I don't do a lot of winter hiking and I've already mortgaged the farm to get a few things I really needed. I'm down to the last 2 or 3 items and I'm trying to "buy smart". I want something nice, that works - but it don't want to spend a ton of money.
Of course, for socks - I'll make concessions to have a very comfortable pair. So I don't mind putting a few extra bucks into socks. For my hat and my gloves - I'm not looking to go as cheap as possible, but keep in mind that these things will probably only get used 2 or 3 times in a year...so, I don't want anything made of gold (you know what I mean).
So, my criteria are - I'll be hiking in November around Hot Springs, NC and I might do something in the Smoky's in January (or possibly Mt. Mitchell).
Let me know what you think. Even if it's just to say "make sure you're gloves are waterproof...or make sure your hat is made of fleece and not "whatever".
Thanks!