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fiddlifig t1_iu26oss wrote

Proper layering will be as important as the jacket itself. If you're doing something active (like shoveling), have a moisture-wicking base layer against your skin (e.g. merino wool or something synthetic) to make sure your sweat doesn't make you clammy. Then add your sweaters/puffy and finally your BIFL jacket.

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JohnGarrettsMustache t1_iu2kjt8 wrote

This.

Get a waterproof shell, and insulator (fleece, down, synthetic down), and a base layer (Merino wool) so you can adjust for the weather.

You can wear what you need for the conditions, rather than just having a big insulated jacket.

I skied for years in the Backcountry. We'd have everything on for the morning chair ride. Ditch the shell as we started to ascend (unless it's snowing hard) and eventually end up in just our base layer. Get to the top, put everything back on after cooling off and start your descent down the mountain.

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Girhinomofe t1_iu2odni wrote

Agreeing and echoing with the above comments.

I have a heavily insulated Mountain Hardwear winter jacket that is close to 20 years old, but looks like new as I’ll only use it to bicycle commute to work when the temperature is below 10°F— it is just too damn warm for any kind of exertion.

From a lifetime of camping and skiing, the answer absolutely exists in layering. Even on cold-ass winter days, I am super cozy wearing
moisture-wicking t-shirt
Merino wool base layer (Smartwool have been my go-to)
Arc’teryx lightweight hoodie
Either a Helly Hansen or Mountain Hardwear outer shell (non-insulated).

If I get too warm while shoveling, biking or skiing I can peel a layer before I start sweating, and add it back if the chill creeps in. A single super insulated coat doesn’t give you any flexibility to regulate your temperature.

Also, same goes for the bottoms; usually it’s underwear, wool long underwear, and outer pants— never an insulated pair of pants straight-up.

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dronecarp t1_iu32va9 wrote

Layering is the answer. I have a LL Bean down coat with a hood that was good to -50F when I lived in Alaska. All well and good until you warm up after a trip to the mailbox. Layer! I use a Patagonia base layer, Marmot fleece jacket with hoodie and overlay those with a Northface gortex shell. Good to at least -20F if you keep moving. Patagonia is the best though. Unbeatable on any level.

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Excellent_Condition t1_iucep1a wrote

I've never gone skiing, but I'm curious- what would you do with all of the clothes you are shedding on the top of the mountain? Do people ski with backpacks to hold extra clothes and whatnot?

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JohnGarrettsMustache t1_iud6mox wrote

In the Backcountry, yes. Water, food, avalanche probe, shovel, etc. are all necessities. As well the gear a person uses to ascend. It's a lot of work but the views and the skiing make it worth it.

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