Checklist · 20 picks · 3 categories
Links to Amazon and Target are affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it never decides a pick. How I make money
Moving somewhere with a real winter? The basics are a warm, waterproof coat that covers your hips, insulated boots with good grip, gloves, a hat and wool socks. Add a thin base layer for the coldest days and slip-on ice cleats for icy sidewalks. Wool and synthetic fabrics stay warm when they get damp, and cotton doesn't, so skip cotton socks and long johns. Every pick here won an award from outdoor-gear testers, mostly OutdoorGearLab, Switchback Travel and Treeline Review, with a budget, mid and splurge option for each item. If you're heading to a dorm, the dorm and cozy winter lists cover the rest.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you already have a winter wardrobe; the cozy winter list covers the indoors.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
Pick a budget to see your plan.
Your plan lives in this link. Copy it or email it to yourself so Safari doesn't forget it.
Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 29, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 7 on your list · tap one to see your options
means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Landroamer II Parka | budget | $100+ | a warm everyday coat on a budget | 1 outlet |
| The North Face McMurdo Parka | mid | $100+ | real cold and snowy commutes | 1 outlet |
| Patagonia Jackson Glacier Jacket | splurge | $100+ | city winters | 1 outlet |
| Kamik Nation Plus Winter Boots | budget | $100+ | snowy sidewalks on a budget | 1 outlet |
| The North Face Chilkat V 400 | mid | $100+ | most people's first winter boot | 1 outlet |
| Sorel Caribou Boots | splurge | $100+ | deep snow and very cold days | 1 outlet |
Best winter coatbudget pick · Pick by size
Best for a warm everyday coat on a budget
OutdoorGearLab's budget pick for warm daily wear: a warm, weatherproof, good-looking parka for the price.
Heads up. Not for the deepest cold (the tester wouldn't push it much below 20°F), and no inside pockets
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best buy winter jacket.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link. I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
mid pick · Pick by size
Best for real cold and snowy commutes
Switchback Travel's best overall men's winter jacket: warm, waterproof and long enough to cover your hips.
Heads up. Heavier and less packable than performance jackets
1 outlet. Switchback Travel best overall winter jacket.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by size
Best for city winters
OutdoorGearLab's top pick for city life: comfortable, watertight and light, built for work and errands.
Heads up. Shorter, with few features, and not for heavy storms or sub-zero cold
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab top pick winter jacket (city).
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for snowy sidewalks on a budget
Switchback Travel's best budget men's winter boot: reasonably warm and comfortable for the price. Its women's budget pick is the Kamik Momentum 3.
Heads up. Loose fit and some cheaper materials
1 outlet. Switchback Travel best budget winter boot.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for most people's first winter boot
OutdoorGearLab's best overall winter boot, and Switchback Travel's top men's pick too: comfortable, cozy and grippy.
Heads up. Could be more waterproof
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' choice winter boot.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for deep snow and very cold days
Switchback Travel's best everyday winter boot, with a timeless look and a cozy liner.
Heads up. Big and heavy
1 outlet. Switchback Travel best everyday winter boot.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achiou Touch Screen Thermal Gloves | budget | $15-25 | everyday walks and the bus stop | 1 outlet |
| The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves | mid | $25-50 | texting without taking your gloves off | 1 outlet |
| Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro Gloves | splurge | $50-100 | wet, snowy days | 1 outlet |
| Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie | budget | $15-25 | everyday warmth | 1 outlet |
| Meriwool Merino Cuff Beanie | mid | $25-50 | wool lovers | 1 outlet |
| MOGGEI Merino Wool Hiking Socks | budget | $15-25 | stocking up on warm socks | 1 outlet |
| Smartwool Hike Classic Full Cushion Socks | mid | $25-50 | cold feet in winter boots | 1 outlet |
| Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion | splurge | $25-50 | socks you'll keep for years | 1 outlet |
| Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats | budget | $15-25 | icy sidewalks and parking lots | 1 outlet |
| Kahtoola NANOspikes | mid | $50-100 | city sidewalks | 1 outlet |
| Kahtoola MICROspikes | splurge | $50-100 | icy hills and winter trails | 1 outlet |
Best winter glovesbudget pick · Pick by hand size
Best for everyday walks and the bus stop
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy winter glove: comfortable and grippy, dries fast, and you can use your phone.
