Cold weather people!

[ilovelamp]

I'm preparing for my first real winter here in the Midwest. What kinds of clothing/shoes should I buy?

Last winter while visiting here I wore fake Uggs but they got soaked in the snow (the cloth part). I know I need a heavy coat (all I have is a peacoat). I have scarves and a pair of gloves. I'm going to get hoodies and sweaters and a few more pairs of jeans. What do I need?? What types of shoes are comfy, slip resistant, and water resistant? TIA!

[audette]

I am assuming you are from the South, or at least, from warmer climates...

Get a pair of real winter boots. Waterproof, at least up to the bottom of your calves, if not higher. If you want the be-all, end-all mother of boots, get some Sorels.

Hats/toques are important. Ear coverage and top of head coverage is vital.


What do you plan on doing in the outdoors? Are you planning on doing much beyond shovelling snow and getting between climate controlled building and car? If you plan on doing more, having layers gets important... If not, well, it's not quite so vital to have a range of layering options.


I'd recommend a waterproof winter coat. Get one down to mid-thigh or longer if you can find one. The peacoat may work well enough if it is a heavy peacoat, but it might not be enough. Tough to say without seeing it.


Get some mittens, too - they're warmer than gloves. Again, waterproof is best, and also has the advantage of being windproof.


Back home, when I visit my family (in Alberta), my typical winter clothing for indoors is socks, jeans, t-shirt, and a fleece vest or flannel shirt (or both, depending on the temperature the host prefers - it's why I like the fleeces and flannel - they've very easy to remove or add depending on the temperature). I'll add slippers, if I have some handy. My siblings tend to be a bit more fashion conscious than me, so they tend to wear slacks/khakis and layer a nice top with a nice knit sweater. My SIL is a fan of wearing (light) scarves indoors. My mom will add in a fleece vest.

To go outside just to the car to run errands, I'll add a winter coat, winter boots, a scarf or cowl, a hat, and gloves (until the car warms up, then some of these items end up on the passenger seat until it's time to leave the vehicle). If I'm going out to play in the snow with my neice and nephews, I'll add insulated ski pants. I don't own long underwear, but if I planned on spending a chunk of time outside without running after relatives or doing something active, I'd look into getting some.


There is no completely avoiding the slippery conditions that come from snow/ice without getting a set of spikes (picture cleats you attach to the outside of your shoes/boots), but you should be able to deal with most conditions by being careful how you walk - take shorter strides, keep your weight balanced over your feet, etc.



Most of all, *please* get a winter car kit together for your vehicle. Biggest safety thing I can recommend. Basics include a blanket, a small shovel, something to improve traction like sand, gravel or kittie litter, a flashlight, road flares, some non-perishable food and water (watch out because the water can bust bottles if they are full when they freeze - leave some head space). You should be able to google for a comprehensive list. This is basically to help you deal with the car getting stuck somewhere...

Getting stranded on the road can be deadly. Keep that in mind if you see a disabled vehicle at the side of the road, too.

[krista]

Oct 16, 2012 11:39:49 GMT -5 audette said:

Most of all, *please* get a winter car kit together for your vehicle. Biggest safety thing I can recommend. Basics include a blanket, a small shovel, something to improve traction like sand, gravel or kittie litter, a flashlight, road flares, some non-perishable food and water (watch out because the water can bust bottles if they are full when they freeze - leave some head space). You should be able to google for a comprehensive list. This is basically to help you deal with the car getting stuck somewhere...

Getting stranded on the road can be deadly. Keep that in mind if you see a disabled vehicle at the side of the road, too.

Thank you for this! We just moved to central New York after 10+ years in the South and Hawaii. It went below freezing a couple nights ago and I didn't even have a scraper to get the ice off my windshield. I didn't even think about all the other things I should have in my car.

[audette]

Oct 16, 2012 12:23:15 GMT -5 krista said:

Oct 16, 2012 11:39:49 GMT -5 audette said:

Most of all, *please* get a winter car kit together for your vehicle. Biggest safety thing I can recommend. Basics include a blanket, a small shovel, something to improve traction like sand, gravel or kittie litter, a flashlight, road flares, some non-perishable food and water (watch out because the water can bust bottles if they are full when they freeze - leave some head space). You should be able to google for a comprehensive list. This is basically to help you deal with the car getting stuck somewhere...

Getting stranded on the road can be deadly. Keep that in mind if you see a disabled vehicle at the side of the road, too.

Thank you for this! We just moved to central New York after 10+ years in the South and Hawaii. It went below freezing a couple nights ago and I didn't even have a scraper to get the ice off my windshield. I didn't even think about all the other things I should have in my car.

You know, I always thought there was a universal "it's freaking cold" mentality regarding stuck/disabled vehicles. Until we spent a winter in MO.

