Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Suggestions for down coat, parka?

baby nurse

baby nurse

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 12, 2010
Messages
2,551
I live in New England and I'm looking for a new down jacket or parka. Anybody have a good one that they can recommend?

Thank you :wavey:
 
I have several North Face ones and I really love them. They have a little more shape/style to them then some others. Patagonia makes some nice ones too. Not that you won't looking like the Michelin main in a big foofy down coat, no matter how it's styled, but at least you'll look like a shapely Michelin man! I also got a cute light down parka with a good at Uniqlo in New York a few weeks ago. It's not super warm though; more like mid-weight (30s/40s temps), but the colors are great! (That being said, I got it in black -- ha!). Anyway, here's a link with the colors and there are other styles too.

ETA: forgot the link, http://www.uniqlo.com/us/CPaGoods/itemcode=072646

uniqlo.jpg
 
eddie bauer?

lands end?

not cold enough here to get a full down coat but my down vest from eddie bauer has been great.
 
Look at Lands End squall jackets-very light weight and incredibly warm.
 
I own a couple of Eddie Bauer down jackets and some North Face down jackets and wind breakers. I personally like the North Face. A lot of options in styles and you can choose if you want say 500 count or 700 count and so on.
 
I have a long parka from The North Face and I love it. In general, I usually buy performance gear made my Marmot because it is so much better made, but I love me my North Face parka. I live in Chicago, so I have the one that goes down to my calves! It's awesome. And I wash it in our washing machine, which is a bonus.
 
If you want a parka-length coat because your legs get cold you might consider wearing a base-layer (merino wool preferably for its anti-microbial properties and excellent temperature-regulation) under your pants. You also don't have to look like a shapely Michelin Man. Consider:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-ultralight-fiona-down-parka-coat?p=28350-0-710

That is 800-fill down. It might be lightweight and streamlined, but it'll keep you quite toasty.

I've never been into TNF, but they do a great job of advertising for the rest of the outdoor industry. ;))

Arc'teryx is another brand you might consider. Highly technical, and they are really the most innovative in the industry.

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Womens/Jackets/Sylva-Parka-W#

The Sylva is filled with Coreloft (synthetic). I've worn it, it is amazing. I currently wear the Atom LT jacket and it's about as lightweight as you can get but it is so warm I can't wear it indoors at all. If I went shopping and was in and out of the car I'd have to wear something less warm. (The Atom is filled with Coreloft).

If you have any other Q's let me know; I'm a buyer in the outdoor industry.
 
I got this parka from Eddie Bauer this year for my grandma, and am thinking about getting one for myself too.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=43590

I think it's slim and quite stylish. The teal color is very pretty in real life. It feels very light in terms of weight, which is great for my grandma. Besides, it's longer in the back than in the front, so it can keep one's legs warm while not getting in her way. I am petite, and this parka sits slightly above my knees (unlike in the model's picture).
 
Monnie, I was just lookin at that Patagonia jacket!
 
Dee*Jay|1350572863|3287837 said:
I have several North Face ones and I really love them. They have a little more shape/style to them then some others. Patagonia makes some nice ones too. Not that you won't looking like the Michelin main in a big foofy down coat, no matter how it's styled, but at least you'll look like a shapely Michelin man! I also got a cute light down parka with a good at Uniqlo in New York a few weeks ago. It's not super warm though; more like mid-weight (30s/40s temps), but the colors are great! (That being said, I got it in black -- ha!). Anyway, here's a link with the colors and there are other styles too.

ETA: forgot the link, http://www.uniqlo.com/us/CPaGoods/itemcode=072646
Click to expand...

Thanks, Dee*Jay! That's a cute coat and I can't believe how many colors it comes in!
 
movie zombie|1350572945|3287838 said:
eddie bauer?

lands end?

not cold enough here to get a full down coat but my down vest from eddie bauer has been great.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Mozo! I haven't had a lot of luck with eddie bauer but the lands end ones look good; they seem warm, stylish and come in a lot of colors. I think I'm going to get one of their parkas in purple and also one of their vests in malachite green. Prices are very reasonable, too. Yay!
 
lulu|1350573228|3287844 said:
Look at Lands End squall jackets-very light weight and incredibly warm.
Click to expand...

Thanks, lulu! I took a look at the Lands End outerwear and they have a great selection! I had previously looked at their children's outerwear for my 6 year old but somehow never got around to looking for myself. Prices are good and they seem warm as well so I will likely get a coat and a nice vest :)) .
 
