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Depending on where in the country you are, winter can be a brutal few months. But with the right gear, getting outside can be a pleasant breath of fresh air. REI has everything you need from warm coats and base layers to fashionable boots and gloves that will last you many winters to come. The store is beloved by outdoor adventurers, but even the weekend errand runners among us will benefit from its extension inventory. It also has frequent and substantial discounts if you need to stock up for next year. Below are some of our favorites, from REI’s own in-house brand as well as other high-quality options from Patagonia and Smartwool.
Prices are accurate as of February 13, 2025. Subject to change.
Table of Contents
Jackets
REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka
I used to do everything possible to avoid wearing a winter coat, as I’d rather freeze than feel like Randy from A Christmas Story. Then I got a truly great coat and now I actually enjoy being bundled up outside. If you have the same experience, try this parka. It’s the perfect length — long enough to keep your butt and thighs warm — with knit cuffs that stop the bitter wind from blowing up your sleeves and a fleece-lined hood for protecting your ears. It’s available in classic shades like black and brown, and also beautiful clay and forest green colors.
More Jackets We Like
Vests
Patagonia Bivy Hooded Down Vest
A vest is a great alternative to a jacket before winter really hits and in the transition from winter to spring. This one is made from recycled ripstop polyester and recycled down collected from other down gear — I appreciate that the animal products haven’t gone to waste. It’s available in solid blue, but I like the retro two-toned design. If you like that too, you might also be a fan of the Cotopaxi striped vest linked below.
More Vest We Like
Reader Favorites
Snow Clothes
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants
On a normal winter day, you probably don’t need to go all out with base layers and snowsuits. But if you’re planning on being out for an extended period of time, be it skiing, hiking, or tubing, snow pants are a great investment. You stay warm and don’t have to worry about your pants soaking through and freezing your skin. Add the base layers linked below to stay extra toasty.
More Clothing We Like
Boots
Sorel Out N About IV Classic Waterproof Boots
While I love a good Ugg boot, there’s no denying that you need something waterproof and durable when actually venturing into wet weather. Sorel boots are worth every penny — my pair has lasted over 10 years. The brand’s Caribou boots linked below are heavier-duty with removable felt liners if you’re going to be trekking through snow. But for staying warm and dry otherwise, get these Out N About duck boots. They’re reliable, light, and look sophisticated too. You won’t feel like you’re clunking through the room once you get inside.
More Boots We Like
Winter Accessories
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Gloves
Now that you have a warm jacket and solid boots, you need gloves too. There’s little worse than frigid fingers on a cold day. Cotopaxi’s gloves are made from 100% recycled polyester fleece with grips on the first two fingers so you won’t have to take them on and off for every little task. Keep your head and neck warm too with the balaclava included below.
Feature Image Credit: Image Courtesy of REI
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Medea is a writer and editor covering products across categories like beauty, pets, and home since 2017. Her commerce and lifestyle writing has appeared in WIRED and The New York Times. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three cats.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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