my butt and legs!

As far as brands, Google winter gear brands and nearly all of them are solid. Columbia, Patagonia, REI, Arteryx, LL Bean, Marmot, Sorel, Kamik, and Canada Goose. I've used all of these over the years except Canada Goose because I can't afford that.

Columbia is my favorite smfh I go back to it often. My favorite fleece, coat, and winter hiking boots are so Columbia. North Face is popular and good, but my Columbia fleeces seem to last a little longer and be a little warmer. Maybe it's just me but it seems like Mountain Hard Wear has gone down hill in quality lately too.

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AsterBlomsterMonster t1_irmbb4n wrote

Layers, layers, layers.

I've had great success with numerous cold weather brands, with almost everything lasting years. (Columbia, Patagonia, REI, Arteryx, LL Bean, Sorel, Kamik). Also, when in doubt, look at Scandinavian and Canadian brands. Usually expensive, but they know how to keep you warm! The most important, though, is to get layers and stick with natural fabrics. A light merino wool shirt will keep you dry and temperature-regulated better than any polyester fabrics. I usually look for wool or wool-cotton blends.

You're going to want the following layers. Light t-shirts, short and long sleeved. Light sweaters. Heavy sweaters and fleece jackets. Those fleece jackets are great on their own in fall or are the second layer you need under a heavy duty winter coat. Look for a coat or outer shell that will keep you dry, like with the material Gore-tex. There are other similar nauseated fabrics that are weatherproof but breathable. That's just the material I know from my military gear also Columbia winter gear, including boots.

An easy way to gear up, look for 3-in-1 coats from those winter brands. They come with a fleece inner jacket and a weatherproof outdoor jacket that work together or can be worn separately. Layer other parts as well. I usually have thin knit gloves, a medium weight leather or athletic gloves, and a heavy duty snow glove. Again, mix and match as needed for the conditions.

Other layers depend on how much you are outside. Working a normal office job, you're fine, but if you want to spend a whole day outside, consider long johns as an additional layer, fleece lined jeans, and at least two pairs of socks, one wool. For socks, I'm a die-hard Darn Tough fan. Comfortable, warm, durable and a lifetime guarantee.

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