Coming from a tropical country, I have zero first-hand knowledge about winter. Oh, I read about snow angels, snowflakes and snowmen, but experiencing snow for the very first time is sure to be an interesting, new experience.
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| Photo by Nati Harnik, Associated Press. Deseretnews.com. |
Anyway, what I learned so far --
1. Winter Jackets/Coats
In the Philippines, there's this Surplus Shop in all the SM malls, which sells imported overruns. If you run across a fleece, down or wool jacket in that shop, buy it! I have a fleece sweatshirt which I got from Surplus, and I am so happy that I bought it since most sweatshirts I've come across here are too large, quite expensive, or plain (ie. unfashionable -- seriously!). The cheapest sweatshirt I ever saw was $20 pre-tax and that was on sale.
Fleece and wool jackets work in fall or early winter weather. Now that there's actual snow on the ground, I don't trust anything but my down jacket! Apparently, L.L. Bean jackets are among the most reliable (and most expensive), but I got mine (with thermal insulation) from Columbia. They say summer is the best time to buy winter stuff, but I didn't have a chance to do that so I can't really confirm. You can also combine a fleece jacket with a windbreaker for snowy, winter weather. Ladies might find it useful to buy jackets that reach mid-thigh or your knees. I bought from the Youth section (because it was cheaper) and my jacket reaches my hips. You can also try searching for puffer jackets which I also came across in my "research."
Hoods are important. Those Baguio knitted caps can also really come handy. Again, if you come across a fleece, down or wool hooded jacket in the Surplus Shop, buy it! And just find a way to wear it or something in your flight to the US -- because winter jackets/coats are pretty heavy.
Oh, and when it comes to wool jackets/coats -- at least 60% wool would do it. That's what my "research" says. (I have a 60% wool coat and it works fine for me.) My Youth down jacket cost $60; a typical ladies' winter jacket costs twice as much.
When it gets really cold, I pair up the down jacket with a fleece sweatshirt or fleece jacket inside to guarantee utmost warmth.
2. Shoes
You need waterproof shoes which can grip the slippery roads, and which reach past your ankle. I've seen some in Sears for less than $40. Some winter boots have tags which guarantee warmth at -15F.
3.Thermals
People say it's better to shop for thermals in Marks & Spencer or Debenhams (in Manila) since it's cheaper. I don't know about that, but I know it usually costs around Php1,600 to Php1,800 to get two thermal camisoles or long-sleeved shirts. I found Duofold thermals that cost me $14 each for the long-sleeved shirt and the leggings. They're available on Amazon and in Champion stores.
4. Layers
Maong pants that I brought with me from the Philippines turned out to be pretty thin, especially when I faced strong winds. I had to layer (and layer and layer) underneath it. I really found it hard to search for jeans here since the sizes are long and large! It's hard to find thick, reliable ones too.
I layer on top as well. Two shirts just won't cut it! The wind (always) finds a way through those cotton layers so better put on thermals and a fleece sweatshirt underneath that coat. You can always remove layers and hang them in your locker. I even wear two pairs of socks if it gets really cold! Better warm than sorry.
5. Scarves and Gloves
I just learned how to tie a scarf properly around my neck. Haha. My pashmina scarf works so far, but a thick, fluffy scarf would be better. And gloves are what you need, not mittens -- mittens prevent you from using your four, non-thumb fingers. Choose gloves that will help you grip and preferably have an insulation layer. You can also layer gloves and mittens if you wish.
I wish I had a balaclava for all those times the wind rushed towards my face. It's really not funny, I'm telling you. If you feel your fingers and feet getting cold, you probably didn't cover your head, which generates the most heat in your body. All the heat in your body is rushing toward the brain and leaving your digits to fend for themselves. If your head is covered and you still feel cold, then you haven't layered properly or layered enough. Keep as much of your body covered (zip all those zippers and close those snaps) so that the wind couldn't get in. It's not really the snow or the cold that's your enemy -- it's the WIND. I can stand subzero temperatures in the cold, but can't stand 10 degrees Celsius in the wind. I hate it when it turns out to be a cold, windy day. Unless I spend it indoors, of course.
