Moving to MT, Winter Clothes Recommendations? (Billings: to buy, college, live)

[Arinai]

Hi all, I saw your forums and decided this would be a good place to ask my question, so here I am. Anyway, I am attending Rocky Mountain College this fall, and I was hoping some of you guys could give me recommendations as to what kind of winter clothing is necessary in Montana?

I am from Oklahoma and we have hot summers. These past few years we have had very mild winters as well, so I have no winter clothes to speak of at the moment. As a student, I don't have a lot of spending money, so the cheaper the better. I am willing to splurge a bit on neccesities such as a good winter coat and boots, though.

Thanks in advance, everyone. Also, if you have any other recommendations on things I might need while I am up there, it would be very much appreciated.

[jasper12]

Check out Amazon, get a coat, jeans, sweater, boots, you will be fine, you don't need a lot for college. Coats and boots have deep discounts now, so buy now.

[ElkHunter]

I buy hoodies from WalMart as my winter coats. Blue jeans, denim shirt, etc. Nothing out of the ordinary. I feed horses during the winter so I am out in the elements. There is no reason to buy expensive clothes for winter. When it's cold and blowing, people have their collar turned up and their heads down, they can't see if you are wearing a $9 hoodie or a $300 columbian coat. Truth be known, the hoodie will keep you warmer and more comfortable.

Plan on dressing in layers. Couple of sweaters, a hoodie, and a jean jacket will keep you toastie and on warm afternoons, it's easy to shed a layer to be comfortable. Keep you head/neck, hands, and feet warm and dry and the rest of you will be comfortable.

[flyingcat2k]

RMC is in Billings, which has some of the more temperate winters in Montana. You don't need the arctic gear that is recommended for ND. I would second Elk's recommendations on clothing. Sweatshirts with long sleeve shirts underneath will be fine for the average winter day.

[historyfan]

You can get great deals at online outlets like Sierra Trading and Campmor. I would look for a waterproof Columbia coat system that has liner you can wear by itself as jacket. Gortex hikers are great with jeans & are waterproof.
Billings has winter but typically not deep snow. I find if my feet & hands are warm and dry I am happy. Base layers like turtlenecks & silk long johns make all the difference.
Get a headbolt heater installed in your car when you get to Montana. You will need to be able to "plug in" your car so it will start easily on very cold days. You will need that & an ice scraper for the windshield.
Enjoy college.

[Arinai]

Thanks all for the suggestions. Wasn't sure what to expect to need.

[Threerun]

If you like to be outside you should get a wool coat or some fleece lined coat with wind blocker. Keep the cold wind and moisture off and you can be really comfortable in any weather.

[NYMTman]

Thermal underwear did wonders for me when I lived in Montana. You will need a heavy coat, gloves (good ones), and something to cover your head. Probably a scarf as well. On most days, you won't need all of that, but you'll be thankful you have it when the temp drops below zero, which it does pretty much every year in Billings. Also, you're coming from Oklahoma, so your tolerance for cold will be markedly less than those who grew up in Montana. I imagine you'll be wearing your winter coat pretty much every day Dec-Mar, even though many of the locals save coats for only the coldest days.

[Arinai]

Thanks all!

NYMTman, I agree about the cold tolerance thing. I do like outdoors activities, so it would probably be a good investment.

[jasper12]

The issue is the wind in Billings, and often drizzly rain. Make sure your coat is Gor Tex. cuts wind, and water proof.