[Steverino]

I am personally, a firm believer that if you are planning on spending alot of time outdoors in the wet and cold months of Winter, your choice of clothes will largely determine the degree at which you will enjoy your outdoor activities.

With that being said, what is the intended use of your outdoor clothes Mike? Will you be using these to hunt? If so, what types of hunting and style of hunting? (deer, upland, waterfowl, etc.) Clothing requirements for an upland hunt where you are trudging through briar patches will probably differ from sitting in an enclosed duck blind on a marsh or up 30' in a tree stand waiting for Bambi's grandpappy.

Your activity levels naturally also tie into this to determine layering that will keep you comfortable. The key is to stay warm and dry. Many folks make the mistake of getting the warmest down-filled artic parka that they can find and find themselves chilled after hiking a good distance to their destination to hunt or whatever their planned activity is.

Based upon your requirements for windproof and waterproof clothing, I would look at the GoreTex material on your jacket and pants. This breathes and will protect you from wind and water as well while allowing perspiration to vent, keeping you dry.

Try looking at Bass Pro Shop at their Redhead line or Cabelas own namebrand goods. They both make pretty good stuff and their websites offer frequent "basement" or underground advertised sales.

Don't forget your base layers either (these are the ones next to your skin) I'd stay away from cotton even though this will probably be your cheapest option. Look for polypropylyne and or polyester blends for your underlayers including boot liners under a good pair of wool socks.

You may want to buy items in stages as you can afford them with as much as you can afford at each stage-it is money that you will never regret having spent when you are in the full fledge furry of Mother Nature.

Good luck!