What type of clothes for Calgary, AB?

As the title says... I´m going to work in Calgary, AB for 6 months and need to know what type of clothes are best for the cold climate...
Thanks...

From Mexico to Alberta ... that's going to be a shock to your system.
I'm assuming you will be there in the winter.

----- 100% cotton is cold! -- try to get a 50/50% cotton - polyester blend for next to your skin. (t-shirts and socks especially)-- "Cotton Kills" is an outdoor saying up here.

----- , Layers, layers, layers. Don't rely on one heavy item to keep you warm.

----- Mittens are warmer than gloves even if you might not look so cool.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op a very good outdoor gear supplier. You have to join to purchase (minimal $5 fee) The link below is to their clothing information page.

http://www.mec.ca/Main/articles_mai...owsePath=1408474396038663&bmUID=1188130760612

There is a retail outlet in Calgary.

Best of luck and welcome.

If you have any other questions about your move feel free to ask.

I like synthetic fleece as my under garment choice when I'm out duck hunting in Ohio. I'm sometimes out for 4-6 hours in fog/light mist etc., and the moisture wicking abilities of the synthetics are a plus.

Just Google the phrase Sarratt mentioned and you'll get some fine advice such as the first link: http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor/cotton.html

One other thing that that greatly affects what I wear in teh cold is what I'll be doing. When hiking with a good deal of movement, and possible perspiration, I'll chage my gear quite a bit from duck hunting where I'm mainly sitting very still on or near a lake.

Wow, thanks guys... great info on those links...
i´ll be working outside during winter :santa:...

what about hats, scarfs???

chaka said:

Wow, thanks guys... great info on those links...
i´ll be working outside during winter :santa:...

what about hats, scarfs???

Click to expand...

Forget those. This will fit most any bill: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balaclava

You might want one thin one and one heavy one. Some have a bill which is nice if it's bright out. I have one with Goretex lining which is very warm, waterproof, and breathable. It's thin enouugh that I can wear it and still squeeze on my helmet if I dare to do a cold weather motorcycle ride.

When I worked outside it was my ears that got colder faster.
A headband that covers the ears --- 2" thick worked for me but I forgot to tell you that.

Never ever wear a scarf working outside.
its way to dangerous for the comfort it may give.
Loose ends of anything are forbidden in most workplaces.

I agree with .." bitslammer.." about balaclavas ---- personally I find them hot and suffocating


Your feet are going to freeze, just remember "wick away and then warm"....

Merino wool is good stuff too, but usually quite expensive compared to synthetic fibers. Check out www.smartwool.com they have lots of different things, socks, baselayers, hats, gloves...

Also a neck Gaiter is a pretty decent replacement for a scarf...

As someone who went from 40 degree heat in Aus straight to winter in Whistler (and the first time I saw snow): If your experience is anything like mine be prepared to be cold like you've never been cold before!

Luckily I stocked up at a Canterbury shop before I left, bought a really warm jacket designed for rugby players in New Zealand's winter. Really worked like a charm. Had to get used to the idea of 'layering' and my ability to carry torches went up exponentially with all those pockets

Living in Calgary myself, I can give the following advice.

It only really starts getting very cold at the end of Nov. Up until then, the weather is ok, with a cold day here and there.

The cold is described as a dry cold, with little moisture.

If you are going to be here for 6 months, you will definately need some good clothes and shoes as you will be here for the coldest months.... Jan/Feb/Mar. The cold is not endless, more often than not the spell is broken up by a warm wind called the Chinook. It can raise the temperature up 30 degrees in a couple of hours. Its awesome. -20 C one moment, turns into a pleasant +10 c later.

clothes.......I am from Africa, and I find that a good jacket, with a good shell to break the wind is important. I have a goose down jacket. nice and warm. thermal underwear <--Helly Hansen. Maybe some ankle high boots, to prevent snow from falling in.......mind you Calgary does not get much snow. Get gloves and a toque.

The warm clothes is only necessary when walking outside, once inside, all is good, as buildings are well heated/insulated.

do not go overboard buying stuff. If you need stuff, then wait till you are here to buy them.

Awww man! I forgot the toque. That's like an essential thing for Canada.

You should also pickup the album mentioned here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_and_Doug_McKenzie

It will provide you with all necessary cultural references you need.

Thanks for all the replys... very helpfull information...
I´m going to work at McLean Lumber Sales in Calgary, i don´t know if working outside or inside.
i´ll wait till i´m there to buy stuff... Thank you all.