Winter Coat

[MaryleeII]

Let me jump in here. I'm from Michigan, so I know what cold is all about!

Learn to dress in layers. You will DEFINITELY need a big, parka-type coat, but you simply won't find such, or the right materials, where you are. Order online, or wait until you get there. I've found that here in Texas what they consider a winter coat would be a joke up there! It never gets to -40!

Get serious gear for serious weather. However, learn how to dress in layers. You want to avoid overheating, and sweating, at all costs. Don't overdo it to the point you're sweating, that's when hypothermia really sets in. Dress so you can take off layers from the outside in, such as, a parka over a heavy sweater over a light turtleneck over an undershirt. That way, you can peel off the outer layers in a "socially acceptable" manner. Dont' go for the long-underwear unless you plan to be outside for a significantly long time, like camping, ice fishing, etc. Otherwise you run the risk of overheating and no way to remove it without getting arrested!

If you work in an office, kids in school, in and out of heated vehicles, then, layer it.

But do respect the cold. Its not like anything you've experienced before. When one first goes out the door the cold doesn't really seem that bad, if you're just running to a heated car, or mailbox. But when it sets in, you'd better be prepared! Don't just run out to the store in a light jacket and shorts, like I see people here do. At least, always keep some warm clothes in the trunk! You never know when the car could stall, or other emergency. Here, it would be an inconvenience, up there, in the frozen North, well......you might not live to tell the tale.

[Meraki]

Agree with the other posters about layering! You will need the warm coats outdoors, but when you are going to and from places like malls, you will want a decent layer underneath, since heavy coats can be too hot inside malls. Some people will leave their coats in their cars while they shop, but be prepared for a VERY chilly walk to the car, and a cold coat while the car warms up

Be sure you get warm mittens and gloves, too. Depending on the activity, mittens can actually be warmer when your fingers are close together, versus gloves.

We always wore down coats, or Thermolite coats (warmth without the puffy bulk). A more casual jacket that is also pretty warm is Carhart.

If you have children, they will need warm snowpants.

Good places to shop and read up about warmth factors are LL Bean, Lands End, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, etc.

[uptown_urbanist]

All this is going to cost a bundle, but you should be able to take advantage of all the winter sales; all these places tend to have fairly significant discounts or sales. My Eddie Bauer coat, bought around this time last year, was 40% off (or maybe even more) last year plus free shipping.

I wouldn't spend as much money on the snowpants, as kids will outgrow them fast, but you should be able to get those for $20 or so. I've bought them on sale at Macy's. If you time when you get here, hit a mall and check out all the department stores and see your options are.