OP, you missed a great year for winter kit. Last fall with the recession onset, there were hoards of discounts in October and November on jackets due to perceived overstocks and retailers' fears they'd be stuck. I found some great ones, Mountain Hardware and Marmot (Windstopper softshells w/ pitzips, Gore-Tex Pro hardshell) and now, 50 pounds lighter, I'd love the same deals in a smaller size. Not happening.