Reviewing Winter Clothes in Mongolia

We seem to have stumbled on something of a profitable business idea recently.  Here in Mongolia, where we’re wintering, there is absolutely no end of business opportunities.  Mongolia is a gold rush country, and everyone here is looking to grab a slice of the pie.  By the look of the Ferraris and Humvees cruising the streets of Ulaanbaatar it seems some people have helped themselves to a rather bigger slice than they maybe deserve.

Anyway… while I’m here my friends are always approaching me with business ideas.  Let’s sell pollution masks.  Let’s start a member only club.  Let’s start an all-toast restaurant (seriously, that one was two nights ago after a few beers).

Problem is, I make my living online.  I wouldn’t have the first clue how to start a real bricks and mortar business, especially in a foreign country.   I’m a single task kinda guy (I can’t cook if there are more than two or maybe three ingredients involved), and the prospect of running a business terrifies me.

Anyway… I’ve always felt a little left out by the fact that I can’t form a real business.  My online work is fun and interesting, but there’s no opportunity to make millions as is the case with real world Mongolia.

Recently, though, I got into talks with a local outdoor equipment supplier.  They wanted someone to test their winter wear: parkas, hats, gloves and so on, and then write winter coat reviews on their website.  The pay isn’t great, but the thing is I get to keep the samples I test.

That may not sound like much, but the thing is that a lot of these coats are in the $300+ price range, and I’ve tested 10 so far.  Last week I headed down to the Gobi for a week of field testing (I was going there in any case, so this wasn’t an inconvenience), and for the trouble of writing a 500 word review on the site I got to keep a $185 Mountain Hardwear men’s Zonal jacket.

So, yeah… I may not be making a fortune like so many other westerners here, but it looks like I’ve found my niche :)


Preparing for the Mongolian Winter

So, I’m about to move to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the winter.  Aaaaargh!  The night time temperature right now hovers somewhere around -30 Celsius!  I’m not accustomed to a climate so extreme, so I’ve been in the market for a good winter cold warm enough to keep out the icy Mongolian chill.  

As luck would have it, a friend of mine living out in Mongolia already has just visited the Gobi Desert for five days to field test a coat, and he’s posted his Canada Goose Expedition Parka review online.  Funny coincidence. 



In any case, the review was glowing and I’ve gone ahead and put in an order for my on Expedition parka.  It’s a little (well, a lot) more expensive than I’d budgeted for, but since the Mongolian winter continues until May at seriously ball freezing temperatures I figure it makes sense to be wise about it and invest in something really good.  

Also, I should be out in Asia each winter for several years thanks to my job, so I figure I could store the jacket over the summer at my friend’s house and just pick it up each time I arrive.  

Right, I’m off to make myself a bread and butter sandwich.  Given the amount of money I’ve just spent I think I’ll be eating these a lot in the coming weeks!


Are Leather Coats Right For Me?

A leather coat or jacket is one of best outdoor accessories you can ever possess, but it is worthwhile to know a few things before you buy them. When you want to buy a jacket you should always go for a leather jacket.

The reason for this leather jackets are sleek and stylish apart from long lasting compared to other jackets. Leather jackets are fashionable for every season and occasion making them an all time favorites.

The only problem with buying leather jackets is that they are expensive and cannot be easily afforded by everyone. Leather coats costs increase during the colder months so you may consider buying one in summer.

When you purchase a leather jacket you should go for a branded one as this ensures quality and durability. It is always good to do some research about the various options available, prices, designs, colors etc before purchasing a jacket.

You can check online and read consumer review for various leather jackets before you decide on buying a particular jacket.

So, if you are planning to buy a jacket, I would highly recommend buying a leather coat. Leather jackets almost last a lifetime and serve as a fashion statement for many people, plus they are great for outdoor activities.