Any recommendations for a really warm winter coat?

[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!

 

[AmeliaG]

You must have read my mind missy. I'm following this thread because I need a winter coat badly and everything I buy makes me look like a Michelin man.

 

[missy]

LOL I feel your pain. All my hard work at keeping in good shape and it's all blurred by the winter coat haha. However, I don't even care- I just cannot stand being cold another winter. My dh convinced me a couple of years ago to go with down as it is really warm and so I bought my Northface coats. One long and one midlength. But I am still cold! I am a freak when it comes to temperatures. Cold in winter outside (but inside the opposite problem- it's hot everywhere due to all that indoor heating. Blech ) and hot outside in summer. I have no middle ground LOL. So I am in search of a coat that can finally satisfy my need for warmth outside. I did a lot of research and Canada Goose looks like it fits the bill- except for the fact they use coyote fur. Ugh, so back to the drawing board! Hope this thread proves informative for both of us Amelia!

 

[stargurl78]

I have an Eddie Bauer down coat that I love (I live in MI so I experience plenty of chilly weather). But I'm not sure it would be that much different than a Northface although it does seem to be a little bit thicker than their coats...

 

[missy]

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...

 

[partgypsy]

I was going to recommend Land's end but it looks like you already have one!
I got my Mom a parka she picked out from one of the sport's outfitters (Cabela's?) and she says it keeps her toasty warm. But it was on the expensive side. So I'd look at those hunting/sports stores (search for parka or anorak).

(I looked it up I think it was the Cabela's goretex down parka)

 

[soocool]

Just bought DD a Lands End coat just above kneevlength because she is just like you - cold outside, too hot inside. I think it is the squall parka. She sleeps with her window in the dorm slightly opened at night because she is too warm and snuggles under her down comforter. I sleep under a blanket all winter with the ceiling fan on and temp set to 60 degrees.

Anyway, do you have a Sears near you because I think they all carry Lands End now?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My ski coat is from Helly Hansen and it's VERY warm for WA state weather. It has a removable liner, which is the most important thing for me when having a coat specifically for cold weather...so I can take the outer off while keeping the liner on while in my car. (I combine this with my warmest scarf and I usually end up too warm!)

I'm not sure about their longer coats as I've never needed one of those.

They do not use real fur...

http://www.hellyhansen.com/about-us/code-of-conduct

 

[aviastar]

Missy, may I ask if you wear a hat outside as well?

I am always cold- even inside in the winter- so layering is the soloution for me. But I find that, while the coat is important, a good hat that covers my ears really tips the balance for me in the toasty direction. Also, I have a lovely, thick, soft, tube scarf that doesn't let in any cold drafts that helps.

 

[princesss]

So if you're against fur, are you against down, too? Do you want fully synthetic? I know Patagonia makes a really good down coat, but if you've got ethical qualms about fur, I guess you'd want the synthetic coat and I don't know if that's as warm as the down.

 

[Clairitek]

So if you're against fur, are you against down, too? Do you want fully synthetic? I know Patagonia makes a really good down coat, but if you've got ethical qualms about fur, I guess you'd want the synthetic coat and I don't know if that's as warm as the down.

I was thinking the same thing regarding wearing a truly ethical coat. If the goose is plucked live they sometimes end up with open flesh wounds. But live plucking is a very small percentage of down out there. Most of it comes from a deceased animal.

 

[Alexiszoe]

How about LLBean? They have different coats that's suitable for different temperatures . For example, this coat is suitable for temperatures between 20F to -30F.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75230?feat=610-GN1&page=ultralight-850-down-coat

whereas this one is suitable for temps between 0F to -50F.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/42359?feat=0-ppxs&dds=y

 

[missy]

Thanks for the suggestions.

part gypsy- I will check out the Goretex parka at Cabela's. I like their stuff. Thanks.


soocool- yanno, that's a great suggestion. Thank you. I have the long down from LE and it is warm but just bulky and difficult to move around in but if they have a shorter version that's just as warm that might be perfect. Funnily enough, as much as I think it is not flattering I always get positive comments when I wear it. It's great in storms for sure. I feel for your daughter. I hate the fact that I seem to have a hair trigger with temperature. I also sleep with the windows open under a heavy winter blanket. I like the cold air when I am sleeping.

