Author Topic: Preparing for winter on a budget...  (Read 13534 times)

funkyfish

  • Joined Nov 2011
  • Devon
Preparing for winter on a budget...
« on: August 14, 2013, 08:20:31 am »
Whilst the weather is nice at the moment, I'm sure it will turn and be wet and miserable again soon...


So I've been digging out my winter kit to check it over and replace if necessary. I invested in a full length water proof coat to save the legs from soaking, I lived in water proofs but they always seemed to have a tear at the back of the leg or somewhere and let the water in. I'd like a balaclava as I always get a very cold nose, but cant breath with a scarf or neck gaiter over my face.


Wish list- winter tyres for car (front only or all 4??), Good waterproof trousers that don't tear or wear through the knees after a week (but still under £30), Sealskin gloves to keep hands dry and warm, balaclava and a bigger flask for hot drink on way to work after the field.


Does anyone else have any favourite winter must haves?

Old and rare breed Ducks, chickens, geese, sheep, guinea pigs, 3 dogs, 3 cats, husband and chicks brooding in the tv cabinate!

Mammyshaz

  • Joined Feb 2012
  • Durham
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2013, 08:26:53 am »
A bright pink balaclava. Dont know where I got it but it is chunky knit two layers and so warm.
Waterproof trousers a must.  And wellies -at the moment I love my 'Muddies' neoprene lined full length rubber. So comfy and warm.
Im yet to find gloves that are fit for purpose  ::)

Castle Farm

  • Joined Nov 2008
  • Hereford/Powys Border. near Hay-on-Wye
    • castlefarmeggs
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2013, 09:38:06 am »
One of the best bits of advice I can give is.

Buy decent socks, not cheap ones. Nothing worse than socks that end up in the toes of your boots.
Traditional Utility Breed Hatching Eggs sent next day delivery. Pure bred Llyen Sheep.
www.castlefarmeggs.co.uk  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Utility-Poultry-Keepers/231571570247281

fsmnutter

  • Joined Oct 2012
  • Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #3 on: August 14, 2013, 09:39:09 am »
'Dickies' do 'flexothane' waterproofs.
As a vet, I have found over years of lambing/veterinary work, these are the only ones that have survived more than about 5 minutes without getting tears, which seem to run faster than ladders in tights!
The flexothane is slightly stretchy, so i think it can catch and spring back without tearing holes or something, and if washed in the machine at only 30C with no powder, the waterproofing lives on!
Hope that helps
Suzanne

Fowgill Farm

  • Joined Feb 2009
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2013, 10:00:22 am »
Its funny there was a definite nip in the air the last two mornings and my mind turned to the forthcoming winter, i too have invested in a new long coat and i want some good waterproof gloves. I find a wooly hat and a hoodie as good as anything for keeping the head warm and chills from the neck.
The suns out now so putting all these brr thoughts away for the time being.
Mandy :pig:

happygolucky

  • Joined Jan 2012
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2013, 10:30:38 am »
I noticed an autumnal feel when out last night, so much I am wearing a  brown outfit with a rusty coloured cardi.
I hate stuff over my nose too, I am not keen on hats but it did take me ages to find a waterproof one with a peak and flaps that I can put my hood up  over to keep it in place as when I do wear a  hat its usually windy and cold, anyway, I found mine in the men's department of a store, seems I like men's outwear stuff better than women's!! I too want a new outdoor coat, I got very good Tuffa boots last year with fleece lining, trouble is the fleece ripped and I actually got my foot stuck in my  boot, they were quite a price too for me, but otherwise I love them. Ideal for dog walking and logging and foraging all year round!! I also prefer layers, long sleeve tee shirt of brushed cotton shirt (mens again as they are longer) then a thin jumper, then a thick jumper of fleece then coat and on my legs just anything stretchy as I do not work on the land other than on shoots and training, I do not get too cold......then of course a nice large scarf that can wrap around my neck, I usually prefer cloth scarfs that I can hold my hat on with too.....anyway, my outfits usually depend on what's going in charity shops  :innocent:

Victorian Farmer

  • Guest
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2013, 10:39:09 am »
yes you re right the highlands will be in Autumn in 3 weeks the robins are back in there new coats iv looked at the wether and it not good for the week end then it will pic up for a fuew days that gape will get the harvest in no doubt . August looks good and there is the chance of a fine and warm bank holiday weekend. back to the post fleece jackits love them e bay second hand very strong good makes £6 to £8 .
« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 10:41:43 am by Victorian Farmer »

happygolucky

  • Joined Jan 2012
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2013, 10:43:34 am »
Victorian Farmer you are always spot on with the weather :thumbsup: , I love a nice cuddly fleece too...no need to pay a fortune they are just as good when they are pre loved :thumbsup:

Bodger

  • Joined Jul 2009
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #8 on: August 14, 2013, 10:44:56 am »
My must have has got to be a damned good fire to come into and red hot water for a nice soak in the bath at the end of the day.

happygolucky

  • Joined Jan 2012
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #9 on: August 14, 2013, 11:23:21 am »
Quote
My must have has got to be a damned good fire to come into and red hot water for a nice soak in the bath at the end of the day.
:thumbsup: , we are busy stocking up on logs, we are running out of storage space!
I love the idea of a nice hot soak at night but as we have lodgers who use the bathroom I do not feel that I can take a soak and have them all forming a que for a wee!

funkyfish

  • Joined Nov 2011
  • Devon
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2013, 04:31:42 pm »
Great ideas! Thanks! :)


I wondered where the LA vets got their waterproofs from, will look them up. Its been many years since I was in mixed practice, had almost forgotten the smell of calving gowns and waterproofs left int the back of the car all weekend in the summer... And me having to wash them! :tired:


Anyone found water proof glover that are water proof, or just don't freeze your hands when they get wet? Are neoprene ones any good?
Old and rare breed Ducks, chickens, geese, sheep, guinea pigs, 3 dogs, 3 cats, husband and chicks brooding in the tv cabinate!

lachlanandmarcus

  • Joined Aug 2010
  • Aberdeenshire
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #11 on: August 14, 2013, 05:00:32 pm »
Great ideas! Thanks! :)


I wondered where the LA vets got their waterproofs from, will look them up. Its been many years since I was in mixed practice, had almost forgotten the smell of calving gowns and waterproofs left int the back of the car all weekend in the summer... And me having to wash them! :tired:


Anyone found water proof glover that are water proof, or just don't freeze your hands when they get wet? Are neoprene ones any good?


You need the Sealskinz waterproof ones, they will keep them Both warm and dry. about £30-35


Neoprene alone will stop your hands getting so cold but they will still be wet,

SteveHants

  • Joined Aug 2011
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #12 on: August 14, 2013, 05:58:15 pm »
I just got a very posh Seeland jacket with zippy-in fleece lining.


£10, Mencap, apparently brought in this morning.  :thumbsup:

Steph Hen

  • Joined Jul 2013
  • Angus Scotland.
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #13 on: August 14, 2013, 06:04:43 pm »


Anyone found water proof glover that are water proof, or just don't freeze your hands when they get wet? Are neoprene ones any good?

I love seeland gloves!

happygolucky

  • Joined Jan 2012
Re: Preparing for winter on a budget...
« Reply #14 on: August 14, 2013, 06:18:26 pm »
Quote
just got a very posh Seeland jacket with zippy-in fleece lining.


£10, Mencap, apparently brought in this morning
     ::)  envey.................I sometimes get a good coat but my layer of winter proofing fat makes the choice a bit less.....sadly

 

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