thenhoc

So now that we're getting toward the cold weather I figure I need to start thinking about cold weather gear. What do you guys normally hike in during the winter (not just related to jackets- all layers really)?
I was looking at Mountain Hardwear's site simply b/c it seems to be a club favorite, am I looking for an insulated jacket, a shell, or a soft shell?
We may have to organize a trip to Kittery sometime...I imagine I'll be needing stuff.

Well I haven't done a whole lot of "hardcore" winter mountaineering, but when I have my getup has been the following:

Feet: Plastic boots, winter hiking socks, crampons. For slightly less extreme conditions, good hiking boots (mine are full-grain leather) and snowshoes is another combo I've used. But plastic boots are a must for the intense stuff. Also, gaiters are a great idea but I don't own a pair yet.

Legs: long underwear/spandex tights for a base layer. Waterproof shell pants over that. I may have had a pair of fleece pants in between those, but I don't remember.

Torso: polyester base layer, some sort of midweight insulating layer over that, and a waterproof shell jacket. For really legit winter mountaineering you NEED a puffy down/synthetic jacket for basically any time you're not moving. That includes stops on trail and hanging around camp. I have also worn my puffy (with the shell over it) while hiking, because we were above treeline, and I was OK temperature-wise. My old shell was an older REI parka that served me well for years. Now I have a Mountain Hardwear Exposure II parka that is brand new, haven't tried it yet.

Head: Balaclava to keep your whole neck/face/head area warm. Fits under a helmet as well if you're wearing one. Ski goggles to protect your eyes and face. You might get by without those depending on the conditions, but they're awesome in wind.

Hands: Warm gloves or mittens, and liner gloves are AWESOME to wear under those because you can take off your warm gloves and still have the liner gloves keeping your hands from freezing.

That's all I can think of for now.

I've found that a lot of time winter hiking, i'm not wearing a coat. Usually when on the move the heaviest thing i'll have on is a fleece and maybe a primoloft vest over top. Lots of times thought its a long sleeve base layer, long sleeve poly pro zip neck, and a vest of some sort. This isn't an anomaly either as most folks of been hiking with in the winter hike about the same way.
That being said if it is snowing/ raining, or you're walking through dense forest with snow on tree limbs, a shell is necessary. All you need for that is a heavier duty rain coat or a nice soft shell.
As the poster above me said too, parkas are invaluable, and if you have a heavy down parka, and a thinner primo, parka to switch up depending on your situation, you'll save a lot of hassle.
If you can get up to the North Conway area check out the IME basement and Ragged Mountain basement for really good deals on used coats. Last time i was there i saw awesome parkas, soft shells, and hard shells for dirt cheap. If you wanna spend some more IME deals in Mammut, which in my mind is second only to patagonia in quality, Ragged mountain services Patty and Hardwear and then EMS is right in town with their own products and TNF. In other words, you can really shop around and find the best product and best price.

-Erik

P.S. sorry for the long post, but im a gear whore and I love coats