What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Now before all the armchair Bear Gryllses (Gryllsi?) lose their minds over the inadequacy of this stuff, no one is looking to recreate the Amundsen Expedition here. These are options for getting up/out to a cabin, and relaxing. Just a few functional, flexible pieces for a weekend winter getaway, even if the most physical activity you’ll end up doing is half an hour of snow shoeing. Unplug. Relax. Hibernate a bit. Top photo credit
The Sweater: JCP Striped Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater – $12.74 w/ FEBSAVE3. Boy, they ain’t kidding about getting rid of all the Wooster/Ron Johnson stuff. The JCP brand does not appear to be long for this world, but the silver lining is that basics like this micro-stripe merino crew are now marked down to almost nothing. Lots of sizes left online. If you’ve got a wool button-mock neck, these were great here, for that extra neck protection.
The Watch: Orient Aviator – $203 w/ dappered30 ($290). A very solid investment to make in a sport watch that can take a pounding. 100 meter water resistance, extra luminescent dial (perfect for seeing what time it is in the middle of the night when you can’t find the light switch in the cabin), and one of Orient’s in-house automatic movements. Rotating bezel too. Full review here. UPDATE: Looks like this is now available through Orient’s USA website, so the 30 off (+ freebie package) code dappered30 should work and net you a lower price than Amazon.
The Pants: L.E.C. Slim Moleskin Cargo Pants – $29.99 w/ BESTINCLASS & 6320 ($78). The slim cargo “thing” came and went pretty quickly (is it over yet? It is over, right?). And even if you were never even close to jumping on board, these still might appeal to you. Thick, warm cotton moleskin with a couple of non-billowing cargo pockets on the sides. Pretty perfect for the outdoors or just getting a never ending chorey done on the weekend around your place. Many thanks to wc123 for digging up that 25% off F&F Code. Free shipping kicks in at $50. (Belt shown above, also by LEC, but it looks like those are long gone.)
The Jacket: Boden Quilted Jacket – $125.80 w/ U229 ($148) Continues to be one of the better fitting, better looking, and solidly constructed mid to lightweight winter jackets out there. Quilted exterior, lined in cotton, with corduroy at the collar and cuffs. Dual snap vents in the rear allow for good mobility. Nylon quilting gives it a bit of a technical look, but the shell isn’t shiny. Almost has a vintage look to it, while still looking quite contemporary. Hat tip to Rorran18 in the comments for diggin up the 15% off + free shipping Boden code U229.
The Socks: Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Blend Socks – $24.72
The Boots: Danner Mountain Lite – $247.96
Something to sip: Flor de Cana 12 year rum – $
The Reading Material: Solo: A James Bond Novel – $12.99
The Bag: Frost River Flight Bag – $140 – $170. As good as it gets at this price. Waxed canvas helps keep winter out, and with a few different sizes to choose from, you should have plenty of room for a weekend’s worth of gear.
Really like the JCP sweater. Any fit experience? Size down?
I have some other jcp sweaters. I sized down for a more slim fit.
@Joe. JCP code is FEBSAVE3. I think FUNDEAL is an old one.
Nice! Flor de Cana is awesome. Made in Nicaragua, been there a couple times. Nice reminder of some of my favorite traveling experiences!
I’ll second those kirkland socks – got them at a costco sale around $11 or $12. Lighter / more cotton-sock-like than my heavy wool socks, but heavy enough to keep my feet warm in the recent 20 inches of snow here…
Why didn’t my parents name me Bear Gryllsi?
Apparently I have been reading this site too long now.. I got the Boden Jacket last time there was a sale, and got a Frost River bag for xmas.. Love these posts, so many good ideas.
Is the Boden Jacket relatively warm? Would I be okay in mid 40’s weather in them or is it more of a late winter/early spring jacket?
The jacket is pretty great actually. It is great for 40’s, just heavy enough to keep warm but thin enough to not feel weighed down.. Im rocking it today for that exact reason.
Agree with Zach – size down for a trim fit.
Because they rather enjoyed…bruschetta? 😛
You’ve convinced me. Thank you. My wallet does not thank you, but at least it will be warm.
Getting the moleskin cargos. Not ashamed.
NP. That is what this site is for, convincing others to spend money right? One note though; the jacket is a slim fit. I got the large and it fits me well, and looks good but doesnt leave much room to spare.
Heads up: Boden is running 15% off and free shipping with code: U229
Thanks again. Do you mind if I ask your chest and waist size to get a gauge on fit?
Of course. 46R, 36 waist.
Agreed! Long-aged rums like this one are underrated.
great post. the costco musa merino socks are amazing. wear them all day and all night. doesn’t make your feet sweat, fights odors, and thick/soft without being to thick. great pick.
i have the danner boots in olive suede with the vibram sole. those brown leather danners with the lug sole look even better.
i want those moleskin cargo pants.
Word on the street is those Kirkland socks are actually SmartWool hiking socks without the branding. Owning pairs of both, I’m inclined to agree. A crazy good value.
Huh. I’d heard the Kirckland ones were really good, but that’s great info.
