MMers from the north...

hoffse · August 2015

I need some advice on winter clothing that is waterproof, warm, and relatively inexpensive.

H and I are going to try to catch sales between now and Christmas for our trip to Germany/Belgium. We both have a light wool pea coat and a pair of leather gloves. I have scarves, but H really doesn't wear them. He might have one in storage somewhere I can dig up.

Shoes are the biggest concern. Neither of us has anything even remotely resembling a winter boot. I can usually get away with wearing ballet flats without socks until mid-January or so. The closest thing I have to winter boots is a pair of cowboy boots, courtesy of my time in Nashville.

I definitely don't want to break the bank on this because we aren't going to use these winter items much outside of travel. However, we are willing to buy something comfortable that's of moderate quality to save for future trips too. We aren't going to be climbing the alps or going to the Arctic circle or anything, but we will spend a lot of time on our feet at outdoor markets. It's supposed to be cold and often rainy/snowy/sleeting that time of year.

Also, I have no clue what sort of budget I should set for this. I starting searching on Amazon and got sticker shock, especially for men's boots. It made me realize I need to figure out what to look for now, so that I can work whatever we need to buy into our budget over the next few months.

Help?

als1982 · August 2015

It's not exactly MM but we waited until we got overseas to buy coats for our most recent trip to Norway. IMO spending a little more (considering the exchange rate difference in England where we got them) was well worth only having to travel back with them. Flying with a coat is a PITA! And for significant deals on boots and coats here in the US, you'd likely need to wait until late February/early March.

hoffse · August 2015

als1982 said:

It's not exactly MM but we waited until we got overseas to buy coats for our most recent trip to Norway. IMO spending a little more (considering the exchange rate difference in England where we got them) was well worth only having to travel back with them. Flying with a coat is a PITA! And for significant deals on boots and coats here in the US, you'd likely need to wait until late February/early March.

That's an interesting idea about buying a coat once we get there, and that's something we need to think about.

Yeah we may not score a great deal on boots in time, but I'm hoping Black Friday might help us out a bit...? Maybe not though. Seems like many of the "boots" sold down here are for fashion, rather than function.

MommyLiberty5013 · August 2015

Regarding a coat: if you go with down it's highly compressible and very warm. I have an Eddie Bauer down parka, with down and I can compress it into the front pocket of my roller bag. I wear it in MN winters with -35 wind chills and I'm toasty.

Eddie Bauer ALWAYS has a Down Sales Event in either October or November. Not sure about water proof, but they may have that option too in the same coat as down. I know they have a variety of styles, colors, and lengths. The thing with a pea coat is that your rump and thighs aren't covered. For me, that a huge no-no to stay warm. You may be different and the temps might not be that low. But, if they might be in the 30's or even the 40's having your butt covered sure is nice.

Regarding boots...I have found that North Face run small... very small in fact. A big name for boots here in MN is Sorrel or Kamik. Both have waterproof bottoms. Another brand you may want to check out is KEEN. They make a variety of walking/hiking shoes/boots that are probably lined.

Another suggestion is to buy a waterproof but breathable shoe or boot that's great for walking and then get some Smart Wool socks for warmth. Smart Wool come in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and also styles (they have high ones as well as low ones). Beacsue they are Smart - you're looking at around $17 per pair and since they are wool, the wash at night and wear the next day won't work - they would take awhile to air dry.

hoffse · August 2015

Thanks! Yeah, I have one long pea coat that comes mid-thigh, but it's winter white (love it, but not practical to wear all day) and sort of thin.

I had no idea you could compress those fluffy coats so much. I will definitely look into that.

I keep reading about how wonderful smart wool is, but not going to lie... I'm having some trouble swallowing that price.

CuriousKiddosMama · August 2015

My parents buy a lot of this type of stuff at Walmart. It isn't going to last forever, but their hiking boots for instance are my dads favorites. He was wearing out several pairs a year and the Walmart ones will last the whole summer.
Also do you have a Columbia outlet store near you? My parents make me drive to the closest one every time they come visit so they can check out the sales. If you get lucky you can find a decent pair there on extreme clearance for $20. Otherwise on a normal day you should be able to get a decent pair around $40-50. Another thing they have that is awesome is their new tech winter jackets. I have one that is literally windbreaker weight, and j wore it to a football game in November or so and was hot (now this is Texas too) they have a metallic film on the inside to keep in your body heat. My mom has one too she uses hiking is sd in the winter. That would take up literally no space in your suitcase so maybe worth it just because of that.

