Reddit mentions: The best skiing clothing for men

It really depends on what you are doing. You say "Not planning on doing any super athletic or intensive activities"... does that mean mostly running from the house to the car, or walking from the car to the shopping mall? Out walking the dog? Or spending 3+ hours watching a football game outdoors?

If it's near freezing, I'll generally wear a heavy softshell and mid weight fleece (and good hat). Below that I'll switch to a hard shell and fleece. This is generally fine as long as I'm moving around... if I'm standing still waiting to get in line for a show, they can be too cold.

If I expect to be out for more than 15 minutes, if there's a big wind chill, I'll throw on a long sleeved thermal shirt and maybe add another light layer. Again, good if I'm walking around.

I have a cheap TNF Nuptse 700 fill down jacket that I wear if it's really cold, if I'm making a quick trip to the store and don't want to bother layering, if I expect to be out sitting in the cold for any length of time, or going to a friend's house who has his thermostat set to 80F and I don't want to have to strip off all the layers when I get there. I don't worry about down getting wet since I only break it out when it's well below freezing. When I'm sitting around at a sporting event, I'll add a fleece, a blanket, a pad to sit on, a thermos of hot drinks (and a Jetboil nearby so I can make more if necessary).

I generally don't wear thermal pants, just jeans. But I do have some cheap snow shell that will slip over the jeans, they don't insulate much but cut the wind which is generally all I need.

Boots... my hiking boots are great in the mountains, but not so much walking the streets around town. Good pair of Sorel Pac boots and wool socks make a huge difference. If I'm at a game sitting around, I'll not above using some toe warmers.

Good windstopper fleece hat like the Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon , gloves, scarf or neck gaiter.

I picked up many of these items at TJMaxx/Marshalls. Stocks are hit or miss, but I've bought a few nice hard shells, down jackets, hats and gloves, thermals, wool socks. I've picked up softshells and other gear at Sierra Trading Post (make sure you sign up for the email and get your discount code, free shipping + 25% off all purchases is generally a good deal but sometimes you get bigger discounts).

Good luck!

PS - I've linked to items on Amazon just so you can see what they look like, but you can often find them elsewhere for cheaper.

1. As conditions change, so does your outfit. You'll only know what layers work for you with some experience. The solution is to over dress, and then remove layers until you are no longer too warm.
   
2. Rentals typically include: Boots,Skis,Poles, and nothing else. Helmets can be included but some places it's extra.
   
3. I'm sure some people wash their base layers after every use, but I don't. Wool or other antibacterial fabric will stay fresh enough for a week. Make sure it airs out and drys overnight.
   
4. You won't need a beanie, because you will be renting a helmet. They are nice to wear around off the slopes. Hoodies are fine to ski in if the conditions are right. New Years is an unlikely time for that.
   
5. Generally that would be enough. Sometimes a T shift is fine. It depends on the weather.
   
6. Blue jeans or a more heavy weight pant would be preferred.
   
7. Yes, You'll want something that goes around your neck that you can pull over your face if the wind is blasting.
   
8. Yes, you'll want gloves. Kinco makes good cheap gloves that will last you a lifetime.
   
9. The mountain thread rental looks okay. It's cheap. The gear will be adequate.
   
10. Those shoes will be fine.
    
11. If I was in your position, I would take a $250-500 budget and buy cheap stuff on amazon. It wouldn't be the best quality, but it will function just fine for you. These Gloves This Awesome Jacket

My thoughts:

• The leather-palmed gloves are an odd choice. Something like these or these would probably provide more warmth.
  
• I know some people really love the firesteels, but for a canister stove like you've got on your list a regular Bic lighter is a whole lot easier. Carry 2 of the mini's: one in your cooking kit for daily use, and a backup in your first-aid/repair kit.
  
• That's almost a pound of water bottles, empty. Instead, carry a 2 liter one of these, for 3.5 ounces of weight, and throw an empty gatorade bottle in your side pack pocket for mixed drinks or drinking out of in camp.
  
