Winter Jacket Advice

So, I just moved to Minneapolis and it's starting to get chilly here. I think it's time to invest in a more substantial winter jacket and I'm looking for advice. My primary goal is function, i.e. I'd like to stay warm when it gets down to I don't know -20. I'm thinking I'd like to keep it <$500 unless that's totally unreasonable. Stylistically I'm lost as hell. I feel like down jackets are probably the warmest (I might be guessing here). I'm completely lost brand wise, but have scanned everything from LL Bean to Canada Goose. In general I tend to wear mostly Patrik Ervell, APC, Our Legacy, etc. Any thoughts, suggestions would be really appreciated.

WIth that kind of winter, you can be forgiven for putting fashion aside and focusing on function: several of LL Bean's and Eddie Bauer's offerings would do the trick. I find Edde Bauer's coats just a tad more stylish, but that's not saying much. But don't play games with serious cold. And make sure to invest in good, appropriate headgear.

Otherwise, the only thing I can think of off the top of my head is a Filson Double Mackinaw Cruiser. I've handled the single mack recently at an Orvis and thought it was an amazing garment. The Double is crazy warm and in a class by itself. Just read the reviews.

Here's the link:
http://www.filson.com/products/double-mackinaw-cruiser.10041.html



zzzzap said:

So, I just moved to Minneapolis and it's starting to get chilly here. I think it's time to invest in a more substantial winter jacket and I'm looking for advice. My primary goal is function, i.e. I'd like to stay warm when it gets down to I don't know -20. I'm thinking I'd like to keep it <$500 unless that's totally unreasonable. Stylistically I'm lost as hell. I feel like down jackets are probably the warmest (I might be guessing here). I'm completely lost brand wise, but have scanned everything from LL Bean to Canada Goose. In general I tend to wear mostly Patrik Ervell, APC, Our Legacy, etc. Any thoughts, suggestions would be really appreciated.

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You need a parka with a real fur hood lining. CG would be great except that you won't find for $500 or less. There prices have gone up in the past few seasons due to an explotion of popularity, especially in Canada.

Another SF member asked me about parkas and in some quick research I found 3 in your price range that will keep you very warm. My first and best suggestion is this coat from Duluth Trading. Ribbed cuffs, real coyote fur, and it appears to be extremely warm. Best part, it's $275. That's a steal IMO. If I didn't already own a CG coat I would get this one and be happy with it.

Cabela's also makes a parka. I don't like this as much as the Duluth because of the side patch and lack of ribbed cuffs, but it's still very nice with real fur. They also have a parka in Medium from last season at $150 that I like a great deal. If it's your size, take a long look at it.

Lastly, Penfield has several models under $500. I'm not crazy about their buttons (I think they look and are cheap) but I like the look of their coats.

I strongly suggest a parka with a fur hood. It will come to great use for extreme cold. That fur creates a warm barrier around your face. Don't bother with faux fur hoods (or parkas for the matter). If you are cool with parkas not sporting fur, there are countless choices. I got my father a really nice one from Marmot last winter.