MommyLiberty5013 · August 2015

hoffse said:

Thanks! Yeah, I have one long pea coat that comes mid-thigh, but it's winter white (love it, but not practical to wear all day) and sort of thin.

I had no idea you could compress those fluffy coats so much. I will definitely look into that.

I keep reading about how wonderful smart wool is, but not going to lie... I'm having some trouble swallowing that price.

All decent winter/warm gear that will last is pricey. But, look at it as an investment. If you buy a modest color and a fairly classic pattern, you can use these things for years to come. If you and DH end up taking another cold weather trip, you will have this stuff already. Plus, you could just seal it in those vacuum sealed bags and store it for the future.

I really like the EB down. I have had one of those super warm liners before the PP mentioned...they are super warm (using your own body heat) but they don't breath at all. So, the minute you go inside you want to take them off. It's like wrapping yourself in plastic. Sweaty.

Down is still breathable.

Frugalmama2009 · August 2015

I'm from Canada, 8 months with snow. I like llbean for quality and price, I always buy on sale. Good socks are important. My husband is from Northern Norway, and he swears by wool socks. I can't stand the feel though. LLBean has sales all the time.

Frugalmama2009 · August 2015

These are what my husband wears now. Like I said, we are in Canada, he has to make calls at remote reserve medical clinics for work. He has been caught stranded in his car over night. These boots are the best! http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/79876?feat=506796-GN3&page=l-l-bean-snow-boots

JoanE2012 · August 2015

I bought a jacket from LL Bean specifically for my Christmas Markets vacation a couple years ago. It wasn't terribly bulky, was rated to below 0 in temp and was waterproof (and had a hood). On the really cold days, I was able to wear a hoodie underneath.

I bought a low pair of hiking type boots, nothing terribly fancy, at DSW. Fortunately we had no snow, but it was nice having a sturdy pair of shoes for all the walking we did.

I also bought a couple pairs of socks that came up to my knees - helped keep my legs warmer on the really cold days. While most days were not terribly cold, I do distinctly remember a couple of bone-chilling days. Layers are your friend. I also brought some hot-hands hand warmers with me and kept them in my pocket.

ETA - My favorite winter jacket was a down one - I got it at Lands End a few years ago. Took it on my trip to Iceland (which was probably the coldest vacation I've taken) and it was WONDERFUL! Unfortunately, I threw the jacket in the wash and something happened to it with the stitching and it was ruined. I had the receipt saved and they have lifetime warranty, so I got my money back though! I plan on looking for another one this season.

smerka · August 2015

I like Lands End. Space bags might be your friend when it comes to packing. Also another trick is to wear panty hose under your pants. They are very warm and very thin. A lot of construction workers (dudes) and Bears fans swear by it.

blondie42107 · August 2015

I'd suggest looking at Columbia. In my area we can easily get a dusting of snow by Halloween and we've had ice storms in late April. They have some great coats that are three in one - you could use layers separately outside of your trip. They also have some great boots to keep feet dry and warm!

Erikan73 · August 2015

www.sierratradingpost.com is a great site & if you sign up for emails you can get extra discounts. It's a lot of "last years" stuff. Also www.campmor.com or www.backcountry.com also care a lot of the big brand names and again, because it's last years stuff or end of season you can find great deals.

Check out the clearance sections online of the different stores like LLBean, Lands End, Eddie Bauer, or REI. You might find a steal.

hoffse · August 2015

Thank you all, this is great! I think H and I are going to check out some of these stores nearby to see what they carry - we have an Eddie Bauer outlet, a Cabelas, a Columbia outlet, an REI, etc. I think they all carry some basic winter stuff, though we probably don't get the stock down here that you guys get up there. Still worth checking out though. H and I both have big ski jackets and lighter pea coats, but nothing in between. The ski jackets are super bulky.

