What is a really really warm coat?

[FreshTressa]

I see a ton at REI, llbean, landsend, etc.

Is it worth paying the extra money?

Who has a really really warm coat and where did you get it? What style is it?

Is down really that warm?

Thanks!

 

[Beth76]

Here's a thread I saw earlier today.....http://130.94.75.33/showthread.php?t=1259642

 

[Cool-Beans]

I have a bunch of coats, but the only one that keeps me really warm is the Land's End one. It is like a dang parka and ugly as all get out...but I stay toasty WARM!!! DH calls me "Nanook" when I wear it. Looks a lot like this:

You can even zip it up around your face so that basically only your eyes are exposed...and even they can be covered with the top part.

 

[FreshTressa]

I had an arc'teryx coat last year that I LOVED!

It is too small this year =(...and I don't want to fork out $250 again this year for one.

 

[Mike.Wazowski]

TJ Maxx has Columbia Coats for $50
can't beat em

 

[lazydazy8]

I love my down "puffy coat" from Lands End. I got mine one spring during the season clearance. I love it! I am so warm and toasty under it, even if I only have on a knit shirt. I have two of their down vests for myself and my DD7 has one as well.

Being from Maine, I do have to give my pitch for L.L. Bean. Their return policy is second to none. I am never disappointed in them. My DS5 has an L.L. Bean puffy down vest and my DD7 has an L.L. Bean winter jacket. I love them both and the kids haven't complained.

So, yes, the money is worth it.

 

[PrincessPatty]

www.hellyhansen.com

I found this brand in Norway in EPCOT, and Im hooked...love their stuff and very warm!

 

[punkin]

I like Russian Sable.

 

[GeorgeG]

Good old wool still works and so does down. Wool still keeps you relatively warm when wet and down does not. Both come in styles with water proof/repellant shells and a good quality coat can be had from Cabella's (similar to L.L. Bean, but more affordable).

 

[ohMom]

sorry to hijack FreshTressa -- can you clean out your PM box, it's full and not receiving any more messages! thanks!

 

[karynnix]

We all have the Land's End Squall jackets and they are great...even for Iowa!!

 

[Frantasmic]

I don't need a heavy coat in Texas; however, my Land's End coat is quite toasty when I visit the in-laws in Colorado.

 

[alanapapa]

Hi Tressa,
It all depends on what activity you are wearing it for. To paraphrase a previous poster, down is great, but worthless when weet. Which is not a good idea here in Puget Sound. Columbia Sportswear has some great coats, but I am partial to the REI brand. Why do you need a new coat, could a vest (either fleece or down) under a coat you already own work? Go down to the REI at Redomd Town Center or the big one downtown and talk to the Sales people there and look at your options. Nobody at REI is on commission and you should be able to find something in your price range.

 

[luvflorida]

Being from Maine, I do have to give my pitch for L.L. Bean. Their return policy is second to none. I am never disappointed in them. My DS5 has an L.L. Bean puffy down vest and my DD7 has an L.L. Bean winter jacket. I love them both and the kids haven't complained.
So, yes, the money is worth it.

I agree! My kids grew up wearing LL Bean snowsuits, coats, jackets, and boots. The kids would always outgrow any of LL Bean's clothes before the clothes would wear out. Their stuff NEVER wears out!

None of my kids liked bulky, heavy coats or jackets, and a lot of LL Bean's winter clothes are made with Thinsulate. The coats are extremely warm, yet comfortable without bulk. The kids could move in them. For some reason, they always liked the pull on snowpants as opposed to the bib/strap type pants. Again, less bulk I guess.

 

[N.Bailey]

I'm sure many fall into this category, but I know for a fact the Columbia jackets will keep you plenty warm. I see someone else mentioned it, but I've yet to see one for under $100, so that poster got a really good deal if it's the heavier coat/jacket.

I'd bet any well made down coat will be warm though.

 

[N.Bailey]

I have a bunch of coats, but the only one that keeps me really warm is the Land's End one. It is like a dang parka and ugly as all get out...but I stay toasty WARM!!! DH calls me "Nanook" when I wear it. Looks a lot like this:

You can even zip it up around your face so that basically only your eyes are exposed...and even they can be covered with the top part.

I guess I'd have to see it on, but I actually like your coat.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I have the Squall Parka from Landsend too. Squall Parka

Mine is red. I look like a giant tomato, but I'm warm and the color is cheerful in the dreary winter. Actually, it's so warm that I keep it unzipped many days during the winter.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I have a bunch of coats, but the only one that keeps me really warm is the Land's End one. It is like a dang parka and ugly as all get out...but I stay toasty WARM!!! DH calls me "Nanook" when I wear it. Looks a lot like this:

You can even zip it up around your face so that basically only your eyes are exposed...and even they can be covered with the top part.

When the Tag Fairy gives me my tag back, she can give you a "Is a Nanook" tag.

BTW, every time I say the word "parka" my kids crack up. They think it's the funniest word. They do the same thing when I say "vehicle". My kids are weird! Like me...

I have a Columbia parka, but it doesn't have a warm hood, which is not good. I would look for that if I were buying a new one.

 

[aynt79]

I have this one from LL Bean (well, the same version from a couple of years ago, in orange) Now it looks like it is more waterproof which is nice.

I like it because it's lightweight and not bulky, but still very warm. Plus, like a PP said, you can't beat LL Beans stuff and their return policy.

 

[momrek06]

I am going to follow this Thread closely...my family and my sisters are all going to London and Paris for the holidays and we have all been looking for a coat for the trip. Something that is warm BUT not bulky. Something we can travel with, in and out of the museums...something that will keep us dry and will dry out quickly. We are looking at the SQUALL coats in Lands End but the long ones that I am really liking comes in not so great colors...pink?purple?white?...but the shorter SQUALL that another poster suggested looks GREAT. I love the color red and I think I am leaning towards that coat...=$99.00!!!

We all covered Beans this summer in Maine, trying everything on and nothing really was what we wanted.

I love to hear from the people that have the SQUALL COATS. Are they easy enough to fold up and store in the airplane compartment...!

Thanks for the replies.