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.
41 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.🙂↕️ Uh huh. Like...what? 🤷♂️
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
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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
How many should I buy? One for outdoor use, another pair for indoors under my pajamas? And a third as a spare?
Start with 1 and see if you like it
Speaking of Uniqlo, do they have good scarves and gloves too? Because I'm at Coquitlam Centre right now (picking up a parabolic heat dish off Marketplace, our space heater stopped working and baseboard heaters really rack up the Hydro bill (no natural gas in our complex). Hence my interest in thermal layers) and it has a Uniqlo, I can knock out a few birds with one stone.
-Pick up the heat dish
-Uniqlo for the base layers
-Apple Store at Coq Centre (to buy a gift card for my mom's old friend from work, since mom has limited mobility)
The reason I ask this is, our unit has no heating at the moment (our space heater broke and the complex is Hydro-only, so baseboard heaters are very expensive). I'm picking up a heat dish (it's a tilting model, which is not easy to to find), but we live in a split-level 3 bedroom rental townhouse so the heat dish has to be shared.
I've been getting by with a hot water bottle, but we only have two of those, and my parents are older so they get cold more easily. Meaning when they go to bed I give my mom the second bottle and turn on the board heater in my room only.
That was a complicated, unwieldy story, I wish I could make it more succinct. But the TL;DR is "pajamas simply aren't doing it for me, I'll need some warmer layers for times when I don't have access to a space heater." I also need some warm socks and gloves to pair with pajamas, that don't cost a damn fortune like Smartwool socks that are $30 CAD/pair.
Thanks for the context OP.
Muji/ Uniqlo both are good for socks
Look for gloves, beanie, scarf at Muji
And now do you see why I am in the market for multiple thermal base layers?
Yes, without heating it would be really important
get two just to manage wash cycles
I'm at Coquitlam Centre so Muji will have to wait for when I can get to Metrotown
I will. Thanks
Also, does your current jacket work well while you're outside?
as in, see if you can avoid a jacket purchase and use the budget on thermals and other stuff
I have a puffy Hunt Club jacket but I had to add multiple layers (sweater and two tees) because of how cold it is. I wouldn't mind a used North Face down jacket for insurance, if I can get it for $90-100.
Try Columbia as well, my last columbia puffer served me well, that was not down though
Also, look at fleece also for layering
* mid layer
both Uniqlo and Muji have good options
Any other points you may have forgotten about?
I don't want to have walked out of the mall and see "oh I forgot, look for XYZ"
- Base Layer (Uniqlo heatech)
- Wool Beanie + Gloves - Muji, other brands as well
- Socks (any brand, Uniqlo and Muji are good)
- Down Jacket (Uniqlo, TNF, Eddie Bauer, Columbia etc.)
- Fleece (mid laye/ home use) - Uniqlo, Muji, any other
My preference is wool long underwear that I layer under baggier pants if my pants aren't wool, like jeans or canvas pants. Ling sleeve cotton t shirt under a shetland, with a jacket that breaks the wind and is water resistant/ proof will get you pretty far after that
Oh, for scarves you can find good wool knit ones super cheap, peregrine makes a great one for $70-80 USD
How many of each should I get? You mentioned to only get two base layers.
Don't see a reason to get more than 1x for anything besides base layer and socks.
For thermal base layer and socks - start with 1x - see if they work well for you before adding another
If I remember correctly, Uniqlo has various "rating" for their heattech stuff
Yes, they are rated based on warmth. You'll find Socks, Neck Warmer etc. in the same "Heattech" section on Uniqlo website.
@KAL Couple of updates for you:
I was interested in a North Face 800 down jacket on Marketplace for $125. They retail for $400+ before tax. Anyway, I just met up with the seller and tried it on. I learned several things:
1. North Face jackets run 2-3 sizes small
2. The seller listed it as a large, but it was actually XL. He explained that most people don't try them on in store because they're so expensive, and thus are unfamiliar about (1). Hence why it was listed one size down.
4. I'll need a 2-3XL. When I told the seller I weighed 180 lbs, he guesstimated I'd need to lose 25-30 to fit into an XL. This was humbling.