I do love LL Bean for other things I've bought there. I will check out their winter stuff too.

We need to figure out what sizes we are so we can scout some deals. I think this is going to be a bit pricier than I was originally anticipating, but we also don't have any other major purchases coming up for the rest of the year. We should be able to cash flow it if we start looking now. And you guys are right that if we spend the money once we won't need to again because we'll have the gear if/when we go to other cold destinations. We certainly won't wear it out down here.

Sisugal · August 2015

Unless you are trudging thru 6" plus of snow, you really do not need a Sorrel kind of boot, but only need something that is insulated and waterproof. A low cut boot style rather than a mid calf boot should be fine for basic tourist activities.
Anything with GorTex would make a coat water and windproof.
Check the online catelogues for the companies previously mentioned.
A classic style will be timeless and wearable over the years.

My "wardrobe" of boots includes slip on insulated low cut boots, below calf boots, and my favorite are the BOGS pull on over the calf in a cute pattern.

Gloves need to be at least lined - but do not need to be "bulky" . If the temps are to be super cold - then go with lined mittens rather than gloves.
Polar fleece headband or hat with a polar fleece lining works well.

simplyelise · August 2015

Hadn't seen it mentioned yet, but I'm a big fan of the brand Merrell.

They have some nice, less hiking-boot style boots:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=23932746&page=3&cp=4413987.4417990&categoryId=52416836&fg=Brand

hoffse · August 2015

Thanks, everybody - yeah, I don't know how "wintery" I need to be, but I really don't want to be cold. I mean, I live in Alabama and I'll be going from that to Germany with virtually no transition period. I wore jeans, a t-shirt, and flip flops on Christmas Day last year, so I think it's likely to be a pretty big temperature shift.

I also despise cold weather. I can't even tell you.

I do like those Merrell boots. They look more like riding boots, which I love, but they seem to be insulated.

cbee817 · August 2015

UGGs are super comfortable, but not the most practical since they're all suede. I do get mine cleaned every year at the dry cleaners and they end up looking brand new. North face jackets are lighter weight but keep you warm- I usually wear mine well into December here (NY). Both are not the most budget friendly, but the quality is great.

formerlyGDaisy09 · August 2015

I'm a huge fan of LLBean for warm coats. they make some down coats that are compressable and warm. While they may not seem super MM, LLBean has a lifetime guarantee on anything with their name on it, so if you buy something to use for those occasionaly trips and something happens to it, they will replace it.

My sister had an LLBean back pack she got in kindergarten, LLBean replaced it for her twice before she graduated high school (I think once for a broken zipper and once because she wore a hole in the bottom of it)

My dad had a pair of hiking boots that he wore for 15 years, on one trip the soles literally fell off the bottom of the boots, he sent them back to LLBean more as a joke..."look what happened to these old boots". They called him and appologized that they no longer made that model boot, offered the closest model they currently had, or the value of that closest model towards a different pair of boots. they mailed him his new boots with a check for the cost of the shipping on the boots he sent back to them.

kmurphy2131 · August 2015

If you find anything that is great but not water proof, you can buy a spray that will waterproof your coat/boots etc. I've used it on my knock off uggs, as well as on snow pants that aren't really snow pants, and jackets for years.

I will say, if you aren't use to the cold a down jacket that covers down to your knees is 100% the way to go. While I agree with cbee817 who said that her north face keeps her warm into december, I do not think that it would be a good choice if you are use to the warm weather in the south. I know that personally I pull my down jacket out in late october/early november when it starts to hit the low 40's. By January my fleece jacket is more than warm enough for that kind of weather, and for the 50's I don't wear a jacket. But that takes months of acclimating (for me at least! I'm a cold weather wimp despite my whole life in MA). I think you are better off buying warmer than you think you need, especially since you say you hate the cold.

KatieCutie05 · August 2015

As far as boots - I actually recommend a waterproof mens work boot. I got mine at walmart for super cheap and they are so warm. Its not very attractive ofcourse but my pants cover them so who cares- but the "waterproof" keeps out the dampness/snow/water etc that makes your feet cold. My feet are notoriously freezing and they stay toasty warm all day in them. And even after moving south I still wear them in the winter when it rains.

brij2006 · August 2015

I swear by my double layer Columbia jacket for winter traveling. It is waterproof, but has a fleece inside that zips out. So if it's going to be a warmer day, you can just zip that out.

