Another item that hasn't been discussed in this thread: Gaiters. If you've ever been wading through 4" of snow with "civilized" shoes and trouser you know exactly why you need gaiters. (You will also have learned how surprisingly deep innocent looking snow banks will be - it takes only a slight breeze to transform 1" of dry powder into snow banks just big enough to invade your shoe). The gap between your shoes and your trouser is a particular weak spot.


In winter, people will dress with a warm coat or jacket and most of those will also use a not-too-dysfunctional winter head and hand garment. But most people won't put on functional trousers unless they're planning for a hike in the snow.


So - gaiters are well worth considering. Of course, a plastic grocery bag and some duct tape makes great gaiters. Just make sure to put them on BEFORE your shoes, socks and lower part of your trousers are drenched and your ancles are bitterly cold.