Everywhere I've lived before, if it's freezing/snowing/cold/etc, and you come across a stuck vehicle that you can safely help get unstuck, you help. That's held across multiple provinces, and several trips into the northern states. Heck, I've even fallen into doing it on a work trip to Germany - I was walking to the train station, and a vehicle had been snow-plowed in, and was having trouble getting over the lip of snow. Another random passerby was already helping push the car, and I stepped up to help out, too. We got the car over the lip, the driver waved and said something (I'm guessing danke), and the other random person and I each went on our own way. Seemed perfectly normal to me.

And then DH and I moved to MO. Where people got defensive and scared and confused if I stopped to help push them out of a snowbank. It was bizarre. I just couldn't bring myself to _not_ help (it was a serious enough snowfall that the base had been shut down for a couple days, as had most of the local businesses), and the folks driving the vehicles acted like I was the weirdest possible thing to stop by.

Strange.


Anyways, google for a winter car kit, because I did probably forget something. Like the chains that I just remembered I need to put in the car because I'm thinking of driving up to my parent's place next week, and they're mandatory for driving thru the passes to get there.

[erin2903]

Good info Audette! I am going to keep your list in the event we are ever living in a cold climate. Being from and living in Texas, we are clueless of how to deal with it.

[YellowRose]

Additionally, even if you don't want to wear your winter boots every day you should put them in the car when you go. You never know when you'll need them.

Credit cards make great scrapers in a pinch (or any plastic card, like the coupon cards that people sell for fundraisers). Always carry some extra washer fluid, too.

Salomon snow mocs are awesome! www.salomon.com/us/ They have great traction, for both men and women. DH and I both own a pair from when we went to school in MI's Upper Peninsula (300+ inches of snow/year).

[YellowRose]

Oct 16, 2012 12:23:15 GMT -5 krista said:

Oct 16, 2012 11:39:49 GMT -5 audette said:

Most of all, *please* get a winter car kit together for your vehicle. Biggest safety thing I can recommend. Basics include a blanket, a small shovel, something to improve traction like sand, gravel or kittie litter, a flashlight, road flares, some non-perishable food and water (watch out because the water can bust bottles if they are full when they freeze - leave some head space). You should be able to google for a comprehensive list. This is basically to help you deal with the car getting stuck somewhere...

Getting stranded on the road can be deadly. Keep that in mind if you see a disabled vehicle at the side of the road, too.

Thank you for this! We just moved to central New York after 10+ years in the South and Hawaii. It went below freezing a couple nights ago and I didn't even have a scraper to get the ice off my windshield. I didn't even think about all the other things I should have in my car.

How quickly your blood thins! I have snow shoes that are gathering dust if you want to borrow them for a few years!

[softspot]

What state? Winter varies throughout the Midwest.

[amaristella]

I'm still pretty noob at this and my experience with snow is about 90% cleaning off and digging out my car. In addition to the above I found waterproof gloves to be a vital item for that task. Personally, I always get my thighs soaked in snow from leaning on the car or something. I might get an old or cheap pair of ski pants to deal with that.

Also, for general wear I really really liked having a pair of level 1 base layer pants because none of my jackets go past my hips. These are what I have www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12441081

DH bought a pair of the level 2 ones to wear under his NWUs because he had to be outside walking a fair amount each day and he really liked them. I think he bought a base layer top of some sort as well.

My favorite winter coat is actually a two-piece ski parka that I bought at a Columbia outlet (basically half price!). The versatility makes it great year round. Something similar to this. (You might prefer something longer though if you're expecting really cold temps)
www.columbia.com/Women%E2%80%99s-Bugaboo%E2%84%A2-Interchange-Jacket/SL7026,default,pd.html

[krista]

Oct 16, 2012 13:40:20 GMT -5 YellowRose said:

Oct 16, 2012 12:23:15 GMT -5 krista said:

Thank you for this! We just moved to central New York after 10+ years in the South and Hawaii. It went below freezing a couple nights ago and I didn't even have a scraper to get the ice off my windshield. I didn't even think about all the other things I should have in my car.

How quickly your blood thins! I have snow shoes that are gathering dust if you want to borrow them for a few years!

No, thank you! I'm going to hibernate this winter and then we're out of here!

[ilovelamp]

Wow thanks for the great info! Yes, I am from the South and am living in Ohio now. I will definitely get a car emergency kit.

[faithhopelove]

First of all I am dying laughing right now because I read that you moved to the midwest and I looked at your location and all it says is "A Whale's Vagina". Thank you making my day hahahahaha.

