It has been a long time since Papa Wolf and I have shopped for winter coats for ourselves. You know how it goes—the kids come first! When we moved from Montreal to Calgary in the spring of 2015, we left behind a lot of our more decrepit belongings with big plans to start fresh upon settling in our new home. For example, Papa Wolf’s winter coat: purchased in Grade 11, he bought it two sizes too big because he was sure he couldn’t be done growing. Alas, stop growing he had. That coat was literally falling apart at the seams, so he bade it an emotional farewell before we moved. With our second winter in Calgary approaching and the knowledge that we would not be spending an entire month in the much milder (though damper) climate of Vancouver, it was time to shop for winter apparel. We squeezed Cub into his size 3 snowsuit last year, but being a one-piece, there was no way we were going to make it a third year in a row. As for Little Miss, she is significantly smaller than her brother was at her age, so the snowsuit I had saved for her is simply too big this season. And as for me and Papa Wolf, we were on the market for coats to last us another ten years at least … and in the correct sizes, of course!
When I showed Papa Wolf Live Out There’s website, he got very excited. “Hey! These are all the brands I like!” he exclaimed with childlike glee. Patagonia, The NorthFace, Columbia, Fjallraven … all the brands that make him drool. He usually pays little heed to what happens here on my blog, but now I had his attention. When it comes to shopping, he would rather have tonsillitis than set foot in a store. Live Out There offers no-minimum free shipping and free returns to its Canadian customers, so that means homebodies like us don’t have to face the crowds and the high-pressure salespeople to get the gear we want!
Papa Wolf received a Patagonia Bivy Down Jacket that he simply adores. Patagonia is a brand that prioritizes durability and sustainability, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him still wearing this coat while he sits on his rocking chair on our farmstead’s front porch. (I just gave you a glimpse of our retirement dream, didn’t I?) Interesting fact: the Patagonia toque upon his head is already eleven years old!
The down in the Bivy is 100% traceable: you’ll find that the birds who generously supplied their feathers were never force-fed and never live-plucked. This jacket is thin but oh my goodness is it warm! He has to take it off once we’re in the car. He doesn’t need heavy layers underneath either, but truth be told, we’re still waiting for a real cold snap to put it to the toughest test. Although fashion is nowhere near Papa Wolf’s top-ten priorities for a winter coat, his wife appreciates that this coat is trendy and tailored enough to wear to his business meetings in the winter (as you can appreciate his bedraggled, two-sizes-too-big coat of yore was not).
One of our favourite winter activities is going sledding on one of the many hills within a few minute’s drive of our house. Papa Wolf got to test-drive his Columbia Bugaboo Snow Pants when we hit the slopes for the very first time this past weekend!
The pink Columbia snowsuit Little Miss is wearing on the sled is actually not the one we received from Live Out There. However, I have Live Out There to thank for introducing me to a product called Nikwax. See, we picked up the snowsuit second hand, and the first time Little Miss wore it out in the snow, I discovered it was not longer waterproof. I thought it was destined for the trash. Who knew there was a product that restores water-repellency?! I soaked the suit in the sink according to the directions on the bottle, and eagerly awaited the next snowfall to see if it worked. Little Miss spent a lot of time sitting in the snow, and her bum was dry and warm when we got home from our sledding adventure. 
The kids and I all received Columbia jackets, so let me start off with the children’s models before I get to what you’re really interested in: a rad coat for YOU.
It can be really frustrating to invest in good gear for our children when we know how fast they grow. The first thing that struck me about the kids’ Columbia jackets we received from Live Out There was the “Outgrown Internal Sleeve/Pant Grow System.” “The who in the what now?” you might be saying. Columbia clearly knows the struggle is real for parents who discover halfway through the season that their monkey’s arms have grown like the Grinch’s heart! The cuffs on these coats can be extended with the pull of a string, adding an extra inch and a half of length! Little Miss’s Toddler Buga Suit is size 24 months and is still quite big on her, so we are sure to get two seasons, if not three, out of it.
The snow pants have a cozy fleece upper, and yes, the pant-legs also have the Outgrown system!
Since the Nikwax restored her size 18 months snowsuit, we’re covered until later this season when she grows into her Buga suit, which is a bit baggy for now!
Cub’s Boys Whirlibird Interchange Jacket is a size XS (he wears a size 4 or 5 in t-shirts), and with that extra arm length, I am confident this is at minimum his shell for the next two years. Did I say shell? Aren’t I talking about winter jackets? Well as the “Interchange” in the name implies, this jacket is THREE in one. The shell on its own is an awesome windbreaker or raincoat, also suitable on top of a leopard costume.
