alright, yeah i was confused. I alternate between my wool and fleece usually, but use them both if it's really cold out. Really haven't noticed a difference in "breathability", but my wool shirt isn't loosely knit, so that probably makes a big difference.
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Warm Clothing
- Thread starter nick-nack
- Start date
alright, yeah i was confused. I alternate between my wool and fleece usually, but use them both if it's really cold out. Really haven't noticed a difference in "breathability", but my wool shirt isn't loosely knit, so that probably makes a big difference.
- Joined
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You didn't say when you were coming out my way or where you were headed, so here's some thoughts. I'm trying to frame my reply in the context of someone who isn't used to cold weather.
January: this is a decent month to avoid Chicago. The weather tends to swing from moderately cold (say a chilly Australian night where you really feel a shiver... about -5C) to an intense cold so frigid that your skin feels like it will split (-20C). It's painful cold. Then, two days later, you're back in moderate temps again. Very unpredictable. If you're visiting our Lakefront, it will often be a little warmer there due to the insulating effect...but the wind is fairly strong there, and the wind chill can be very unpleasant. It's also sunny on many days, so bring sunglasses... plastic, not metal; metal can freeze to your skin in a few seconds on one of those bad days.
February: temps in Chicago are warmer in February, but we tend to get a lot of snow in the first half of the month. The snow will be wet and slushy. Expensive shoes will be ruined by the mud, slush, and salt we pour all over our streets. Walking can be slower. If you're here for the snow, note that the city doesn't really shut down. Commute times crawl, things get delayed, but not cancelled. If you're downtown, the snow will be heavier. If you're West of about Pulaski avenue, the snow intensity tends to drop unless you're far North or South.
March: Weather tends to be cold and windy in the first half of the month. Toward the latter half, though, we can get some fairly comfortable weather. There's often sudden rain, and even thunderstorms, so bring outer clothing that resists being wet. Rains typically last about a day, and then you get muddy, dirty water for the next day. A sudden dip in temperatures to the freezing mark, or even a good snowfall, are not unheard of.
April: Rain, rain, rain. Thunderstorms, potentially violent, are common, too. If you're in the city, you'll be treated to a spectacular light show, especially if you're up high. If you're out in the fringe of the city or in the suburbs, tornados are always a risk (but rarely destructive...but that's statistics, and we're overdue). Umbrellas and long-sleeve shirts are recommended.
What are you planning to do out here? Anything on the to-do list? Let me know: happy to warn you away from the touristy stuff and eager to push you toward the many hidden treasures in this city (example: skip the Sears Tower... the lines are long, and the security maddening... you get a vastly better view from the John Hancock building). You should expect to have a very good time here.
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- 1,176
nick-nack --
Our company recently hosted an Aussie client for several months. He had never seen snow before and was unprepared for the cold. He ended up having a great time (tubing), but he did have to but some clothes.
Your dollar is strong agaisnt ours, so consider buying some clothes when you get here. It would also be fun. All the North Face and Columbia clothing recommended is excellent (I would add Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia to this list), but for general tourism, you don't really need to spend this much since you won't need cold-weather gear when you return home.
I would also recommend a trip to Old Navy, a fun and very American shopping experience - here you will find reasonably-priced, stylish, but functional and moderately well-constructed fleece and outerwear. Put a nylon windbreaker over it and you will be fine for active tourism. I am not a big fan of GoreTex in the winter, since protection from rain is not a big priority for me when it is several (or many) degrees below freezing.
Another item to consider when it gets really cold is a "puffy jacket" -- I love my high-end down items but a basic down jacket or vest (again, I would recommend Old Navy or Target) would be lightweight way to add a lot of warmth. Cheaper "down" items seem to contain a lot more chopped feathers than higher end down, but it works. I think an Old Navy or thrift store down vest would be a welcome and affordable part of your US winter wardrobe.
Wool sweaters and synthetic or wool long underwear are also a great and versatile idea. As many have said, you are well-advised to AVOID COTTON, even for casual winter use.
And oh yes, GET A FLEECE OR WOOL HAT.
Have a great time in America! Niagra Falls is great.
Our company recently hosted an Aussie client for several months. He had never seen snow before and was unprepared for the cold. He ended up having a great time (tubing), but he did have to but some clothes.
Your dollar is strong agaisnt ours, so consider buying some clothes when you get here. It would also be fun. All the North Face and Columbia clothing recommended is excellent (I would add Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia to this list), but for general tourism, you don't really need to spend this much since you won't need cold-weather gear when you return home.
I would also recommend a trip to Old Navy, a fun and very American shopping experience - here you will find reasonably-priced, stylish, but functional and moderately well-constructed fleece and outerwear. Put a nylon windbreaker over it and you will be fine for active tourism. I am not a big fan of GoreTex in the winter, since protection from rain is not a big priority for me when it is several (or many) degrees below freezing.
Another item to consider when it gets really cold is a "puffy jacket" -- I love my high-end down items but a basic down jacket or vest (again, I would recommend Old Navy or Target) would be lightweight way to add a lot of warmth. Cheaper "down" items seem to contain a lot more chopped feathers than higher end down, but it works. I think an Old Navy or thrift store down vest would be a welcome and affordable part of your US winter wardrobe.
Wool sweaters and synthetic or wool long underwear are also a great and versatile idea. As many have said, you are well-advised to AVOID COTTON, even for casual winter use.
And oh yes, GET A FLEECE OR WOOL HAT.
Have a great time in America! Niagra Falls is great.