Heads up. Snags easily, isn't weatherproof, and is hand-wash only
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best buy winter gloves.
$15-25
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Pick by hand size
Best for texting without taking your gloves off
OutdoorGearLab's top pick for using your phone: stretchy, with touchscreen-friendly fingers throughout.
Heads up. Thin, so wind gets through
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab top pick winter gloves (touchscreen).
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by hand size
Best for wet, snowy days
OutdoorGearLab's best overall winter glove: warm, waterproof, touchscreen-friendly and light, with a goat-leather palm.
Heads up. Not very breathable, and less warm than bulkier gloves
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' choice winter gloves.
$50-100
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · One size
Best for everyday warmth
OutdoorGearLab's best overall beanie: warm, weather-resistant and classic, with a stretchy one-size fit.
Heads up. Can run hot when you're active
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' choice beanie.
$15-25
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · One size
Best for wool lovers
OutdoorGearLab's top pick merino beanie: warm, dries fast and works for lots of activities.
Heads up. The inside tag can bother you if you wear it uncuffed
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab top pick beanie (merino).
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for stocking up on warm socks
Treeline Review's best affordable winter sock, with a good fit for the price.
Heads up. Can be itchy, and weaker on durability, warmth and odor control
1 outlet. Treeline Review best affordable winter socks.
$15-25
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for cold feet in winter boots
Treeline Review's best overall winter sock, praised for warmth without bulk and for durability.
Heads up. The fit could hug a little tighter
1 outlet. Treeline Review best overall winter socks.
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for socks you'll keep for years
Field & Stream's best overall wool sock: a snug, comfortable all-day fit and a lifetime warranty.
Heads up. Too long and thick for warm weather
1 outlet. Field & Stream best overall wool socks.
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for icy sidewalks and parking lots
Slip-on grips for icy sidewalks. OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy: easy to put on, secure on any shoe and low-profile.
Heads up. Weak grip in deep snow
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best buy snow and ice cleats.
$15-25
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for city sidewalks
Treeline Review's best traction for city use: low-profile and light, for icy pavement and concrete.
Heads up. Slick on linoleum, and not the most aggressive grip
1 outlet. Treeline Review best traction for urban use.
$50-100
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for icy hills and winter trails
OutdoorGearLab's best overall snow and ice cleat: very secure, durable and well laid out.
Heads up. Heavy and high-profile, and not for mostly dry ground
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' choice snow and ice cleats.
$50-100
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew | budget | $25-50 | wearing under work and school clothes | 1 outlet |
| Meriwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve Base Layer | mid | $50-100 | merino warmth without the top price | 1 outlet |
| Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip | splurge | $100+ | the coldest days | 1 outlet |
Best base layerbudget pick · Pick by size
Best for wearing under work and school clothes
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy for everyday, non-technical wear: a comfy, breathable waffle knit with strong seams.
Heads up. Not as warm for its weight as pricier layers
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best buy base layer (everyday).
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Pick by size
Best for merino warmth without the top price
OutdoorGearLab's value pick for cold days: affordable merino that balances warmth and breathability.
Heads up. Slightly itchy and less durable
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab top pick base layer (cold-day value).
$50-100
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pick by size
Best for the coldest days
OutdoorGearLab's best overall base layer: very warm for its weight and super soft, with a zip to let heat out.
Heads up. Pure merino needs gentle washing and drying
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' choice base layer.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
A warm, waterproof coat that covers your hips, insulated waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, wool socks and a base layer for very cold days. Ice cleats help a lot on icy sidewalks.
It depends on how cold it gets and how long you're outside. For long walks in temperatures well below freezing, choose a longer, heavily insulated parka. For short trips between car, class and office, a lighter insulated jacket is enough.
Wool and synthetic socks stay warm when your feet sweat or get damp. Cotton holds moisture and gets cold, which is how toes go numb.