Any recommendations for a really warm winter coat?

[Missy]

Oh wow, I actually figured out what 'kwim' means - I've been struggling with acronyms since joining PS.

Going back to fur, I feel that if it's going to be used, it'd be much better if old fur coats were being recycled instead of new fur coats being created. However I don't want to derail your original post/intention, have you googled vegan winter coats? I found quite a few interesting links: http://getskinnygovegan.blogspot.ca/2010/12/vegan-coat-picks.html
http://www.choosingraw.com/vegan-shopping-challenge-a-vegan-friendly-winter-parka/

ETA: This looks good to me too: http://www.finisterreuk.com/pipistral-midnight.html

Thanks for the links maccers. I am definitely going to check them out.

The fur company won't make less fur if you recycle so that's why I suggested donating to an animal charity. If you were interested.

I probably use kwim way too much lol. I don't even text but I find myself taking the lazy way out lots of the time these days and just abbreviating/using acronyms.

Missy - I've never heard about donating the coats to animal charities. I'm in regular contact with the rescue group where I got my dog from, I'll contact them as a starting point! A couple of beaver coats may be coming their way (sorry, great grandma!)

I hope it works out for you. That's what we did with my grandmother's fur coats.
(I'm sure your great grandmother would be proud or at least understand).

 

[baby nurse]

baby nurse- thanks! I just checked out your coat thread. Some definite possibilities. Now, off to find your pearls!


ETA: Wow- just beautiful! Love your new pearls! They look great on you!
Definitely worth putting the coat shopping on hold for a bit for sure! Enjoy them and wear in health and happiness baby nurse!

You are so sweet-- thank you!

Good luck with the coat search. Lands End has a 40% off sale (one item) until midnight so I'm going to purchase one of their down parkas to see what they're like .

 

[stargurl78]

Thanks Stargurl- I actually have a white Eddie Bauer Down coat purchased last winter (sorry I should have included that in my list of what I already have) because I thought the same thing but I'm still cold wearing it. And the only other down coat I have is the longest Lands End waterproof down ( I don't think they make that anymore)- that's pretty warm but too long to be practical during most times. That's all I have in terms of down coats though so if you have any other recommendations...

Hmm, no other recommendations here. But it sounds like you've got some good ones in this thread! Hope you find something that keeps you toasty warm

 

[Missy]

Thank you Stargurl.
baby nurse- let me know what you think of the LE parka. Hope it works for you!

 

[monarch64]

Does anyone have recommendations for a very warm winter coat? I am always cold outside in the winter. I own a few Northface coats-long and mid thigh- but for some reason I am still cold. They are the perfect weight though just wish they were a bit warmer. I cannot layer because I find that uncomfortable and I am always warm inside so cannot wear long underwear.

I prefer around knee length or slightly above for mobility and I prefer coats that are not too heavy in weight for comfort and ease of movement.

Canada Goose has a great rating for warmth except it uses coyote fur around the hood and while that is removable I do not want to support a company that uses animal fur. I know it is a company that only uses sustainable products and humane methods etc but it goes against my ethical beliefs.

Anyway, does anyone have a really warm coat (no fur involved) that they love?

Thanks!

Missy, I outfit people for mountaineering and the like (I am a buyer and work in the outdoor industry for a couple years now), so I wanted to respond to your thread. When you say you don't like to layer, I am curious what kind of base layers you've worn in the past that keep you too warm inside? Merino wool is amazing because it is temperature regulating--the merinos from New Zealand/Southern Alps live in conditions that range from 95 degrees to 20 degrees so their wool keeps them warm or cool, depending on conditions. If you haven't tried merino wool base layers yet, please consider them as a part of your winter wardrobe.

Patagonia is a very environmentally conscious company and makes wonderful down and synthetic coats for women. I encourage you to take a look at their website.

I think you might be getting chilly in your parka length coats because they aren't windproof. Consider a pro shell which can be layered with a down insulation piece (jacket). That sort of system will keep you very toasty, and with a proper base layer you can remove pieces once inside and still be comfortable.

Please feel free to ask me specific questions. I'd love to offer my knowledge and help you find a coat to suit your needs.

 

[aviastar]

If you are ok with leather, would you consider shearling wool/sheepskin? It's the warmest, single layer I have ever tried- it's often too warm!

Hi Aviastar, I do own leather boots and pocketbooks but am trying not to add more than I really need because I don't *like* wearing leather. Again, it is that internal struggle I have with myself. In an ideal world I would be vegan all the time as I used to be and hope to be one day again. Right now I am trying to minimize my use of animal products so while I will wear down (and might buy another down coat if I cannot find a just as warm alternative) and am not throwing away my leather jackets/boots I don't want to buy a leather or shearling coat. If that makes any sense. I just don't like the feel either.

Thanks for your suggestions though and I have heard sheepskin is very warm-it's a great suggestion.

Makes total sense, Missy!

Oops sorry we must have posted at the same time missy!

That was me that was looking for a store that carries sheepskin. The coats you linked to are beautiful, but a bit pricey for my budget.

Sorry, Amelia, I have never actually looked for one. I have one my Dad brought home from New Zealand probably 40 years ago now. Its way too big for me, but my husband coaches a spring sport at the high school and the games start in February- nothing else keeps me warm better than that coat!