For the record, I was wearing a fleece mid-layer and a t-shirt underneath. The jacket fit fine with the shirt, but the seller immediately knew it would not fit with the added layer and told me as such.
Now if I already have a jacket, why buy another, you might ask? Well, I wanted something longer, and not only are the long jackets at Uniqlo $100-150, they don't even qualify GST holiday so you get charged GST and PST on them. I figured a long 800 down jacket for $150 125 was a steal.
Next item of business: base layers, mid-layers and extremities.
From Uniqlo, I got 2x base layer and one fleece mid-layer. ~$110 with tax.
From Muji, I got 1x beanie, two pairs of wool gloves, three pairs of wool socks and a wool scarf. Another ~$115 or so with tax.
One quick note about since the base layers: since it's been getting down to -5° most nights and our suite gets pretty cold, I got the cotton "super warm" layers. Those were not on sale and cost the full $29.90 each ($19.90 only for the ones rated to +5°C).
What do you think? Should I get more of one item, less of another?
Finally, the snow boots. I tried on the size 11 Bugaboots and they feel good, I can wiggle my toes in them. A bit loose in the shaft but I can overlook that.
Haven't tried on the Bergens yet, will let you know my thoughts. Still torn between having one pair of snow boots and a backup, or just needing the one pair for Vancouver. Bugaboot has much thicker lining (probably why I had to size up) which is good when it gets down to -5° or less like it has this past week.
Next on my shopping list are the following:
-Rain-resistant, cushioned Hokas to replace my pair of Pegasus 38s, which not only have the cushioning worn out, but also have turned into swiss cheese. Sporting Life's selection was pretty shit, honestly. Where do people buy Hokas in Canada if they want to try them on in-person? Specialty running stores?
-A replacement pair of summer walking shoes. I'm sorely tempted with the Pegasus 41s but they're $180 and I've already spent quite a bit of money. Plus, summer's a long ways away.
-A longer down jacket in my size. May have to go Uniqlo if I can't find a used Summit in 2-3XL for under $200 (which is highly likely, they're like $250+ used)
You can't reliably figure out size from your weight since people have different dimensions ... I think I wore a North Face down in L when I was that weight
But what do you want aesthetically as well as practically. If Uniqlo fits your criteria as well as North Face - you're not actually going up mountains, that's probably the best
I'll try to respond item-wise instead of the order in which you mentioned stuff
1. Jacket
* North Face Sizing - yes, now that you mention, my Thermoball jacket fits too fitted in Size M. Never had to size up with any other brand, I just assumed Size L would be big for me.
* North Face/ Uniqlo Down Jackets - you might not need to add a layer for -5C depending on which jacket you're getting - so size accordingly. With Uniqlo - definitely go for their warmest down one - not the lightweight versions. North Face usually has warmth ratings for their jackets - that would serve as a good indicator.
* Again, getting something thigh length would really help, but depends on how cold you feel outdoors.
Other brands you can keep an eye out for at Marketplace are: Patagonia, Pajar, Quartz. Last two are Canadian brands.
2. Shoes/ Boots
* Hoka does have a store at Eaton Centre/ Toronto. I had tried some of of their Gore-Tex models and found them too stiff. I know Sportchek stocks some models if you just want to try out sizing.
* For walking in snow - I'd advise something ankle length - but not a must. Columbia has some decent stuff. Baffin, Sorel, Pajar as well.
* Summer walking shoes - don't know man - I just wear Club Cs/ Sambas. Have served me well for walking till now.
3. Beanie, Gloves, Scarf - this looks done
4. Base/ thermal layers - could you elaborate on/ share link of the pieces you're trying to decide on.
Why do you emphasize the warmest down ones and to avoid the lightweight versions? Wouldn't that be excessive for Vancouver? Especially now that it's warming up here. Any suggestions on rain jackets from Uniqlo too? I know that the waterproof material on the down jackets isn't permanent--once the material gets stripped off, does the jacket become worthless?
