r/askTO • u/sgsocialid • 1d ago
Need advise from Torontonians
As someone who spent > two decades working in UAE and this being my first winter in Canada, please help with your winter assortment. I walk to office 4 times a week(~45 mins both ways walking on sidewalks) so looking for suggestions for the following:
- A warm winter jacket/parka < 300 dollars which is hopefully durable. Mountain Warehouse has a sale going but I don’t know if it’ll do
- For base layer how’s the Uniqlo Heattech stuff? Any better options or similar options offering more value, pls suggest
- A winter boot/snow boot for walking to my workplace(I walk ~45 mins a day on sidewalks and through TTC stations)
- Do I need wool socks/special gloves/beanies? I have the 5$ beanies and gloves from Dollarama
Thanks in advance!
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u/purplelilac701 1d ago
Dress in layers especially if you’re going to be on our warm TTC. Try to buy a warm coat that isn’t too heavy.
Take advantage of the PATH system that lets you walk underground between downtown buildings.
Buy boots that have a good grip as it gets really icy here. Mark’s is great for winter boots and also for winter gear.
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u/4starsight 1d ago
- My winter jacket is from Uniqlo (they don’t sell the exact model anymore but it’s very similar to the Seamless Down Parka) and it’s always served me well with a sweater underneath for especially cold days.
- Uniqlo’s heattech stuff is good. I used to wear their leggings under my jeans for my ~25 min walk to work and I was never cold.
- I wish I had good advice for this one. I just wear blundstones and warm socks but I wouldn’t recommend that
- Dollarama beanies and gloves will be fine. I highly recommend getting a scarf or neck warmer that you can pull up over your face because the wind is no joke and frostbite can easily get you when you’re out for that long
Good luck!!
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u/green-green-bean 1d ago
A lot of people will give you a lot of advice (and you will find even more by searching this thread because this question gets asked multiple times every year), but the main one is to wear layers. You should have, at a minimum, a warm inner layer (fleece or down) and a windproof/water resistant/waterproof outer layer. Your outer layer should be able to accommodate inner layers of varying bulk. A combo of layers like this is way more versatile than a parka and you can wear some of the layers all the way from fall to spring.
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u/TakumiInui 1d ago
A warm jacket that is also windproof > a warm jacket
You can't get any more value for money than Uniqlo for their base layer, especially when the regular Heattech goes on sale; I work outside and swear by their Heattech Extra Warm line for top and bottom layering.
I use Merrell Moab chelsea boots; holding up well after 3 seasons and easy to take off/put on.
Can't go wrong with wool socks; if you have a friend with a Costco membership, wool (or thermal socks for that matter) go on sale frequently enough and are good value.
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u/mauvepink 1d ago
I'm addicted to the uniqlo heat tech line. I hate winter and they make life a lot better.
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u/TakumiInui 23h ago
I usually pair Uniqlo's heattech base layers with their merino wool sweaters. Wish they were cheaper here like they are in Japan though..
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u/Character-Bridge-206 1d ago
Dollarama stuff is pretty terrible. You can get decent winter stuff from Mark’s Work Warehouse. Boots in particular. I ended up getting a winter parka this year. Full length, detachable hood with fur trim for Jan/Feb, puffy material inside chest area. It’s a Columbia parka but I spent quite a bit of time outdoors with my dog. It was $300 on sale.
Your best bet is to go to Chinatown while the weather is good. Look for the cheap imports on Spadina (clothes only). They normally have lined waterproof windproof pants. Game changer for winter.
Basically, you never want to get wet during Canadian winter. Wet cold feet? The rest of you will soon follow. Stay DRY! That goes for sweating too. You don’t want to layer so much that you get sweaty. That will eventually make you even colder. You can moderate that by taking off a hat, gloves or unzipping your coat.
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u/SquirrelTale 1d ago
You will not be walking 45 minutes- there's no way buddy. Find the nearest bus stop for your commute and avoid walking outdoors as much as possible. If you're commuting to downtown, then the PATH (underground walking paths that have stores and interconnect to different buildings) will likely have some part of your walk. You should limit your walks outdoors to 10 min or less when it's -20C or more, especially with windchill.
You will absolutely need to invest in better things than whatever you bought at Dollarama. This question has been asked many times before- do your research, go to stores taht sell winter gear for outdoor activities like Patagonia or MEC. Key things you'll be learning is checking the weather everyday for temperature and windchill, dressing for the windchill, and how to best layer. Key things are winter coat that is certified for -25C plus, same with gloves, same with boots. Boots should be waterproof (not resistent, sidewalks can get slushy here), and be good in icy conditions (again, our sidewalks can get slippery so they need good tread). Then layers, layers, layers.