YayTacori|1350586173|3288003 said:
I own a couple of Eddie Bauer down jackets and some North Face down jackets and wind breakers. I personally like the North Face. A lot of options in styles and you can choose if you want say 500 count or 700 count and so on.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Yay Tacori! I'll take a closer look at the North Face jackets. They seem really popular. It's hard to find something that will keep me warm and not make me look like the Michelin Man :shock: .
 
Haven|1350586834|3288017 said:
I have a long parka from The North Face and I love it. In general, I usually buy performance gear made my Marmot because it is so much better made, but I love me my North Face parka. I live in Chicago, so I have the one that goes down to my calves! It's awesome. And I wash it in our washing machine, which is a bonus.
Click to expand...

A couple of years ago, I bought my husband a parka from Marmot, based on the online reviews. I think his has 700 fill goose down and it's sooo warm. I did a lot of research beforehand because I bought it online and didn't want to have to return it. We were really pleased. I've been looking at the women's coats but the ones with the most down all end at the hip :evil: . I'll take a closer look at the North Face. I'm really impressed that you can wash your long coat in the washing machine. You must use down fluffers or tennis balls in the dryer?
 
monarch64|1350590267|3288054 said:
If you want a parka-length coat because your legs get cold you might consider wearing a base-layer (merino wool preferably for its anti-microbial properties and excellent temperature-regulation) under your pants. You also don't have to look like a shapely Michelin Man. Consider:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-ultralight-fiona-down-parka-coat?p=28350-0-710

That is 800-fill down. It might be lightweight and streamlined, but it'll keep you quite toasty.

I've never been into TNF, but they do a great job of advertising for the rest of the outdoor industry. ;))

Arc'teryx is another brand you might consider. Highly technical, and they are really the most innovative in the industry.

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Womens/Jackets/Sylva-Parka-W#

The Sylva is filled with Coreloft (synthetic). I've worn it, it is amazing. I currently wear the Atom LT jacket and it's about as lightweight as you can get but it is so warm I can't wear it indoors at all. If I went shopping and was in and out of the car I'd have to wear something less warm. (The Atom is filled with Coreloft).

If you have any other Q's let me know; I'm a buyer in the outdoor industry.
Click to expand...

Thank you for all this information, Monarch! I'm originally from Ontario, where the winters are freezing so I'm well acquainted with winter underwear! I haven't had a lot of luck with merino wool long underwear because I find it itchy (perhaps the wrong brand?). What do you think of Polypropylene? I love it but it seems hard to find.

I had no idea Patagonia had such warm parkas, and so lightweight! The prices seem reasonable as well. I really like the length, too!

I've never heard of Arc'teryx but will check them out. Do you live in a very cold climate? Is this the kind of coat that will tolerate the washing machine/ dryer?

Does a greater amount of down fill = a warmer coat?
 
Cookie|1350591922|3288083 said:
I got this parka from Eddie Bauer this year for my grandma, and am thinking about getting one for myself too.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=43590

I think it's slim and quite stylish. The teal color is very pretty in real life. It feels very light in terms of weight, which is great for my grandma. Besides, it's longer in the back than in the front, so it can keep one's legs warm while not getting in her way. I am petite, and this parka sits slightly above my knees (unlike in the model's picture).
Click to expand...

Cookie, that parka is the coolest one I've seen! I think I would buy it just because it's so cute! We have an Eddie Bauer outlet nearby and I'll check if it's there. I love both those colors! You have a very well -dressed grandmother ;)) !
 
canuk-gal|1350606378|3288249 said:
HI:

http://www.canada-goose.com/women/

cheers--Sharon
Click to expand...

Wow, these look warm! Do you have any experience with them? The one down parka that I have was bought in Montreal at Mountain Equipment Co-op, years ago and it's amazing.
 
baby nurse|1350609588|3288296 said:
canuk-gal|1350606378|3288249 said:
HI:

http://www.canada-goose.com/women/

cheers--Sharon
Click to expand...

Wow, these look warm! Do you have any experience with them? The one down parka that I have was bought in Montreal at Mountain Equipment Co-op, years ago and it's amazing.
Click to expand...


HI:

Yes. Bought one two years ago at Holt Renfrew. Very warm. Wash it in my front loader--gentle cycle, cold water. Dry it on air for 2 cycles--then the lowest heat. Hang. The down dries nicely--the lowest heat helps it "unclump". No issues with settling or shrinkage. The only complaint is the neck is loose--need a scarf to prevent cold from the neck (inside).