• I'd skip the emergency blanket. They're really not that useful on a trail like the AT. Doesn't Winton in his book say that those blankets are one of the most sent home items from Neel's Gap?
  
• There's some real health concerns with using iodine-based water treatment like the Potable Aqua for as long a time period as a thru hike. (The EPA recommends not using iodine for more than a couple weeks, and iodine as a water treatment is banned in Europe completely due to the health issues). Aqua Mira is probably the most popular water treatment you see on the trail.
  
• That knife is overkill. I carried one of the little Swiss Army knives, and even on that the scissors were used more than the blade.
  
• That stove is mighty cheap. I would definitely order that early and do some practice cooking on it beforehand. It does seem to have pretty good reviews though.
  
• I'd lose at least 1 pair of the shorts. You've already got pants that convert, and having one pair of backup shorts to wear in town while doing laundry is a good idea, 2 is overkill.
  
• I'd lose both the fleece and the sweater and replace them with one good down sweater, to be lighter, warmer, and taking up less space in the pack.
  
• That thermarest is a monster. Seems kind of odd to pick an ultralight tent but then carry a 3lb sleeping pad. A neoair would be 1/4th the weight, and just as comfortable.
  
  

Lived in Nome and Anchorage. Have a great Marmot Yukon parka that has kept me warm in -30 (and -50 with windchill). It's also got a really good shell that keeps the whole thing dry. In Anchorage I never really needed more than a thick wool peacoat unless I was heading out of city limits.

Also: layers, yes; gloves, yes, always have a good set of gloves; hat, ALWAYS, just in case; and boots, HELL FUCKING YES, get yourself some good warm waterproof boots. All of that and more can make such a huge (and often life-or-death) difference ins staying warm and dry.

You will die in those jackets. Literally.

Here's my winter setup.....

1. Jeep cap. Keeps the sun out of your eyes and it keeps you warm. You can get them at Ragstock for 5$
   
2. A pair of good winter gloves, and a pair of those cheap stretchy winter gloves. Wear the stretchy winter gloves underneath the thick winter gloves. A good tip on whether a pair of gloves are going to be warm, is if you hold a McDonald's cup of ice water tightly against them. If you can feel the cold cup, then they're no good. If you can't, then stay with them.
   
3. Your legs will get cold too, so buy a pair of base layer pants. Maybe double up. Wear them underneath your regular pants.
   
4. Get a good pair of snowpants to go over your regular pants. Again, McDonald's cup of ice water trick.
   
5. Get a base layer shirt to go underneath your regular shirt.
   
6. Get a good, thick jacket. Do the ice water thing for the jacket too. My personal favorite kind of jacket is an ice fishing jacket.
   
7. Ski goggles. Sounds weird, but your eyes will get cold too.
   
8. [A neoprene mask] (https://www.amazon.com/ZANheadgear-WNFM114H-Black-Neoprene-Half/dp/B000LVZVNE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=neoprene+mask&qid=1573108443&sr=8-1) . They keep your face warm.
   
9. 2 good pairs of wool socks. Yes, 2. It gets that cold.
   
10. A thick pair of high top skateboard shoes, if you're going to avoid getting winter boots. High top Osiris shoes are good alternatives to winter boots. But you're going to have to get them waterproofed. They're naturally thick.
    
11. Ice cleats.

Most people in the holiday inn we're housekeepers and lift ops. Everyone liked their job only heard bad things from one girl but she was a bit crazy. What size are you? I have 4 jackets in total but I don't use the Colombia jacket too often. I can let you borrow till you get one. It's pretty dam good on keeping me warm. Theirs a Goodwill that is walking distance and has tons of jackets and clothing for riding. If you do buy online I recommend Amazon. Here's my personal jacket and it's literally the best one I've ever owned hands down.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W4418L5/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_hkF1Db50MM5HE

Hey! Thanks so much for your quick and extremely informative reply.