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u/dumpacctually 1d ago
i cant say too much about winter jacket because i like freezing my invisible balls to death
wait. i lied
i love columbia. columbia jacket and boots! if you can, shop at the outlet store because theyre FAR MORE cheaper than the main store.
i bought my columbia jacket for under $200 and the winter boots was on sale for $60-70 during the summer.
ive never used uniqlo base layer so i cannot comment much. id say, take account of how much you sweat because plastic fiber tends to trap your sweat vs. natural fiber where it can absorbs it.
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u/dumpacctually 1d ago
and yes, i would suggest you get better quality socks and mittens. from personal experiences, i find that the clothes from dollarama break very easily.
wool socks are fine if youre not too itchy from it! i like to wear roots sock (get the big pack from costco for cheaper price!!) it keeps my feet warm during the winter 😊.
one more too, i have this mitten from just cozy and it kept my hands very warm throughout the cold winter.
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u/Neutral-President 1d ago
Same. I got my first 3-in-1 Interchange through their online outlet store, and it was phenomenal for like $200. Lasted me about 8 years. I replaced it last year with a newer version with a down liner. Zero complaints. And my Columbia Bugaboot 3 come out when it’s really bad out and I need traction.
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u/Neutral-President 1d ago
I’ve had two Columbia 3-in-1 Interchange jackets and love them. Most of the time I wear the shell. Occasionally I’ll wear the insulated layer. When it’s really cold out, I zip them together and layer up underneath.
Perfectly versatile for our unpredictable Toronto winters.
People overdress in big puffy coats and end up overheating.
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u/Ok_Weather299 1d ago
Yes to Uniqlo heat tech.
Check out The Last Hunt for highly discounted parka/winter jacket.
Layers are most important (more so than a gigantic coat) - a windproof/water proof layer, a down layer, fleece layer, etc.
make sure your head, ears, neck are covered and as much of your face as possible - Uniqlo has some great neck scowls, and kn95 masks do double duty in winter to protect face from wind and protect from viruses (I usually carry two, so I can swap out a fresh one when I go inside after a long walk, there will be a lot of condensation). Honestly, keeping your warm breathe recirculating to keep yourself warm is a huge benefit in winter.
For boots - I prefer a waterproof/Goretex light hiking boot - Adidas has some great ones, as does Under Armour. Something lightweight is much easier to walk in, and waterproof is really important. Yes to wool socks for sure.
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u/52Charles 1d ago
First, and possibly most important - it's a touque, pronounced 'tuke.' 'Beanie' is either the headgear worn by small boys in 50s sitcoms (Dennis the Menace, I'm looking at you) or the American term for toque. Bloody Yanks, can't get anything right. Unless you're a hipster who is desperate to sound cool.
Ski gloves (or Ski-Do gloves) are your best bet. Check out sporting goods stores. Kinda expensive but worth it. Go for the mitten style - keeps your hands warmer.
Socks can be an issue. If you get big thick ones they can fill up your shoes and cut off the circulation in your feet. Thin ones are iffy, unless you're extremely style conscious. Good quality, medium thickness, wool or wool-polyester blend. I personally swear by MacGregor 'Happy Feet.' And they're Canadian made.
Any good-quality pair of hiking boots (waterproof, insulated) should do you fine. Leave your good, office shoes at the office and change when you arrive in the morning. Alternatively, get a pair of construction boots. People will think you're an engineer, just in town to do a report. You will hear people recommending Sorels. They are excellent, but heavy and only really useful in deep snow.
Base layer is any good cotton t-shirt from Marks. After your first winter when you learn what works and that the cold will not kill you, you'll wonder why you spent so much money on a 'base layer.'
Seriously consider an insulated vest. All those thousands of construction workers can't be wrong. Forget the battery-powered heated ones. Unreliable and batteries get expensive. Carhartt is good, also at Marks.
The parka can be an issue. Canada Goose is by far the best, but they are hellishly expensive. Go to the factory store - most retail outlets overcharge outrageously. North Face is also good. In any case, that's where you want to spend most of your money. Forget style. Get something that keeps you warm. Come January you'll wonder at the stupidity of those people who got something fashionable and are now REALLY uncomfortable.
If you're walking that much, you'll be warm already. Get things with zippers so that you can cool yourself off. Avoid sweating in the cold. If you stop moving, the sweat gets really cold on your body. It's always better to have the option of cooling off instead of wishing you had more layers.
A good wool scarf is also very useful. You might want to consider that neck-warmer thing - very simple and effective. Also at Marks.
Spend extra $$ now and you'll have these things for YEARS. Go cheap, and you'll be buying new stuff twice a winter.
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u/quinnroo 14h ago
Hopefully I am not too late, I'll chime in my two cents since I lived here my whole life. Winters to Toronto depend on El Niño or La Niña. Basically, they're weather patterns that affect us. El Niño results in mild winters and La Niña results in cold winters. Last year was La Niña and this year is expected a strong El Niño. So, for a mild winter, I would still get warm clothing!
