There’s a nice chill that comes with fall in the Upper Midwest. The kind that makes you reach for a sweatshirt in the morning and enjoy being outside a little longer.
And then one day, it just stops getting warmer.
We know we’re not telling anyone around here how to survive a Red River Valley winter. You guys are already pros at that. But after plenty of years working, doing chores, and living through the cold ourselves, the Farm City Supply team has picked up a few favorites that make winter a little more bearable.
So, we asked the team:
After plenty of winters, what’s one cold-weather gear life hack you’ve learned from working at Farm City Supply?
From the layers we reach for again and again to the gear that’s earned a permanent spot in our winter routines, we’re sharing some of the team’s favorites and the little things we’ve learned along the way.
What Our Team Recommends for Cold Winters
Kelly – DryShod Arctic Boots
Kelly recommends DryShod Arctic Boots for cold, wet winter days. They’re 100% waterproof, which helps keep your feet dry, and the Arctic styles have additional lining for extra warmth.
💡 Team Tip: Got the right boots? Next up, the right socks. Wool or synthetic socks can help manage moisture and keep your feet warmer and more comfortable on cold, wet days.
Leslie – Power Thaw Ice Melt
Leslie recommends Power Thaw when ice starts building up around the house or workplace. It melts ice in temperatures down to -20°F and is dyed blue so you can see where you’ve already spread it.
💡 Team Tip: Clear away loose snow before applying ice melt so it can work directly on the icy surface instead of getting lost in the snow.
Briley – Key Thinsulate Lined Jeans
Briley recommends Key Thinsulate Lined Jeans as a warm layer for doing chores around the farm. The added insulation helps keep your legs warm when you’re spending more time outside in the cold.
💡 Team Tip: Don’t forget that if you are ever planning to wear base layers, make sure your outer layers leave enough room underneath.
Don – Berne Lined Overalls
Don reaches for Berne Lined Overalls when he’s moving snow at home. They help keep him warm while still giving him the flexibility to get the job done.
💡 Team Tip: Layering up? We carry Berne options for your top half, too, so you can build a cold-weather setup that works together from top to bottom.
Looking to stock up before winter?
Check out our current monthly deals to see what’s on sale at Farm City Supply.
Alison – Window Scrapers
Alison keeps window scrapers in her car all year long so she doesn’t get caught off guard by that first frost or snowfall. (We’ve all been there…)
💡 Team Tip: Put the scraper in your car during early fall, just in case one of those early frosts or snowstorms sneaks up on us.
Jay – PolarTuff Plow
Jay recommends the PolarTuff Plow for normal snowfall. It helps make clearing snow easier and can save your back from some of the strain that comes with repeated shoveling.
💡 Team Tip: From snowblowers to shovels, we’ve got options for all kinds of snowfall. Stop by if you need help choosing the right snow-removal tool for the job.
Candace – Mobile Warming Heated Jackets
Candace is always cold (her words not ours…), so her pick is a Mobile Warming Heated Jacket! The heat is adjustable, making it easy to change the warmth depending on the temperature and how long you’ll be outside.
💡 Team Tip: Adjustable heat is especially helpful when you’re moving between indoor and outdoor temperatures throughout the day.
Scott – Berne Winter Work Jacket
Scott recommends the Berne Winter Work Jacket for working outside. It helps keep you warm and dry when winter weather doesn’t stop the workday.
💡 Team Tip: When choosing winter workwear, think about staying dry as well as staying warm, especially if you’ll be outside working in snow for long periods.
Looking to stock up before winter?
Check out our current monthly deals to see what’s on sale at Farm City Supply.
Steve – Snowblower Tune-Ups
Steve’s winter advice is simple: don’t wait until the first snowfall to get your snowblower serviced. An annual tune-up before winter helps make sure it’s ready when you actually need it.
💡 Team Tip: Schedule your snowblower maintenance early so it’s ready to go when the snow arrives!
The Secret to Staying Warm? Yep, Your Parents Were Right.
If you grew up in Red River Valley, you’ve probably heard “wear layers” more times than you can count. Turns out, our parents knew what they were talking about.
You already know the basics, but the trick is making each layer actually work for you.
Base layer: If you’re going to be moving, working, or sweating, what you wear closest to your skin matters. Look for something that helps manage moisture instead of leaving you damp and colder later.
