THE CANADA EXPERIENCE

The length will also minimize the infiltration of the cold. The longer it is, the more you will be protected. A coat that covers the buttocks will be sufficient, and if it goes down to the thighs or even the knees, it will be ideal. Also, the length will give you more comfort in situations where you fall in the snow, slide off a sidewalk or when you have to sit on a bench.

This is the outer layer of the coat. Its main function is to protect against snow, rain and wind, so it must be waterproof and water-repellent. But it also keeps the insulation in place and allows internal perspiration to circulate. It is generally made of nylon or polyester, the most common and least expensive cold weather insulation on the market. For regions with wetter winters, it is important to choose an adapted shell.

A winter coat is hard to separate from a hood, especially since most of our body heat escapes through the head. However, with winters getting colder and colder, it's easier to do without. For this, a removable hood is ideal. Depending on the weather conditions and personal desire, it can be removed. A large adjustable hood will be best if you want to wear a hat and scarf with comfort underneath. Concerning the composition, fur (or fake fur) will be the best choice to block as much as possible the infiltration of snow in case of storm.

The collar protects your neck from the elements. The wind and the cold infiltrate very easily in the neck and a scarf is not always enough. For better comfort, choose a collar covered with fleece. This material is soft and protects perfectly from the cold.

A zipper will be more effective against the infiltration of cold as opposed to a button closure. For optimal insulation and protection against the cold, choose one that goes all the way up to the collar and prefer YKK closures: they are more robust, resistant and comply with quality and safety standards. Also, choosing a double zipper will have a more practical aspect: by closing the inner one and leaving the outer one open, you will be more comfortable when entering interior spaces.

For the outside pockets, make sure they are lined and ideally lined with fleece to ensure maximum protection against the cold. You will have trouble warming up if your hands are cold. They must be large enough to hold your hands and your belongings such as your hat, gloves or wallet. In addition, it is also good to have large interior pockets to slip in your phone for example and thus have access to your headphones. For sports and mountaineering enthusiasts, pay attention to the location of the pockets and their depth.