duddleysdraw88 said:

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Lots of good info above..... You lose quit a bit of heat through your noggin, so a good beanie (tobaggan) is paramount, as well as keeping hands and feet warm.

I'll add that mittens work better than gloves at keeping hands and fingers warm. Plus you can have the handwarmers inside them as well.

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Were you an MEEN major?

Good specific info in here....I'll speak to things in general. I think Denied mentioned the importance of air within the clothing. This is key, so don't over-dress to the point where clothing is tight and compacted. This leaves no air in the system for your body to warm, which is what actually is keeping you warm. Not to mention, you don't want to be bound up and unable to move freely within the clothing. This goes for boots and mittens especially. Can't overemphasize this concept enough, especially for boots since they are hard and inflexible and will restrict bloodflow and movement if too tight trying to fit in bulky socks. Purchase at least a size larger than your shoe. I've done well with 2 sizes larger and find it's well worth it even if you feel like Frankenstein clomping around.

Check out https://www.sierra.com/

Merino base layer
Puffy Jacket
Lightweight rain shell

That will get you through 95% of the weather.

I recommend mittens over gloves if possible.

Camofire.com and steepandcheap.com.

Smart wool anything is a great answer. Lots of good info above.

I went through this in the oilfield during winter nights. I found with base layers follow the size chart for each company. If possible try some on at a store like Cabelas, Academy etc. If you live in DFW, check out Scheels in the Carrollton/Frisco area. That's where I got some of my stuff, well from the locations in ND.

If this is going to be a one time thing, go with Academy's Magellan brand. I'd probably go with mid weight across the board and get 1 set of heavyweight for if it gets really cold and when you are snowmobiling.

Eddie Bauer has some good snow and or ski pants. Some are lined with a fleece type layer. Really like mine.

Definitely get liner socks. REI house brand are decent. Really like the Scheels brand, have had them for 3 years and worn them a lot as everyday socks when wearing boots in the oilfield.

Then go with mid weight merino wool socks. I like Smartwool Ski socks or Darn Tough mid weights.

I like Keen boots. Have a pair that are waterproof. My use, I haven't had to worry about the lack of breathablity during activity. Have heard good things about Skechers Steel toe hikers.

Whatever you do try on if possible. With boots try to buy now and break them in a little.

Also check out the outlet mall locations of North Face, Colombia, and Eddie Bauer.

AgResearch said:

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Bronco6G said:

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Thanks...do you feel like it was a moisture problem? Socks got sweaty and the sweat got cold, or just not enough insulation?

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Start with adding polypropylene liners to your sock layer.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-midcalf-polypropylene-liner-socks-2-pair-pack

This is essential base layer when I go ice fishing.

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Ice fishing? What is the legal length and limit on ice?
Bait?

Pretty decent guide, with photos and links: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html

Just two quick additions.
I impulse bought a merino wool pullover vest base layer that has turned into one of my essential things when its really cold.
I bought my wife some electric heated ski boot liners that she thanks me for every time we go skiing. I thought they would make her boots too tight but they don't.

I'm a merino fan. Buy most off camofire sales it's blackovis. Spend a ton of time hunting, skiing and out in the winter so it's used regularly. In fact some of rge shirts I just wear when it's cool

Also not against synthetics. Under armor, fleece and waterproof jacket. Got a UA storm rain jacket that I use year round. Base layer, vest and it in any combo get me through 99% of the time.

Just avoid cotton if you're going to sweat other than that you probably have 70% of the stuff you need

NOT JEANS NEVER JEANS DONT WEAR JEANS OUT IN THE SNOW. they are fine for around town but will get wet and cold and wick that wet and cold up your legs.

Layers are your friend. Start with an underlayer, then something insulating (think fleece or synthetic down depending on how cold) and then something to block the wind and keep you dry on top of that. We always carry a bag with extra layers to out on and to hold layers when you take them off.

Merino wool is 3x the price but also 3x the performance of any other fabric. I learned this way too late in life. Icebreaker is my favorite brand.

For every day wear the Mil surplus poly-pros work fine and are more durable day to day.

Socks should be highest merino wool content you can find.

Also as a second layer anything with 'waffle weave' fabric is gold. It allows an air gap that reduces moisture and insulates. Polar tec makes it and also the military surplus cold weather gear has it.