winter outdoors

[Dave Fritz]

I have a pair of quilted Carhart bibs that are warm but are really stiff to put on and wear. They're heavy too. I'm soon 80 and have bad shoulders so I need help even getting them on. I wear them when working in the woods, plowing snow, or walking around the woods checking trail cameras. I see ice fishermen and some wrecker personnel wearing coveralls that look to be warm and more flexible. I'm wondering if any of you have experience and recommendations?

[Bruce Wrenn]

No experience, but I have noticed that most insulated clothing had canvas for the outer layer, which is by nature very stiff. This makes it very rugged, and tear resistant.

[Kevin Jenness]

Insulated ski pants are usually made of lighter, more flexible nylon. Not as wear resistant, but may work for you. They tend to be pricy though. https://www.rei.com/product/229005/outdoor-research-snowcrew-bib-snow-pants-mens

[George Yetka]

I like these if its not hard work being done. If you are just outside(hunting, snow blower, walking, etc) then these are great and not too pricey they go right over a pair of jeans. I spent a week in Yellowstone in february wearing jeans and these only and was very warm.

Theres no replacement for bibs/canvas if your going to be rough

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055QBON6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Grant Wilkinson]

An ice fishing buddy of mine swears by these

https://www.amazon.com/TIDEWE-Hunting-Battery-Insulated-Fishing/dp/B0C533RBD3/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=heated+overalls+mens&qid=1704209718&sr=8-4

[Thomas McCurnin]

Same Carhart Bibs, same problem and sent them back.

Instead, I go layers. Long Underwear top and bottom usually thin silk, then a one piece union suit, either cotton or fleece. Add a sweat shirt and jacket. Also a snowmobile suit, again thin, so layers work for you.

[Lee Schierer]

I have a pair of insulated nylon bib type snow pants I wear when walking in the woods and cross country skiing. They were made by Freezewear. I've had them for over 15 years and they are still going strong.

[mike stenson]

Got any friends who are snowmobilers? They are always down with the warm gear.

[Ron Selzer]

quilted Canvas bibs need washed numerous times and worn a lot to get the softer effect you are looking for. Spray them with water proofing when you finally get them soft
Ron

[Bill Dufour]

Fleece lined are not as stiff. Not as warm as quilted. Carhartt does not make fleece lined.Search for the recent thread about battery heated jackets. They also make heated gloves and socks. Do they make heated pants? Be carful many of the heated clothes are 12 volt for snowmobile and motorcycle cigarette lighter power use, not self powered.
Bill D

[Brian Elfert]

Insulated ski pants are usually made of lighter, more flexible nylon. Not as wear resistant, but may work for you. They tend to be pricy though. https://www.rei.com/product/229005/outdoor-research-snowcrew-bib-snow-pants-mens

You can get snow/ski pants for a lot less than $200. Big box stores here in Minnesota have them for less than $50.

[Jim Becker]

Products like the Carharts or Duluth Trading, TrueWerk, etc., that are designed for "hard work durability" that comes with activities like contracting are going to be stiffer simply because of the material they are made of. These brands and more have other winter products that focus more on warmth and moisture resistance that are going to be lighter and more flexible because they don't have the canvas/firehose type materials as a wear layer. That's what you want to investigate.

[Keith Outten]

I am a fan of the snowmobile suits. I purchased one several years ago to use ATV trail riding in the mountains in February and it kept me nice and warm. The suit is very light and flexible/comfortable to wear for very long periods of time. I also wear it while I am on my tractor in the rare times we have snow that has to be plowed here in the flat-lands.

[Brian Elfert]

Don't go overboard buying outerwear that is too heavy. Being too warm in cold weather is as bad as being cold in cold weather. You end up sweating and then the moisture ends up making you cold. I have taken some basic cold weather training. One of the big things I learned was to not stand around a fire in the cold. You're better off moving around than standing still around a fire.

