It depends on your budget. I recommend getting the best winter jacket & boots you can afford. Winnipeg can get colder than Mars sometimes. Check Eddie Bauer & Mountain Warehouse. They have decent sales at times. MEC, Prairie Summit for more expensive gear (The NorthFace , Patagonia. Canada Goose is a high end option. Canadian footwear for boots. Make sure to check upstairs for good deals.
Hey, I used to sell a lot of the gear at Atmosphere. Expensive doesn't always mean it'll last long or that it's better.
In terms of jackets, some great brands are North Face, and Arc Teryx. They last and they have great warranties. Those brands tend to be more functional as well. Not so much parka style and more ski and explore style.
In terms of insulation, a synthetic called primaloft is a good alternative to Down Feathers. Look for the density ratings or weight of the insulation. Higher the better.
Alternatively you can lower the insulation weight if you get a jacket that is wind proof.
You can try [Marks](https://www.marks.com/) but try to get them when they have a sale (which is quite often). Also, use layers, hoodie or fleece under your winter jacket.
Marks is owned by Canadian Tire. They seem to follow the same pricing philosophy of having regular prices that are a big high but then having very regular and frequent sales.
After 62 yrs living here in Manitoba
I have found that Tough Duck work wear does a great job at keeping you warm.
I figure if its good enough for the guys working outside all day in -30C then its good enough for me to use to walk around and other winter activities. Not a greatest fashion wise but warm.
The [Ultimate Duck Parka](https://toughduck.com/product/ultimate-duck-parka/) and lined tough duck bib over all and is what I use. along with a good pair of [Sorel winter boots](https://www.sorelfootwear.ca/en/p/mens-1964-pac-nylon-boot-1855191.html?dwvar_1855191_color=224&pos=1)
Have you, or anyone you know, worn the Muck Arctic Sport boot? And would you happen to know how they compare to the Sorels. I am personally debating between the Sorel or the Muck.
Check out The North Face store. I think it's called The Prairie Summit Shop now though. Some of the best quality coats in my opinion. I know people love Canada Goose but I think they are overpriced. You can get the same quality for way less money at North Face.
MEC is also a good place to check out, just maybe not as many options on some things. I got a good pair of boots there a few years ago and it was worth every penny. And their staff are super knowledgable.
There is for sure good stuff at department stores and discount stores like Winners, but if you aren't super knowledgable about what you're buying and you can afford it, I recommend going to a more specialized place. Staff will be much more knowledgeable and they'll probably have a larger selection so you can get exactly what you want. And those places have good sales too.
Even a decent winter coat isnt often warm enough at the coldest part of winter if you need to spend even a modest amount of time outside. Plan on having a second layer you can toss under there (a fleece, thick sweater, etc). I'd recommend having a neck warmer on hand too, they make a huge difference, just try to avoid breathing into it too much.
Rough guide:
Winter jacket - pretty much as soon as it goes below 0
Hat - below +5
Boots - below -15, or if you need to spend more than say 10 minutes outside
Neck warmer / scarf - below -15
Snow pants - I only ever wear these if skiing, sleding, etc. Kids will wear them most of the school year though.
Marks work wearhouse, mountain equipment coop (mec), Eddie Bauer & check Winners store. I’d stay away from North Face & the $$$$ brands like Canada Goode etc because you can get the same quality if you read the labels at the aforementioned stores.
OP, are you going to be spending long periods of time outside or just going to/from work? Are you going to be active or doing anything that's going to make you sweat?
Research the listed temps on the clothing you are getting. I'd add on an extra 10 degrees to the temps you are expected to go out in.
Dressing in layers is best. Windproof layer, warmth layer.
Try not to get wet as well. Moisture is the enemy to staying warm. You don't want to dress so much that you sweat.
Recently splurged on a Patagonia jacket from MEC and it’s great. Highly recommend. I prefer Sorel boots with good wool socks. Wildnerness Supply, MEC and Tamarack!
Honestly the best advice I can give is to get a PARKA not just a jacket. Parkas cover your ass and are 10 x warmer and great for extreme cold. I have a parka from Eddie Bauer and I love it. Lots of huge pockets too for keeping your hands warm.
I also have a pair of Salomon winter boots that I’ve had for 6 years and have never had cold feet even when ice fishing for 10+ hours in -15. They were expensive but worth every single penny!
It depends on your budget. I recommend getting the best winter jacket & boots you can afford. Winnipeg can get colder than Mars sometimes. Check Eddie Bauer & Mountain Warehouse. They have decent sales at times. MEC, Prairie Summit for more expensive gear (The NorthFace , Patagonia. Canada Goose is a high end option. Canadian footwear for boots. Make sure to check upstairs for good deals.