I'll definitely spend more time on my legs and on the exercise balls in the coming weeks.

You're right, they do have a board, boots, bindings, helmets and goggles, so the only things I need myself are... the rest of the things you mentioned.

Doing my shopping on Amazon rn (I'm kind of excited), mind if I ask for a bit more help?

Like, would a jacket like this be alright?

https://www.amazon.de/Ultrasport-Herren-Softshelljacke-Everest-Schwarz/dp/B00FXNI33A/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1484340550&sr=1-2&keywords=snowboardjacke&th=1&psc=1

And some of the snowboarding trousers have straps, are they really necessary?

Again, thanks!!

You'll probably be renting most of your ski gear, so here are the warm items you'll want:

1. GLOVES. Since you're just going on vacation, get a moderately good pair that are waterproof, and buy some cheapo glove liners (example glove, example liner).
   
2. Scarf. Thick scarf preferably.
   
3. Balaclava (example here) - optional if your scarf is really good, but recommended.
   
4. Overpants (wear underarmour and jeans underneath). First time I went, I went to target and got a pair for about $15. (example here)
   
5. Beanie.
   
   Now my personal two most important, but expensive items:
   
   
6. Socks! Go to rei and get yourself a pair of these ski socks. Nothing is worse than freakishly cold feet, or feet that get destroyed by the crappy rental books. These socks are built to keep your feed warm and padded.
   
7. Jacket. Ok...here you can cheat a bit by layering. The 'real deal' would be to get something like this. OR, do what I did (and continue to do): underarmour + long sleeve shirt + sweater + rain jacket. Yeah, you don't have a good seal, and you'll end up getting snow on your clothes and be a bit cold by 2pm, but if you don't have hundreds of dollars for a ski jacket it's a good deal. Note: i've found that cheap ski jackets are garbage, and you will pay the price for them.
   
   Hope this helps! You can buy pretty much all this except for the jacket for under $100, and maybe even less if you're really thirfty. Helmet, boots, and skis should be taken care of by the rental folks.

I am shopping now in hopes of finding a good quality coat for next winter.

This is my prefered style and color, but i was hoping some one might be able to point me at a sale or discount on a $2-300 item that was deeply discounted.

Or, if some one can point at a better quality $80 coat, thats fine too.

pack layers and you can shed as needed: heres my layout

Base Layer:

I try to avoid cotton stuff cause of chafing, highly recommend exofficio if thats an issue.

runner leggings/thermal leggings

long sleeve work out material shirt/ thermal shirt

smartwool socks! smartwool is the best. I use it for backpacking too.

Second Layer:

arctix snow bibs from amazon : 40 (You want snow pants/bibs. getting snow all down your pants/up your back is awful.)

A flannel or other heavy shirt type

Third:

I have wantando jacket (70 from amazon) reeeealy warm. Hardly have worn it out and its been like 10-15 on the mountain. Id imagine I could wear it down to zero.

A lighter waterproof jacket incase the heavy jacket is too much.

Gloves: Get some nice waterproof insulated gloves and glove liners.

https://www.amazon.com/Arctix-Essential-Overall-3X-Large-Regular/dp/B003OIRLC0/

https://www.amazon.com/Wantdo-Waterproof-Mountain-Jacket-Windproof/dp/B00OA1B0Z4/

https://www.amazon.com/TM-YUT32-BLK_Medium-Tesla-WinterGear-Compression-Baselayer/dp/B076LW59GF/

https://www.amazon.com/Duofold-Weight-Wicking-Thermal-Medium/dp/B006SRTGC2/

https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Winter-Gloves-30%C2%B0F-Coldproof/dp/B073191H74/

https://www.amazon.com/SmartWool-Trekking-Heavy-Socks-Medium/dp/B000UZDAZC/

If you got all of those youd be fine an any resort park

I agree with most of this information, but for all of the people from warm climates that will see this, the winters are absolutely manageable, and the way this person wrote the winter segment almost seems like a joke. Suggesting a windbreaker over a thick winter jacket? Perhaps just bad wording, but bad advice. Over-the-ear headphones as protective winter gear? You've got to be kidding.