[jack duren]

I ordered a pair, but won’t be here till the 9th..

https://www.amazon.com/TIDEWE-Hunting-Battery-Insulated-Fishing/dp/B0C533RBD3/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=heated+overalls+mens&qid=1704209718&sr=8-4

[Erik Loza]

To the OP, are you already wearing layers under your outerwear? I find that if I have good base layers on the outerwear is less critical. I discovered these “32-Degree Heat” base layer tops at Costco that are sheer, but warmer than about anything else. For leggings, I use merino wool tights in weights between 150 and 250 and have never been cold. Then jeans, vest, duck jacket, whatever. Also, when we were at a night walk in London recently, several people had these electronically heated vests. I imagine USB rechargeable. They seemed to really like them. Hope this helps,

Erik

[Jim Becker]

Don't go overboard buying outerwear that is too heavy. Being too warm in cold weather is as bad as being cold in cold weather. You end up sweating and then the moisture ends up making you cold. I have taken some basic cold weather training. One of the big things I learned was to not stand around a fire in the cold. You're better off moving around than standing still around a fire.
Adding to this, layers is the way to go because they can adapt to both conditions and activities.

[Earl McLain]

I've been using a pair of Wall's "Blizzard Pruf" bibs for 10 or 12 years, mostly for blowing snow and cutting dead-fall. Nylon/urethane shell--not as tough as canvas/duck--but more durable than most synthetic materials. Only about $60 at Tractor Supply Walls Men's Blizzard Pruf Super Snow Insulated Water-Resistant Bib Overalls - 1020783 at Tractor Supply Co. (https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/walls-mens-blizzard-puf-super-snow-insulated-water-resistant-bib-black-1020783?cid=Shopping-Google-Product-1020783&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqNSsBhAvEiwAn_tmxdmgwiFreUsI-HHE3YzPMS6BiKg8u95KLemWN9q9kf_rM6yyklX5BBoCWQUQAvD _BwE) Both my shoulders are in bad shape, but the straps on the Wall's are elastic enough that i can just leave them fastened when i put them on.

I have non-insulated Carhartt bibs--don't think i'll live long enough to get them soft, but i also will never wear them out!!

[Ken Platt]

I have a pair of Walls insulated bibs, which I too find bulky and limiting to movement, although I've worn them for years when it's really cold. This year, on a whim, I tried a pair of Duluth trading lined pantshttps://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/mens-fire-hose-fleece-lined-pants-brown-034-032-34513.html?color=BRN.

I am finding them to be perhaps the most comfortable pants for outdoor activities of any that I've tried over the years. The material is heavy, but not stiff. The warmth is great so far (we've had a mild late fall/early winter around here). They are a "relaxed" fit, but I've had other pants that claimed this type of cut but weren't near this comfortable. If I hadn't bought 2 at the same time, I'd be ordering another already. These things are awesome.

Ken

[Nicholas Lawrence]

I grew up wearing the insulated carhart coveralls, but I would not think they would be better than the overalls for someone with bad shoulders.

A really good option if you are active outside (not sitting for any extended period) is a couple of layers of those quilted flannel shirts, with a good quality down vest and a good hat.

For the lower half, good thermal underwear under whatever your favorite work pants are.

FWIW: I have not bought any recently, but from family I gather Carhart's quality is way down.

It seems to be a law of nature that when a company starts advertising about their reputation for quality they are simultaneously doing everything possible to reduce it.

[Dave Fritz]

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I'm not doing what I used to do so I probably don't need to strength of the Carhartt's. I just find I have to get outside at least once a day and move. We have a wood lot and as you know, it takes work just keeping up with exotic invasives (garlic mustard is winning). I think layering is the way to go. I've ordered some good thermal underwear and snow pants. I have vests and jackets that work great. Now, to haul in some firewood before we get the predicted snow storm.

[Erik Loza]

Unrelated, it seems like Carhartt has turned into the new "Patagonia" of urban fashion. My wife and I were just in the UK for the last couple of weeks and were seeing young folks sporting Carhartt beanies, jackets, etc. Like, "as a fashion statement". All the tradespeople over there wear simpler stuff. Just thought this was interesting. I use and love my Carhartt duck jucket for outdoor work, by the way.

Erik

[jack duren]

There suppose to be in today. Hope they work out. I might order the jacket

Talking snow the rest of the week here in KC. The heated sections will be useful..

been looking at waterproof boots.

[jack duren]

6” of snow. I’ll give those heaters a try today..

[jack duren]

6” of snow. I’ll give those heaters a try today..

Worked like a charm. I think I’ll wear these for spring fishing..