I second the car emergency kit. Blankets, flare gun, snacks (granola/protein bars/water bottles), all great ideas. Especially the shovel and TRACTION STUFF!! Seriously you will be kissing this post later on when that helps get you unstuck

One last thing I highly recommend investing in, if you don't already have one, a crock pot or a big stew pot. Nothing is better in the dead of winter than coming home to a nice hot pot of stew/soup. MMMMM I love Fall/Winter for that reason alone haha

[ggirl]

Gas in the car. My dad always taught me to fill up before I even get to a quarter of a tank. You will never know what kind of conditions you will be in or if you will be stuck in traffic because of weather, etc. Back in December 2010 people were stranded on Interstate 90 in Buffalo for about 26 hours.

[faithhopelove]

Oct 16, 2012 19:05:57 GMT -5 ggirl said:

Gas in the car. My dad always taught me to fill up before I even get to a quarter of a tank. You will never know what kind of conditions you will be in or if you will be stuck in traffic because of weather, etc. Back in December 2010 people were stranded on Interstate 90 in Buffalo for about 26 hours.

Oooo this. And IF you have a diesel engine, watch that. Sometimes diesel fuel turns to gel (something like that) if it gets too cold. Happened a couple times to my parents truck in Montana. There is a solution that you have to mix in to the gasoline. Just a tip

[prettyinpink]

Oct 16, 2012 14:45:23 GMT -5 amaristella said:

I'm still pretty noob at this and my experience with snow is about 90% cleaning off and digging out my car. In addition to the above I found waterproof gloves to be a vital item for that task. Personally, I always get my thighs soaked in snow from leaning on the car or something. I might get an old or cheap pair of ski pants to deal with that.

Also, for general wear I really really liked having a pair of level 1 base layer pants because none of my jackets go past my hips. These are what I have www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12441081

DH bought a pair of the level 2 ones to wear under his NWUs because he had to be outside walking a fair amount each day and he really liked them. I think he bought a base layer top of some sort as well.

My favorite winter coat is actually a two-piece ski parka that I bought at a Columbia outlet (basically half price!). The versatility makes it great year round. Something similar to this. (You might prefer something longer though if you're expecting really cold temps)
www.columbia.com/Women%E2%80%99s-Bugaboo%E2%84%A2-Interchange-Jacket/SL7026,default,pd.html

I had a coat like this for years and two years ago got a new one that is similar from Cabela's. It covers my bum so I love that in case I fall on my butt! Sorels are great snow shoes. I bought a pair last year and with the way I wear them they will probably last me at least 10 years. Pricey but so worth it.

Get water proof gloves, knit ones won't cut it in the snow.

[cizzle]

I work outside a lot and live somewhere where we get lake effect snow. I keep extra warm clothes in the car at all times in the winter to include snow pants.

As far as the car goes, keep gas in the tank. Apparently it can freeze if you don't have enough. Also, keep a snow shovel, salt, a scraper and a flash light in the car.

[G22]

Oct 16, 2012 16:01:07 GMT -5 ilovelamp said:

Wow thanks for the great info! Yes, I am from the South and am living in Ohio now. I will definitely get a car emergency kit.

I grew up in Ohio. It is prone to ice storms, along with snow. Shoes with traction are a must! And definitely keep a good ice scraper in your car in the winter. Other than that, everyone else said what I would have.

[pennylane]

This isn't clothing related advice.

If you don't have experience driving in the snow, I recommend practicing how to counter steer in an empty parking lot or something. That way you know how to react if weather conditions make your car slide. That's how I learned when I first got my drivers license. Knowing what to do helps so you don't panic and over-correct or something.

[decemberrain]

One tip about winter boots: Get that spray waterproofing stuff and water proof them again. I'm from Michigan so the weather is pretty much the same. I always got really nice winter boots but after a few weeks they would start letting in water so I'd just spray the waterproofing stuff on them and it would be all good again. Nothing sucks more than cold, wet feet with no dry socks for hours!
Also, if you have a touch screen phone get the mittens where your fingers can come out or the special ones with the rubber finger tips on them. Because you can't answer your smart phone with gloves on. or text or anything like that.
When it starts snowing you should get out and drive in a parking lot or something and really lose control of the car so you can figure out how to right the car.
Make sure your car has good snow tires or just really good tread.
In your road kit, make sure you have a real blanket. A nice warm blanket because you never know how long you'll be stuck in the snow if you get stuck.
It's not that bad. In March/April you'll be surprised because 50 degrees feels nice after the long winter.

[baconlettucetomato]

Oct 17, 2012 8:05:28 GMT -5 pennylane said:

This isn't clothing related advice.

If you don't have experience driving in the snow, I recommend practicing how to counter steer in an empty parking lot or something. That way you know how to react if weather conditions make your car slide. That's how I learned when I first got my drivers license. Knowing what to do helps so you don't panic and over-correct or something.

