Comments on Alpha N-3B Parka?

[lektrix]



I think This is affordable and nice and cheap. I am also interested for this.

My budget is under $400 total anyways so this kinda works out for me. I don't have many options in Canada. Either pay out of ****** for the overused Canada Goose/Parajumpers/Nobis/etc., pay $300+ for some baggy, overused made in China North Face, or try to find something in the States when I come for BF shopping in 10 days.

 

[NormanF]

My budget is under $400 total anyways so this kinda works out for me. I don't have many options in Canada. Either pay out of ****** for the overused Canada Goose/Parajumpers/Nobis/etc., pay $300+ for some baggy, overused made in China North Face, or try to find something in the States when I come for BF shopping in 10 days.

OK. You don't need to pay a premium for what you mention. I bought on Gear Trade tonight a Chilliwack Merino Wool Bomber for $234. The retail price is $700. Its sold by Back Country so I know I am getting the genuine jacket and not a fake from a shady Internet site. I try not to pay retail for something I want.

 

[lektrix]



OK. You don't need to pay a premium for what you mention. I bought on Gear Trade tonight a Chilliwack Merino Wool Bomber for $234. The retail price is $700. Its sold by Back Country so I know I am getting the genuine jacket and not a fake from a shady Internet site. I try not to pay retail for something I want.

Not a big fan of "used" jackets. Used could mean many things. Is this the same site as Backcountry.com? Why are they selling "used" items on that site????

 

[7_rocket]



Actually, I was able to find the Alpha for even cheaper, $129.........

http://www.davesnewyork.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/126406/Alpha-Mens-Slim-Fit-N3B-Parka

~$200 more for real fur???

So this jacket is the one that is warm? Kinda confused with the 2 jackets you guys are talking about.

 

[lektrix]



So this jacket is the one that is warm? Kinda confused with the 2 jackets you guys are talking about.

Apparently all the N3B parkas are the same (except for fur trim) and suitable for up to -50F.

 

[NormanF]

Not a big fan of "used" jackets. Used could mean many things. Is this the same site as Backcountry.com? Why are they selling "used" items on that site????

Yes... well second hand items can be an excellent value if you know what you're looking for. If a garment is in wearable condition, why must one have to shell out the full price for it? Some people may not like what they buy, they changed their mind, etc. And this is where frugal shoppers can save money on the best brands.

 

[NormanF]

Apparently all the N3B parkas are the same (except for fur trim) and suitable for up to -50F.

Yup. Real fur trim works better in the cold and its harvesting of a sustainable natural resource not for decoration but for function.

 

[lektrix]



Yes... well second hand items can be an excellent value if you know what you're looking for. If a garment is in wearable condition, why must one have to shell out the full price for it? Some people may not like what they buy, they changed their mind, etc. And this is where frugal shoppers can save money on the best brands.

But how "wearable" are they really? That's the question. What condition is it in? Are these jackets simply returns/exchanges 1-2 months in, or 5-6 months later? Were they donated, found in a back of a truck, or outlet-quality with manufacturer defects???

Yup. Real fur trim works better in the cold and its harvesting of a sustainable natural resource not for decoration but for function.

Interesting. $129 jacket vs the same $350-$400 jacket and the only difference is fur. It might be cheaper to buy your own coyote fur trim and have it sewn on by a tailor.

 

[NormanF]

But how "wearable" are they really? That's the question. What condition is it in? Are these jackets simply returns/exchanges 1-2 months in, or 5-6 months later? Were they donated, found in a back of a truck, or outlet-quality with manufacturer defects???
Interesting. $129 jacket vs the same $350-$400 jacket and the only difference is fur. It might be cheaper to buy your own coyote fur trim and have it sewn on by a tailor.

I would say most of them are returns/exchanges. Some of them are not a popular color and others have minor damage. You can pick them up at a significant savings or wait for a sale on a new jacket.

You could could do it if the jacket is an import. Its not worth it if you're not looking for a jacket with a particular country origin in mind. By that I mean where it was originally made, not where it was sold.

 

[Orrery]

I just got a Spiewak Amsterdam Snorkel parka off of Gilt. It's not waxed but 60/40 outside, coyote fur trim. It's pretty awesome and warm. Shackleton steez.

 

[7_rocket]

Looks like I'll have to call tomorrow to pick this up!

 

[poly800rock]



Get the Spiewak USA made N3B off Rakuten USA in Japan. Comes with a real coyote fur trim ruff instead off the synthetic fur trim ruff found on the Alpha.

I'm 5'7", short guy and the Japan store sized me up to a 40 since I have the slender physique Japanese men have.

An N3B parka is the warmest jacket ever made. It will keep you warm in temperatures down to minus 60 C. It was standard issue to US Air Force crews serving in the most extreme latitudes in the world.

I'm 5'7 as well, is a 40 too big for you? i could see 38, but is 40 at all big? can you post a pic?

 

[lektrix]



I just got a Spiewak Amsterdam Snorkel parka off of Gilt. It's not waxed but 60/40 outside, coyote fur trim. It's pretty awesome and warm. Shackleton steez.

Link? Don't see it on Gilt.

 

[NormanF]

I'm 5'7 as well, is a 40 too big for you? i could see 38, but is 40 at all big? can you post a pic?

I haven't received it yet. I originally ordered a 36 but based on my size, Hiroshi, the proprietor, recommended I move up to a 40. In Japan, most shops don't stock large and extra large sizes.

UPDATE: When I received the size 40, it fit my 42" chest perfectly and its slim-fitting. I'm a slim guy so this won't probably work if you have a muscular or wide build but if you're a small guy, the Japanese size in practice works out well.

 

[NormanF]

I just got a Spiewak Amsterdam Snorkel parka off of Gilt. It's not waxed but 60/40 outside, coyote fur trim. It's pretty awesome and warm. Shackleton steez.

Damn! I don't see it listed on their site.