KAL Comments - Answer Overflow

KAL

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

OP is dealing with limited heating situation at his home - hence inclined to wear base layers in addition to fleece/ sweater etc.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

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.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

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.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

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.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

4. Base/ thermal layers - could you elaborate on/ share link of the pieces you're trying to decide on.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

3. Beanie, Gloves, Scarf - this looks done

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

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.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

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.

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 2/3/2025 in #questions-and-advice

What are the essentials for winter clothing? (Tops/bottoms)

I'll try to respond item-wise instead of the order in which you mentioned stuff

84 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

If you're sure you'd like to keep Bergens and just looking for the right size - try Sportchek, TNF website, Altitude Sports as well.

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

Yeah - Baffin has tonnes of options - https://www.baffin.com/collections/men-winter-boots

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

Regarding other queries - usually "insoles" are what help adjust fit of a shoe/ boot - but I personally would never count in it and buy something in the right size.

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

So Sorel, Columbia boots etc. are good options. I've seen Baffin also getting recommended.

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

Goretex Hoka/ Salomon etc. are good options, but not sure if they'll hold up well if your use involves deep snow/ ice/ standing water (simply because of ankle height).

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

(2) Boots of some kind. I use Blundstones, my use is mostly walking around in Downtown snow/ slush. So never tested them in deep snow, standing water.

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

(1) Wool Socks

50 replies

Mmfad

•Created by agentzer0 on 1/29/2025 in #questions-and-advice

Looking for new walking shoes, waterproof socks and sturdy winter shoes.

In terms of what to buy, I see you've arrived at the right combo

50 replies

Mmfad