MEC has great products at a great price. They carry some of the products already mentioned here.

cheers--Sharon
 
baby nurse|1350608393|3288280 said:
monarch64|1350590267|3288054 said:
If you want a parka-length coat because your legs get cold you might consider wearing a base-layer (merino wool preferably for its anti-microbial properties and excellent temperature-regulation) under your pants. You also don't have to look like a shapely Michelin Man. Consider:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-ultralight-fiona-down-parka-coat?p=28350-0-710

That is 800-fill down. It might be lightweight and streamlined, but it'll keep you quite toasty.

I've never been into TNF, but they do a great job of advertising for the rest of the outdoor industry. ;))

Arc'teryx is another brand you might consider. Highly technical, and they are really the most innovative in the industry.

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Womens/Jackets/Sylva-Parka-W#

The Sylva is filled with Coreloft (synthetic). I've worn it, it is amazing. I currently wear the Atom LT jacket and it's about as lightweight as you can get but it is so warm I can't wear it indoors at all. If I went shopping and was in and out of the car I'd have to wear something less warm. (The Atom is filled with Coreloft).

If you have any other Q's let me know; I'm a buyer in the outdoor industry.
Click to expand...

Thank you for all this information, Monarch! I'm originally from Ontario, where the winters are freezing so I'm well acquainted with winter underwear! I haven't had a lot of luck with merino wool long underwear because I find it itchy (perhaps the wrong brand?). What do you think of Polypropylene? I love it but it seems hard to find.

I had no idea Patagonia had such warm parkas, and so lightweight! The prices seem reasonable as well. I really like the length, too!

I've never heard of Arc'teryx but will check them out. Do you live in a very cold climate? Is this the kind of coat that will tolerate the washing machine/ dryer?

Does a greater amount of down fill = a warmer coat?
Click to expand...

Arc'teryx is actually a Canadian company. They used to manufacture in Canada, but they moved production to China and Westcomb is now in their previous factory. (Now THAT is a technical brand, they make some badass stuff!) Anyway, they make a really nice wool base layer, a bit pricey but anything they do lasts forever. Icebreakers is another great base layer company (merino wool). Those are my personal favorites, I have tried Ibex and love their sweaters and Izzi pants but I cannot stand their base layers, I just find them itchy.

I live in the Midwest, by the way, but in a weird pocket where we can have extremely mild winters or very harsh winters. I lived in Chicago for 8 years during the 2000's as well. So I am well acquainted with cold weather, maybe not like Canada but definitely cold enough to require some serious gear at times.

As far as synthetic base layers: the major disadvantage to them is that bacteria clings to synthetic fibers (whereas wool is naturally anti-bacterial) and over time this causes the base layer to develop an odor. You can never get rid of the odor. Patagonia makes a version called Capilene. It's great stuff, and will perform well in every way, but you will eventually get that odor development.

A greater number in front of the word down=higher insulation. A lot of different factors go into whether you could say a piece is "warmer than" another, though.

PSA: Goose down is becoming more and more scarce. Next year you will start seeing things labeled "duck down." If you're going to buy goose down pieces (including duvets/comforters) you would be wise to make purchases this year.
 
Ooo cooooaaaaats I love coats! Some do handbags or shoes, I have an obsession w/coats/jackets for whatever strange reason. I've got all the links up in another window. I am looking at a Columbia one for Christmas but now I want to check out all these other ones to see if they're better. The Columbia one has reflective space blanket type shiny stuff inside.
 
This is the warmest coat ever! I can't say enough about how gorgeous and well constructed it is. Easy to care for and beautiful. I have several from this brand and I love them all. Perfect for anyone with allergies too!

http://www.vautecouture.com/c-2-coats.aspx

vautelincoln.png
 
I vote Eddie Bauer or North Face. I have an Eddie Bauer that I bought on sale for $67 a couple years ago and it is SO warm. I might get a North Face this year though.
 
qtiekiki|1350917852|3290171 said:
Couple other brands that haven't been mentioned.

Columbia
Mountain Hardwear (My dad used to work for this company a couple years ago. It was bought out by Columbia, but I am not sure if they still own them.) - I have this one: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women's-Phantom™-Jacket/OL3128,default,pd.html. It's super light and super warm.
Moncler
Click to expand...

I agree, Mountain Hardwear is great stuff. I think the OP wants a parka-length coat, so the Citilicious Parka or Coat would both be great choices.
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top