[hiker chick]

I've been giving thanks this past week for all the winter clothes I have that kept me warm and dry while walking for hours upon hours through and kneeling in 20" of blizzard snow as well as the messy aftermath. So some shout outs for my faves:


http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/products/75075.aspx
Force Nine™ Glomitts
Reg: $19.50; 3+ for $17.00 each

These gloves/mittens have been my find of the winter. A terrific value, these are my primary gloves now and I wore them all through the blizzard and in temps down to the mid-20s. They are priceless for photography as I just flip the mitten back to operate the camera -- keeping most of my hand warm but allowing finger dexterity. Flip the mitten back and my fingertips warm up quickly. I've bought extra pairs to keep in the car. Regular gloves now seem confining. I have REI convertible mittens but these "Glomitts" from Duluth Trading are so much better -- warmer and less bulky.

In women glove sizes, I normally wear medium. For these men's glommits, the small size is terrific. Duluth Trading is a great company with some interesting, high quality products.

Our Force Nine Glomitts are the warmest you'll find for work applications requiring on-demand dexterity and low-bulk comfort. Made of the same trim 3-layer fabric used in our Force Nine™ Jacket. Windproof outer layer, waterproof/breathable insert and a layer of micro-fleece lining against your skin. New cinchable neoprene cuffs keep snow out of these glomitts. Advanced LiquiCell® padding at the palm for blister-free comfort. Glomitt has flip-back mitten and thumb covers for on-demand dexterity.


http://www.rei.com/product/725915
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
$65.00

I've been a fan of these gaiters since the mid-90s and one of our previous super snow storms -- the blizzard of '96. These gaiters hit just below my knee and in conjunction with Lowe hiking boots and Smartwool snowboard socks, keep my lower legs and feet warm and dry. You'll see in the REI customer reviews that these gaiters very highly regarded by a lot of peops.


http://www.rei.com/product/718281
REI Ultra Light Rain Pants
$54.83 (normally $79.50)
REDUCED PRICE You Save 31%

The other key component keeping my legs dry were these REI rain pants. And they are currently 31% off. I wear them over Sugoi Espresso pants and LL Bean midweight long underwear.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...oreId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr



http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...4=504728&shop_method=pp&feat=504728-sub2&np=Y
LL Bean Rugged Ridge™ Parka
Same waterproof coverage, more warm details

$159.00

I'm a Beaniac, and this coat is one reason why. My previous Rugged Ridge parka is ten years old. This year's grey-black option for women compelled me to get a new one. And it paid for itself this past week. Waterproof, warm, great inside and outside pockets, nice hood. Not too bulky. Love it. I also have the even warmer Baxter State parka (down-lined), but the Rugged Ridge was my primary go-to when the blizzard hit.



http://www.rei.com/product/738922
http://www.rei.com/product/663041
SmartWool Neck Gaiter

Smartwool, Turtle Fur or REI's own label -- a neck gaiter is must-have. Smartwool is my favorite as it is less bulky.


http://www.rei.com/product/790908
REI Winter Storm Hat
$24.83 (normall $36.50)
REDUCED PRICE You Save 31%

This is my warmest hat - one I wear if it's 30 or lower and windy. It covers ears so well it impedes hearing. A small price to pay for warm ears on a brutally cold day.

That's it for starters. These will all be getting a lot of use for the next 2-3 months. When you walk your dog 3 or 4 times a day, you get very attune to the weather and what gear works in what temps and conditions.

 

[Box4Rox]

I'm still using my good 'ol -20 deg mountaineering mitts . . . (Grandoe Annapurna )

Almost as good as the $200 OR (Outdoor Reasearch) top of the line stuff.

I can hold a dog leash but no-go with the camera . . .

I also like the Cabelas Pinnacle series . . . (which do work with the camera, zippers, etc.) but only good (for me) to around + 25 deg.

 

[Bluebell4ME]

A great topic. HC, you are the queen of gear, I never heard of some of those! Those gloves look very useful.

The temp has dropped 22 degrees in 7 hours here(mostly daylight hours) and the wind is roaring now. 8 degrees out there now, windchill must be around -30. So my favorite winter gear is my heated house.

But when I was out skiing this afternoon, I appreciated my L.L.Bean gaiters. I have a short pair and a long pair. Not insulated, I get too hot for that. I appreciated my Polartec pants, which breathe yet keep me warm. It is an odd feeling to feel the wind through Polartec, feeling it turn warm as it passes through the fabric. Wasn't cold enough( 20 º) to wear my waterproof pants over them.

When I am skiing, I get very warm, and end up jacketless, gloveless, and hatless even in 15º temps. So I carry a lightweight pack for clothing I take off. Also in the pack are a space blanket, extra Smartwool socks and hand warmers, just in case.

I also love my Smartwool snowboard/ski socks. My neck gaiters are Turtle Fur. I will often wear a neck gaiter on my head, since it provides warmth but lets a bit of heat escape.

 

[hiker chick]

A great topic. HC, you are the queen of gear, I never heard of some of those! Those gloves look very useful.

The temp has dropped 22 degrees in 7 hours here(mostly daylight hours) and the wind is roaring now. 8 degrees out there now, windchill must be around -30. So my favorite winter gear is my heated house.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!

It's a balmy 20-something here and I'm pleased to be inside!

