As we approach the frigid winter months, students from warmer climates who are spending their first winter in Canada may be wondering how to best prepare themselves. 

Gearing oneself up for winter can be anxiety-inducing for many, from the high prices of apparel like winter coats to confusing labeling practices. Figuring out what is necessary is a personal journey, as everyone’s body reacts to the cold differently. Here are the five categories you should focus on to stay warm and cozy in spite of Montreal’s winter.

Head

Overlooking keeping your head warm is a common mistake. A solid piece of headwear can be the difference between a bearable and terrible hike to McMed. Hats, scarves, and balaclavas are good choices depending on the severity of the temperature. An ideal hat should cover your ears and forehead, as those areas get cold faster. When searching for the material, wool is the gold standard. Wool absorbs and releases up to 30 per cent of its weight in moisture, so it will keep you warm or cool depending on the weather. 

Upper body

A good coat is crucial for both comfort and safety. There are three things to keep in mind when determining what coat to get. First, is the coat well-insulated? A quality coat will have an insulation type that can release moisture and retain heat. Generally speaking, wool, synthetic, and down insulation are the most common types of lining in coats. Down or down/synthetic coats can be a solid choice as the material is ultra-light and warm. Down coats are usually packed in a unit called “fill power” which is the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of down fills up. Aim for a fill power of 600-800. 

The second question you want to ask is: What type of coat am I looking for? From parkas to fleece-lined jean jackets, it’s hard to know what the best choice is. Generally speaking, a parka will provide the most warmth as it covers your lower body as well as your upper body. 

The last thing to consider when finding a coat is its resistance to wind. A wind-resistant jacket will provide partial protection from the wind, whereas a windproof jacket provides total protection. A good winter jacket should be windproof, not just resistant. 

Lower body

When it comes to the lower body, it depends on your activity level. If you stay indoors most of the winter, a good pair of pants should be sufficient. However, if you plan on skiing or skating this winter season, snow pants could be a worthwhile investment. Snow pants should always be water-repellent or waterproof. In the winter, getting wet can easily lead to frostbite or hypothermia. I would recommend getting a pair with suspenders; although they aren’t the most fashionable option, knowing that your pants won’t fall down when you’re moving around a lot is comforting.

Hands 

Often overlooked, your hands are some of the most important parts of a winter outfit. Cold fingers can genuinely spoil a good day. When choosing winter handwear, the mittens versus gloves debate can be fierce. They both have pros and cons; however, if I had to pick one, mittens would be the time-tested reigning champion. Mittens keep your fingers close together, and although they restrict mobility, they concentrate body heat, allowing your hands to stay warm. Staying dry is also key in the cold, as it is more challenging to heat your body when wet. A tip is to look for handwear made out of leather and lined with some form of insulation on the inside.

FeetNobody wants to be a flood girl, so choosing the right pair of boots is very important. To keep solid footing, the sole of your boot should be rubber and have a traction-positive lug pattern. If the boot is waterproof, it will most likely be warm; there is not much reason to look for insulation. If the boot is leather or made of Gore-Tex, it will be 100 per cent waterproof. Choose a boot that rises to the middle of your shin to ensure that snow won’t get in when walking home from a night out at Gerts (reopening in January!)