Casual winter outerwear

[bigbadbuff]

I've decided to break down and buy a couple jackets/coats for the coming winter. I already have some wool coats that work for dressier clothing. I'm turning my attention to casual this time. I looked over quite a bit this weekend, lots of things from The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, etc. I have to say I was shocked at the cost for what I considered pretty simple jackets. The North Face inparticular averaged about $350. Another somewhat letdown was the fact that all of the heavier coats- for really cold weather- were simply shells with fleece liners. I'm sure there are boatloads of technology crammed into them, but I would like to have a thicker coat without the fleece, as most fleece (even high end) sheds horribly. Any ideas? Overall impressions of the brands above and others like it?

 

[zman1974]

From searching the forum it appears that Barbour makes great outerwear. Here is a link to a site which sells the entire line: Barbour Line of Products Hope this helps. I may be buying one very soon. Z

 

[Kai]

I really am partial to wool clothing by Filson http://www.filson.com/ and also by Ibex. http://www.ibexwear.com/ Very nice looking, warm, and practical. Kai

 

[bvlin]

I'm personally a fan of the shells with a zip-in fleece. I currently have a North Face one just like that and it's as warm as you'll ever need. I've found that the fleece does shed a very small amount initially, but after just a week or two it shouldn't give you anymore problems. And the best part about it, althought it seems like that part that you don't care for, is the ability to wear either the shell or fleece separately, saving money on lighter weight casual coats.