 

[LAJennifer]

The Canadian company Soia & Kyo are having a sale on Rue La La right now. They have down coats and wool coats. Might be worth a shot: http://www.ruelala.com/event/58259

 

[stepcutnut]

Missy-I did't have time to read everyone's comments, but have you tried an Alpaca wool coat?

I too hate being cold in the winter, I purchased an Alpaca coat several years ago and It is wonderful for the cold weather.

Good luck

***I forgot to mention that Alpaca wool is SUPER soft and not itchy, like some other wools can be and is also quit light weight.

 

[Missy]

Does anyone have recommendations for a very warm winter coat? I am always cold outside in the winter. I own a few Northface coats-long and mid thigh- but for some reason I am still cold. They are the perfect weight though just wish they were a bit warmer. I cannot layer because I find that uncomfortable and I am always warm inside so cannot wear long underwear.

I prefer around knee length or slightly above for mobility and I prefer coats that are not too heavy in weight for comfort and ease of movement.

Canada Goose has a great rating for warmth except it uses coyote fur around the hood and while that is removable I do not want to support a company that uses animal fur. I know it is a company that only uses sustainable products and humane methods etc but it goes against my ethical beliefs.

Anyway, does anyone have a really warm coat (no fur involved) that they love?

Thanks!

Missy, I outfit people for mountaineering and the like (I am a buyer and work in the outdoor industry for a couple years now), so I wanted to respond to your thread. When you say you don't like to layer, I am curious what kind of base layers you've worn in the past that keep you too warm inside? Merino wool is amazing because it is temperature regulating--the merinos from New Zealand/Southern Alps live in conditions that range from 95 degrees to 20 degrees so their wool keeps them warm or cool, depending on conditions. If you haven't tried merino wool base layers yet, please consider them as a part of your winter wardrobe.

Patagonia is a very environmentally conscious company and makes wonderful down and synthetic coats for women. I encourage you to take a look at their website.

I think you might be getting chilly in your parka length coats because they aren't windproof. Consider a pro shell which can be layered with a down insulation piece (jacket). That sort of system will keep you very toasty, and with a proper base layer you can remove pieces once inside and still be comfortable.

Please feel free to ask me specific questions. I'd love to offer my knowledge and help you find a coat to suit your needs.

Thank you Monnie for those insights. I think you may be right re the windproofing etc. None of my coats are really snug enough and because I do not wear layers the wind is probably getting through. I will definitely check out Patagonia's synthetic down. I like the sound of that! As for base layers I could never wear them inside because I really do get so hot. My temperature regulating system is just not working right IMO and I think it relates to another condition I am dealing with for many years. It can be frustrating but I have adapted the best I can. I also hate the feeling of layers- weird I know.

Thank you so much for your input and I will def ask questions when they arise- I appreciate your kind offer of help.

 

[Missy]

Missy-I did't have time to read everyone's comments, but have you tried an Alpaca wool coat?

I too hate being cold in the winter, I purchased an Alpaca coat several years ago and It is wonderful for the cold weather.

Good luck

***I forgot to mention that Alpaca wool is SUPER soft and not itchy, like some other wools can be and is also quit light weight.

Great suggestion stepcutnut. I borrowed my sister's long Alpaca coat many years ago come to think of it and it was super warm. Hmmm, that was years ago before I started getting so darn finicky with temperatures and all so not sure how that would be today but so worth a try. Thanks!

The Canadian company Soia & Kyo are having a sale on Rue La La right now. They have down coats and wool coats. Might be worth a shot: http://www.ruelala.com/event/58259

Thanks LAJennifer. Checking Rue out now!

 

[soocool]

Missy, I just saw this commercial for Columbia stating they use some technology (black dots insidebthe coats/jackets) that keeps you warm without the bulk and if I can remember the manufacturer I will post the brand who makes ultra warm jackets without the bulk, that I used to wear when I still skied.

 

[soocool]

Obermeyer is the ski clothing brand. They have the best clothing, very warm, wicks perspiration away, but can be somewhat pricey, but their stuff is top notch and will last years.

 

[packrat]

Monnie, do you have specific shells and insulating pieces that you like that you could link to? I'll check out Patagonia when I get home today.

 

[Missy]

Obermeyer is the ski clothing brand. They have the best clothing, very warm, wicks perspiration away, but can be somewhat pricey, but their stuff is top notch and will last years.

Thank you soocool! Sounds promising!

 

[jstarfireb]

I discovered lightweight packable down jackets a few weeks ago and was AMAZED at how warm they can be. I bought one by Calvin Klein from Costco. It's only waist-length and doesn't have a hood, so it's probably not what you're looking for, but I was going to order one from Uniqlo (one of my new favorite clothing stores) if I hadn't found that one first. They have a whole collection of different styles and colors:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/womens-clothing/collections/womens-ultra-light-down-collection

 

[Missy]

I discovered lightweight packable down jackets a few weeks ago and was AMAZED at how warm they can be. I bought one by Calvin Klein from Costco. It's only waist-length and doesn't have a hood, so it's probably not what you're looking for, but I was going to order one from Uniqlo (one of my new favorite clothing stores) if I hadn't found that one first. They have a whole collection of different styles and colors:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/womens-clothing/collections/womens-ultra-light-down-collection

Thanks for the link and info jstarfireb. It would be great if I could get my coat from Costco- I really love Costco. Convenient one stop shopping.