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Help me buy a winter jacket

xanis

xanis

Lifer
I need help buying a new winter jacket to replace my aging Columbia. There are so many different types of jackets, different types/levels of insulation, and brands that it's making my head spin.

I have only three requirements: Warm, waterproof, and doesn't drain my bank account.

I'm not going to be participating in any strenuous activities or sports, if that makes a difference. Lets start with insulation: What should I be looking at? Down? Synthetic?

EDIT: I live in PA (Philadelphia metro area), so we're looking at standard northeast winter temps... maybe 20F or so on average?
 
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I'm in Berkeley, CA, so it's different, I haven't even seen snow I think since I was back east decades ago. I have a down jacket I picked up cheap at Costco, or was it Walmart? If you hunt around you can find deals. Water proof is something I don't have in a warm jacket, but it's never very cold around here when it rains. If I needed that I'd wear a rain out gear and warmer stuff underneath.

El Guaraguao said:
Northface.
Click to expand...
I checked them out when I needed a jacket but didn't like the prices.
 
xanis said:
I need help buying a new winter jacket to replace my aging Columbia. There are so many different types of jackets, different types/levels of insulation, and brands that it's making my head spin.

I have only three requirements: Warm, waterproof, and doesn't drain my bank account.

I'm not going to be participating in any strenuous activities or sports, if that makes a difference. Lets start with insulation: What should I be looking at? Down? Synthetic?

EDIT: I live in PA (Philadelphia metro area), so we're looking at standard northeast winter temps... maybe 20F or so on average?
Click to expand...
Are you looking for a topcoat/peacoat/carcoat or a bubblejacket/skijacket?

I think all (nearly?) jackets use synthetic polyfiber nowadays. The newest jackets are superwarm and use advanced filler material but manage to stay quite thin and look almost like casual jackets instead of that michelin man bubble jacket look.
 
bononos said:
I think all (nearly?) jackets use synthetic polyfiber nowadays. The newest jackets are superwarm and use advanced filler material but manage to stay quite thin and look almost like casual jackets instead of that michelin man bubble jacket look.
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Synthetic has its place, but in general down is the best material for insulation when it comes to clothing.

Down >> Synthetic.
 
I really like the recent offerings from Eddie Bauer these days. I had to get a new winter wardrobe so I picked up a down parka and jacket from them. If you can find a sale then it's worthwhile. I got my down jacket for $70 on sale.
 
I got an AMEX gift card the other day so I guess I should go over to Costco and spend it.
Maybe I can find some heavy trousers for the upcoming winter.
 
ShawnD1 said:
This. I just got one for $70 and it's better than most jackets I've had in the past.
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I also have a jacket from there. I bought it to go out to the dessert last year and to wear at work. Its not for super cold temps, but it does REALLY well for me, it was like $34 plus tax.
 
Are there any columbia outlets by you? I don't know what the prices are like now but I got a black columbia titanium softshell for $60
http://www.columbia.com/Men%27s-Thermodynamic%E2%84%A2-Softshell-Big/WS6364,default,pd.html#

and a fleece jacket for $30 last year in early April

Disclaimer: I am a big Columbia fan. I've never needed to replace them except for something that was my own fault - like ripping a hole in it by catching a long nail sticking out. Otherwise they have lasted me years through skiing, snowboarding etc
 
You may want to consider a trip to Burlington Coat Factory, decent prices and good selection. Find something that fits well and is comfortable.. then go from there... In Winter I usually wear a leather jacket over a sweatshirt or fleece jacket ... layers for the win .... take one off if you get warm....
 
xanis said:
I need help buying a new winter jacket to replace my aging Columbia. There are so many different types of jackets, different types/levels of insulation, and brands that it's making my head spin.

I have only three requirements: Warm, waterproof, and doesn't drain my bank account.

I'm not going to be participating in any strenuous activities or sports, if that makes a difference. Lets start with insulation: What should I be looking at? Down? Synthetic?

EDIT: I live in PA (Philadelphia metro area), so we're looking at standard northeast winter temps... maybe 20F or so on average?
Click to expand...

Philly isn't that cold, so you don't really have to worry that much about the type of insulation, unless weight is really a problem for you. How much does the waterproofing really matter?

Is this coat for outdoor activities, or just for normal daily use? If the former, look into either a down or synthetic down inside layer with a shell outside. If you're looking for normal use, than just about anything will do you OK, and just find a heavier jacket that looks nice.
 
crashtestdummy said:
Philly isn't that cold, so you don't really have to worry that much about the type of insulation, unless weight is really a problem for you. How much does the waterproofing really matter?

Is this coat for outdoor activities, or just for normal daily use? If the former, look into either a down or synthetic down inside layer with a shell outside. If you're looking for normal use, than just about anything will do you OK, and just find a heavier jacket that looks nice.
Click to expand...

This will be for normal use. I guess waterproofing isn't a huge concern, but something tells me that if I didn't get it I'd find myself in a situation wishing I had bought it. 😛
 
Ika said:
and if not (can't remember if there was an REI), EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) is just as good. There is one at Penn's campus, if there aren't any closer to you.
Click to expand...

Hmm... there's an REI out in Conshohocken. Might have to check it out, thanks.
 
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