For shoes, it really depends on what kind of weather you're talking about. For 30's I would recommend just doing a pair of flat boots that you can throw some wool socks under (even just thinner waterproof boots), and wear with leggings or skinny jeans if you want.

If it will be 0 or below, then get those ones off LLBean. They aren't the most stylish, but you will thank us later that you have them.

There's a huge difference between 30's with just a couple inches of snow, and 0 with blowing wind and having to factor in wind chill. If it's that, pack very thick gloves, warm headbands/hats, putting leggings underneath pants, scarves, etc. That's the kind of weather we have here, and I put on about 20 layers before walking out the door every morning. It sucks, but wind chill isn't something to mess with.

hoffse · August 2015

Ok so down is better than a poly fill, right? I'm asking because Costco is selling a mid-thigh-length puff coat for $40 right now that has a hood.

It's poly though, not down.

simplyelise · August 2015

I haven't ever bought down because everything I've read says it's not good for wet weather. Most of my high-quality cold gear was purchased to climb Kilimanjaro, so waterproof was important to me.

Erikan73 · August 2015

Tip for warm feet without spending a fortune. Get some smartwool hiking socks. They are made out of merino wool. I have 5 pairs I think. What's great about them is first they don't itch, second they will keep your feet warm without sweating. The hiking ones will give you extra comfort and cushion so you'll be comfortable walking for hours. I wear them in 80 degree weather with my hiking boots because my feet won't sweat in them. But then have turned around and worn the same socks & hiking boots in 15 degree weather and my feet have been nice and warm too. So if you get a good pair of waterproof hiking boots and a pair of these socks, you'll fee will stay warm and dry with no problems and without the investment into heavy winter boots that you may never have a need for again. They also make dress socks in case you want something thinner. They won't keep your feet as warm, but a nice option & I find they keep my feet warmer in the winter weather of Northern Ohio then regular cotton socks do, and again, I don't sweat in them.

Erikan73 · August 2015

If you get a puffy coat, for traveling, put it in a space saving travel bag. They have them now where you can roll out all the air and make things a lot smaller for packing. That would be a great way to get a big puffy coat over without having to carry it through the airport and plan and not need a whole suitcase for them either.

vlagrl29 · August 2015

I second the smart wool socks, while they are a bit expensive for socks your feet will never get cold! I have a nice feather filled knee length coat with a hood that I've had forever and love. I have ankle and knee high boots. With the knee high boots you can also wear boot socks which can add a cute touch just above the boot. I like to wear leggings and jeggings with boots and pair it with a jegging sweater or oversized top.

formerlyGDaisy09 · August 2015

down is definitely better than poly-fill. thinsulate is pretty good stuff too.

I live in smartwool socks all winter (part of the reason we like our LLBean card for points, because they sell smartwool). LLBean also makes some nice thinsulate lined boots (I have raynaud's so I'm all about keeping my hands and feet toasty). LLBean also makes some flannel lined pants that are warm if you'll have any days you're spending significant amounts of time outside. as far as keeping hands warm, some disposable handwarmers might not be a bad thing to pack, they heat-up and stay warm for about 8 hours, handy for stuffing in gloves or shoes, or simply keeping in your coat pockets to hold onto when your hands get cold.

a longer coat that covers your butt/thighs is going to keep you warmer than a shorter coat, but it'll be a little harder to pack.

hoffse · August 2015

Y'all, I'm just too cheap to live up north. That's what I have determined.

brij2006 · August 2015

hoffse said:

Y'all, I'm just too cheap to live up north. That's what I have determined.

Haha. Can I join you on this? It's high 60's here today. Too cold, too soon!

CuriousKiddosMama · August 2015

hoffse said:
Y'all, I'm just too cheap to live up north. That's what I have determined.

No. You would just buy off the super clearance racks for the next year. That's what my mom always did for us. But yes, sticker price is really expensive for all this stuff.

MMers from the north...

Re: MMers from the north...

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