winter coats

[katster]

Oh yeah, another question for all you folks who actually go through a real winter as opposed to this pseudo-winter we have out here.

I want to find a good winter jacket, because I might be traveling to Canada for christmas in 2003. Besides, it would come in handy for playing in the snow in California's mountains if I get the chance to go. So what do I look for, and where should I look...given the caveat that I am in California, and I do need to try on things because of size issues?

(And prolly something warmer than the sweatshirt/flannel jacket/gloves that I used to get through the coldest parts of Redding's winter would do lots in bringing down how often I get sick.)

Comments

Columbia

[wiredferret.livejournal.com]

I really like my Columbia parka. I got it at REI, which I'm pretty sure you have out there. It has an outer windbreaker-and-thinsulate shell, and an inner zip-in polarfleece liner. When worn with a hat and appropriate gloves, I'm pretty good down to about 15 below. After that it's time for the black puffy marshmallow coat of doom. I wear a men's size large, and I think they go up to XXL.

REI also has the absolutely delicious and essential silk long underwear.

[fb.livejournal.com]

When I moved from here to Oregon, I got a nice warm coat I think from one of those outlet stores near Anderson. I don't know if that would work for Christmas in Canada though, you might want to look at a sporting goods store or someplace dedicated to winter wear that would have a coat rated to a specific temperature.

Heh, thinking about moving to a colder climate for love (or at least its potential) myself these days. ;)

I know you don't like the idea of catalogs...

[lirazel.livejournal.com]

... but try these guys I'm 5'7", 335lbs, and a size 4 with them. Also, they are pretty good about returns.

[unsee1ie.livejournal.com]

saw prior post about REI, ja they're here - we have one in North Berkeley on San Pablo. you can pre-shop or browse on website http://www.rei.com .

another good source for modern fibers, really warm, sense of style, large selection is {don't gag} Eddie Bauer. again, you can pre-shop online at http://www.eddiebauer.com and visit a real storefront to try things out - they're all over the place, we've got one in downtown Berkeley.

not sure where you are, saw this in SFBA_SF_Fans/Friends, and know that lots of us are east bay and even more are south bay/san jose - am pretty sure you'll have similar stores nearby if you're down there.

have seen lots of ads for "burlington coat factory", but think that if you don't know what brand you're looking for when you go there you can't be sure you're getting something as good as it looks at first glance {lining, windproofing, durability, etc.}

...i LOVE COATS AND JACKETS!!!! *sigh* wish it would snow HERE! {Berkeley}

[dizzdvl.livejournal.com]

Lands' End. Plus, you can get away with a thinner coat/jacket as long as you layer :)

[tropism.livejournal.com]

I wear a nice, heavy ski jacket in the dead of winter here in NY -- one of those big, puffy, somewhat ungainly things that add 20 pounds but are oh-so-warm. But you can also get away with a slightly lighter coat and layering with sweaters and stuff.

At least you're going to a place that has relatively mild winters, from what I know. Unlike some places in upstate, central NY -- or most of inland canada -- where at times you've got to be careful about touching metal in mid-winter for fear of leaving flesh behind. ;)