But yes, if you don't dress for the weather, it's gonna suck. Coming from someone who grew up in upper midwest winters and comfortably biked through the winter for all four years at the U, here's what I think you should get to be comfortable:

• A solid over-ear winter hat
  
• 1-2 beanie winter hats (should cover your ears, good for layering, and you'll lose one)
  
• An absolutely reliable, wind-blocking scarf, cold weather mask, or other face covering
  
• Waterproof/windproof winter jacket (hood recommended)
  
• A nice mid-layer (like a sweatshirt or fleece)
  
• Long underwear/base layers (under armour, thermal leggings, etc)
  
• Skiing gloves (waterproof/windproof-- get two pairs because you'll lose one)
  
• Liner gloves (could be the crappy $2 ones from Target, but it doesn't hurt to spend a bit more)
  
• Wool socks (multiple pairs-- they're comfy and functional)
  
• Waterproof snowboots
  
  It's not hard to thrift for many of these items to get them cheap. Hit the thrift store before October to get your best selection-- heck, go this weekend!
  
  ​
  
  Also, after being directly connected with more students than I can count from classes and extracurriculars, I didn't know anyone who preferred using the Gopher Way. I wouldn't count on using it unless you want to add 10-30 minutes through isolated tunnels to your commute. It's far easier to reliably bundle up and walk straight to wherever you're going, as long as you can navigate the often-plowed snow (wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility obstacles might be an exception).

Update: Sewing Scotch-Brite sponge cloth (http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Sponge-Cloth-9055-2-Count/dp/B0043OYFVO) together worked very well along with a runner's cap for F3 and Fp2; the wires wrapped around very well to the back of the unit from under the cap. However, you have to turn the headset upside down for it to be comfortable. For M1, the other site I'm interested in, I will probably have to cut a hole in the runner's cap to string the wire through.

EDIT: This looks like a good running cap choice actually, as it has a hole in the back already so string wires through: http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Thermal-Skull-Black/dp/B0089DP0CS/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376431311&sr=1-4&keywords=Pearl+Izumi+thermal

I love my bugaboots. First pair lasted 9 years (of New England winters) wearing them almost daily for months, and I am on my second pair. If you are camping they are toasty with wool socks without overheating/over sweating. They also take crampons and snow shoes well. I have a wide foot and they also come in wide. I also like that they are not too bulky so fit under my snow pants or gaiters well.

For gloves I prefer 3 finger gloves. The warmth of mittens but with a bit more dexterity. Most are made to slide your index finger in with the other 3 when super cold. If you have the coin Hestra rock. https://www.amazon.com/Hestra-31462-XCR-3-Finger-Glove/dp/B00F1EZPCS

In the winters it gets down to the single digits often. Having good gear makes a huge difference, and it doesn't even have to be expensive.

MCTi Waterproof Mens Ski Gloves,Winter Warm 3M Thinsulate Snowboard Snowmobile Cold Weather Gloves Black Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7TIOR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7IX3AbJSHG754

Motorcycle Textile Riding Pants with Removable CE Armor(2XL) Black/Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WFJBLP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7JX3Ab3HCY8X1

Balaclava Aegend Windproof Ski Face Mask Winter Motorcycle Neck Warmer Tactical Balaclava Hood Polyester Fleece for Women Men Youth Snowboard Cycling Hat Outdoors Helmet Liner Mask-Black, 1 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L6WB66C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BKX3AbHJ842QH

MENS MOTORCYCLE ARMOR HIGH PROTECTION LEATHER(FULL GRAIN) JACKET BLACK AND BLUE LJ-1705. L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MMM6N6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3KX3Ab1G70JJ1

I add a fleece neck warmer or scarf and if it's under 20 (or a long ride) I wear glove liners. Have ridden with this gear on a 1200 mile trip this winter across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Only thing I'd change about that trip is warmer boots and electric warming gloves.

