Ok ladies, I need to buy a coat for my son who will be studying in Russia! The low there now is -1! What will it be early next year?! Any recommendations for a longer coat, not a jacket. Any other suggestions from moms of kids studing abroad? Or people who have traveled to Russia?
Thank you, ladies! What caring intelligent friends I have! Thanks for all the info and choices for coats. I am much better equipped for this challenge.
Land's End.
For clothing AND backpacks etc.
GOOD quality.
Their backpacks for example, are warrantied for life. And they replace it for free.
ALSO good, are coats by "North Face." http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/index.html?cm_mmc=Goo...
Hikers in extreme weather, use these.
Good question!
I am no expert in this area, but my first thought was to look into LLBean or Lands End... they actually tell you the warmth ratings on their coats. Worth a look...
Best wishes to your son! How exciting for him!
Been there..here are a few things I would send:
LL Bean or Land's End coat
LL Bean sells flannel lined blue jeans - best thing I did!
Thin, silk long underwear - not the thick ones
Good socks, good boots, gloves, hat, scarf
dress in layers, they keep the heat on high inside where you will roast. The heat is controlled centrally by the cities and you cannot adjust it!
Pack toilet paper, Antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer - trust me on this. I would also pack a few of those hand warmer packs, look for these at a hunting store or sports dept.
A money belt, preferrably the kind that hangs around your neck under your clothes.
I would not wait to shop there. Depending on the size of city he is going to can make a huge difference on what is available. Big cities like Moscow are very expensive. Once you get outside the biggest cities it is a very 3rd world country! PS. In mid-April they turn off the heat EVERYWHERE! When we were there they turned off the heat and it was still snowing outside. We had to go buy an electric heater for our hotel room..just nuts!
I think it's Land's End that has the Squall Parka. (?) Do you have an REI in your area? Check there, too.
Check on L L Bean..down is very warm
check out Lands End. They give what temp the jacket will keep you warm in.
Wow, how cool! My first thought is Patagonia or REI. LL Bean or Lands' End might not be bad either. But Patagonia would be my 1st choice they're the most versatile and meant for serious climbing etc, he'll probably want one with a zip in/out shell and prep for lots of layers. I think the closest REI store to us is Dallas but there's an outfitter type store down on Lancaster near 7th Street in Ft. Worth that carries them it's called Backwoods.
I like Land's End too, but I agree with the poster who suggested REI and other sports stores. My first thought was where do serious mountain climbers buy their coats?
What a nice opportunity for your son! I lived in Finland the neighboring country so have some idea. Any long wool coat will do but he will ave to dress using layers so the coat will have to accommodate layers. Spend time and money looking into getting good thermal t-shirts, long johns, socks, gloves, hat, scarf and a good pair o boots. I am sure he will a good amount of time is he will not have his own car so he will have take a bus, etc when it snows. I remember waiting for the bus in heavy snow fall and I was warm except my face and ears would feel like it was in the freezer so get a hat with the side flaps for the ears and maybe even those sky mask thing which covers the mouth, cheeks and nose. It is totally different to Texas and even NY weather!
Good Luck to your son!
I don't have a coat suggestion but you might also want to check out EMS.com.
Send him with money to buy one there. The locals will know what is best. I'd contact them and ask. It also depends on what he'll be doing there and how much he'll be outside. If he's working outside or doing lots of walking he'll need something totally different than if he'll be inside often. Also, plan on spending some money on good boots as well. Looks at books for temperature rating and traction on ice. Possibly steel toes depending on if he needs to work in them.
Military Pea Coat for dress and a Military M-65 lined Field Jacket for sport. Nothing warmer! I'm a woman and I've been wearing my vintage M-65 for at least 17 years now.
Having been to Russia in the end of December I say a long wool dress coat , that has a collar he can turn up. Dressing in layers as has been said. I was always fin in a pair of long underwear and jeans. I wore wool socks with my sorrels. Wool mittens, scarf and hat. My coat when down to the middle of my shins. It is just a plain old wool dress coat form JC Penny's.
