Which coat is warmer?

Ill go with the parka.

Shearling, down parka, wool. Leather is extremely warm, especially shearling.

I would go with the down, if its something of real loft (650+) and has a true windproof fabric. Problem is, it is pretty ugly

You dont like looking like the ?

Uninsulated leather is as cold as ice. A real leather and shearling coat is warm because of the shearling which is nothing more than unprocessed wool. Basically it's a fur coat with the fur side in. Not a bad choice but not the best one in my opinion.

Goose down is a tricky thing. The down must be premium quality and there needs to be a lot of it to keep you warm. Once it compresses and starts to settle in those little pockets it's insulation value goes way way down. If the shell isn't absolutely waterproof and you get soaked you're a dead man. Same goes if you rip up the shell and the down floats away in the breeze. The flip side is they are a very light coat which is a prime consideration for mountain climbers etc.

Extremely thick wool coats are very warm and if it gets soaked it does not lose it's insulating qualities. Wool is also very durable and tough. Thick wool is still the number one choice of people who live and work outside in cold climates.

I'm one of those people who has tried all three and I'll stick with my heavy wool coats.

shearling is only really warm if the fur is turned to the inside.

I say shearling with the fur on the inside. I used to live in the northwest region of China where it gets to -30C every winter, and everyone wore shearling to keep themselves warm.

No brainer.

Definitely the down parka.

If you were buying, where would you look for such a coat?

TD

While this might not have been my first answer, Crane's post makes a lot of sense, providing a very thoughtful and logical reply, and hence, I find myself in agreement..."I'll stick with my heavy wool coats"!

Crane's of course! LOL. Take a look at Filson wool coats, in particular the Mac or double Mac. The wool Packer is a good choice too. I own a wool Mac, it's -3F here this morning and it's what I'll be wearing today.

My Northface down Parka by far keeps warmer than any other coat I own