I wouldn't be wearing the glomitts at 8 degrees. But they were fine on our dog walk just now.

It would be dangerous for me, a Beaniac, to live in the same state as the 24/7 flagship store.

 

[IRV]

Thank you hiker chick for your post. I froze my hands as a little kid and have been wearing mittens in cold weather for most of 50 years.

But only in the last 5 or 10 years have I learned how much a neck gaiter can help in cold weather. Mine's a cheapy with a Remington emblem on it. But I don't leave home without it being in easy reach this time of year.

 

[Jojo]

Turtle fur:twisted:

I would wear all that if it was just 40 degrees outside!
I gotta get one of those neck gaiters though:roll:

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[bh045ct]

Anyone have these for walking on ice --- Stabilicers Lite. Both REI and LL Bean carry them. REI has a more extensive selection. I am looking to buy but was looking for feedback.


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...4=503696&shop_method=pp&feat=503696-sub2&np=Y

http://www.rei.com/category/12221603

Great topic.

 

[Box4Rox]

Anyone have these for walking on ice --- Stabilicers Lite. Both REI and LL Bean carry them. REI has a more extensive selection. I am looking to buy but was looking for feedback.


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...4=503696&shop_method=pp&feat=503696-sub2&np=Y

http://www.rei.com/category/12221603

Great topic.

I'm on my 4th season with the Kahtoola MICROspikes . . . I really like them. I have them on a pair of dedicated Merrell Thermo 6's and leave them on that pair of boots all winter.

 

[Box4Rox]

I also like the Cabelas Pinnacle series . . . (which do work with the camera, zippers, etc.) but only good (for me) to around + 25 deg.

Cabelas just put the Pinnacles on sale . . . 8) I think they run a tad small and order a size up, especially if I wear a thin liner glove underneath.

All DeerSkin Version ---> :arrow:http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=24&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

DeerSkin/Nylon ---> :arrow: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ct&cmCat=Related_IPL_921909&id=0047653960360a

 

[protaganis]

I've found that layers are my friend, so I try and have at least 4 layers if I'm gonna be in the cold and harsh.
Carhartt's Mid weight winter coat
Windproof vest (Gale force winds won't chill your core through this)
Polar Fleece Hoodie

Best hat I've ever owned is this:
http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/...51&productId=74110&langId=-1&categoryId=10906
The face mask tucks into the top when it's not too cold out, protects my mug when it starts getting brutal.

With any luck I'll be getting this as my new winter gear...
http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=27
Wore out the old one, but man was it comfortable and warm in any condition.

 

[hiker chick]

With any luck I'll be getting this as my new winter gear...
http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=27
Wore out the old one, but man was it comfortable and warm in any condition.

Cool stuff at that link!

 

[chiefsilverback]

My best piece of gear is my Rab Neutrino Endurance down jacket:

I was out for a walk the other day in sub-zero windchill and was toasty warm in an REI mid-weight base layer and my down jacket!

It weighs 1.4lbs and packs down to virtually nothing!

Waiting for delivery but I've got some TNF Nuptse down mitts on order from REI. They were 30% off in the current sale...

 

[wjdunham]

these are the best

Winter boots I've owned - steger mukluks. I've used these in 30 degrees below zero and my feet have been warm and toasty.

 

[Bluebell4ME]

"It would be dangerous for me, a Beaniac, to live in the same state as the 24/7 flagship store."


I hear you! I stop there whenever I travel past on business, knowing it will be open. Especially trying since there are so many outlets here. LLBean seems to put everything on sale at the outlets if it has been returned, even with no sign of wear. I got nice ski poles there last week, $6 with discount AND coupon. I got their women's Ultrawarm 3/4 coat in Periwinkle for $50 off, and always get compliments on its color. And is it warm and lightweight!! I got a Knife's Edge vest, wear it constantly while skiing. I can't count how many nice things I've bought at their outlets.

One of my latest faves is the Maine Guide Zip-Front Jac-Shirt, in red and black checks. It is a men's and boy do I love it!! I love wool for outerwear. It sheds rain, is warm when it is wet, breathes, and wears well. You know, it looks great too, with leggings and ankle boots. I bought that full price, I wanted it so much.

In spite of my love of fashion and girly stuff, I think I often channel some old Maine farmer. I just can't help splitting wood and filling my Element with free wooden pallets or seaweed for the garden. My wardrobe needs to be at least partially appropriate.

Does anyone know of good winter outdoor pants? Especially wool?

Also, when I go on a long winter drive, I always chuck my full-length raccoon coat into the car. It's not only a beauty, it's potentially a lifesaver. I have been known to slip it over my nightgown and walk the dog in 10º weather in the field out back. Don't tell the neighbors!:grin:

 

[Bongirl5]

Oh man, I was going to get the yaktrax for our dog mushing trip in Mammoth, but these look WAY better. Believe me, last time most of our group wound up on their butts trying to walk huskies on snow and icy ground (bred to pull, ya know ). Thanks for posting these!!

I'm on my 4th season with the Kahtoola MICROspikes . . . I really like them. I have them on a pair of dedicated Merrell Thermo 6's and leave them on that pair of boots all winter.

 

[Bluebell4ME]

Wow! Those Steger mukluks are beautiful!!

http://www.mukluks.com/