Then don't worry about how it works, just consider how good it looks and whether people will be impressed by it.

Not all at. I have posted some first ascents of routes on 3 continents. I never used anything other than a gore-tex/windproof/waterproof type jacket, a fleece and a base layer. I took a down jacket with me, but never has cause to use it. In the last decade the quality of such jackets has diminished in direct proportion to their availability to the general public (as opposed to those that purchase them for their intended purpose). Taped seams don't have to work properly for those posing down the pub.

No comment, most of those over here spend a fortune at Timmies each day, six packs are rare, one packs are the norm

I have to agree with this. I was lucky enough to get the 365 waterproof outer shell and thin down inner (instead of a fleece) for Christmas last year. It added up to nearly $500, but it was so worth it. I find that spending a bit more gets you things like velcro bits for quick and easy closing, and a hood that you don't spend ages fiddling with in wind and sideways rain, and the fit is much better.

I was really impressed with the quality and used both parts everyday over the winter, and was pissed off when I pulled the little plastic thingy off the end of the hood drawstring in late spring. It was driving me nuts so I went back to the store to see if it could be fixed. They couldn't, and didn't have any new ones to switch it for, so they gave me a 100% refund on the spot. So I got six months of use out of it, and I now have the money to buy the exact same thing in the latest model this year, which is exactly what I will be doing.

Customer service was excellent, and I will be going back.

Depending on where you are. If you like EB stuff, check out the EB Outlet shop, it's on Aviva Drive in Vaughn, opposite the Toronto Star building.

There are some VERY good deals to be had there. For example, when we went they had a 20% off everything day, which was a nice start, plus pants (as in trousers, I've gone native you see ) were $20 per pair, not bad considering they were anywhere between $60 and $80. Shirts up to 70% off, and some of them were, if I recall, something daft like $9.99, instead of being $40 - $80.

I purchased 7 pairs of pants and 8 shirts - both of a smart casual affair, and the total was, I think $240. I worked out if I had purchased at full price it would be well over $1000, so I'd consider that a bit of a saving.

Oh and if you're up at EB Outlet, pop over to Vaughn Mills and go into the Holt Renfrew Last Call (They are too posh to call it an "outlet") store for a laugh. The laugh is that you'll see seriously overpriced clothing discounted to a still seriously overpriced price. OH looked at a dress in there, original price was $6000, marked down to $2500, ooh what bargain! (yes, I mock ). Having said that, there were a couple of nice suits I found that had a decent markdown on them. Even still, it's a bit of a joke really.

We were originally in NB where the winters are worse than in Ontario and I still just wore the jacket I had in Glasgow, Scotland.

It really depends on how much outdoor walking you are going to do - is it out the door, into the car, drive to work/mall. then you really need a light weight jacket otherwise you will end up carrying it all day along with all your bags. If you have to go out to clear the snow from the car, then a slightly warmer jacket is called for - it is the only time my hubbie wears his jacket and gloves, as soon as he has done this it is back to the t-shirt for him

I bought the usual snow suits for the kids and they hate wearing them as they are so warm and bulky - unless they are playing snowball fights in the yard.

We are never out doors long enough to justify a heavy weight jacket.

Where abouts was the shop, Tuppence? May have to do a visit myself.

K

I bought a Helly Hansen puffa jacket from their store in Bicester (oh how I miss that place) for something retardedly cheap like 70 quid.

This jacket has been worth every penny - even in minus 40 with the windchill (and granted a couple of layers underneath) you don't even feel the cold. Yet it still manages to not be too hot when its only 0 and I grab it just to run outside for something.

A lovely cherry red one would look nice - ooh and get a pair of black snow pants to chuck over your jeans and you'll be well away

edited to add you can buy HH in MWW

Bicester Villiage I used to love to go there when I lived in Northamptonshire. They had a Christian Lacroix shop there to die for.

*Takes notes from thread*

I am super worried about my first winter in Montreal (the bears have the right idea if you ask me - hibernation!).

What sort of boots/trousers/gloves should we invest in? (if any in particular)

oooh I remember that!!

Really? I never found anything worth buying there, apart from the clinique shop Shame as I only lived an hour from there.

how long have you been in Ontario where fashion never reached?

And coyote fur - what's to dislike?

You must live in the city.........

Thanks for the EB thumbs up, sorry your toggly thing broke, but I am really pleased that you experienced the Eddie Bauer customer service There are some really nice outer shells comming in right now, I personally can't wait for the First Accent line to hit the floors and get the training to go with it, it's an exciting time for Eddie Bauer.

Anyway some tips on buying a winter coat:

If your going for down, look for something with a high fill power (EB has nothing less than 500 - and that's the blankets).

Check the weather rating, either on the tag or with the sales associate. I would suggest something rated for -18, this should mean you will be warm in a t-shirt and your down coat if the weather gets to -18, colder than that? well that's when you layer up.

Try to get down that is from a colder climate - again my knowledge is EB, EB has it's own goose farm in Northern Europe, the down has proven to be fluffier, therefore warmer.

A hood will keep you warmer than a hat alone, you may need both for the -40 days.

It is possible to buy super fluffy looking coats, that look like they are full of down and will keep you warm - you must check the temperature rating, even EB has 'fashion' items with a 600/700 fill power but the rating can be -6, there is no point in spending good money on a -6 rating if you want a warm coat - go for the best temperature rating possible, if you don't feel as though the associate is 100% sure of the rating and it's not on the tag and it $300 walk away.

kazbob, there are Eddie Bauers all over the place - check our www.eddiebauer.com

Thanks for all that info, Piff. I'd heard of EB before, but have not really been out to look for it.

I wouldn't have a clue about fill power and things, so it's great that you've given a rundown on it.

Karen

kazbob, there are Eddie Bauers all over the place - check our www.eddiebauer.com[/QUOTE]

Been trying to send you karma, Piff, but the ole work computer is just not having it.

Thanks for this. I looked at the web site, great stuff on there - I will be paying a visit!