Warm and Durable Winter Clothing?

[BASIC]

I'd like to find out about winter clothing thats both warm and durable please?I work outside and have been wearing Carhartt for years.While durable,Carhartt isn't the warmest,also when it gets wet,it stays wet.Thanks.

 

[C_Claycomb]

A little more info would be handy. Where abouts are you and what sort of work do you do?

Winter weather varies greatly from place to place and gear that works in wet cold is very different from what works in dry cold. A lot of folk describe wet cold as reaching into sub freezing temperatures, but there's a noticeable difference between winter weather above and below freezing, and the one with a lower temperature doesn't always feel the coldest.

Pertex shell and fleece pile clothing, like Buffalo or Mardale is good for keeping you warm and dry in miserable wet weather. The pertex isn't going to be as abrassion resistant as tin cloth, waxed cotton or coated nylon, but the system is warm and dries fast.

What kind of thermal underwear do you use? I like the merrino stuff unless I know beforehand that I am going to get soaked to the skin. Having a warm layer that lies close to your skin makes a big difference whatever you put over the top.

 

[harpoon41]

If you got the coin: FILSON

 

[jackknife]

The outer layers don't really matter much exept to keep off rain and wind out. If you want to be really warm, it's what goes under that matters. The base layer next to your skin and the middle layer are way more important than the outer layer.

Invest in some nice wool sweaters from Filson, Woolrich, or the Cabellas catologue sweaters. Wool is your friend in winter. If you have a problem with the itch, then go for the Merino or lambs wool. It's so soft that it does away with the itch factor.

Try a wool blended with some synthetic for long underwear.

And layer. A good base layer with a wind/rain proof outer barrier laayer will go a very long way to keeping you comfy in harsh conditions.

Filson may seem expensive, but I have Filson clothing I bought 30 years ago and am still wearing, and it still looks good. The stuff will last your lifetime. In fact a friend of mine was wearing the cape coat his father wore, now his son is wearing the coat. Thats three generations getting wear out of one coat.

A Filson will be the last winter coat you will have to buy in this lifetime.

 

[mtwarden]

very dependent on what your doing- if your logging for example- Carhart or Filson tin cloth is going to be needed as an outer layer- anything else isn't going to last long due to abrasions

if your hiking or hunting or another activity where abrasion isn't a great concern- that opens up all kinds of options

so as someone posted above, exactly what activities and where?

 

[quietmike]

Scotch-Guard or Camp-Dry on the Carhartts to help with water absorption.

 

[BASIC]

Thanks for the replys.I live in northern NJ,I've been out in -10 weather but thats unusual. plow/shovel snow,cut wood and hunt.Abrasion resistance is important.

 

[pitdog]

A little more info would be handy. Where abouts are you and what sort of work do you do?

Winter weather varies greatly from place to place and gear that works in wet cold is very different from what works in dry cold. A lot of folk describe wet cold as reaching into sub freezing temperatures, but there's a noticeable difference between winter weather above and below freezing, and the one with a lower temperature doesn't always feel the coldest.

Pertex shell and fleece pile clothing, like Buffalo or Mardale is good for keeping you warm and dry in miserable wet weather. The pertex isn't going to be as abrassion resistant as tin cloth, waxed cotton or coated nylon, but the system is warm and dries fast.

What kind of thermal underwear do you use? I like the merrino stuff unless I know beforehand that I am going to get soaked to the skin. Having a warm layer that lies close to your skin makes a big difference whatever you put over the top.

Buffalo rocks !:thumbup:

 

[RoyalM]

I'll 2nd pit on that Buffalo shirts are great pieces of kit. You might also look at a Montane Smock.

Used extensively by Royal Marines in nearly any cold country both those tops are good to go.

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks for the replys.I live in northern NJ,I've been out in -10 weather but thats unusual. plow/shovel snow,cut wood and hunt.Abrasion resistance is important.

if abrasion resistance is high on your list, then Filson tin cloth and Carhart is where I'd be looking

they are not high tech materials and would NOT suggest them for hiking, etc- they don't breath well, but they are HIGHLY abrasion resistant

as mentioned above Carhart can be treated w/ Scotchguard (or similar) for more water resistance, Filson has their own treatment for tin cloth

I logged in the NW for 5-6 years and in the winter we basically lived in Filson wool and tin cloth- expensive initially but if you factor in longevity it becomes the cheapest option

 

[akennedy73]

If you got the coin: FILSON

if you don't have the coin there's lots of good Swedish military surplus tunics and pants if you search around the net

 

[HaroldB]

Cabela's also makes great wool shirts and coats for much less than Filson.

I worked in the NW woods (but not logging) for 10 years and used a quality Gore-Tex parka shell as outside layer. I still where it today.

Layer with synthetic longjohns next to your skin, then wool, then Gore-Tex last, you'll be warm and dry.

 

[HaroldB]

Double-post, sorry.

 

[Gargs]

I agree about Filson. I've had my two coats for years and they get better and are well worth the investment. Check out their site...the coats are still made in Seattle and the wool is topshelf (vs. the mixed bag wool you get in less pricey outwear). The wool bomber jacket is the best I've ever owned. I also have the longer mackinaw cruiser.

 

[Joezilla]

wool wool wool wool wool


Go to your nearest thrift store and see what you can dig up! I picked up this bomb proof plaid jacket (circa 1950s or 60s) for $2.

 

[LostViking]

You may want to look at this Carhartt. I have one it's tough as nails.

Link; http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/...Pages-_-ProductDetailPage-_-ProductDetailPage


Comes in a longer length as well. But remember fire is nemesis of plastic jackets.

 

[AF]

This is the Carhartt I want -

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/...51&productId=32106&langId=-1&categoryId=10927

It's very hard to find in stores though.

 

[Loosearrow]

wool wool wool wool wool


Go to your nearest thrift store and see what you can dig up! I picked up this bomb proof plaid jacket (circa 1950s or 60s) for $2.

There you go. That's what I do. I am a sucker for wool and it's cheap. From Woolrich to Irish woven sweaters. I buy them in the summer months.

 

[Snow]

Good score, Joe. I never have had good luck at the thrift stores finding wool but I keep trying.

 

[Joezilla]

A good tip is to go to the ritzy areas about an hour away from town (or so, for me). I picked up some columbia stuff there cause some house dog thought it was out of style. woot!