Student Suggestions for Winter Gear
A few basics that will change your life: (I’m giving approximate full prices; you can find way cheaper
prices at end of season.)
Good gloves/mitts - $40-50
Good pair of shoes/boots - $100-$150
2 pairs Smartwool socks - $40
Tuque with earband - $20
More basics that will change your life more:
Balaclava - $15-25
1 pair long underwear bottoms - $60-80
Insulated jacket - $150 - $300
Double hand protection = good liner gloves with iPhone fingertips ($30-40) (seriously those Walgreens
99c thread-things will just make you sad) inside a super-warm, waterproof pair of mittens ($50 for
fingertip BLISS.) [This double combo is especially life-changing if you are a winter biker and are holding
your hands motionless in the cold for periods of time!]
Personally, I’d prioritize my feet, hands, and head when spending money on well-designed winter gear.
You can always layer up your core with fleeces, sweaters, and thrift store jackets, but frozen feet and
hands are the worst.
If you’re trying to figure out what shoes to wear in the cold, look for shoes/boots with thick soles that will
keep the ground temperature from your feet. Fabric and leather is not great.
Shop at the “end” of season (February-March) for cheap prices on really good gear.
If shopping online, make sure you’re getting the warmth/insulation factor you want. Jackets for outdoor
activities like skiing can sometimes be designed to be light because manufacturers presume you’ll be
sweating instead of standing motionless at a bus stop in the wind. Brands often give scales from coolest
to warmest or lighter to heavier layers.
Some Cold Weather Gear Brands:
[The fanciest/priciest: Canada Goose, North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Arc’teryx = enjoy.]
Winter Boots – Sorel, Pajar, Baffin, North Face ($100-200)
Socks – Smartwool! Different weights/warmth levels available, usually about $20/pair
Long Underwear / Technical base layers (SO WORTH IT; look for merino wool; pieces usually $60-$100
each depending on warmth level) — eg. Icebreaker
Other base layers (hoodies, long-sleeved & short-sleeved tops etc.) —Under Armour (cheaper than
North Face, Columbia etc.)
Gloves – eg. Black Diamond
A few Outdoors Stores in Chicago
Uncle Dan’s – 3551 N. Southport Ave, near Addison Red Line station
REI – 1466 N. Halsted St., near North/Clybourn Red Line station; rei.com
Erewhon – 1000 W North Ave, near North/Clybourn Red Line station
Patagonia – 1800 N. Clybourn Ave, near North/Clybourn Red Line station
North Face – 875 N. Michigan Ave, near Chicago Red Line station
Sports Authority – 620 N. LaSalle St., near Grand Red Line (athletics store rather than outdoors)
MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) – mec.ca (Canadian; Awesome; Reasonably priced house brand;
Might give you some savings even with shipping costs)