lol... im just thinking about wrapping the kids up and then having to unwrap before we even go out when someone needs a pee!!!

I believe that happens, but I've also heard 'they grow up so fast' so maybe there's a bit of a trade-off. All the gear I listed above is for staying out all day in terrible weather, so not at all what's used on average.

Agree with the others who voted for Northface. Bought one last year - love it love it love it.

Hey

So if you want a good warmth to weight ratio and as long as it's dry then down is the only way to go. All of the big outdoor brands have down jackets to choose from with reasonable to silly expensive prices. To compare them look for the fill rating taking into account if it's EU or US fill standard (there not the same). Also down jackets should be reasonably slim fitting when you try for size.
The next best thing and good if you think your jacket might get wet would be a jacket insulated with primaloft one. At the mo I belive its the warmest synthetic material on the market and again all big brands will have a jacket to choose from. Most of the brands will have a street/active range which will be cheaper all the way up to arctic expedition so hopefully something to keep you warm in -30

It's in the UK but check out alpkit as they ship abroad and like others have said layer well and avoid cotton like the plage

Even though I had a North Face jacket, this made me smile...

Petrol station attendants in rural locations set the standard for winter wear:

- they're outside a lot

- their forecourts are windswept

- they're newly arrived from warm places and so feel the cold

- they're depressed, having been deliberately misinformed by distant relatives about the climate and conditions they face, thus they're prone to freezing

What they wear is puffy jackets of highly inflammable polymers barely stuffed with synthetic fibre. Giant Tiger is a good source for such garments though I got mine at Ends - a local remaindered clothing shop.

Most brand name coats are for swooshing around offices. Carhartt and Tough Duck are the only ones you see on people driving cabless tractors or picking up dustbins. If you're going for a branded coat Crombie is the one to have, black, like your Docs.

What really keeps most of those guys from feeling the cold is crystal meth.

The man who pumps for me has the limbs of a Thalidomide victim. Watching him dispense petrol, smoke and work the credit card machine all using three stunted fingers attached where his elbow should be, this without setting fire to his sleeveless puffy jacket, makes me feel that I've done the meth.

They sell bongs there, bongs, fireworks, cigarettes, flick knives, samosas. Corner Gas might have been modelled on the place.

Talking of Crombie, have you read "Suggs and the City"? I'm not sure how much of it was ghosted but it is triffic. I'm certain you'd like it.

Black Docs are formal wear. I revert to cherry for everyday thuggery.

I've not read it but will look out for it. I'm currently chuckling at the review of Rod Stewart's autobiography in today's Graun. Forty years he claims he's had that haircut.

No Docs today, often, but not today. I'll go to wearing them everyday when it starts snowing.

I'm certain you will like it, as a Londoner. It's all about the London that is disappearing or most people didn't know about. It's fascinating, funny and clearly written with a lot of affection for the place. I was quite sorry when I finished it.

You wear Docs in the snow? You must get bloody cold feet.

In general the answer is layers.

Its not so much what you wear, as how much. No one coat is going to be the answer, it will either be too hot on the warmer days, or not warm enough on the colder ones.

And something breathable and windproof on top. Its the wind that will chill you.

Having said that Ive never been uncomfortable in my Salomon ski jacket, its wind and waterproof and has a zip out fleece lining, but then its also combined with base and mid layers too.

For the Santa parades I wear Sorel boots... they do a good job keeping my feet warm.

Just to walk to the office, it's only ten minutes each way. I have some blanket lined wellies for the more serious outdoors.

My kid wore Docs all last winter, I got some of those thermal insoles for her, she said they worked really well. Quick Q for dbd, can Docs be resoled, hers have worn right down already as she doesn't pick her feet up grr

Alas not, and you can't easily get the ones that stamp "Made in England" into the snow anymore.