Winter Clothing... What’s best for a newbie?

Seeking Advice
1

Hi friends. I’ve been away from the northeast for a while and I’ve lost track of how to dress properly for winter activities, and wow, has the gear improved! But it’s a bit confusing for a newbie.

I hike and train my working line dog. I’m not skiing or doing anything extreme like cross-country skiing. But, I’ll need to be outside with him for over 3 hours each day, no matter what the weather is like. I need layers that allow full mobility and agility while keeping me warm and sometimes dry.

I’ve got my base layers figured out. Where I’m stuck is finding a good lightweight mid-layer and outer shell that provides warmth, water resistance, and wind protection while still being able to move freely. I’m considering an 80% down jacket with 650 fill as a mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell.

What’s driving me crazy is that I don’t have enough money to account for every type of weather. Should I buy the down jacket because it’s lightweight and just remove the waterproof shell when it’s dry? Will the REI 650 fill down jacket really keep me warm at 35°F without the waterproof shell? Will the waterproof outer shell make me too hot or will it still be too cold on 40°F rainy days?

In short - It seems we can’t trust buyer reviews online anymore. I’m looking for suggestions from people who are doing similar activities and have found good solutions. I’m 5’2, 120lbs. I’d appreciate any real-world suggestions. And, don’t even get me started on gloves and handling poop bags :microbe:

2

Down jackets are great, but they lose their warmth when they get wet. Wool, on the other hand, keeps you warm even when it’s wet, and you can often find it cheap at thrift shops. I used to live in Minnesota and would walk around town with just a hoodie and wool peacoat in negative 10-degree weather. Now I live in Colorado, and I wear a wool t-shirt, wool hoodie, and wool vest while biking to work in 35-degree weather.

3

650 fill down is a lot for just 35°F. I don’t even know what my synthetic down jacket’s fill is, but it’s very light. Still, it’s too warm for me at anything above freezing. Keep in mind that real down loses its loft when it gets wet. Some down jackets have a DWR treatment, but they will still wet out eventually. You’ll need a shell to protect the down. Wearing both down and a shell might make you too hot when active, so I’d suggest using a wool baselayer and shell if it’s snowing. If it’s not, you can just wear a light shirt with down or a heavier shirt and the shell. Shells on their own tend to trap some heat, too. Waterproof-breathable membranes only breathe so well.

Personally, I go with a Smartwool quarter-zip base layer, followed by a lightweight fleece jacket, and a Beyond L6 jacket. This combination keeps me warm down to about 15-20°F while being active, and I can stay warm even below freezing when static.

I’d suggest getting a wool base layer if you haven’t already. After that, you can get a fleece or synthetic down layer. Synthetic down is more durable. For an outer layer, I’d recommend a waterproof shell like the Patagonia Torrentshell, or a similar product from Outdoor Research, Rab, or Beyond. Look for a 3-layer shell with a 20,000/20,000 rating or better. You should be able to get everything for under $300.

4

@Hollis
Thank you!

5

I’m in Wisconsin. I’ve got a few different mid and base layers, and everything changes depending on temperature, whether it’s snowing, sleeting, raining, if there’s wind, etc.

For temps between 30°F and 40°F and wet weather, I wear merino wool long sleeve, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. The merino wool helps regulate my temperature and keeps me more comfortable. If it gets warmer, I can ditch the fleece and just wear the merino wool and outer shell. If it’s dry, I skip the outer shell, and if it’s windy, I swap out the fleece for a synthetic insulated jacket with a wind-resistant shell.

For temps from upper teens to 30°F, I usually wear a grid fleece base layer and down puffy jacket. If it’s dry snow or no snow, I skip the outer shell. But if it’s wet snow or windy, I add a wind and waterproof outer shell.

Below that, I adjust based on how long I’ll be outside and how active I’ll be. If I’m just hanging out at the park with the dogs and not moving much, I layer up with a thermal shirt, grid fleece, fleece jacket, down puffy, etc. If we’re being more active, like snowshoeing, I go with light layers. For regular hiking, I mix and match layers depending on the situation.

I’ve spent years refining my layers, and I get not having the budget to get all new gear. But you can find deals. Look on sites like Sierra, Steep&Cheap, REI Used, FB Marketplace, and sales at REI and Backcountry. The REI member sale just started, so you might find good deals there. I just picked up a great deal on an 800-fill Outdoor Research down jacket from Steep&Cheap because my old one had seen better days.

6

@Luca
Thank you!!!

7

I’d suggest looking for used gear before you decide to compromise on quality.