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warmest clothes to buy

22 years ago

My daughter is going to Sweden and Finland over the Christmas holidays. We are normally in warm temperatures so she needs to buy warm jackets, sweaters, thermals and shoes with good tread to walk in snow and ice. What should she look for to make sure the clothes are well insulated? Any particular brands? Catalogs?

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Comments (8)

gandbb
22 years ago
Go on line and look at REI (Recreation Equipment Incorporated)based in Seattle. You can save a little money buying their house brand. Their reputation is very good. I would get polar-tec - in layers - coat, pants, vest, and hat. If you get a coat, I wuld get real rather than synthetic down just because it compresses so well and won't take up nearly as much room in a suitcase. She will need good padded socks. The synthetic/wool blends are good. Patagonia makes good socks and they are available from REI. She will want some good underwear - again, I recommend the house brand at REI - it is light and silky while still being warm - and also wicks moisture away from the body. Sorrell makes a good warm boot that isn't terribly expensive. To summarize: dress in layers.
yborgal
Original Author
22 years ago
Thanks. Will look at REI.
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nedraw
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NedraW

Here is a link that might be useful: Sierra Trading Post
punamytsike
22 years ago
I do not know any good places to buy stuff, but I am originally from Estonia, south of Finland and I know that what ever you buy needs to be able to block out wind. Wind-chill is a big factor there. Laiers and real wool, not synthetic materials, would be better as well. We live in Florida, used to live in NJ and my leather winter coat from NJ was not nearly enough in the beginning of October when I visited. Make sure that she also has several pairs of mittens, as If one pair gets wet.
Hope this helps.
joann23456
22 years ago
I definitely agree with everyone who said to dress in layers. I also agree with the others' reccommendations for cold-weather gear.

However, even if the parka is warm, I always find that my legs are freezing and often chapped. Even when I wear silk underwear and pants. I much prefer a long, heavy wool coat for everyday wear. One that goes down at least over my calves.
cattknap
22 years ago
Wool socks and boots, wool mittens, wool hat that covers ears, several wool scarves and a long down coat and long underwear.
yborgal
Original Author
22 years ago
She called from Sweden today. She's staying warm except for her feet and had to buy fur lined boots. She says those are working fine. Thanks for all of your suggestions. She listened to you when she wouldn't take my advice.
joann23456
22 years ago
That's great. I once had to give an Australian grad student a course in dressing for New England weather, and I *know* she didn't believe me when I told her how cold it would get. Fortunately, several of us combined convinced her.

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