"Winter clothing essentials" Warm clothes Tip by Carmanah

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Montréal winters (Nov - Mar) can be a shock to the system for those who have never experienced sub-freezing temperatures for days on end. Special clothing is required if you are spending any time outside.

jacket - A long (below the waist), warm, windproof, down-filled jacket is crucial. "Down" is goose feathers which are stuffed into the jacket, making it look puffy.

scarf - Not a dainty fashion scarf, but a thick wool scarf that you can wrap several times around your neck and lower face. It will be a godsend!

a hat - any hat will do, but one that covers your ears is ideal. I'd recommend a toque (rhymes with duke), which some may know as a beanie/woolen cap.

gloves - I found fleece gloves better than wool gloves, as the wind doesn't blow through fleece. Some argue that mittens actually keep your hands warmer. Lined leather gloves might also be good.

long underwear - fleece-lined "tights" for your legs are fantastic when it's below freezing, especially underneath jeans.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Chapstick - lip balm (not lip gloss) is very handy. Cold weather dries out your skin. Men, women, and children should have chapstick readily available, as your lips get chapped easily if you spend any time outside in the cold.

Kleenex - or any brand of tissue you prefer! Having a pocket-sized packet in your jacket pocket will be greatly appreciated when you need it. I find that my nose gets runny whenever I'm outside in the cold, even if I'm just walking down the street. Having that Kleenex is nice so you're not sniffling all the time.

skin moisturizer - Although women tend to use it more than men, I'd say it's beneficial for everybody to invest in a little face moisturizer (ie: face cream) and hand lotion because, as I said before, the cold air dries out your skin. Putting a bit of face cream (such as a generic Vitamin E cream from the Body Shop, or something by Oil of Olay, Dove, or Avon) really helps your skin in the winter months.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: waterproof, non-leather insulated boots - When it snows, the snow is cleared off the roads, but the sidewalks eventually build up a layer of thick, dirty ice. The salt that's used to melt the ice off the roads accumulates in the piles of snow at the side of the roads, and forms slushy puddles around intersections. Waterproof boots will protect your feet from these puddles. Salty slushy water stains and physically damages leather around the boot. This is why it's not recommended to wear leather boots. If the boots are insulated with a warm lining, all the better. If you can't get insulated boots, then be sure to wear very thick wool socks. Also, a thick rubber sole also helps, as it insulates your foot away from the cold ground. Be sure the sole has a grip, as you will be walking on ice! Boots with heels are definitely a lot more challenging when walking along slippery surfaces and I would not recommend it.