Which jacket for cold weather to get?

[BBCT]

Buy that side. Cheaper & more choices

[Craig]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will certainly layer my clothing. I just need a decent jacket to complete the ensemble. Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

What are you doing on your trip?

For commuting in the UK and anything outdoors, I never used anything warmer than an Arcteryx Atom AR, once I bought it. Wearing this over a t shirt and light jersey was enough for me. It's insulation is synthetic, so it wasn't a problem in the rain like down is. I actually wore a down jacket more, because it was warm enough and smarter for work, although I found the Atom warmer.

If you're expecting to get wet, you need a hard shell, even a light one will do. Most insulated jackets aren't properly waterproof, unless you're spending big money. Even then, 2 jackets are better than one as you have options.

I bought a K way 3 in one first. I found it too big and clumbsy to be practical, but it was very warm.

Gloves made a huge difference when it got cold. They were usually one of the items that made a big difference.

Oh, and gortex shoes if you're out and about in the wet. But again, depends what you plan on doing as to how you dress.

I have a few Arcteryx jackets and all I really use now, but you can get deals on decent brands in Europe, jackets are fairly popular over there :)

[Spiggles]

I will vouch for layers, including thermal underwear, wool shirt, fleece and a down jacket on the outside.
Served me well from European winters to Patagonian winters.

First Ascent is a great brand- their fleeces, down jackets, softshells, gloves and socks are tough and world class.

[Brendank]

My 2c on this is wear your old jacket over and buy a new, properly rated jacket in Germany. They will have excellent quality jackets and not more than you would pay for a decent jacket here.

[Brendank]

Buy that side. Cheaper & more choices

Agreed 100%. That said, my preferences are Timberland and North Face jackets. Good quality and functional.

[18-Xray]

If you are thinking of buying locally, have a look at First Ascent.

Icebreaker for thermal underwear is available from Drifters and these can be expensive, as they are made from Merino wool.

[Vaal]

If you are thinking of buying locally, have a look at First Ascent.

Icebreaker for thermal underwear is available from Drifters and these can be expensive, as they are made from Merino wool.

My sister gave me 2 Icebreaker undershirts. They are expensive but worth every cent and the No More Stink claim works 100%. After 4 days of wearing the same undershirt and not washing, there was still no wiff. LOL

[TJ-Flames]

My brother went to Switzerland, which is fairly cold too.
He bought a local jacket there, it's all he now uses on a cold day.
And it isn't even big and bulky.

[keithbatkins]

Hi.
As stated in earlier posts 'layers are the key'.
My wife is Austrian and for visits 'home' I bought a body warmer from Old Khaki.
Wasn't expensive, is lightweight, packs easily and doubles up for me in the Highveld winters here under my wingshooting camo jacket.
Regards.
Keith

[Zoo Keeper]

Did a winter in Idaho. Coldest it got was -35 (-100 in a bad blizzard with wind chill).

The secret is: thermal underwear and waterproof/windproof outers. I used a Mr Price jacket, nothing special, but had the wind proofing and mild water proofing. Underneath was good thermals, shirts and jerseys etc. For skiing you need the waterproof pants etc (buy proper ski pants, don't skimp).

Shoes and socks - get warm, comfortable socks and decent shoes - nothing flimsy. You'll be walking on ice, be careful its extremely dangerous.

At -35, steel toe caps can get pretty cold...