Cold weather coats/gear

[LibrarIan]

I am going on a trip at the end of this month to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We'll be doing a lot of outdoorsy stuff in Yellowstone. It should be beautiful. I checked the weather for that region and it looks like things will likely stay between 18 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Being a Cincinnati native, we experience really random weather, but I'm not normally out in it for long periods of time (maybe like 10-15 minutes during the winter max).

So what I'm wondering is - do I need some sort of cold weather coat? Like, one rated for low temperatures. The coat I normally where is warm, but it's more for fashion and isn't designed to wear while snowmobiling or skiing. I know some people on these boards are probably more versed in gear for colder temperatures, so I was hoping you might chime in. What do I need and how can I get it frugally?

[NeuroPlastic]

If you're going to be active, you will benefit from layers.  The most frugal approach IMHO is to thrift-shop a small selection of high-quality 100% wool sweaters: a lightweight, mid-weight, and heavy-weight sweater.  If you're lucky enough to find a silk or silk/wool blend underlayer - pounce on it.
If you're into cold-weather comfort with extreme-frugality, make yourself a pair of wool "swants" from a thrifted sweater.

[LibrarIan]

BUMP for other ideas.

[TrMama]

Personally, I'd want a good winter coat and warm winter boots for those conditions. However, you're not going to die without them. You'll just have a little less fun. You'll also really want a toque (a basic one is fine), wind and waterproof mitts and possibly some sort of scarf/neckwarmer. Check out the thrift store for all these items.

If you'll actually be snowmobiling, keep in mind that it will feel colder since you'll be creating your own wind.

Edit: Test out your new gear at home by going for a long walk on a cold day.

[cynthia1848]

You definitely need a cold weather coat that is waterproof.  Also a good hat and waterproof mittens.  Check craigslist or rentals in WY, or thrift stores, or backcountryoutlet dot com.

[zoltani]

If you're going to be active, you will benefit from layers.  The most frugal approach IMHO is to thrift-shop a small selection of high-quality 100% wool sweaters: a lightweight, mid-weight, and heavy-weight sweater.  If you're lucky enough to find a silk or silk/wool blend underlayer - pounce on it.
If you're into cold-weather comfort with extreme-frugality, make yourself a pair of wool "swants" from a thrifted sweater.

+1 best advice in this thread so far.

What kind of "outdoorsy stuff" will you be doing? Are you skiing in bounds or backcountry? Do you anticipate hiking or snowshoeing or any other physical activity (rather than just snowmobiling and downhill skiing)? If you are skinning/hiking/snowshoeing uphill a light base layer and outer wind blocking layer are your best bet. Dump heat as much as possible and try not to sweat. Anytime you stop throw on a down jacket to keep warm, do this before you actually feel cold. Much easier to stay warm than to try and warm up after feeling cold.

Personally I do not agree with the warm coat that is waterproof bit. I want my waterproof layer to be as thin and breathable as possible. Layering is much more versatile than a big warm coat, and if you need to shed snow or rain then a waterproof shell is better. Actually for dry snow conditions like you will likely experience in WY i would prefer a water resistant softshell jacket.

What kind of pants will you use?

Alos, maybe this is obvious, but it will be much colder as you increase elevation, and I would not count too much on the weather forecast in the mountains. Be sure to check avy conditions.

[2ndTimer]

Hit the thrift stores where you are.  Look for:

1.  Down jacket
2.  Down vest
3.  wool sweaters
4.  wool hats
5.  socks and gloves.
6.  long underwear.

If you can't find wool, you will find fleece which is better than nothing.  We have all these things and they all came from Goodwill.

[MsPeacock]

What will you be doing?

I would recommend down - easily packable, warm. Can be found in thrift stores.

Under that I personally like a zipup fleece jacket (also available in thrift stores). Sort of like polartek type material.  Below that some warm layers - e.g. a blended fabric shirt (not just cotton, it isn't warm), and then a t-shirt. You will most definitely need a hat to wear under the coat hood, good gloves and/or mittens, and good boots w/ thick warm wool socks. All of this is assuming that you will be outside doing activities of one sort or another. If you will be hiking you will want waterproof (imo) hiking boots and not big clompy snow boots. A thin waterproof outer layer might also be good - but it sounds like it is going to be too cold for getting wet to be too much of a concern.

A pair of thin leggings for under your pants is also a good idea if you are going to be outside for good chunks of time.

[ohana]

"There is no bad weather, there are just bad clothes." 

[Goldielocks]

If it is a snowmobile tour, they may supply you with gear,  or low cost daily rental- give them a call.

Otherwise +1 to the thinner wind and rain coat over with room for lots of layers under.  You won't need as much as for the snowmobile trip. 18 to 30 in a dry, often sunny area is really nice to be outside in!  For a few hours, anyway.

[zoltani]

Don't forget sunglasses!