Columbia makes some good warm coats, many of them synthetic. I just got this one and have been very happy with it so far. From your post history, I gather you're a dude, so something like this may be more to your liking?

Your best bet is a real parka, not the APECS crap. The Air Force mostly uses the old model that dates back to Korea, the one with the big furry snorkel hood.

https://www.amazon.com/Military-Outdoor-Clothing-Previously-Issued/dp/B00GD7ZE4Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1479500995&sr=1-3&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=air+force+parka

The Army now uses the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System. The outer jacket is weighs less but is just as warm. It's authorized for wear in the Air Force, too. Some bases already issue them. I've been issued both, and imo the Army jacket is much more comfortable. It also has velcro for your name/branch/rank.

I had mine issued when I was on an Army deployment, but if you're willing to buy your own, you can find either jacket online with a casual google search.

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Weather-Parka-Level-Urban/dp/B00O4IODGG

I’m a female and I wore dark blue cargo pants with a black business casual sweater, a black sports coat and dark hiking boots. The female officer I did my ride along with said the way I was dressed was perfect. It was in the middle of snowy winter in Canada. If you need to buy things, I would recommend going to Mark’s. As a woman I had never been there but they have a lot of cool stuff like cargo pants and all.

Cross country skiing pants often comes in a looser fit. Easy to fit a set of long underwear also. One pair I found on first search at amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Storm-Wind-Protective-Training-Tights/dp/B01DKI7T2K/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1510433584&sr=1-9&keywords=cross%2Bcountry%2Bski%2Bpants&th=1

Says tights but as you can see on the picture it's not really. Most important thing imo is to make sure they have snug fit by the ankle.

Sealskinz gloves are excellent. I use these ones.

Best combination of water resistance and dexterity I've found.

I use SKS raceblades, which work great and are very easy to put on/take off in just a minute or 2. The Crud Roadracer 2 might interest you as well.

Overshoes really help to keep your feet *dry. They are more important without fenders as all the water hitting your down tube and BB will splash outward to the shoes.

For pants, I wear Helly Hansen overpants. There are no pockets and they breathable, but 100% sealed. Match that with a North Face rain jacket and I get to work 100% dry.

I used these Ozero Winter Gloves! all winter long and they kept my hands warm even on the 0 degree days (and my ride is usually around 45 minutes to an hour long), I would recommend those to anyone. Also, they're pretty cheap.

Look on amazon for fridge work gloves similar to this

https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Deerskin-Leather-Heatlok-Insulated/dp/B01M3URYRW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549095376&sr=8-4&keywords=work+gloves+freezer#customerReviews

or;

https://www.amazon.com/RefrigiWear-Double-Insulated-Cowhide-Leather/dp/B00N2Y29BE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1549095376&sr=8-13&keywords=work+gloves+freezer

Both have worked very well for me.

SealSkinz sound like they may come as close as I know of to what you're looking for.

Classic Model: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GQ0X5RC/

Touchscreen: https://www.amazon.com/SealSkinz-Ultra-Grip-Touch-Screen-Glove/dp/B014QM869Y

I have a pair of these rain pants. They keep me dry and button at the bottom so I don't have to worry about the chain. I also use them in the winter over my work pants when I ride to work to keep the snow out and to keep warm.

I've gone through a ton of rain gear, but I've found a winning combo:

Bellwether Screaming Meemie Jacket

and

Helly Hansen Men's Voss Pant

I commute in dress clothes and they both keep me completely dry and don't crumple my clothes too much. They don't breathe so keep your pace leisurely.

*I put my dress shoes and socks in my bag and wear flip-flops when riding.

What do people think of these? They are a third of the price and slightly lighter:

https://www.amazon.com/Helly-Hansen-Mens-Black-Large/dp/B002N19PBE/ref=cm_wl_huc_item?th=1&psc=1