Tinman
I'm just enjoying the show!
As others have said, it’s all about the layers. It’s also about targeting specific areas where there is high blood flow, if you expose those to cold, two things happen, first you start circulating cold blood back to your core, and you feel colder. Second your body responds by constricting blood vessels to the extremities making those hands and feet feel much colder.
If you’re going to spend money, you’re best bang for the buck will be in the base layer, and second in your outer shell (jacket).
I like Under Armor base layer 2.0 mid weight, and 3.0 expedition weight. I like the mock turtle neck to help protect the neck a little. The half zips are nice, they give you the freedom to let a little air in if you’re rucking in the sun or something strenuous. However, they do leak a little air when zipped. If it gets real cold, I like the one piece union suits. I find the help close up some of the little gaps in layers particularly when working.
The mid layer, I use a fleece sweatshirt or vest depending on how cold it is. Mainly just loking to keep the core warm here.
For pants, I’ve tried the high end Patagonias, Moutain Hardwear, and Outdoor Research. Really, for the money, heavy weight Carharts, or heavy denim blue jeans serve about as well as anything. If it gets really bad, I use the flannel lined ones. All you’re really looking for is a durable layer that will block the wind from cutting through. Obviously if you’re going to be trouncing around in the snow, or rain, you’re probably going to want something that will shed the water. A wet you is a cold you, no way around that one.
For shells I’ve pretty much standardized on Marmot. Their Membrane is great, it breaths to let sweat out, but blocks the wind from cutting in. Pit zips are nice to adjust your temp as needed. I have an older Tamarack shell that has served me well for a few years now, and still looks as good as the day I got it. Sure they are a little bit more money up front, but they work, and they last.
For hats and socks, I stick to wools. Usually Smart Wool of one form or another on the socks, and a couple different beanies I’ve got. I add fox river’s X-static liners if it gets real cold to help keep the toes comfy.
Boots, are generally Danner, or Matterhorn in that order. Cheap boots just get your feet wet, and let in too much air. Not to mention being uncomfortable and unreliable.
Gloves are where I spend money. I like a slim tight fit glove to maintain dexterity. The Outdoor Research Storm trackers are good for really cold, but the Seirus all weather original gloves are just plain good all around gloves. If I’m working, just plain old fleece lined deerskin leather, I burn through them too quick for any expensive gloves.
As a general rule, I like to keep something around to throw around the neck if I get too cold, it also serves as a makeshift balaclava if necessary.
Some things that have made a huge difference for me when out for long periods are to make sure and use the drawstrings, and Velcro closures correctly at the hem, neck, and wrists. That goes a long way towards keeping cold air away from your core. Then identify those areas that are most susceptible to cold for you and insulate them. For me it’s wrists, neck, and head.
Just my two cents from a few years freezing my butt off!
Tinman....
If you’re going to spend money, you’re best bang for the buck will be in the base layer, and second in your outer shell (jacket).
I like Under Armor base layer 2.0 mid weight, and 3.0 expedition weight. I like the mock turtle neck to help protect the neck a little. The half zips are nice, they give you the freedom to let a little air in if you’re rucking in the sun or something strenuous. However, they do leak a little air when zipped. If it gets real cold, I like the one piece union suits. I find the help close up some of the little gaps in layers particularly when working.
The mid layer, I use a fleece sweatshirt or vest depending on how cold it is. Mainly just loking to keep the core warm here.
For pants, I’ve tried the high end Patagonias, Moutain Hardwear, and Outdoor Research. Really, for the money, heavy weight Carharts, or heavy denim blue jeans serve about as well as anything. If it gets really bad, I use the flannel lined ones. All you’re really looking for is a durable layer that will block the wind from cutting through. Obviously if you’re going to be trouncing around in the snow, or rain, you’re probably going to want something that will shed the water. A wet you is a cold you, no way around that one.
For shells I’ve pretty much standardized on Marmot. Their Membrane is great, it breaths to let sweat out, but blocks the wind from cutting in. Pit zips are nice to adjust your temp as needed. I have an older Tamarack shell that has served me well for a few years now, and still looks as good as the day I got it. Sure they are a little bit more money up front, but they work, and they last.
For hats and socks, I stick to wools. Usually Smart Wool of one form or another on the socks, and a couple different beanies I’ve got. I add fox river’s X-static liners if it gets real cold to help keep the toes comfy.
Boots, are generally Danner, or Matterhorn in that order. Cheap boots just get your feet wet, and let in too much air. Not to mention being uncomfortable and unreliable.
Gloves are where I spend money. I like a slim tight fit glove to maintain dexterity. The Outdoor Research Storm trackers are good for really cold, but the Seirus all weather original gloves are just plain good all around gloves. If I’m working, just plain old fleece lined deerskin leather, I burn through them too quick for any expensive gloves.
As a general rule, I like to keep something around to throw around the neck if I get too cold, it also serves as a makeshift balaclava if necessary.
Some things that have made a huge difference for me when out for long periods are to make sure and use the drawstrings, and Velcro closures correctly at the hem, neck, and wrists. That goes a long way towards keeping cold air away from your core. Then identify those areas that are most susceptible to cold for you and insulate them. For me it’s wrists, neck, and head.
Just my two cents from a few years freezing my butt off!
Tinman....
Seriously, for everyday, I usually just wear a pair of leather shoes, but when it's snowy, etc. I wear a pair of Sorel Caribou boots. I have had them for 10+ years, and they still look the same as when I bought them.
I don't care, I use what works for me. 
