Jacket for Euro Winter

We plan to spend Christmas and NYE in the Austrian Alps, no skiing, just enjoying the snow and villages etc

ALDI ski sale coming up soon, but the popular choice around here seems to be the MacPac Halo which is currently on sale at $139. I need to buy suitable jackets and shoes for the entire family, and confused with the choices available.

ALDI, MacPac, Uniqlo, Kathmandu and the list goes on…

What fill power puffer jacket will we need for the Alps, will non-waterproof be ok, is there an obvious choice between brands? Don't want to spend a fortune.

Shoes? Regular sneakers for dry walking conditions around town, then something like Merrell boots for snowy, wet conditions?

Comments

  • No Aldi in Austria, they are called Hofer. Just buy when you get there, there is also Lidl, usually cheaper!

    • they are called Hofer

      They are also in Slovenia

      • OMG! Stopped in Kopper and was shocked to see Gerry messing there!

    • also,

      Olivenbaum is on special this week for only € 189,00

  • +4

    Layering is better than 1 jacket.
    My go to combo is: Thermals- > tshirt -> fleece/down jacket -> hardshell jacket.

    • Agree with this.
      You won't necessarily need a hardshell jacket. It is a good thing to have on you. It will depend if it is snowy and cold or just cold. All the shops etc are heated so you'll need to take layers off.

      Merrell boots are excellent.

      • +2

        I tried the Merrell Gore-Tex boots, they squeak too much. Much prefer the Salomon equivalent.

        If it’s only a single jacket then something like a goretex 750 fill parka is quite warm.

        My layering kit is Icebreaker, Macpac and Arc’teryx, single jacket wear I have an Arc’teryx Camosun Parka, only complaint with this one is the ridiculously long sleeves.

    • I agree unless you're not spending much time outside. If it's a quick walk to somewhere, a halo jacket and not much underneath is fine. That way you're not having to strip off layers when inside temps are really warm.

  • +1

    get a quality windbreaker! wind is what kills me - been to swiss alps + tromso in winter.

    bonus is that they'll be waterproof too, down is useless when it's wet.

    …oh and socks. don't forget socks

  • Yep, definitely layering to peel off when indoors.

    It's the outer layer I'm unsure about.

    • +1

      This post by @omguleh is really sage advice because it’s more or less the stuff id say to use:
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16438624/redir

      A 700-800 fill down jacket will be great. Parka or a regular down jacket would be fine - parka if you intend to be outdoor a lot down jacket if you are just going to be doing touristy stuff. From What you’ve said I think a regular down jacket will be fine.

      With down jackets the more expensive you go the more warmer and
      Compact they are. The Halo is a good BFYB jacket but I found it too bulky for hiking on weeks long treks (through different parts of the Himalayas) so I ended up with a NF Summit Series 800 fill jacket.

      The price of ice breaker merino gear - it’s exy but worth it. I’d grab a 150-200 weight as your base layer

      Shoes regular shoes for the most part goretex membrane shoes for the wet. Trail runners would be best. I think boots would be overkill for what you’re doing (unless you’re planning on being outdoors a lot). Again I’d go Solomon as they’ve got the nicest fit (for my feet). Paved roads in Europe have the footpaths cleared of snow hence why I say you won’t need boots.

      • Thanks All, sounds like the MacPac halo with appropriate layers underneath will suffice. We'll mostly be doing touristy sight seeing, walking around villages, cable cars up to the top of Innsbruck (likely the coldest temps we'll see).

        For the under layers, gloves etc will the gear from the upcoming ALDI ski sale be sufficient? Or perhaps Uniqlo?

        Are the ALDI snow boots ok for our purpose?

        • Aldi is sufficient, their boots are not very comfortable for all day walking though.

        • The benefits of down, other than being warm etc - can compress much more than a hard shell. Also you can use it as an extra pillow on the plane (if you are sensitive or find it slippery, stuff it into a pillow case). The Halo is fine with layers

          it will be cold outdoors for prolonged periods. Also think about thermals or a few merino layers (except $$$). You can buy polypro thermals from lots of places, TSLA amazon clothing (not Tesla) has some good gear that is designed for exercise so breathable, but every camping store, anaconda, decathlon etc have options

          Remember beanie, gloves. Ski gloves are not designed to be warm - they are wind and waterproof but not super warm. You might want a wool glove underneath. The fleece beanies and neck warmers from Aldi are pretty good/good enough.

