What's the "cleaning issue" with down? They're machine washable/dryable.

what baci said.

quality is expensive, but when you're playing around in the frigid air, you'll know where that money went.

A good wool coat will last a lifetime and the style is timeless. They are also very warm and comfortable.

http://www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com/details.php?id=bm07_123

I don't think it's waterproof, but I love my Carhart jacket. I layer it over a fleece jacket. It is, perhaps, better suited for farmers and lumberjacks and not well suited for going out to a bar, but I still love it.

over: silk or polyester base layer>poly/cotton blend tee>heavier weight polyester overlayer> gore windstopper vest (mountain hardware)>gore tex softshell (again, mountain hardware).

under: silk, midweight or windfront heavyweight base layer>insulated pants (prana, or my custom made pair)>shell pants (marmot membrain or *again* custom made shell)

de feet: smartwool or teko socks under steger arctic mukluks.

a good pair of mitts/gloves is really hard to find. i have a couple of options, but i'm still looking.

headwear is important as well, and i typically use some sort of neck gaiter in addition to my standard black watchcap.



i am fortunate to know a couple of ladies who're handy with a sewing machine and can fabricate as per my *requirements.* if i can't find what i'm looking for on the rack (i'm picky), i just have it made. might take a while, but i get what i want.

A semi-related question: The liner on my trusty wool coat is worn and torn.  Where is the best place in town to get a new liner sewn in?

Since no one has mentioned leather, I will.  I have a leather coat from about ten years ago that is very warm.  the liner was in tatters and I brought it in to Leone's seamstress on 2nd E and 1st St and they took awhile but they got me a super warm custom liner.  Now I just have to get it back.  the buttons keep coming off of it, I'm rough on things I guess.  But one thing i like about it is what Carla says, you throw it on and you are good for most day to day outdoor stuff. Never tried it camping or hiking, and definitely not the right attitude for skiing and such ... but its great for day to day.  

My back up is an about 15 year old columbia jacket (forget which style). It's a workhorse, gets the job done, and I rarely need layers unless camping or something.

Lands End insulated squall jacket. I've had mine for 4 years now and it's the warmest parka I've ever had. It still looks very good after several washes. It comes with a nice insulate hood that comes off, and lots of pockets. I wore it outside late last night at a bonfire for about 2 hours and never got a bit cold. I got mine at the end of the season for $80, and I love mine so much that bought one for the hubby this Xmas. He's very happy with it. Nice thing about Lands End is that if you don't like it you can take it back to Sears at the Mall. In fact they probably have them at Sears in the Lands End section.

Ruthie, you took the words right out of my mouth! I too wear my Wintergreen Finnish blue jacket -- which is wonderful -- or my Columbia jacket with a liner. Love them both and survive winter fine with them.

I've been admiring mid-level hooded down jackets for a couple of years, but the prices lead me to think that might be all I do.  Another part of me keeps thinking about spending half as much and buying an oldschool Air Force-style parka so I can re-enact The Thing[1] at home (and keep something really cool in the pocket on the sleeve).

[1] Bonus True Fact of the Day:  the day the last plane leaves the South Pole at the outset of the polar winter (when everyone who remains will be stuck for a couple months), it is traditional to get drunk and watch The Thing.  [I was intensely gratified when I heard that, because it's exactly what I would prescribe in those circumstances.]

If it's good enough for the prez....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/06/obama-times-square-billbo_n_413658.html

check out the gear at www.empirecanvasworks.com - this is made right here in Duluth.