Winter Coat Recommendations
Need some advice on winter coats. I want something a little more nice looking than just your regular department store winter coat from North Face/Columbia/etc and I think I want a parka, but they seem to be for the very cold weather? I used to wear just a regular insulated winter coat from North Face in weather from the mid 40s to under 0 F. Would a parka really be bad for temperatures in that wide range?
26 Replies
I personally feel like when looking for more style in the winter it’s more interesting to instead of going for one big jacket opt for more layers maybe like a warm thick sweater and a slightly lighter jacket over it instead of something really big like a parka. But that’s just me.
That's valid, and definitely a good move, but often when wearing this, I'm going to one of my jobs where I don't have the ability to dress nicely, and store layers.
What's your budget?
Under $300
If your main goals are function and warmth, above looks, I have a LL Bean Baxter State that will keep you warm under 0 F.
But it would be too warm at 40F
To cover that whole range with one jacket, you have to layer
What don't you like about your North Face coat?
Yeah that's kinda what I'm wanting to avoid as it becomes cumbersome at one of my jobs. My North Face coat is a size 3x and I'm a size L now, plus it looks like I belong on the slopes.
It's a slopes style coat even though its a solid dark grey color
I see. I had a north face mcmurdo that was good too, and is more city than slopes.
You could also try a down puffer
It's on my list if I can find a discount. I feel I need to try some parkas on to see how warm they really are. I never was a fan of the puffer look, but then again, I was shopping for a 275lb man for 10 years or so and I didn't think much looked good. Now I'm 164 so I probably can branch out 😂
The Alpha Industries N3-B is very nice looking for a parka.
I have not tried it myself, but it was recommended to me here when I asked about parkas
I did see that coat and it looks nice. I'm not worried about the looks of parkas, just being overly warm in above freezing temperatures, especially the mid 40s.
Yeah, like I said, if you want to wear one jacket across that whole range, you have to get something a little lighter, and layer
But being cold sucks, so I empathize with wanting a parka
just to clarify are you actively wearing/performing physical activity in this jacket?
Also, the sizing on the LL Bean Baxter State is huge. I'm 5'10, 165, and a size small is roomy on me.
No. This is to wear to work, wear while just outside, walking, etc and shoveling
Honestly the warmth I don't necessarily care about, I just think a parka with the fur hood looks good.
i use a north face city breeze parka for winter - a single layer keeps me warm to about 50F, and a second layer (usually wool) is warm enough to get me to below freezing, assuming i'm wearing things like gloves and hat
it does not have a fur lined hood but is otherwise comparable to a fish tail pakra
Try the N3-B, then. It's a classic design, and MFAD loves militaria.
might also consider m-65 jackets with removable liner/fur lined hood. this is a repro but if you check ebay long enough you may find an original https://www.armynavywarehouse.com/product-page/m-1965-extreme-cold-weather-fishtail-parka-w-hood-liner
Army Navy Warehouse
NEW M-1965 Extreme Cold Weather Fishtail Parka w/ Liner & Hood
Extreme Cold Weather Parka w/ Synthetic Fur Hood & Parka LinerParka: Size: Multiple Sizes, Choose from Dropdown Condition: New DLA100-83-C-0441 Stock# 8415-00-782-3219 80% Cotton, 20% Nylon Outershell View Pictures, If you have questions or need more photos, please askHood: Hood, Extreme Cold Weather, W/ Synthetic Fur Ruff, OG-107 Condition: New...
If I wanted a seperate coat/jacket that doesn't look like I belong on the slopes for the warmer above freezing temperatures, what should I be looking for?
what are your personal tastes other than liking fur hoods
there are insulated bomber jackets (alpha industries amongst others), waxed cotton jackets (barbour, filson, etc.), barn coats (ll bean, woolrich, etc.), topcoats, overcoats, amongst others
Really just fur hoods, non-technical looking, looks like I'm out for a walk rather than going to the slopes.
what was the issue with the m-65 linked above?
I'm really liking this coat which isn't as warm as the parkas I've seen. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/124965?page=mens-mountain-classic-down-sherpa-lined-hooded-jacket-mens-regular&bc=516567-593-506673&feat=506673-GN3&csp=a&attrValue_0=244&gnrefine=1*WARMTH_RATING*Warmer&pos=1
L.L.Bean
Men's Mountain Classic Down Hooded Jacket, Sherpa-Lined | Insulated...
Find the best Men's Mountain Classic Down Hooded Jacket, Sherpa-Lined at L.L.Bean. Our high quality Men's Insulated Jackets are thoughtfully designed and built to last season after season.
Nothing at all, just thinking of more options that are not was warm for the above freezing temps
might just want to stick to llbean or patagonia and search for their lifestyle or less technical jackets
usually the fur hoods are found on parka style coats (below the leg) so as to promote warmth throughout the body; i haven't seen many jacket-length coats with them because it's not efficient in thermoregulating
most times last winter i wore a leather jacket and a beanie and layers underneath and was plenty warm fwiw
Thank you for the suggestion. Fur hoods aren't a deal breaker though. Another reason I didn't like my North Face was it went down to my waist which I didn't like the look of when dressing up for my church job.
I have one, and its pretty perfect at +/-5 c