There's no official Hoka store in Vancouver but Fit First Footwear is pretty close to me. Which is good because otherwise I'd have to hit up The Running Room or Forerunners, which are an hour+ by transit.
https://shop.fitfirst.ca/
These were $29.90, and I bought two. https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/products/E472629-000?colorCode=COL09&sizeCode=SMA003
These were $19.90 (at the time) but only rated to +5°C: https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/products/E472619-000
This was the mid-layer I bought, it wasn't cheap: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E450195-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=005
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Did anyone mention snow pants? They are like a coat for legs and waterproof, easily fit over your main pants. Might be better to have snow pants and a short coat, than a long coat you sit on depending on activities.
For hands and feet there are reusable chem heat packs to put in gloves and boots.
Maybe thrift or a neighborhood group has one for cheap or free.
Electric blankets for home.
Good to hear that it's warming up in Vancouver. We had two days of non stop snow here in Toronto - even downtown has accumulated heaps of snow (which is cleared quite quickly under normal circumstances). Regarding Uniqlo - what they call "Lightweight Down" seems very light to me. I thought you were looking for a warm jacket that holds up well in windy conditions. The same thing I said earlier - use layers to avoid a jacket purchase altogether - if your current one has worked well till now.
Yes, I saw the big nor'easter on the news. And the Delta flight that crashed at Pearson. Chaos up and down the U.S. east coast too. And if DT Toronto is that bad, imagine how much worse it is in York/Peel/Halton/Durham. At least there will be plenty of content for Heavy Rescue 401.
You make a good point that I did ask for suggestions on a warm jacket for windy days. We were getting those cold Squamish winds (outflow NEerlies off the Howe Sound) on February 3rd but that's not a regular occurrence.
I looked back at weather station data and it didn't even hit 15 km/h near me. But combine even light winds with -5°C temps at 9am and you can see how cold it would be if you're not prepared. Again, arctic outflow winds are not a common thing in a Vancouver winter--should I have two winter jackets? One for windchills and one for non-windy days.
I am also enclosing a screenshot showing how temps have warmed up. This is weather station data from wunderground.com.
Yes, eventful few days. Suburbs will take some more time to get cleared up. Was really nice and sunny today though.
Regarding two winter jackets - windchills/ non-windy days - that won't be necessary. Most down jackets are somewhat wind resistant as well. I myself simply wear a Parka at -5C, but you won't get much wear out of it in Vancouver.
Since the temperature is warming up - see if layering with fleece you already bought can help get you through last few weeks of cold. Also note that fleece provides absolutely no wind resistance - so only effective as a mid layer or for active work.
Including one cold jacket + one rain jacket?
I also noticed you didn't mention whether I could get away with the standard Heattech base layers (which were $10 cheaper than the Extra Warm, not sure if the sale is still going on though)
I am also in the PNW - you really don't need much out here.
I didn't scroll up, so sorry if some of this is redundant! Thermals aren't necessary for daily wear, if you ski or something like that then yeah.
I agree with KAL that you don't need 2 jackets. I can wear my waterproof hardshell over some insulating pieces (fleece, down, wool, thick cotton, etc.) and I won't feel the wind at all. I don't like how that looks though, so I have a big wool coat for cold dry days.
I recommend scrolling up to the beginning, to take in the story so far. It will also give you insight into my decisions. No rush, though.
Rain Jacket - again depends on your use case/ conditions you work in. Despite being on the verge of buying a rain shell on multiple occasions - I've been getting by with just an umbrella. I personally don't like the look of a hooded shell when its not raining.
Usual layering scheme is: Outer Shell (Gore Tex etc. ) + Mid Layer (Fleece/ Down/ Wool) - same as what @top kidney (raisin) mentioned. I'd advise holding off the Rain Jacket/ Hard Shell purchase till spring - and see if you really need it.
Regarding base layers - I personally never use these since most indoor environments are already heated. And even then, it really depends on individual tolerance. Try the ones you've bought right now for some time and then decide if you need a warmer one or not.
OP is dealing with limited heating situation at his home - hence inclined to wear base layers in addition to fleece/ sweater etc.