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 90,915
Skam, as long as the temp isn't below freezing, that's what I do. A t-shirt or short-sleeved summer shirt under a warm jacket. I don't mind wool over that because it doesn't itch me.
We don't get much sub-freezing weather here, so I don't always dress right when it does drop like this. A couple of weeks ago we went from daytime 65 to 45 and only now to 25 degrees.
nick-nack,
Ebay can be a treasure trove for used menswear. Read carefully and pick up some excellent deals on quality gear that has more than enough life left to cover your needs. I have bought excellent condition mens Columbia shells for under 20.00.
A search on "goretex" in category mens wear will find a few diamonds in the rough- many are missing the fleece liners but those are cheap enough to buy outright. I also buy new Under Armour gear there. Much good info in this thread. Also look to heavy moisturizing creamZ(Eucerin) and lip treatment- harsh cold will dry exposed skin to the point of cracking.
Test used goretex shells while wearing a cotton tshirt in the shower to be sure the goretex has not been breached- retreat if required.
2Door
Ebay can be a treasure trove for used menswear. Read carefully and pick up some excellent deals on quality gear that has more than enough life left to cover your needs. I have bought excellent condition mens Columbia shells for under 20.00.
A search on "goretex" in category mens wear will find a few diamonds in the rough- many are missing the fleece liners but those are cheap enough to buy outright. I also buy new Under Armour gear there. Much good info in this thread. Also look to heavy moisturizing creamZ(Eucerin) and lip treatment- harsh cold will dry exposed skin to the point of cracking.
Test used goretex shells while wearing a cotton tshirt in the shower to be sure the goretex has not been breached- retreat if required.
2Door
Sorry havent replied yet... my room faces the sun most of the day and today its like an oven. Thank god Im getting an air-con installed Saturday.
Thanks for the replies so far guys you are hugely helpful. We are heading out in near our end of year school holidays, there isnt a definate time yet but it could be anywhere in between November to January but most probably nearer christmas time.
Apsilon - This members sale, do you have to become a member or something or is it for anyone. Ive passed it a few times ont he way to the bunnings a bit further down but never went in. Must go there for a look.
We basically want to give a few tests on some outdoor winter stuff and the girls want to do some shopping.
I think the best is to just pick up a few things here and get the rest when we get there. I was wondering if anyone could find some time to give some tips on places that are good for tourists or things to do there. We decided against a set tour guide because we dont want to just stick to the schedule so we will probably fly to different locations and states and if its close enough we will take a coach. So advice on coach companies, which airline or which hotels will be much appreciated.
Ill need to confirm some more info later tonight so I can give you guys a better a better picture.
You can also reach me at -
nickynwong55@hotmail.com
Thanks for the replies so far guys you are hugely helpful. We are heading out in near our end of year school holidays, there isnt a definate time yet but it could be anywhere in between November to January but most probably nearer christmas time.
Apsilon - This members sale, do you have to become a member or something or is it for anyone. Ive passed it a few times ont he way to the bunnings a bit further down but never went in. Must go there for a look.
We basically want to give a few tests on some outdoor winter stuff and the girls want to do some shopping.
I think the best is to just pick up a few things here and get the rest when we get there. I was wondering if anyone could find some time to give some tips on places that are good for tourists or things to do there. We decided against a set tour guide because we dont want to just stick to the schedule so we will probably fly to different locations and states and if its close enough we will take a coach. So advice on coach companies, which airline or which hotels will be much appreciated.
Ill need to confirm some more info later tonight so I can give you guys a better a better picture.
You can also reach me at -
nickynwong55@hotmail.com
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 90,915
Good idea. Don't commit to a set schedule till you get here and access more information on what's going on.
I know Australia is not a tiny country, but keep in mind that the US is not just huge, it is also crowded. Some roads are notoriously difficult to move quickly on, some cities are hard to find reasonable lodgings, especially during holiday seasons or special events.
You will probably get better advice on this thread itself, especially as you can firm up time and interests for us.
You have to be a member to get the discount but anyone can walk in and take a look. You can sign up on the spot and it's free.
I take it you're actually talking about next summer? If so you've got plenty of time and they have sales like this regularly.
Once you're a member they mail you their sale catalogue. They always have a sale on. When one ends another starts plus they have these occasional sale nights. I've bought a fair bit there and with a little planning and patience you can buy everything on sale (though it's often still cheaper to buy OS and import).
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 1,819
Nick-nack -
Are your plans set as to what your initial arrival point will be? Are you on your own or will friends/family be meeting you upon arrival?
Many years ago, I travelled back to the states from the middle east in the middle of December. I had been living in the desert for years and the warmest garment I owned was an unlined denim jacket.
Needless to say, leaving the airport terminal in New York to stand in line for a cab was pretty dang frosty!
If you have flexibility over where you arrive, and your plans include warmer cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, you may want to start there. Once there you could shop for appropriate clothing for the rest of your trip, and skip the frigid reception.
-- FLIX
Are your plans set as to what your initial arrival point will be? Are you on your own or will friends/family be meeting you upon arrival?
Many years ago, I travelled back to the states from the middle east in the middle of December. I had been living in the desert for years and the warmest garment I owned was an unlined denim jacket.
Needless to say, leaving the airport terminal in New York to stand in line for a cab was pretty dang frosty! If you have flexibility over where you arrive, and your plans include warmer cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, you may want to start there. Once there you could shop for appropriate clothing for the rest of your trip, and skip the frigid reception.
-- FLIX