warmest type of winter coat?

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
just looking for some suggestions.

I've got a nice coat that meets a happy-medium between warm and fashionable for commuting to work, going out with friends, etc... but what about if my only goal is staying as warm as possible while I've got to go out and shovel snow for an hour, without caring about how I look?
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
seinfeld_puffy_coat.jpg
 

momeNt

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2011
9,290
352
126
Carhartt or similar working type coats.

Also layer with thermals, top and bottom.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
86
Wool peacoats are generally the best looking and warmest, at least IMO.

Also, if you're not looking to spend as much, wait until the end of January to buy. Coats (and most winter clothes) generally start to go down in price around then.
 

jaedaliu

Platinum Member
Feb 25, 2005
2,670
1
81
pea coats make sense, there must be a reason why the military issues them.

However, mine just isn't as warm as my down coat. The inner down lining can be removed in mine. I suggest asking your neighbor that's comfortably shoveling at a moderate pace, he's probably warm and cozy.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
59,062
9,454
126
Layers is the only important thing. One heavy coat is especially bad for hard work. You start to sweat, take break, and then get cold. My outfit for day in the cold is Tshirt. thermal shirt, sweatshirt, button up shirt, vest, jacket. I can then remove, or mix/match layers to suit my need.

Edit:
Forgot the sweatshirt.
 
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Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
This...

Copious amounts of dense down is exactly where it is at. A good jacket is not cheap though.

I was able to get a Mountain Hardwear down jacket for over 50% off online for under $100, it was last year's model but who cares.

I find that I can wear less layers and I'm still toasty if I'm wearing this jacket.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
I'll be serious.

As long as the coat is windproof and has decent insulation, you are good. Carhartt is the best for outdoor activities and they make some that don't look bad at all.

But the key is to layer. Have an undershirt, a fleece, your coat and a good hat and gloves. Make sure you are wearing warm boots too.

You don't want to over do it. It sucks when you are sweating when its freezing cold out. They layers let you adjust with your activity level. But for an hour I would wear a fleece, coat, hat, gloves and boots.
 

monkeydelmagico

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2011
3,961
145
106
heli-arctic parka by canada goose. A must have for every urban explorer concerned about surviving that grueling hour of extreme snow shoveling
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
Personally, I think if you're going to be doing stuff then you should get a jacket that has a water/windproof outer shell and a removable fleece inner layer. I have a Columbia one I got for about $100-$130 I think and it is great for shoveling snow in the cold. When I just start out, I'm still quite cold so I have both layers on and the hood pulled over my head. As I get warm, I can open the zippered vents it has in the chest and under the arms to release heat and regulate my internal temperature. It has roomy shoulder areas that make it easier to be active which is perfect for shoveling and other snow removal movements. You can also use it for skiing/snowboarding and you can use each layer separately so it's pretty versatile.

EDIT: I'm in 07003 so I experience the same temperature ranges as you do and this jacket has never made me wish for something more.
 

irishScott

Lifer
Oct 10, 2006
21,562
3
0
I'll be serious.

As long as the coat is windproof and has decent insulation, you are good. Carhartt is the best for outdoor activities and they make some that don't look bad at all.

But the key is to layer. Have an undershirt, a fleece, your coat and a good hat and gloves. Make sure you are wearing warm boots too.

You don't want to over do it. It sucks when you are sweating when its freezing cold out. They layers let you adjust with your activity level. But for an hour I would wear a fleece, coat, hat, gloves and boots.

This. I wear a t-shirt, fleece, and a non-breathable waterproof jacket (if it's waterproof, it's windproof). That combo (sometimes with an extra t-shirt) has kept me warm in sub-zero weather for years.

Of course a massive down parka will outdo it for raw insulation, but you don't want that if you're going to be physically active (unless you're in Antarctica or something).
 

irishScott

Lifer
Oct 10, 2006
21,562
3
0
Something like this + this.

You might want to look into a windproof fleece for extra protection/comfort, but it'll cost you about $50 more.
 

NetWareHead

THAT guy
Aug 10, 2002
5,847
154
106
Whatever you do, do not wear anything coton under yoru coat when trying to stay warm. Stick with a synthetic fabric that is designed for warmth and can wick the moisture away or wool clothing. Both of these fabrics do not lose warmth when wet/moist (you do not have to fall into water, even moisture from sweat will do it). Wearing wet cotton will cling to your skin and not insulate at all.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
I prefer a good medium snowboard or ski jacket. They don't have a lot of insulation, but have a solid shell to keep wind out. This allows you to layer clothing under the jacket when it's extremely cold and wear less underneath it when the temp rises. Basically, it makes the jacket more 'multi-function'.
 
Dec 10, 2005
27,461
11,765
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I prefer a good medium snowboard or ski jacket. They don't have a lot of insulation, but have a solid shell to keep wind out. This allows you to layer clothing under the jacket when it's extremely cold and wear less underneath it when the temp rises. Basically, it makes the jacket more 'multi-function'.

I kind of do this. I have a 3-in-1 North Face coat that's good till it hits the upper 30s, then I start to layer it. I used to use a fleece, but have recently switched to a soft-shell coat (almost like doubling up on the liner of my North Face. It's a solid combination for staying warm, and the soft-shell coat can double over as a way to stay warm when buildings aren't heated enough.