I’ve had my eye on them since they first appeared at Landsend.com, I’ve been holding out for a good sale code to jump on them. Now they will surely sell out of my size thanks to the “Dappered Effect!” Thanks Joe! 🙂
Is the quilted jacket waterproof at all? I just can’t get behind a winter jacket that isn’t waterproof, living in the northwest.
I’d call it water resistant. If you’re in rain & sleet often, it’s probably not the best. I was out in a good caliber storm and it soaked up some water. Didn’t get through to me, but it probably would have if I would have been out in it for hours.
Excellent. Just updated above. Thanks!
Got it, and updated. Yeah, fundeal was yesterday. Thanks!
That sounds reasonable for quick walks to lunch, though. I’ve got that Merona quilted jacket from a couple years back, and the damned thing is a sieve. It’s got little holes all over where stitched run together. I came back from lunch yesterday, and had several spots where I was soaked down to my undershirt.
For those who have the Frost River bag, what size do you have and how do you feel about it?
I looked at the dimensions after initially gravitating towards the Medium, it’s actually huge (3520 cubic inches). After looking at those, the mini may be more what i’m looking for, but i’m also looking for comments on overall feel and quality. Would you buy it again over similar offerings (Navali, Gustin, Filson)?
Love Nicaragua and love Flor de Cana. So glad to see it featured here.
Lands End promo drops the cargo pants to $30. LandsEnd promotion code BESTINCLASS and pin 6320 give 25% off and free shipping at $50. Good deals on the 608 and 628 Comer chinos too (as low as $15). Get them while they last.
Awesome. Updated above.
Question about the Boden jacket. I’m typically a medium in everything, wear a 38R jacket and have a slightly slim build. Would a medium fit me well because the comments on the site seem to vary. Thanks in advance.
A heads up that all of the JCP sweaters at the stores near me are on clearance for $3.97. JCP polos are $3.97. JCP varsity jacket is $8.97. Then again, I live in western New York, where everything seems less – except the snow, gas and taxes – but might be worth checking out.
Unnecessary anecdote: My mom receives 25% off for life after she quit her part time job at JCPenney because her years of service and age added up to some threshold sum – they’re basically saying she’s old – and she gets a lifetime discount. (Or more appropriately, lifetime of JCPenney.) Snagged six sweaters and a polo with a $10 off $25 for $11.83. The receipt will reside in my Costanza wallet for eternity.
Hey buddy, I have the Frost River bag and couldn’t be happier with it. I have the Flight Bag and it’s plenty big enough for weekend or even week long trips. I like it so much I also bought the Simple Briefcase. All there stuff is the same: waxed canvas with nylon straps and leather-snap handles unless you add on extras. They also come with a shoulder strap. After one use, a rivet on the leather handle broke and I emailed them and they told me to mail it back for free repairs. They gave me a gift card for the $15 shipping (actually cost me about $11) upon receipt of the fixed product, and while I would have liked a credit back to my account (I can only use the gift card at Frost River), I am satisfied with the resolution of my problem. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase the bag. It’s very, very sturdy, when empty it folds down to almost nothing, and they guarantee their work. Thumbs up. Hope that helps. Good luck!
Kirkland merino wool 4pack on eBay $18.95 free shipping.
Great, thanks for the info!
What size do you have in the flight bag? It comes in Mini, Carry on, and Medium.
Right, good question. It’s the Carry On. It really is substantial in size. I wouldn’t hesitate: made in the USA, extremely sturdy construction, and damn fine lookin’.
Right, good question. It’s the Carry On. It really is substantial in size and carrying capacity. I wouldn’t hesitate: made in the USA, very sturdy construction, and damn fine lookin’. Additionally, I gave you incorrect info regarding the straps. The handle straps are made of leather. The shoulder strap is made of nylon, unless you purchase add-ons. In my opinion, you don’t need the add-ons.
Any cheaper alternatives to the Danners?
Limited sizes, but super cheap.
http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-ultimate-hiker-boots/id_258692?sku_0=::H96
Yes, the medium would fit great. I’m a 39 inch chest and normally wear 38R or 40R and the jacket fits perfectly. It’s a bit snug if you want to layer a lot, but I haven’t had a problem with button ups and sweaters under it.
Thanks for the help. Sadly, I already ordered a small because the reviews on site mentioned sizing down along with other things I found doing research. I’ll just exchange it if I have to.
Never mind, I just found out how fantastic their customer service is.
I also highly recommend Danner’s Light II Dark Brown GTX. They’re nice-looking boots for walking around town, and also superb hiking boots; I strap crampons on them and go hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains all the time.
Good Call on the rum. I got the 18yr and its well stuffed in my stash cabinet.
Anyone know what’s included in the Orient freebie package? I’m considering the bambino and saw the “special promotion package” show up in the cart after entering the code “Dappered30”. The picture seems to imply they’re throwing in a (presumably cheap) additional watch for free …
Yep, they throw a quartz watch in there just for kicks. Not sure the model, not sure if it rotates/changes depending on time of year.
Hilarious story. Can’t Stand Ya!!!!!!!