This. Completely this. Driving in snow/ice is different and you need to practice. I too learned how to drive in it with my mom taking me to a parking lot and telling me to gun it and then slam on the brakes, swerve real hard, etc.

[dancingpanda]

Wool socks, they are so much better than your cotton socks. If your wool socks get wet, they warm up unlike the cotton. Dress in layers. I agree about the car kit and learning how to drive in snow/ice. Also something about driving in snow, just slow down no matter what.

[ilovelamp]

I am so afraid of driving in the snow. DH said he will take me to an empty parking lot to practice. I get anxiety just driving in rain, so I'm kind of freaking out about this.

Thanks for the awesome info everyone!

[dancingpanda]

Oct 17, 2012 11:57:33 GMT -5 ilovelamp said:

I am so afraid of driving in the snow. DH said he will take me to an empty parking lot to practice. I get anxiety just driving in rain, so I'm kind of freaking out about this.

Thanks for the awesome info everyone!

Also for driving in snow, don't slam on the breaks if you hit ice and start to slide, pump the brakes. I know that's easier said than done, because our reactions are "slam on the brakes." But pumping is more beneficial and gives you more control.

[softspot]

Driving in the snow isn't a big deal, it's ice you need to be worried about.

[moolarkey]

Get mittens that are 2 layer, not single layer. Be sure your sleeves cover the ends of your glove, you don't want snow up your sleeves while scraping off your car.

Get 2 snow scrapers. A long handled that has a scraper and a brush for removing snow from your car. A short handled, hard scraper that is better for scraping ice off.

Be sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk - including jumper cables, a bag of kitty litter (put under tires if you get stuck in snow/ice. Not as easy to come by these days but a large, empty coffee can, candles and matches. If you were to get stuck in snow/ice you can light the candle in the coffee can for light and heat. Keep a few things to eat in it, power bars, crackers, etc. If you can, put a small shovel and/or small broom in your trunk and a blanket or two. You can take almost all of this stuff out of your trunk once the weather breaks in the spring.

Dress in layers so that if it warms up you can remove layers but if it cools back down, you can put them back on.

[dancingpanda]

Oct 17, 2012 21:56:10 GMT -5 softspot said:

Driving in the snow isn't a big deal, it's ice you need to be worried about.

Where I'm from, where's there's snow there is usually ice. But yes, ice is what you need to be worried about, but just because you are driving in snow doesn't mean there won't be ice.

[moolarkey]

If you get stuck with out a scraper in your car again, use a plastic card like a credit card, library card, store courtesy card. That will scrape frost and light ice off.

Get a can of spray de-icer - use it on windshield/rear-window. If your door locks freeze you can use it there. DO NOT POUR WATER on your car to defrost windows or if locks freeze.

Start your car first and turn on your front and rear defrosters then start removing snow/ice from windows, etc:

When you clean snow off your car - clean ALL of it off. brush it off the roof, off your hood (or it will blow up on to your windshield and/or over the top and land on your rear window). Brush your headlights and tail lights off. Scrape the ice off of ALL the windows.

[beans]

Oct 16, 2012 16:01:07 GMT -5 ilovelamp said:

Wow thanks for the great info! Yes, I am from the South and am living in Ohio now. I will definitely get a car emergency kit.

what part of OH are you in (if you don't mind answering, no need if you don't feel comfortable)?

I just moved here, and although I am used to some stuff being from CO, I haven't lived around real snow in a little bit. I have heard from Ohioans (Ohioites? lol) that some parts are worse than others. Dayton is supposed to be less crazy than Columbus, and I *think* Cincinnati is similar to Dayton? IDK. Apparently last year (by local report) Dayton had a very temperate winter with nothing too bad going on. Now what their opinion of "nothing too bad" has yet to be determined. Subjectivity and all that.

[softspot]

Oct 17, 2012 22:04:09 GMT -5 dancingpanda said:

Oct 17, 2012 21:56:10 GMT -5 softspot said:

Driving in the snow isn't a big deal, it's ice you need to be worried about.

Where I'm from, where's there's snow there is usually ice. But yes, ice is what you need to be worried about, but just because you are driving in snow doesn't mean there won't be ice.

That was my point. The ice under the snow is the true culprit to most issues. (As long as we aren't talking blizzards & white-outs.)

[moolarkey]

The "Snow belt" goes across Ohio at a diagonal. Start at the NE corner of Ohio, draw a lint at diagonal that goes between Marion & Delaware and that ends north of Dayton and that's a pretty good idea of where it is. The heavier snow/bad weather will usually be North of that line. Whenever we're driving North up 23 from Columbus if we're going to hit any kind of weather changes it will be within a mile, either side of the Marion/Delaware county line. So if it's going to be cold, rainy, snowy - that's usually where we run in to it.

And it's Ohioans..