Best Winter Gear (for you) that doesn't break the bank

[CraziChknLady]

Well temps have plummeted here in TN, and to say we are having frigid temps is an understatement. For example this morning its 6F but with wind chill feels -3. I know we are worried about our feathered flocks, but also know that we need to be safe as well. What do you wear or recommend that works?
I have a set of boots, sweatshirt and jacket that are farm only. I also have one of those blanket hoodie suits (no idea what its called, its like a blanket hoodie materials but I have pants and a sweatshirt) I wear this when I have to snow shovel the run.
I find if I wear regular socks with my fuzzy socks, that works for my feet. I also have some heated socks that work. I am having trouble with my hands though. Found if I wear some disposable gloves with my gloves, that helps to keep heat in. Unfortunately, don't have a great pair at the moment. Haven't found a pair of heated ones that help heat the fingers, its just the palm.
I don't want to break the bank i.e. spending $100 for a pair of gloves, but if its for some heated ones I have seen those run $30-50. So I would be willing to do that. I am not willing to spend $200 for a jacket or or say $300 for a pair of boots. If that helps at all. I do prefer to to layer if that helps.
What do you do? What works or doesn't? Do you prefer certain brands over another? Any advice or recommendations are appreciated! Stay safe and warm during the rest of this winter season!

 

[wrathsfarm]

Working in construction in cold weather I've always had Under Armour and Carhartt in my arsenal.

Carhartt make different lined for different weather. Their Arctic lined being extreme cold. I have 2 sets of bibs and 2 coats and 1 vest. (1 bibs, 1 hooded coat, and vest are red lined. 1 hooded coat and bibs are Arctic) The coats are rarely worn unless it's cold or rain/cold as coats are bulky and limit my upper body, so I normally just wear Under Armour and double up on hoodies under my bibs and then wear my vest depending.

Boots and gloves I get the best I can afford. But gloves get ruined if their not tough leather and thin enough for me to dig in to my tool pouch for nails and screws.

Good discussion, curious to learn what others do for cold gear.

 

[Sally PB]

Since I live in Michigan, I need to be prepared for cold, and sometimes bitterly cold temps every year. I also don't wear my "good" coat out into the coop because I don't want chicken poop on it. So this is my get up.

Torso:
T-shirt, sweatshirt, fleece vest, fleece hoodie, windbreaker. That's what I wore out to the coop this morning at -3F.

Legs:
Long underwear, sweats, socks that cover my calves, calf high "poop boots."

Hands:
Thin gloves (cheap knit liners) and garden gloves. This is the weak spot in my outfit. My hands get cold, very quickly. These are not waterproof, so I am very careful to not get my hands wet, especially at below freezing temps.

Head:
Warm hat, scarf

I am not outside for very long in this get up. 20 minutes-ish. But that's plenty for taking care of the chickens. If I'm walking the dog, I wear my good gloves, boots, and coat.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Since I live in Michigan, I need to be prepared for cold, and sometimes bitterly cold temps every year. I also don't wear my "good" coat out into the coop because I don't want chicken poop on it. So this is my get up.

Torso:
T-shirt, sweatshirt, fleece vest, fleece hoodie, windbreaker. That's what I wore out to the coop this morning at -3F.

Legs:
Long underwear, sweats, socks that cover my calves, calf high "poop boots."

Hands:
Thin gloves (cheap knit liners) and garden gloves. This is the weak spot in my outfit. My hands get cold, very quickly. These are not waterproof, so I am very careful to not get my hands wet, especially at below freezing temps.

Head:
Warm hat, scarf

I am not outside for very long in this get up. 20 minutes-ish. But that's plenty for taking care of the chickens. If I'm walking the dog, I wear my good gloves, boots, and coat.

I'm just south of Lansing. -2 (-21 wind chill at the moment)

Brrrrrr....

Edit...Added pic for fun.