Minneapolis in Jan. (Viking: renting, buying, live)

[veranga]

I am going to be in Minneapolis in Jan can you tell me what I should bring. I am from Louisiana, and we don't have winters here anywhere near what it is like there. thanks in advance

[Slig]

You aren't going to want to be outside for more than a few minutes without a heavy winter coat, warm stocking cap and gloves (I prefer choppers when it's really cold). If there is a lot of snow warm winter boots make a world of difference. Make sure they have a water-proof lining.

You can get by without really warm clothing but you'll be miserable. I actually don't mind the cold in shorter intervals when I'm appropriately dressed. Anyways, it is August and very hot here right now so I'm definitely not in the mood to talk about January weather in Minnesota.

[veranga]

Ok well one more thing where can I get a really good winter coat ? what website would you suggest ? Thanks

[uptown_urbanist]

It will be cold, although the degree of cold will vary. That doesn't matter much, though, as you'll still want the winter basics. Warm coat, hat, gloves or mittens (mittens usually warmer than gloves). The boots are a good idea, but you can get by without them if you don't have a pair. Bring extra socks so you can change pairs in case you don't have boots and you get ice or slush in your shoes. I hate cold, slushy socks.

Depending on where you're staying and what you're doing you can get by without buying or borrowing an entire winter wardrobe. Downtown is well-connected by skyways, for example. If you're mostly going to and from the car you'll want to be warm, but you won't need to be equipped to handle an entire day out and about in the cold. When it's really cold it can still take some time for a car to warm up, though.

[uptown_urbanist]

Originally Posted by veranga

Ok well one more thing where can I get a really good winter coat ? what website would you suggest ? Thanks

Not sure about their websites, but places like REI and Columbia have coats. Department store websites all have more formal coats (as opposed to the parkas).

If you're only going to be in town for a few days and want to save money you could try going to a local (in your state, I mean) thrift shop; when we lived in LA I was amazed at the high number and high quality of barely-worn snowsuits (for kids, anyway) and other items. People bought them for vacations and then donated them. There wasn't a huge demand for them in the LA Goodwills.

[veranga]

I am going to see Vikings vs Giants. not really planning on renting a car or anything... going to use public transportation. Being from the south I haven't had much experience with snow so I think it would be better if i don't drive

[Slig]

Originally Posted by veranga

I am going to see Vikings vs Giants. not really planning on renting a car or anything... going to use public transportation. Being from the south I haven't had much experience with snow so I think it would be better if i don't drive

I'm jealous, it should be an awesome game. Look for Visanthe Shiancoe to torch his former team.

[veranga]

Yeh I have been wanting to visit Minnesota for a while... should be interesting

[veranga]

[quote=Slig;10221518]You aren't going to want to be outside for more than a few minutes without a heavy winter coat, warm stocking cap and gloves (I prefer choppers when it's really cold).

I have a rabbit fur mad bomber hat is this a warm enough hat ?

[Slig]

[quote=veranga;10223508]

Originally Posted by Slig

You aren't going to want to be outside for more than a few minutes without a heavy winter coat, warm stocking cap and gloves (I prefer choppers when it's really cold).

I have a rabbit fur mad bomber hat is this a warm enough hat ?

I've never worn one but it looks like it'd suffice.