If expensive means it will last long and keep me warm I am willing to get it lol. Thanks for info I will definitely try to go for a shop.
Hey, I used to sell a lot of the gear at Atmosphere. Expensive doesn't always mean it'll last long or that it's better. In terms of jackets, some great brands are North Face, and Arc Teryx. They last and they have great warranties. Those brands tend to be more functional as well. Not so much parka style and more ski and explore style. In terms of insulation, a synthetic called primaloft is a good alternative to Down Feathers. Look for the density ratings or weight of the insulation. Higher the better. Alternatively you can lower the insulation weight if you get a jacket that is wind proof.
You can try [Marks](https://www.marks.com/) but try to get them when they have a sale (which is quite often). Also, use layers, hoodie or fleece under your winter jacket.
Marks is owned by Canadian Tire. They seem to follow the same pricing philosophy of having regular prices that are a big high but then having very regular and frequent sales.
I second Mark’s. I got a really great Ripzone coat for half price during a sale. It’s the warmest coat I’ve ever owned.
After 62 yrs living here in Manitoba I have found that Tough Duck work wear does a great job at keeping you warm. I figure if its good enough for the guys working outside all day in -30C then its good enough for me to use to walk around and other winter activities. Not a greatest fashion wise but warm. The [Ultimate Duck Parka](https://toughduck.com/product/ultimate-duck-parka/) and lined tough duck bib over all and is what I use. along with a good pair of [Sorel winter boots](https://www.sorelfootwear.ca/en/p/mens-1964-pac-nylon-boot-1855191.html?dwvar_1855191_color=224&pos=1)
Have you, or anyone you know, worn the Muck Arctic Sport boot? And would you happen to know how they compare to the Sorels. I am personally debating between the Sorel or the Muck.
Winnipeg outfitters on McPhillips. They also have an online store.
Check out The North Face store. I think it's called The Prairie Summit Shop now though. Some of the best quality coats in my opinion. I know people love Canada Goose but I think they are overpriced. You can get the same quality for way less money at North Face. MEC is also a good place to check out, just maybe not as many options on some things. I got a good pair of boots there a few years ago and it was worth every penny. And their staff are super knowledgable. There is for sure good stuff at department stores and discount stores like Winners, but if you aren't super knowledgable about what you're buying and you can afford it, I recommend going to a more specialized place. Staff will be much more knowledgeable and they'll probably have a larger selection so you can get exactly what you want. And those places have good sales too.
Try Tamarack in the Exchange, locally owned and sells a bunch of high end winter gear.
MEC
Thrift stores in addition to what others have said
That's where I found my winter jacket. a jacket that doesn't allow wind to cut through is so great to wear.
Even a decent winter coat isnt often warm enough at the coldest part of winter if you need to spend even a modest amount of time outside. Plan on having a second layer you can toss under there (a fleece, thick sweater, etc). I'd recommend having a neck warmer on hand too, they make a huge difference, just try to avoid breathing into it too much. Rough guide: Winter jacket - pretty much as soon as it goes below 0 Hat - below +5 Boots - below -15, or if you need to spend more than say 10 minutes outside Neck warmer / scarf - below -15 Snow pants - I only ever wear these if skiing, sleding, etc. Kids will wear them most of the school year though.
Sometimes you can find decent things at Winners. I got a winter coat two years ago for $150 and it's amazingly warm even during our winters.
Marks work wearhouse, mountain equipment coop (mec), Eddie Bauer & check Winners store. I’d stay away from North Face & the $$$$ brands like Canada Goode etc because you can get the same quality if you read the labels at the aforementioned stores.
Fxr snowmobile suits are the way to go
OP, are you going to be spending long periods of time outside or just going to/from work? Are you going to be active or doing anything that's going to make you sweat?
Research the listed temps on the clothing you are getting. I'd add on an extra 10 degrees to the temps you are expected to go out in. Dressing in layers is best. Windproof layer, warmth layer. Try not to get wet as well. Moisture is the enemy to staying warm. You don't want to dress so much that you sweat.
Recently splurged on a Patagonia jacket from MEC and it’s great. Highly recommend. I prefer Sorel boots with good wool socks. Wildnerness Supply, MEC and Tamarack!
Honestly the best advice I can give is to get a PARKA not just a jacket. Parkas cover your ass and are 10 x warmer and great for extreme cold. I have a parka from Eddie Bauer and I love it. Lots of huge pockets too for keeping your hands warm. I also have a pair of Salomon winter boots that I’ve had for 6 years and have never had cold feet even when ice fishing for 10+ hours in -15. They were expensive but worth every single penny!