The zip-in liner is water-repellant with Omni-Heat™ technology (more on that in a second), and it is all he’s been wearing for the past two months of chilly but not bone-chilling weather. This jacket is so thin that it is suitable for use in his car seat without having to loosen the straps, yet it is warm enough to get him from house to car without freezing. We recently had our first below zero days of the season, and he was warm enough for running errands and going to preschool. When needed, we can just throw on the shell once he’s out of his seat and be off to play in the snow. (Which is exactly what we did for our sledding adventure!) 
When you put these two pieces together you’ve got an insulated, waterproof winter combo with all the bells and whistles: waterproof centre front zipper, removable and adjustable storm hood, drawcord hem, powder skirt, zippered pockets galore … I cannot overstate how much I appreciate the value of this product. Our weather in Calgary changes so suddenly that we often find ourselves over or under dressed on our outdoor adventures. No longer, thanks to the Whirlibird!
Last but not least, let us marvel in the glory of MY Whirlibird. Yup, Mama is in on the three-in-one jacket train and she is loving it.
I am so crazy about the colour! What’s better than hot coral to get you through those drab days of browning leaves and grey skies? Again, the value in this Interchange jacket is undeniable. Like the children’s version, it features an insulated zip-in layer that I’ve been wearing on its own since October.
All three of our Columbia jackets have Omni-Heat™ technology which is like a disco ball in your coat, reflecting your body heat right back at you.
As soon as I get moving, I can feel the warmth, so it’s really great to know my kids must feel cozy in their Columbias, too. Even when it’s below zero, I like to wear this coat when we are running errands because I can easily put a baby carrier on top of it without it being to bulky and without overheating. While the grey inner layer of my Whirlibird stops me from shivering in the car while being super trim, the outer layer has all the features a busy mama needs: underarm zippers to help cool you down when pulling the sled; removable hood that cinches right around your face to keep your mom-bun dry; snow skirt to allow for snow angel production; and pockets galore for Hot Wheels, Pokémon cards, granola bars, tissues and lip balm.
Thanks to Live Out There, our family is now totally ready for whatever crazy weather Calgary throws at us this winter. The kids are set for at least another season thanks to the smart design of their Columbia jackets, and me and the mister know we won’t be needing to upgrade our winter outerwear for many years to come!
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Amie M says
This is a great review, and a reminder to spend the money on us for good quality outdoor wear. We want to play in the snow, too!
Chelsey Gike says
This definitely reminds me that it’s important to spend money on the good quality stuff!
Jenna D says
Columbia’s Outgrown system totally blew my mind when we went shopping for kiddo’s snow gear this year. I trust Columbia because of my own wonderful experience with one of their jackets. So, so warm, and super durable. I’ve had the same coat for over 10 years and it is still every bit as cozy as the day I bought it!
Awesome tip about the Nikwax. I’d used it on boots and it never occurred to me to try it on snow gear!
janie vezina says
love the grow feature for the kids, because you’re right they grow too fast.
Jenny Major says
This definitely reminds me that it’s important to spend money on the good quality stuff
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
great review – this seems like a great company to purchase items from – TY
Wanda Tracey says
Thank you for the great review.I could have shopped for hours on the Live Out There site!They carry excellent quality goods and brand names that I love!!If I were the lucky one to win this awesome prize I would probably buy new boots or shoes.Thank you for this amazing opportunity to participate. 🙂
Jennifer says
My middle boy is in desperate need of a new winter coat, love that bright blue that your son has
Marsalie says
Our whole family needs new gloves are there are some great options on sale! It is so important to keep little hands warm and good quality gloves will help do that.
loriag says
Living in the North I love a warm jacket. I choose down as well for my warmth.
Rachel says
Great read, love all the pictures
jan says
It would go towards the ARC’TERYX Women’s Sylva Parka
jan says
Just love the ARC’TERYX Women’s Ravenna Pant, especially the colours it comes in.
Josee B says
Thank you for the giveaway and the blog review…it’s definetely worth spending extra on quality outerwear, they last forever and never go out of style!
Janet M says
I like the Women’s Darrah coat. It looks lovely.
Jill K says
Great photos. Love the colours ! Bundle up and stay warm.
Florence Cochrane says
Good quality products are worth spending a little extra on.
AMBER STUBBS says
What another Great review, I always LOVE reading your Reviews, you always let us know about the product you either bought for yourself/kids, or whether your reviewing someone’s item..I always feel well informed after reading your Reviews!! 🙂 Keep on Reviewing, I cannot wait to read your next review 🙂
Linda says
This is a great philosophy. Kids should be outside whenever possible, no matter the weather (dressed appropriately, of course).
