I live in VA now and spent some time discing up in MA a few years back -- but moved to both places from the balmy winters of TX, so I know how you feel.
I've found that it's really important to try things on before you buy them (rather than getting a good deal online) because some great brands and products in your size may still restrict your throwing motion. How different layers act against one another has a huge effect on throwing (i.e. two layers with rough texture create friction that results in poor movement; a slick layer next to a rougher layer still has great movement).
For the lower body:
knee-high soccer socks to help keep the legs warm. Boxer-brief underarmor to keep the important bits from freezing. Waterproof/windproof athletic pants (the windproof is key here.
For the upper body:
An initial layer of long-sleeved underarmor is incredibly helpful. This will also help keep you from freezing even if you sweat, since it will wick the moisture away from your body. Top that with A long sleeved shirt of some kind (for this, I don't care about the fabric -- it can be acrylic/polyester/wool/cotton/fleece). For the third layer, most days a vest is good enough -- people have given plenty of good reasons above. If it's really cold, a windproof, waterproof jacket (probably a size larger than you normally wear, to allow extra movement) is a great help.
Beyond that, on really cold days, a fleece neck-warmer (just a loop of fleece fabric, serves the same purpose as a scarf, but doesnt' fall off) -- can also be used like a headband to keep your ears warm -- is awesome. A good hat can help, but make sure you can turn your head naturally while wearing it -- some hats seem to restrict head movement.
Finally, wear big, windproof, waterproof mittens, and put a hand warmer in each one -- or at least for your throwing hand. Mittens are much easier to take on/off than gloves, and they allow one hand warmer to warm your whole hand and keep your fingers nimble for throwing. This is the most essential piece of winter gear I know of -- it doesn't matter how warm the rest of you is if your hand can't feel the disc.
I lost my mittens at the end of last season, and am in search of another pair for winter, so if anyone sees any great deals online, please send the link my way. Thanks. And best of luck staying warm this winter.
I've found that it's really important to try things on before you buy them (rather than getting a good deal online) because some great brands and products in your size may still restrict your throwing motion. How different layers act against one another has a huge effect on throwing (i.e. two layers with rough texture create friction that results in poor movement; a slick layer next to a rougher layer still has great movement).
For the lower body:
knee-high soccer socks to help keep the legs warm. Boxer-brief underarmor to keep the important bits from freezing. Waterproof/windproof athletic pants (the windproof is key here.
For the upper body:
An initial layer of long-sleeved underarmor is incredibly helpful. This will also help keep you from freezing even if you sweat, since it will wick the moisture away from your body. Top that with A long sleeved shirt of some kind (for this, I don't care about the fabric -- it can be acrylic/polyester/wool/cotton/fleece). For the third layer, most days a vest is good enough -- people have given plenty of good reasons above. If it's really cold, a windproof, waterproof jacket (probably a size larger than you normally wear, to allow extra movement) is a great help.
Beyond that, on really cold days, a fleece neck-warmer (just a loop of fleece fabric, serves the same purpose as a scarf, but doesnt' fall off) -- can also be used like a headband to keep your ears warm -- is awesome. A good hat can help, but make sure you can turn your head naturally while wearing it -- some hats seem to restrict head movement.
Finally, wear big, windproof, waterproof mittens, and put a hand warmer in each one -- or at least for your throwing hand. Mittens are much easier to take on/off than gloves, and they allow one hand warmer to warm your whole hand and keep your fingers nimble for throwing. This is the most essential piece of winter gear I know of -- it doesn't matter how warm the rest of you is if your hand can't feel the disc.
I lost my mittens at the end of last season, and am in search of another pair for winter, so if anyone sees any great deals online, please send the link my way. Thanks. And best of luck staying warm this winter.