MC, thanks for the link. I like the idea of a removable liner. I'm going to check this coat out. Sounds promising.

Aviastar, I love hats and do wear them when the weather gets colder. And I'm already wearing my scarves. I think I was wearing those months ago lol when the weather went in the 60's F. Same with gloves. You're right- a good hat really helps.

Princess, years ago I would have wanted fully synthetic but these days I am not vegan or even really vegetarian. I do what works for me morally, ethically- what I can live with. And while I don't eat meat I do wear down and leather because they are byproducts of what others eat. I make peace with it that way. That's not to say one day I might not go back to being fully vegan because that is really where my heart is but I do what I can for each period in my life. And at this time of my life that's what I am comfortable with doing. Thanks for your recommendation. If I could find synthetic that is really warm I would happily get that though so if you can think of any please share-thanks!

Thanks Alexiszoe- I am going to check out your links. I like LLbean.

 

[princesss]

Gotcha, just didn't want to suggest something thy wasn't in line with what you'd be comfortable wearing!

 

[aviastar]

Thanks for the suggestions.

part gypsy- I will check out the Goretex parka at Cabela's. I like their stuff. Thanks.


soocool- yanno, that's a great suggestion. Thank you. I have the long down from LE and it is warm but just bulky and difficult to move around in but if they have a shorter version that's just as warm that might be perfect. Funnily enough, as much as I think it is not flattering I always get positive comments when I wear it. It's great in storms for sure. I feel for your daughter. I hate the fact that I seem to have a hair trigger with temperature. I also sleep with the windows open under a heavy winter blanket. I like the cold air when I am sleeping.

MC, thanks for the link. I like the idea of a removable liner. I'm going to check this coat out. Sounds promising.

Aviastar, I love hats and do wear them when the weather gets colder. And I'm already wearing my scarves. I think I was wearing those months ago lol when the weather went in the 60's F. Same with gloves. You're right- a good hat really helps.

Princess, years ago I would have wanted fully synthetic but these days I am not vegan or even really vegetarian. I do what works for me morally, ethically- what I can live with. And while I don't eat meat I do wear down and leather because they are byproducts of what others eat. I make peace with it that way. That's not to say one day I might not go back to being fully vegan because that is really where my heart is but I do what I can for each period in my life. And at this time of my life that's what I am comfortable with doing. Thanks for your recommendation. If I could find synthetic that is really warm I would happily get that though so if you can think of any please share-thanks!

Thanks Alexiszoe- I am going to check out your links. I like LLbean.

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!

 

[AmeliaG]

Sheepskin is a great suggestion, aviastar! I had forgotten about it! I had a jacket years ago and it was hands down the warmest coat ever.

I haven't seen them in the stores here though. Who carries them?

 

[baby nurse]

Missy, I started a thread re warm winter coats not long ago. I am so computer illiterate that I can't link it here , but you can find it if you peek at my threads! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have yet to buy my winter coat because I recently splurged on some amazing pearls from Pearl Paradise (you know that whole bling addiction).

 

[missy]

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.

 

[rosetta]

I think they deliver to the US:

http://www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk/

 

[rosetta]

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

 

[missy]

Missy, I started a thread re warm winter coats not long ago. I am so computer illiterate that I can't link it here , but you can find it if you peek at my threads! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have yet to buy my winter coat because I recently splurged on some amazing pearls from Pearl Paradise (you know that whole bling addiction).

Thank you baby nurse- I am off to find your thread...and check out your new pearls!

 

[missy]

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

Thanks Rosetta- it is a good suggestion if I would wear sheepskin. It just skeeves me out. The feeling, smell etc. Leather is sort of doing that as well these days. I cannot remember the last time I wore any of my leather coats. My boots are far down so it doesn't bother me (as much).