Mid layer: This is where you can adjust for the day ahead. A sweatshirt, fleece, vest, or another insulating layer gives you warmth without committing to one giant coat all day.
Outer layer: Think about what you’re actually heading into. Wind, wet snow, and hours outside might call for something different than a quick trip around town.
And sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Good socks, dry boots, warm gloves, and a hat you actually remember to grab can turn a miserable day outside into a much more manageable one.
💡 Farm City Tip: Build your layers around what you’re doing, not just the temperature on the thermometer. What works for standing outside might be way too warm once you start shoveling, hauling, or doing chores.
Work Outside? A Few Tricks Make a Long Day Easier.
If you spend your winter working outside, you probably already know what gear works for you. But a few small tricks can make those long, cold days a little more comfortable.
Keep a second pair of gloves handy. Once gloves get wet, they lose a lot of their comfort and warmth. Keep a dry backup pair in the truck, tractor, or shop so you can swap them out.
Don’t cram extra socks into tight boots. Two pairs of socks aren’t necessarily warmer if they make your boots too tight. You want enough room to move your toes and let your socks do their job.
Dry your boots completely overnight. Starting the morning with even slightly damp boots is a quick way to end up with cold feet. Pull out removable liners or insoles when you get home to help everything dry.
Dress a little lighter if you’re about to work hard. Shoveling, hauling, and chores warm you up quickly. Getting sweaty under all those layers can leave you colder once you slow down, so start with layers you can easily remove.
Keep the wind out at your wrists, neck, and waist. Little gaps can make a big difference on windy days. Tuck in layers, use adjustable cuffs, and cover your neck before automatically reaching for another bulky layer.
Keep an extra winter kit in the truck. A spare hat, gloves, socks, and hand warmers don’t take up much room, and you’ll be glad they’re there the day something gets wet, lost, or forgotten.
Get Ready for a Winter at Farm City Supply
Winter prep looks a little different for everyone.
Maybe you’re replacing worn-out gloves or boots before another season outside. Maybe you need hand warmers, ice melt, or something to make snow removal a little easier. Or maybe you’re just here for the fun stuff, like sleds for the kids before the first good snow.
That’s the nice thing about winter gear. Some of it helps you get the work done, and some of it helps you actually enjoy the season.
If you need to stock up, replace something that’s seen one too many winters, or just want to see what’s new this year, stop by Farm City Supply. Our team can help you find what makes sense for your winter.
Looking to stock up before winter?
Check out our current monthly deals to see what’s on sale at Farm City Supply.
Upper Midwest Winter Gear FAQs
What winter gear should I have for a Minnesota winter?
A good winter setup usually includes warm layers, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and cold-weather gear that fits how you spend your time outside. If you’re working, doing chores, clearing snow, or spending long periods outdoors, you may need heavier-duty winter workwear and additional layers.
How should I layer clothes for cold weather?
Start with a base layer that helps manage moisture, add an insulating middle layer for warmth, and finish with an outer layer that helps protect you from wind, snow, and moisture. Choose layers you can easily add or remove as your activity level changes.
What should I look for in winter boots?
Think about warmth, waterproofing, fit, and how you’ll use them. Keeping your feet dry is especially important in winter, so waterproof boots with added insulation can be helpful when you’re spending time in snow, slush, or cold conditions.
What winter gear is helpful for working outside?
Look for gear that balances warmth, durability, movement, and weather protection. Lined jeans, insulated overalls, winter work jackets, waterproof boots, and warm gloves can all help, depending on the job and how long you’ll be outside.
What should I have ready before the first snowfall?
Along with checking your coats, boots, gloves, and other winter clothing, make sure your vehicle has an ice scraper and your snow-removal equipment is ready. It’s also a good time to stock up on ice melt and have your snowblower serviced before you actually need it.
When should I get my snowblower serviced for winter?
Before the first major snowfall. Having your snowblower serviced ahead of time gives you a chance to address maintenance issues before you’re relying on it to clear snow.
Can Farm City Supply help me choose winter gear and supplies?
Absolutely. Tell our team what you’ll be doing outside, what conditions you’re preparing for, and what you already have. We can help you compare winter clothing, boots, snow-removal supplies, and other cold-weather gear to find options that make sense for you.