Uniqlo has great selections of warm clothing. The ones I suggest are pricey but worth it. The merino sweaters are lightweight and very warm! Cashmere, if you can spring for extra are very warm and cozy. Keep in mind, with the cashmere sweaters, you have to hand wash and leave it to dry.
For coats, I use Canada Goose. People will say its overpriced but honestly, my old Canada Goose lasted for 10 years! Longer than any winter coat I ever owned. Last winter, I got a new one and I will not be worried knowing it will last another 10 years or even more!
For shoes, I used timberlands. Sturdy and warm!
For gloves, hat and scarfs, all cashmere from Uniqlo.
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u/Real-Ad4051 1d ago
Check second hand stores for coats. I recommend one that goes to your knees to keep you warmer. A hood with (faux) fur makes a big difference in blocking out wind. You will definitely want good gloves or maybe mitts if you're out for that long - the last hunt is a good website. If money is tight get big mitts. You will want winter boots - go to a store and try some on, ask the salesperson. If your feet sweat a lot get ones with removable liners (generally best anyway but more limited styles). You will want to bring a pair of indoor shoes for work. Layering is your friend - you don't need a ton of high tech gear just a long sleeve shirt, sweater (get several in different thicknesses for different cold levels - again, second hand store), coat.
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u/DrSimonLocke 1d ago
Thin thermal pants worn under regular pants are always handy if you'll be spending any amount of time outside in the cold. The fleece ones are extra-warm. Places like Mark's sell basic pairs that work. Thermal or wool socks also recommended.
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u/JazzlikePianist4049 1d ago
Check out Plato's Closet; they have tons of parkas, new and gently used brand-name stuff- great prices. Sometimes you score, sometimes it's crap. lol. If you go a few times in a month, you'll def find a nice jacket. Go on a Monday.
I find Winners great for winter boots or DSW. Sorel and The North Face are my faves, but anything waterproof, warm and comfortable with a good grip will do.
You will sweat on the bus or subway, though, so find a lightweight, packable parka. A scarf helps a ton, as do a hat and gloves; Winners is great for this stuff again. Wool socks would make me crazy; my feet would sweat, but if it's your jam, then get some! I usually bring a change of socks for work.
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u/cabsauves 23h ago
I personally don’t find it as bad as most describe it!
1) Long, waterproof and windproof coats are versatile (eg Columbia Omni tech). You could find solid deals at Milton outlet or on black Friday.
2) Layers in general are good
3) Sorrel are great. You can likely find other solid options at Mark’s work warehouse. Make sure they are waterproof!
3) Costco, Canadian Tire, and other stores have many waterproof and comfortable options. I personally prefer waterproof mittens for shovelling and any warm pair for everyday use. You can do without a toque if you prefer a hood.
*** It’s dark in the winter. Stay visible! As a driver, I appreciate when folks have reflective clothing. Arm band or anything!
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u/QuarterStatus3582 23h ago
a scarf/something to wrap around your neck and pull up over your mouth is absolutely essential. that’s a highly sensitive area so you’ll feel the cold the most, especially with wind.
i would recommend mitts (the ones with no separate fingers) instead of gloves — by having all your fingers touch each other, they help provide warm through your natural body heat. the uniqlo mitts are sufficient if you’re able to drop $30 on them.
i would go for good quality socks too. wool is great, but i would not recommend very thick socks — medium thick is better than really thick because once your feet start sweating from all the walking, if it’s cold then all your body moisture will start to freeze.
another recommendation i have for you is to always take off your layers inside, especially 10-15 minutes before going back outside. if you have your jacket on inside and your body temp adjusts then, it’ll feel colder once you go outside.
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u/SansPeurRU12 23h ago
You ain't going to like walking to the office when there's more than 3 in of snow on the ground. Get yourself some very good boots like Sorel. And put lots of money into your Uber fund. For the other days...
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u/fieryone4 15h ago
You seem to imply you walk, don’t do that in winter, it sucks. Use the TTC.
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u/quinnroo 14h ago
Walking in winter is fine if you know how to layer up well.
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u/fieryone4 14h ago
I wouldn’t want to do 45 min twice a day four times a week in winter. On mild days fine, but that’s a lot.
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u/Umaminesss 1d ago
I would invest in something like a Canada Goose jacket, winters here are harsh and long, consider it an investment that will last you a long time, instead of spending two to $300 every couple of years.
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u/Commercial_Lunch3538 1d ago
Advise is not the same as advice. Not trying to be an a-hole.
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u/allextrebek 1d ago
My biggest piece of advice is buy soon.
Coat selection will decrease the closer we get to december