 

[maccers]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Princess, years ago I would have wanted fully synthetic but these days I am not vegan or even really vegetarian. I do what works for me morally, ethically- what I can live with. And while I don't eat meat I do wear down and leather because they are byproducts of what others eat. I make peace with it that way. That's not to say one day I might not go back to being fully vegan because that is really where my heart is but I do what I can for each period in my life. And at this time of my life that's what I am comfortable with doing. Thanks for your recommendation. If I could find synthetic that is really warm I would happily get that though so if you can think of any please share-thanks!

I have a question (being asked in a sincere way, not trying to start something up): Was the cow that made my shoes also used for edible beef? I was under the impression that the cowhide leather for clothing was different than the cows for eating?

Going back to your original question, I would have suggested Canada Goose. They. are. awesome. But I didn't know they used coyote fur which I would feel a bit funny about too. As an aside, we have coyotes in the city where I live (a pack of them attacked a lady's dog last week and killed it, poor thing) and they are cool to listen to, at night, in the river valley. I wish Canada Goose would use old furs - my family has about 3 fur coats from the early 1900s and they just sit in the closet collecting dust!

 

[missy]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Princess, years ago I would have wanted fully synthetic but these days I am not vegan or even really vegetarian. I do what works for me morally, ethically- what I can live with. And while I don't eat meat I do wear down and leather because they are byproducts of what others eat. I make peace with it that way. That's not to say one day I might not go back to being fully vegan because that is really where my heart is but I do what I can for each period in my life. And at this time of my life that's what I am comfortable with doing. Thanks for your recommendation. If I could find synthetic that is really warm I would happily get that though so if you can think of any please share-thanks!

I have a question (being asked in a sincere way, not trying to start something up): Was the cow that made my shoes also used for edible beef? I was under the impression that the cowhide leather for clothing was different than the cows for eating?

Going back to your original question, I would have suggested Canada Goose. They. are. awesome. But I didn't know they used coyote fur which I would feel a bit funny about too. As an aside, we have coyotes in the city where I live (a pack of them attacked a lady's dog last week and killed it, poor thing) and they are cool to listen to, at night, in the river valley. I wish Canada Goose would use old furs - my family has about 3 fur coats from the early 1900s and they just sit in the closet collecting dust!

Most leather is made from processed cattle skin. Before you purchase you can check into the different options and purchase the one you feel is most humane.

Yeah, Canada Goose is supposed to be the very warmest and it looks nice too (with the fur around the hood zipped off) but I cannot/will not buy it. I may have some gray areas but fur to me is black and white if you kwim.

 

[missy]

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!

 

[missy]

maccers- re your family's old fur coats- you can donate them to an animal charity if you'd like. Just make sure it is a reputable charity but they could really put them to good use. They could rip them up and make warm and comfortable beds for the kitties/dogs as one option. It would be a great donation!

 

[maccers]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Princess, years ago I would have wanted fully synthetic but these days I am not vegan or even really vegetarian. I do what works for me morally, ethically- what I can live with. And while I don't eat meat I do wear down and leather because they are byproducts of what others eat. I make peace with it that way. That's not to say one day I might not go back to being fully vegan because that is really where my heart is but I do what I can for each period in my life. And at this time of my life that's what I am comfortable with doing. Thanks for your recommendation. If I could find synthetic that is really warm I would happily get that though so if you can think of any please share-thanks!

I have a question (being asked in a sincere way, not trying to start something up): Was the cow that made my shoes also used for edible beef? I was under the impression that the cowhide leather for clothing was different than the cows for eating?

Going back to your original question, I would have suggested Canada Goose. They. are. awesome. But I didn't know they used coyote fur which I would feel a bit funny about too. As an aside, we have coyotes in the city where I live (a pack of them attacked a lady's dog last week and killed it, poor thing) and they are cool to listen to, at night, in the river valley. I wish Canada Goose would use old furs - my family has about 3 fur coats from the early 1900s and they just sit in the closet collecting dust!

Most leather is made from processed cattle skin. Before you purchase you can check into the different options and purchase the one you feel is most humane.

Yeah, Canada Goose is supposed to be the very warmest and it looks nice too (with the fur around the hood zipped off) but I cannot/will not buy it. I may have some gray areas but fur to me is black and white if you kwim.

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

 

[AmeliaG]

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.

 

[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.

 

[maccers]

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!)