<p>So, my freshmen year here at The Ohio State is going to be my first non-California winter. For those of you who haven’t been to California, the worst it gets here is 35 degrees in the morning and it normally warms up to at least 50 by noon. As you can imagine the warmest clothing I have are a bunch of sweatshirts and a light Adidas jacket. I was just wondering how many jackets should I buy and which company should I get (North Face I would guess). </p>
<p>Also, I heard this rumor that North Face jackets made in the west are different from North Face jackets made on the east coast and that getting them from the east is better if you are going to live in the east and the west is better if you live in the west.</p>
<p>Not sure if North Face jackets are any better than any other brand. I think you want to look at the ratings that they give coats. Check out LL Bean for example. They rate their winter clothes as to what outside temp you will still be comfortable in when wearing your jacket. That would be a good place to start.</p>
<p>I agree with OaksMom, no need to get North Face if you don’t want to. My D, who will be a freshman in the fall, plans on wearing her Northface until Thanksgiving (or so) break. We’re from NY and the weather pattern is similar to Ohio’s. We looked for a winter jacket but they aren’t available just yet. Depending on your budget, I’m sure you can find a warm jacket similar to a Northface.</p>
<p>First, I assume you’re talking about the tough winter coats and not the North Face fleeces most people have - on the website, the former are listed as between $100-300. Frankly I think you’re mostly paying for the brand name there. You can find equally good for much less money, though it’s up to you. The fleeces are fine for fall.</p>
<p>I would have another coat for the late fall, like a peacoat. (Something warmer than a sweatshirt, but lighter than a winter coat. Plus it’s nice to have a coat that looks nicer and more formal so you don’t end up wearing a cheap hoodie with your nice clothes.)</p>
<p>Don’t forget shoes for winter - rainboots or warm boots. Uggs are okay, but in my experience they’re not waterproof enough. </p>
<p>You can buy a lot of these things during Fall Quarter here at OSU, if there’s not a good range in California. The weather here is hot enough around when school starts that you don’t need to stock up on warm clothes right away.</p>
<p>OHKID…were you on spring break during the blizzard that dumped over 2 feet of snow in March, 2008? A fluke, I admit but not entirely unheard of to have bitterly cold temps in January and February…can be down near zero for days at a time. Remember you will be walking outside between buildings to classes, dorms, dining halls, etc and the exposure is a little more than once in and out of the building as in highschool. I agree with KelseyG not to buy until you’re here. There’s a great outlet mall just 30 miles south of campus where you could pick up an appropriate weight coat at a nice cost and even a slightly dressier one, too…also many other stores in Columbus nearby on the bus lines I’m sure.</p>
<p>I’ll admit it, we get freak storms. But to be honest, our winters are generally really weak. A nice jacket will do for most (if not all) days.</p>
<p>And that outlet mall is roughly an hour out of town, but a good option none the less. Also hit up the JCPenney outlet on Brice Rd. for great deals, as well.</p>
<p>If you can afford it get a Barbour Overcoat with the zip liner and a hood. That will do you for everything from fall to the worst winter days to spring rains. Plus, you’ll have way more style than the masses in their North Face jackets.</p>
<p>I’ve lived in Columbus for around 20 years. It normally doesn’t get really cold here until January, so that does give you some time. It can snow a little in December but normally not much accumulation and it doesn’t stick around. The big snows are normally in Jan and Feb, and sometimes into early March. I agree with all of the other posts - normally people have a light coat or heavy fleece jacket for the shoulder months like Nov, Dec, March, and then a heavier duty coat for those 0 degree 20 mph wind days. Campmor.com is a fantastic place to buy winter gear. I’ve bought stuff there for years including countless parkas and boots as my kids have grown up.</p>
<p>I’m coming from Florida, and I’m probably just gonna rock the hoodies in the autumn quarter, with the leather jacket when I need to be a little more formal. I’ll probably get a big jacket for the winter with some better boots/shoes. But I’m not too worried for the fall, sweatshirts at night should be just fine.</p>