Question:
I'm viciously allergic to down. Windproof + insulated is key... hence
Carhartt and/or Timberland. They cost about as much as snowboarder
stuff, only it looks warmer, will last a few years, won't get ripped
up when setting up/breaking down camp and telescope, and they come in
big sizes. It will also shed water if I need to work in wet snow for
whatever reason. They're also less than half the price of expedition
level cold weather stuff.
As for the boots, I take an odd size (EEEEEE width, 9 long, 13 wide)
so I'm looking at insulated overboots and really nice socks with my
workboots rather than a dedicated winter boot.
Answer:
Have you considered a snowmobile suit, looking on the web I quickly
found one for $210: http://www.bigmen.com/skiwear/snowsuit.html I know
the way they let the air move around inside keeps a person a lot warmer
than any two piece settup. I'm sure Carhartt also has the full
suit/coveralls.
Then for you feet, there are either of these: http://www.40below.com/
or http://www.overshoe.com/
They tend to lack flexibility and weight more. Some require plugging into
an outlet for heating. The real problem comes with you need to take a dump.
Drop flaps are useful, but the lack of good heat control is a problem.
Go to your local Home Hardware, or the like,and get a peice
of styrofoam insulation to stand on. REALLY makes a difference.
They've never been to my local Chinese take-out. The General Tso is definitely
cat.