          Socks - merino or possum fur sock are the best but also $$$. There are warm if not 'the best' options around - anything with a bit of wool is worth looking at. Aldi sometimes sell merino gear (tops, t shirts) which is ok, not as good as icebreaker and co but a lot cheaper and 80% as warm. Smartwool is another option (but also not cheap).

          Around town you wont need snow boots, but good waterproof boots/walking shoes (eg leather or goretex) are ideal if you can afford them. Or even cheap working boots, which are usually leather or water resistant - not as comfortable for long walks thought and take up a lot of space/are heavy.

          • @dtc: Thanks, very helpful. I just looked at the Macpac gear in-store, very nice. Will wait to see what ALDI has in next month's ski sale for base layers, fleece, gloves, beanies, then grab Halo's when they're on sale at around $100

            I'm also mindful how much luggage space footwear will take up given 5 pax.

            • @sluggo33x: I wore the Aldi boots once at Mt Hotham and said nope.

              I would spend the extra money on shoes and instead of taking them as luggage just wear them on the plane.

              Something like a mid hiker (half in between full on boots and runners) is very comfortable to wear all day.

              I picked up Salomon hikers for $100 during a sale at Anaconda.

  • What fill power

    down warmth = fill power x fill (weight)

    Shoes? Regular sneakers for dry walking conditions around town

    it might be dry, but it'll still be cold - boots for me

  • Macpac ftw!

  • +1

    For anywhere in winter that snows, definitely need waterproof membrane hiking boots/shoes. I take/wear a single pair (currently North Face Vectiv Exploris 2 Futurelight) plus a pair of thongs. Base layers must be merino. If you're not skiing, go for soft shell jackets.

  • -1

    will non-waterproof be ok

    Nope. You need it just in case it snows. Plus because you are warm and there might be moisture in the air from snow / melting show it will make your clothes wet.

    If you have something that is weaved you can get spray on water proofer but you might as well spend extra on water proof jacket.

    Most ski jackets will be fine for outer layer. Per above it is the layering that is important. Also get a proper beanie, it needs to be 2x warmer than what you have here.

    I've done everywhere from -20 in the middle of the artic winter to Swiss alps. Good luck and have fun.

    • Are you suggesting that the Macpac halo as the outer layer is no good? What do you suggest that won't break the bank given I need to purchase 5 jackets.

      • Halo has PFC-free water repellent finish per the specifications.

        I've got a Mambo ski jacket that I've been wearing skiing etc for a good decade across Europe.

        If I was just going somewhere cold and not have to ski I've got a Hilfiger Jeans padded jacket that I picked up in Europe.

      • If you're looking for lower cost than Macpac, shop at the end of our winter but also be prepared to pull the trigger when you see something desirable at stores like Cotton On and TK Maxx. It's generally better to shop before you depart but if you're going near a Primark or H&M early in your trip they do great value winter apparel.

  • Are the $200+ Merrell or Salomon that much better than something like this?

    https://www.anacondastores.com/footwear/mens-footwear/mens-s…

    • +1

      Cheap snow boots don't have laces so imagine how much mileage you can get? Anywhere you find snow there will be puddles of slush; wet socks in alpine winter conditions will ruin your day. Quality lightweight hiking shoes can be worn all day in all conditions.

      • Are you suggesting water will get in from the top of this style of no laces boots?

        • +1

          I'm suggesting boots with no lacing aren't designed to walk over any distance; they'll be fine to keep your feet dry

  • +1

    I just spent Christmas in Budapest, and traveled throughout Eastern Europe, finishing in Poland at -4.
    A Macpac or Kathmandu $150 jacket will not be enough.
    I had a much larger jacket from Superdry, which was much better.
    Worth noting, most europeans had Canada Goose jackets, which are highly rated, but extremely expensive.
    Take thermals.
    Regular sneakers were fine - i had fluffy snow boots in Poland for the snow, and i looked like an idiot :(

  • How about pants? Are jeans suitable for european winter? Or are there better options ?

    • Lived there for three months over december jan etc, jeans are fine, focus on the upper body. Wear thermals underneath if needed but will probably be too hot as everywhere inside is heated anyway. I run cold and every time I wore thermals under my jeans I ended up taking them off ASAP

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