What Clothing to Buy for Travelling to America during Winter (January)

TwentyTwoCarats on 19/11/2022 - 15:39
Last edited 19/11/2022 - 15:43

Hi All,

I'm doing my first ever America/Canada trip in January, consisting of LA, SF, Boston, NY, Toronto (incl Niagra Falls), Austin, Portland.

At the moment my clothing suits a Canberran winter at best, which really isn't that cold. The coldest it's going to get is probably at Niagra where it's apparently supposed to be -8°C to -2°C and from the pictures it looks super icy.

What kind of clothing would you recommend I take there - thermals (body and legs), good quality puffer jacket, scarf… what kind of pants? As for footwear I literally just have a bunch of Adidas Ultraboosts (lol) and one Timberland boots. Would they be alright?

Any advice is appreciated, let me know your experiences in American winters!

Thank you in advance

Travel Clothing North America United States

Comments

  • offthetap on 19/11/2022 - 15:39
    +11

    bullet proof vest

  • boomramada on 19/11/2022 - 15:49

    The coldest it's going to get is probably at Niagra where it's apparently supposed to be -8°C to -2°C and from the pictures it looks super icy.

    And OP is from Cbr 😅😅😅

    • freefall101 on 19/11/2022 - 21:14

      I lived in northern BC (lived there 6 years, hit -30 to -40 every winter) and the ice in Toronto is absolutely bonkers even compared to there. It somehow still rains yet freezes on the surface, it gets incredibly icy very quickly (trying to get into a taxi there, the door handle had frozen over). At least where I was it just dumps snow and the air is so dry it doesn't feel that cold.

      I'd go the boots there, definitely not sneakers.

  • ceebee on 19/11/2022 - 16:06
    +2

    I can comment on the PNW. (Oregon area) You want at least one pair of shoes or boots that are waterproof, and on top you want stuff that is both water proof and windproof. A good quality puffer jacket is good, and stuff you can layer. I would wear a long sleeve shirt, cardie, hoodie and winter jacket with scarf all the time, and you want something for your head— I wore a beanie. I basically just wore jeans in Washington and Oregon in winter and I don't like thermals and I was fine, so Jeans with decent leg thermals should be okay. That said, when I was over there pre-covid it didn't snow, (almost, we got frost) and I hear its getting colder there this winter so ymmv. I also had a really good rain poncho which was pretty useful to me, it rained a lot in the PNW. It had the added benefit that it was windproof. It's not super windy in that region compared to parts of Australia but I did get good use out of it, as it was also warm.

    I can't speak to the other places, haven't been there in the winter yet.

    Your ultraboosts are like, mesh right? I wear the XPLR myself, and they are fine but the wind sweeps right through them, and it might get cold occasionally. If it snows or rains your feet will get soaked through. I brought sneakers that were kinda plasticy and splashproof, kinda like Nike Manoa— or the Terrex range for Addidas. You want at least one pair of water resistant shoes in case it rains or snows. If you do bring your ultraboosts Addidas you should be fine most days in terms of warmth, but bring extra socks so if you're caught out you can go dry your feet.

  • thatonethere on 19/11/2022 - 16:34
    +4

    Could always pick up some clothes in the US. They generally have better outlet stores etc.

  • FocusRider on 19/11/2022 - 16:36
    +1

    Go nuts at Canada goose

  • WreckTangle on 19/11/2022 - 16:45

    Just a good pair of gloves, a thick jacket, scarf & beanie was enough last time I was in NYC in Jan.

  • sonicentropy on 19/11/2022 - 18:00

    If you go to vegas edd hardie is a must…..jk

  • pformag on 19/11/2022 - 23:19

    Ear Warmers, they fold up small.

    Mocofo Classic Fleece Ear Muffs Headwear Collapsible Behind The Head Winter Ear Warmers for Women and Men https://amzn.asia/d/5XL7YBD

  • Stewardo on 20/11/2022 - 00:07
    +1

    I’ve lived in Canada and Europe, I wouldn’t buy your clothes in Australia, they are lighter and will have to bring them with you on the plane, you dont need a heavy jacket in LA, I’d wait until you get Boston and go to a TJ maxx or similar. You do need boots sprayed with waterproofing. The trick is layering your clothes, 3-4 layers, as most places have central heat and you will need to take 2 layers off inside.

    • jjjaar on 20/11/2022 - 09:57
      +1

      Definitely this for most of what you will need. Australian clothes just do not cater for cold weather. Though you’ll want to make sure that you have enough clothes to get you by for a few days so you don’t feel forced to go shopping.

      Also absolutely agree with layering. Having experienced quite a few northern hemispherian winters, this is how I get by in Melbourne now (all year round too because Melbourne loves its 4 seasons in a day).

  • doctordv8 on 20/11/2022 - 08:43

    New York is under two meters of snow today……… and it has not stopped yet.

    What every you are thinking…double it. Then grab more while you are there.

  • jjjaar on 20/11/2022 - 09:54

    The coldest it's going to get is probably at Niagra where it's apparently supposed to be -8°C to -2°C and from the pictures it looks super icy.

    That’s without wind chill.

    I was in Niagara in November many years ago and it was probably about 5• but with the wind chill it felt like about -10• the day we were there.

    Also when near the falls, the wind picks up the water and that is bloody cold when it hits you.

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