Assuming we realise our dream of emigrating to Winnipeg, we will be needing some exceedingly warm winter coats. We thought we'd buy them in England (we have TX Maxx vouchers and there's always the January sales) but can't really afford Berghaus (unless we get second-hand, which we're not really keen on doing).

So, short of Berghaus, what sort of things should we be looking for in a jacket (and associated paraphernalia)?

* Is thick (with a couple of layers) better than thin (with lots of layers)?
* If we combine it with a fleece, does it have to be a super-duper expensive fleece or can it be a bog-standard £20 jobby?
* Are snow-skirts advisable in Winnipeg? (wouldn't want to expose my belly in a strong gust of wind )
* Does a hood negate the need for a balaclava?
* Presumably the 3 most important things to look for are breathable, windproof and waterproof?
* What about small children / toddlers? Our toddler doesn't like having things tight round his neck / head (e.g. hoods and hats) - how do you get them to have their coats zipped up all the way and hoods on tight? (frostbite in my toddler is not an option )
* Does it have to be Goretex? (sounds expensive)
* What's a reasonable price to expect to pay? (we were thinking £60-80 each, which obviously goes a long way in TX Maxx cos a £60 jacket is probably worth £120!).

Cheers,

Anita

Layers works best. You need ski gloves when scraping car windows or a few minutes. Hats are a must, as is a scarf as it can be pulled up over your mouth and nose. I would recommend boots that can cope with -40c temps. These are mine from Canadian Tire - nice and roasty toasty. Nice and rugged - no fashion heels! Sunglasses are a must have too.

One tip is to feel the weight of the jacket/coat. Often cheaper items can weigh a ton. You will leave deep footprints in the snow and your arm will go dead when you peel off and cart if around a cosy store or mall

I'd get something here assuming your arrival timing allows that.

Three in one jackets are excellent and can be bought from as little as $45 in the cheap but okay stores (though they sell out quickly). About $80 from better stores like Sears. Or you can pay much more.

If the use is for protection from the cold while going about your business, wou may not be outside in it that much.

Our kids have padded coats for about $65.

I'm unsure how much my 3 in 1 cost. It was my wife's ex husband's. But I cycle in it at minus 20 - adding my own wind chill factor to that.

A good jacket is a worthwhile investment. Mine is a Columbia ski jacket. Windproof, waterproof and light. It has a removable fleece lining and an elasticated waistband. I only need wear a T-shirt under it. Also good are lined snow pants (again, I only wear my boxers) and felt-lined snow boots.

I bought all my stuff in the sales, which are much earlier than you might think. Winners (=TX Maxx) is a good place to look.

Thanks Yes-can-do, but that link didn't work. It just took me to the page where you have to enter a postcode, no boots to be found! What were they called? How much were they if you don't mind me asking? When you say they 'cope' with minus 40, what happens to boots that can't 'cope'?

BristolUK - so are padded (like puffa jackets?) jackets better than thin ones?

I guess we could just use our TX Maxx vouchers over here to get thermals and fleeces and decent gloves, socks etc, and then buy when we get to the Peg (we'll do our best to not arrive in mid-winter! )

Anita

Ooh another reply's just come in whilst I was typing! Souvenir, what temperatures do you get where you live? Just a t-shirt and a jacket sounds quite chilly! I'll have to check out Columbia then, sounds good.

P.S. What's a 3-in-1?

I would do that and then hurry to Mark's Work Wearhouse.

It gets down to about -30 here, with windchills into the -40s (that's why you want windproof). I don't own a sweater.

I used to have a down-filled "puffa". I didn't like it. I had to take it off as soon as I went into a store or I'd pass out.

I've looked on the website for Mark's Work Wearhouse and there's a great variety of coats, not that I'd have the slightest idea which is best as they all have different names which don't offer clues as to their effectiveness in -30, but I guess when we get over there we'll go to the store in person and ask the assistants.

Puffa jackets are out then (they make me look fat anyway - well anything does at the moment, being pregnant! hehe).

Try this postcode to enter the site: B2H 2J6 (its the mall's postcode)

Once in the site you may have to paste this link into it. http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...romSearch=true

Hyper-dri jackets are lightweight and keep you lovely and warm http://www2.marks.com/productdetails...3FOpenDocument

Hi
I have a couple of favorites:
1. A tartan wool scarf (ok it doesnt have to be tartan but defo wool) I have worked in -30 not including windchill on moving vehicles with it great piece of kit
2. A shamagh - keeps the neck and shoulders warm but can be used higher up around the face.
3. Wool jumper!

As for shopping try the army navy surplus stores, you can get good warm kit for pennies here - it may not be fashionable but good for working outside.
Also try M&M sports - just google it! they sometimes have good quality jackets such as Regatta,Berhaus etc quite cheap
Layers are a must. I wear a Softie (puffa) jacket and a windproof/goretex outer layer. If we are down to basics (not fashion) I wear cotton next to the skin! Not very appealing to the Mrs at bed time, but I aint telling you any more

This is normally a windproof, waterproof and warm jackets zipped together. They can be worn as an individual jacket or all together. Berghaus, Columbia etc are common makes.

Well there's always North face, or as mentioned Columbia which has cheaper versions of their higher end coats but they are not going to be as effective in severe sub zero's..

Layers layer layers.

R.

You really dont need fancy expensive technical stuff.

Layers are the key, and the stuff from regular stores does the job fine unless you are planning a winter assault on Mt McKinley.

Buy it in Canada, its designed for this environment, and much cheaper.