In short, our old winter jackets/parka's were tossed this fall. Both me and my wife need new warm stuff...

I didn't have much success last year, didn't start early enough.

My wife's main complaint is she can't find anything in women's styles that are warm enough, so she usually picks out something from the Men's section. (warmth trumps style)

My concern is I don't know where to buy warm clothing anymore. I haven't had to buy anything for several years, and most of those places I got my previous gear from are now out of business (Winter-co, United Army Surplus) plus this stuff isn't cheap, and I want both of us to be warm this winter plus the next few. I shouldn't have to buy new winter gear every year, that's way to expensive.

I don't have a problem paying for quality, but I also can't afford goosedown expedition wear either.

So far, I'm thinking of checking out Mark's Work Warehouse (I don't care what they call it now...nobody knows what "Mark's" is when you say "I think I'll look at Mark's for that"...they think your talking about a friend named Mark)

I'd prefer a "all in one" type jacket/coat/parka/whatever you want to call it...not 3-4 different pieces to the Ukrainian nesting doll...if you catch my drift.



Anyone got any suggestions?

tough duck or inkster ( not sure if they sell to the public direct?)

no idea really for me its one hoodie and a nylon summer jacket over top.

Mountain Equipment Co-op. I swear by their stuff.

(actually, I just swear a lot anyway)

I agree with Freeman on MEC is the best here in the city but you could also check Cabela's and Wholesale Sports, both in the Polo Park area if you don't find anything at MEC.

Marks has a limited selection, but doubt anything there for wimmin. Try LL Bean on line. Excellent selection and great service.

", but doubt anything there for wimmin"

they have been advertising quite a bit targetted at wimmin fold lately

OK...don't go anywhere till you check out MWG on NotreDame!!!!

They are going out of business...and EVERYTHING is marked down...and I am talking DRASTICALLY!!!

Parkas - $90
Fall/Light Winter Jackets $20

And good stuff too...

I just bought a wool fall jacket for $10 there (and I'm a size XX/XXX)

They have lined jeans (for working outside), tough-duck style outerwear as well.

shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies. ($2 - $5)

And men's AND women's styles of everything!!!

Tks, everyone....we're heading to MEC @ lunch, as we both work downtown, and after work we're heading over to a few of these places...I'll shop around. For sure will check out MWG!

I agree with Dean, Richulu factory outlet store (Tough Duck) on Inkster between Keewaitin and McPhillips

Canada Goose online, plus it's all manufactured in Canada (except their gloves).

Richlu is MADE IN WINNIPEG!!

And ugly as sin. Richlu makes great work wear but nothing I'd want to wear as my regular day to day clothes. At least some of the Canada Goose stuff is warm and reasonably attractive.

My wife's main complaint is she can't find anything in women's styles that are warm enough, so she usually picks out something from the Men's section. (warmth trumps style)


Helly Hansen if you want some serious extreme clothing

http://www.hellyhansen.com/about-us/heritage


Get a price at the local shop , then go to a fave of mine to get the best price ( you'll have to bend on the selection though )...ebay.

Maybe you'll find end of the line product from last year for a fraction of the cost, or a size that works. Picked up 2 jackets for 50 bucks apiece, they were worth 450 at the store. You won't feel one bit of cold.


MWG is a very good place to shop for a good price and "more" stuff. If you are into recycling, Value Village may get you a "label' for a good price.

grumpyrom wrote:And ugly as sin. Richlu makes great work wear but nothing I'd want to wear as my regular day to day clothes. At least some of the Canada Goose stuff is warm and reasonably attractive.

tough duck is in high fashion in Europe

I bought a great parka from MEC in 2003 when I was transferred up to Cross Lake from Sandy Lake (because nothing NWC had was decent) and it is still kicking a$$ today. It is warm and functional below -35, and has aged well. The style hasn't changed much, and it's been abused horribly and still zippers and snaps are all intact and holding up.

Now gloves? I need to find decent gloves. Nothing on earth seems to work.

Mitts will always be warmer than gloves. I bought a new pair of Dakine ski/snowboard golves last winter and even without an inner liner my hands start to sweat in them unless it's colder than -30. Best mitt's I've ever owned. Even after 3-4 hours skiing at -25 my fingers are still warm and toasty.

Princess Auto sells reasonably priced skidoo mitts.

I wear my Tough Duck snowsuit everywhere . When its cold outside, I would rather feel warm and comfy than fashionable. That, and I can wear ANYTHING underneath it (including my full formal wear ). Its not hard to take the snowsuit off 10 steps away from my destination anyways.