Melissa says
I enjoyed reading this. I used to be a guide so I value good quality equipment and clothing. I think its important to have good gear for all members of the family. Its important to be a good steward with money and for the environment and being cognisant of what will last longer and therefore make less waste and likely in the long run cost less is important.
Gord says
You provided a lot of information in the review. Your review reinforces the fact that it is better to buy quality and have it last a lot longer than the cheaper stuff. You don’t really save when making the same purchase multiple times.
LILLIAN M BROWN says
It pays to buy good quality
Linda Svarovsky says
Great article with lots of information. It pays to get good quality.
Melinda says
I would like the WOOLRICH JOHN RICH & BROS
Women’s Phantom Hooded Down Jacket.
Julie F says
Great review, Live Out There certainly have great quality products
Carole Dube says
I would buy the HESTRA Women’s Heli Ski Mitt. I always have cold fingers!
Carole Dube says
I like that Live out There catered to the whole family. They have great winter gear and good quality product that will keep me warm this winter. Great review!
l p says
love the assortment of products available on Live Out There . thanks for posting the review – it’s a great reminder.
Jenness M says
I would put it towards the North Face Women’s Heavenly Jacket
Scotty says
Great review. I especially love the expanding clothing.
Calvin F says
What a detailed post. Really loving some of the jackets. Thanks for the giveaway!~
Margaret Huitema says
I love the clothing….thanks for the chance to win!
Cheryl MacPhail says
They sure do make some great looking quality products! 🙂
Lilianne Pare says
Although I’ve been a regular on the Live Out There website for years, it was never to look at the kids’ section, so thanks for the reviews of those tiny snowsuits, will come in handy for Christmas shopping for the nephew and goddaughters and various kids now more and more omnipresent in my circle haha
Jennifer Stuart says
I know it sounds crazy., because I have followed Live out There on Facebook for a few years but I don’t think I ever realized that they carried kids clothes!
louise G says
I’ve lived without Snow pants for the last 10 years! This year I’ve got some but it’s maybe time to get a new Jacket, I’ve had mine since High School… 11 years ago 🙁
Wendy says
Terrific review! I absolutely love the Outgrown Internal Sleeve/Pant Grow System !! I have always hesitated to spend big $$ on items that we might get one season out of. This feature, in combination with the layering system, definitely has me looking more closely at where we will spend our money. Thanks!
Theresa C. says
Great review and wonderful pics! I love you story about your hubby’s coat from grade 11 – my hubby is much the same!
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
Thank you for the review. I can totally relate to the story of your husbands high school jacket.
debra l says
hope i win-some great products are available
Carol M. says
To enjoy winter you must dress appropriately. They look they are made of good quality.
Laurie Alain says
I am looking for a New coat for my husband and I must say after looking at your site I am impressed, and your reviews are great Way to go !!! Thank You for the chance to win a coat for my husband of 35 years he really needs one he has sacrificed allot in life for me and the kids so I would really love to win it for him and Merry Christmas.
IvyT says
Great reviews and it would be great to win as love shopping at LiveOutThere online as they have great quality products and their service can’t be beat.
Edmond says
I would put it for a Northface’ s Jacket. . Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂
tiesha says
I am spending alot more time outside with my new job and realize the need for quality outerwear. I found your blog post very informative.
nicolthepickle says
The outgrown system is a wonderful invention. My kids grow out of stuff so fast. They all needed new snowpants this year. I’ll have to check them out. Thanks for telling me it was a thing.
karen petrychko says
I love Live Out There and their products and lately I shopping for a new Winter Jacket
Angela Mitchell says
I didn’t really know much about Live out There until now. I love that they have free shipping and returns. It’s surprising how many companies still don’t have free returns and I learned the hard way this holiday season when I had to return several things and pay for the return shipping! I’ll be keeping Live out There in mind for my future shopping!
Carol M says
Lots of quality items on the website. Thanks for the review.
Ashley Stone says
I love the grow feature of the coat. Kids grow so quickly!! Worth the extra money just for this feature alone. Thank you for the review. Your pictures have made me want to go and play in the snow!
Steve G says
Live Out There is a great place to buy quality outdoor gear, with free shipping, great customer service.
Bailey says
Given my little guy’s genetics I’m glad I found out about the outgrown brand! I’m definitely going to need to invest in some!
Mark T says
Great review, winters in Calgary are far too unpredictable, it’s always best to be prepared with great gear.