What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)
I'm in Vancouver so I don't need much, just recommendations for tops/bottoms/jackets(/long johns?) for those rare chilly and snowy days, like today.
* Budget: I'd like to spend under $250 CAD for everything if possible, I understand that may be a tall ask (new North Face jackets are running $300+).
* Whether you would prefer to buy in person or if online is fine: Either is fine
* Timescales: Pretty fuckin' urgent. The temps caught me off guard this morning.
* Whether you're happy to buy second hand: Yes
* Specific body measurements beyond your height and weight: Men's large in most clothing, not sure if there are any pieces for which you size up/down (like how AF1s fit a half-size down)
Thanks.
11 Replies
thermal base layers from Uniqlo will get you a long way in a hurry
You only need a down jacket + umbrella.
In Toronto, I get by with North Face Thermoball (not down) till 0 Celsius. Get something a step warmer just to be on the safer side.
Umbrella because it rains more in Vancouver, don't want the down to get wet.
Or else, hit your local Uniqlo store, get their warmest jacket. Most are on discount at the moment. Don't have experience with Vancouver winters - based on how you feel - see if you'd like to get something thigh length instead of a shorter jacket.
Torontonian here, you can wear any pants (even below 0) as long as you have a good pair of long johns
They will do so much for you
Will check them out, thanks
Vancouver winters are erratic, to say the least. Usually it's cold and grey, with the odd atmospheric river. This January with 54mm of rain was the driest since 1985. Followed by 15cm of snow over three days (which for a hilly city like Vancouver is a lot).
Get something a step warmer just to be on the safer side.šāāļø Uh huh. Like...what? š¤·āāļø
This is the only down jacket in my size I could find that doesn't cost a fortune.
Oh and I have an umbrella. Something else I'm looking for is ways to keep my extremities warm when it's both chilly and blustery, like yesterday. Face and hands especially.
Got it
Prioritize your budget allocation like this:
Down Jacket (w/ hood) > Gloves (the bay has decent options) > Wool Scarf
+ Wool Beanie - if you'd be outside for long hours
Regarding thermal layers - I personally never need those. Heated indoor (21C+) spaces are too hot to justify wearing a layer I can't take off easily.
A scarf really comes in handy when its windy - I use it to cover most of my face as well when walking around in -5C or below.
Finally, on the jacket question
I suspect I might end up suggesting something that you wouldn't need most of the time in Vancouver, so would advise making final decision based on your comfort.
Having said that
https://eddiebauer.ca/p/10112577/men's-superior-down-waterproof-parka?color=Black&sp=1&size=&sizeType=
^ this one from eddie bauer is a very reliable Parka for ~$250
but again, could be too much for your use
Next
UNIQLO Malaysia
Men's Down Collection| UNIQLO Malaysia
This is UNIQLO Down Collection page. We Introduce UNIQLO's Down products that pursue materials and functions, including the new Powder Soft Down, Hybrid Down, Seamless Down and Ultra Warm Down.
Refer to the above chart
This one + gloves and scarf should do the job
Finally, if keeping extremities warm is the only challenge, you could just focus on these three: beanie + gloves + scarf
and skip a jacket purchase altogether