I have a down coat that has zip off sleeves and has a stuff sack. I got it at REI, and it's REI brand. I love it. It's so light (weightwise), and even with the coat and the sleeves stuffed into the stuff sack it takes up less space than a small nalgene bottle.

I don't know if you have access to an REI, but they do ship from their online store as well.

I have a very basic waterproof jacket that is lined (not removable) with a felt-like material and comes with a hood. (In fact, I'm wearing it in the office right now. :laugh:) It's medium weight, so it's not bulky but still roomy enough underneath for a layer or two. I paid ~$70 for it, but I can't remember if that was retail or on clearance. I want to say it's very similar to this one:

http://www.rei.com/product/815970/rei-salix-jacket-womens

... but that jacket linked above is $199 retail. :huh: But mine does look pretty similar to it. I used it as a beginner's snowshoe and snowboarder jacket, and now it's an all-around winter jacket for the city.

I also had a Gore-Tex lined The North Face jacket that did freakin' AWESOME when it rained/snowed while snowshoeing, but that one got stolen out of my car. It was ~$300 retail.

For pants, I got the REI brand of something similar to this:

http://www.rei.com/product/817311/the-north-face-freedom-lrbc-insulated-pants-womens

I believe it was a bit cheaper the TNF version, but not by much. Probably ~$100. I use it exclusively for snowshoeing since the bottoms don't fit around my snowboard boots.

You're welcome! Yeah, I was sorry, too (and pissed, lol). Haven't been able to bring myself to spend the money on a replacement, and it's been 4 years.

Ah, also, I forgot to mention --

If you're looking for a great base layer, I highly recommend Icebreakers. They are lightweight yet super comfortable and are rated for different temperatures. The merino wool will wick moisture quickly and keep you dry/comfortable a LOT better than cotton will, and plus will feel more lightweight while keeping you warmer. (Believe it or not, they also make versions for summer sports). Also a bit pricey for base layers, but they last FOREVER. I wear one as my base layer any time I go out in the snow (mostly snowboarding, sometimes sledding -- not so much snowshoeing anymore, although maybe toward the end of this season I will), and it still looks nearly new after 4 seasons.

This it the one I have:

http://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-bodyfit-200-chakra-1-4-zip-top-womens.html

If you are sensitive to itchy wool, don't be afraid. Merino is different (and Icebreakers are of good quality). I have sensitive skin and I have never been more comfortable in a wool. There are other brands besides Icebreaker, of course (Smart Wool is another one), but I just haven't had cause to try any of them yet. The Icebreaker has held up incredibly well.

If you are sensitive to itchy wool, don't be afraid. Merino is different (and Icebreakers are of good quality). I have sensitive skin and I have never been more comfortable in a wool.

Perhaps TMI, but the 'natural' stuff is always better for me than the manmade.
My old Patagonia merino wool layer always washes clean, whereas the manmade stuff somehow holds odor, even though it has all these claims not too. [I might just be stinky though! :laugh: :sad: ]


Have fun! Snowshoeing is awesome! I've only gone once, but it was a lot of fun. I thought it would be like dragging old wood tennis rackets on my feet - I didn't know there were all these spring-loaded devices now...

I agree with the above information, and would add...zippers!

Base layer/long underwear tops with a half-zip neck - a lot of companies make these (REI, Columbia, Ibex, Smartwool). Great for adjusting when you go from "I'm freezing!" to "get me out of this turtleneck!"

Outer jacket with armpit-zips, again to control airflow.

And finally, rain/snow pants that zip from both the top and the bottom - both to adjust the airflow (you can un-zip from the waist while leaving the waist velcro attached to keep your pants up - not pretty, but effective) and so you can take them off without having to take your boots off.

Hope that helps, and have fun in the snow!

I have always wanted to try snowshoeing. It would be great to work up a sweat and get back into the wilderness off the beaten trail. I'm afraid I don't have any words of wisdom, just wanted to express my jealousy. :grumble: