Warmest winter coat

S

stemikel

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
Jul 31, 2020
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#1
I need a really warm winter coat. This is for work to wear over a suit. I’m looking for something to get me through the winter in the upper Midwest. I would prefer to avoid the Canada goose brand if I can help it.

My old school wool coats just don’t seem to cut it anymore.
 
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#3
arcteryx.com

Sorin Down Parka Men's

Our warmest weatherproof parka combines down’s warmth with GORE-TEX protection.
arcteryx.com

I have an older predecessor in a gray colorway for city/office blustery super cold days that I expect to be exposed to the elements, but need styling to match business wear.

Less costly alternative from Arcteryx mainline: https://arcteryx.com/shop/mens/therme-sv-parka
 
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#6
stemikel said:
I need a really warm winter coat. This is for work to wear over a suit. I’m looking for something to get me through the winter in the upper Midwest. I would prefer to avoid the Canada goose brand if I can help it.

My old school wool coats just don’t seem to cut it anymore.
Click to expand...

Where in the midwest and how cold are we talking about here?

I'm in MN for work right now. It's in the teens with windchills in the 0F range. A simple Dachstein wool thigh length jacket works just fine over a dress shirt and twill trousers. Wool socks inside Red Wing Iron Rangers for my feet.

I've dealt with -20 windchills with much the same outerwear, just added a windproof wool hat and some decent gloves.
 
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#10
Snowmobile stuff is the warmest. And cheap when they are making room for the new stuff.

It keep you warm at 100mph at 0*

57AC37C4-D883-4AAD-B225-BE60B3F7BDAF.jpeg
 
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#11
308pirate said:
Where in the midwest and how cold are we talking about here?

I'm in MN for work right now. It's in the teens with windchills in the 0F range. A simple Dachstein wool thigh length jacket works just fine over a dress shirt and twill trousers. Wool socks inside Red Wing Iron Rangers for my feet.

I've dealt with -20 windchills with much the same outerwear, just added a windproof wool hat and some decent gloves.
Click to expand...
Green Bay, Minneapolis, traverse city
 
#12
Nik H said:
Not all wool coats are created equal. The type of wool and how it is woven is important.

I find Filson wool coats to be the best against cold, especially, damp conditions. They are pricey but worth every penny.

Canada Goose is way overpriced and shitty in wet conditions
Click to expand...
Thanks. I have a lot of Filson gear- but not the Mackinaw coat.

My wool is an old Boss wool/cashmere blend that goes below the knees.

It has been great- but i think it is just played out at this point.
 
#13
stemikel said:
Thanks. I have a lot of Filson gear- but not the Mackinaw coat.

My wool is an old Boss wool/cashmere blend that goes below the knees.

It has been great- but i think it is just played out at this point.
Click to expand...
I use the Double Mackinaw with a wool watch cap and gloves and am toasty in -10 wind chills.

That is as cold as it gets in my part of New England but we have very damp weather with high winds all winter since we are surrounded by water. The dampness is where synthetics fail IMHO. Wool breathes and that is important. I stopped buying down-filled coats and GoreTex long ago

If you are looking for a long coat, I don't know that Filson makes one but Sterlingwear of Boston makes them for the USN and has been for a while. They make different styles as well.
 
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#16
Hello from remote Alaska! For warmth you just can't beat quality Down. But, what you'll be doing has a huge effect of your choice. Down does not like to be compressed. So, if you plan to wear it under layers, it doesn't do so well. It also does not do well when wet. If it rains a lot or if you are somewhere that has high humidity I'd avoid Down. Also, Down coats materials are usually not as durable as those used for synthetics. Lastly, if you'll be camping or around flames you'll want a flame resistant, natural material like wool. Wool is naturally flame resistant; but heavy. Fleece will melt to you if you get next to a fire, but it breaths great if you're hiking or such. Synthetics don't last as long as down and are effected more by repeated compressions. They are also much heavier than down. A good thing about synthetic is if you get a small hole the down will not come out; and they are much easier to patch. I hope this helps you decision.
 
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#18
godofthunder said:
How fancy does it have to be? I've got some great down stuff but if I'm being honest, my Carhart is windproof and every bit as warm. And cheap.
Click to expand...
I have some real heavy duty insulated Carhartt bibs and parka. Heavy duty, FR rated. Heavy. As heavy as it is, you'd think it would do a better job of keeping you warm. I'm sure it's great stuff at 0F but at -30F plus wind, it's still heavy but not very warm. Did I mention that shit's heavy?...when it's dry? Also, I'll never buy Carhartt shit ever again after the jabby shit they pulled.

I like the battery heated fleece jackets. I use a Gerbing brand heated jacket as an insulation layer under the windproof (and lightly insulated) outer layer. Together they are lighter than most of my other outer gear and MUCH warmer, I can move more easily and don't feel like the Michelin man. I have 4 spare batteries, keep 2 in each hand pocket of the heated fleece. If I run it on low, I am not likely to even need a spare battery. It has to be pretty cold to even turn on at all. Definitely good to -30F plus wind on high. At those temps, you don't want any exposed skin for more than just a few minutes. You will definitely know what is exposed.
Baffin boots. EXCELLENT! They also make some great cold weather outer gear.

EDIT TO ADD: Minimum 12 hour shifts for duty. Never have run out of battery.
 
Last edited:
#20
godofthunder said:
How fancy does it have to be? I've got some great down stuff but if I'm being honest, my Carhart is windproof and every bit as warm. And cheap.
Click to expand...
I’ve got Carhart bibs and an insulated zip up hoodie that I use for snow blowing. Bought it years ago. It works great. But it is really heavy.

Not what I need for work, though.
 
#21
Had to do some January training for a bunch of medial executives in Alaska as such had to wear suite and tie, (don't miss that job), anyway I bought one of these:

www.llbean.com

Men's Maine Warden's 3-in-1 Parka, with GORE-TEX | Insulated Jackets at L.L.Bean

Find the best Men's Maine Warden's 3-in-1 Parka, with GORE-TEX at L.L.Bean. Our high quality Men's Insulated Jackets are thoughtfully designed and built to last season after season.
www.llbean.com www.llbean.com

to go over the monkey suit.

Easy to slip on an off, worked great, still have it 25 years later although it does not get used quite as much now that I am in southern Arizona. It does get used when I go home to northern Maine in the winter. Was rated for -25 or -30. If you can't go with layers, I prefer merino wool, it will definitely do the job for moving in an out of cars, buildings etc.. If you start doing heavy exercise/work you will burn up.

HTH
 
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#22
#23
Nik H said:
If you are looking for a long coat, I don't know that Filson makes one but Sterlingwear of Boston makes them for the USN and has been for a while. They make different styles as well.
Click to expand...
I kick myself for ever getting rid of both my USN issue peacoat and wool overcoat.

1701325290694.png
 
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#24
I'm a fan of goose down, actually looking for a new late-season hunting coat now. Might have to look into some options listed here.

I have an Eddie Bauer goose down parka, bought it maybe 10 years ago from their outlet store. MSRP was somewhere around $400 iirc, and after all the discounts, it was $37.50. I wanted an XL, they didn't have one but would try to track one down for me, so left them my number. Got a call before we got home, they found one in Seattle. They shipped it to me FedEx 2-day and didn't charge tax, so I got it for $37.50. My wife has one too, but had to pay tax on hers.

I only wear it when it's cold, like below zero cold. Even then usually if there's a decent wind chill and I'm gonna be outside for a while. It's by far the warmest coat I've ever had.
 
#26
stemikel said:
I need a really warm winter coat. This is for work to wear over a suit. I’m looking for something to get me through the winter in the upper Midwest. I would prefer to avoid the Canada goose brand if I can help it.

My old school wool coats just don’t seem to cut it anymore.
Click to expand...
How much do you want to spend? My fav jackets for actual cold weather are the Down with gore from patagonia. You could wear a tshirt under these in middle of a snowstorm and be toasty warm

www.patagonia.com

Patagonia Men's Stormshadow Down Parka

Our Patagonia® Men's Stormshadow Parka is warm and waterproof, combining a GORE-TEX fabric with a PFC-free membrane and 700-fill-power 100% Recycled Down.
www.patagonia.com www.patagonia.com
www.patagonia.com

Patagonia Men's Jackson Glacier Down Parka

Our Patagonia® Men’s Jackson Glacier Parka is a technical parka with a sophisticated, stylish design. Insulated with 700-fill-power 100% Recycled Down.
www.patagonia.com www.patagonia.com
www.patagonia.com

Patagonia Men's Downdrift Jacket

Built for the mountain and beyond, our Patagonia® Men’s Downdrift Jacket is a retro-inspired down jacket that provides warmth and functionality.
www.patagonia.com www.patagonia.com
 
#27
Midwesterner, I got tired of freezing when it gets -0°F so I bought Feathered Friends Volant Jacket
featheredfriends.com

Volant Down Jacket

Please check our Shipping Info page for current shipping times. Thanks! A perpetual favorite in the Feathered Friends line, the Volant marks the transition from sewn-through construction to a fully baffled garment. These baffles, combined with high lofting 900+ fill power down, Pertex® Shield®...
featheredfriends.com featheredfriends.com

Not the trendiest colors but it's downright hot unless it's -40° out. I also look like the Michelin man.
 
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#28
Nik H said:
Not all wool coats are created equal. The type of wool and how it is woven is important.

I find Filson wool coats to be the best against cold, especially, damp conditions. They are pricey but worth every penny.

Canada Goose is way overpriced and shitty in wet conditions
Click to expand...
In the early 80's I bought a Filson Double Mackinaw Cruiser for hunting the high country in CO during early winter. Kept me dry and warm even in very snowy conditions. Still my favorite coat when it gets cold and wet. Before North Face sold out, their Expedition Parka system was a great piece of gear for really nasty conditions.
 
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#30
stemikel said:
Looked at the newer Filson mackinaw cruisers. Maybe it’s me, but they don’t look anything like the older ones.
Click to expand...
I don't know the older ones. I like the new one. It fits in with most dress - business or casual. Wool has a look that man-made materials don't.

It is the best coat I have owned in terms of warmth and resistance to damp and wet conditions. May not apply to your conditions. Wear it with a good wool watch cap that fits tightly around your head and ears and you're warm in my neck of the woods, and you look good at the same time. :)
 
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#31
stemikel said:
The Kuiu and the Forloh are both really interesting. Has anyone else used with of these?
Click to expand...
Both. Forloh is pretty good, they are not quite there on down yet. If you are a Made in the USA guy like me, I prefer:


Vapor Jacket | Western Mountaineering

www.westernmountaineering.com www.westernmountaineering.com

Or:

www.duckworthco.com

Men's WoolCloud Full Zip Jacket

The WoolCloud Full Zip Merino Wool Jacket is lightweight and warm, with a water-resistant shell. It also features a paneled hood and a full zip front.
www.duckworthco.com www.duckworthco.com

For your uses, the WoolCloud from Duckworth is probably a better choice. The WM is really warm, but you do get the George Costanza puffy jacket look with it. The WoolCloud looks a little more "dressy" for lack of a better term and is surprisingly warm for how little bulk is involved. I live in MT and wear mine all the time, unless it is below zero, then I go puffy jacket.
 
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#33
This is what I have used the past three winters in Chicago and I’ve never been cold. Has a very professional look to it to. Expensive, but worth it.

www.outdoorgearlab.com

Arc'teryx Thorsen Parka Review

The Arc'teryx Thorsen Parka is a stylish and warm parka built for wet and cold urban conditions. It features tons of down insulation underneath a burly...
www.outdoorgearlab.com www.outdoorgearlab.com
 
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#35
KYAggie said:
This is what I have used the past three winters in Chicago and I’ve never been cold. Has a very professional look to it to. Expensive, but worth it.

www.outdoorgearlab.com

Arc'teryx Thorsen Parka Review

The Arc'teryx Thorsen Parka is a stylish and warm parka built for wet and cold urban conditions. It features tons of down insulation underneath a burly...
www.outdoorgearlab.com www.outdoorgearlab.com
Click to expand...
That’s more the style I was looking for. Looks like it has been discontinued.
 
#36
Well I do t have the kuiu burner parka but I have a set of the super pro down and it is pretty damn good especially if you layer up, I usually end up shedding some clothes if I get active
 
#37
stemikel said:
That’s more the style I was looking for. Looks like it has been discontinued.
Click to expand...

Dang it, I didn’t know that. I bet they have a new coat that’s similar to it. I didn’t want to spend that kind of money, but my wife was insistent and I’m glad she was. That coat is the best coat I’ve ever had and I’ve had a lot of people at work comment on it and want to know where I got it. I’m only suppose to wear company issued clothing, but the coats they provide are not adequate for some of the conditions we experience. This coat is not actually approved, but because it looks so professional, no one has bothered me about it.

The hood looks a little different, but this appears to be a very similar coat:

arcteryx.com

Therme SV Parka Men's

Parka-length Therme providing outstanding warmth and protection in severe weather.
arcteryx.com
 
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#39
Aftermath said:
I have some real heavy duty insulated Carhartt bibs and parka. Heavy duty, FR rated. Heavy. As heavy as it is, you'd think it would do a better job of keeping you warm. I'm sure it's great stuff at 0F but at -30F plus wind, it's still heavy but not very warm. Did I mention that shit's heavy?...when it's dry? Also, I'll never buy Carhartt shit ever again after the jabby shit they pulled.

I like the battery heated fleece jackets. I use a Gerbing brand heated jacket as an insulation layer under the windproof (and lightly insulated) outer layer. Together they are lighter than most of my other outer gear and MUCH warmer, I can move more easily and don't feel like the Michelin man. I have 4 spare batteries, keep 2 in each hand pocket of the heated fleece. If I run it on low, I am not likely to even need a spare battery. It has to be pretty cold to even turn on at all. Definitely good to -30F plus wind on high. At those temps, you don't want any exposed skin for more than just a few minutes. You will definitely know what is exposed.
Baffin boots. EXCELLENT! They also make some great cold weather outer gear.

EDIT TO ADD: Minimum 12 hour shifts for duty. Never have run out of battery.
Click to expand...


Whatever they use for FR is heavy. It weighs twice what my normal stuff weighs and is reserved for oil and gas related work.

It's really hard to beat the Carhartt rancher jacket. That's assuming you're moving and not just sitting still. I start with a layer of merino wool, hoodie and jeans, and then add the Carhartt if it's cold.



Some people can't regulate heat well either though. I was working with a guy one day that had about 8 layers and a Milwaukee heated jacket on under his Carhartts.
I was wearing a pair of Carhartt bibs and a Milwaukee jacket over a T-shirt. I was sweating at -30*, while he was freezing.


For snowmobiling, I wear a layer of merino, under a 1 piece uninsulated waterproof suit. Zero issues staying warm. I have insulated gear and it's too damn hot above -30*.
 
#40
Nik H said:
They are nice to say the least
Click to expand...
They may look nice but they are not that good for staying warm. I sold my bridge coat and gave away the pea coat. Last time I wore one, I froze my ass off standing around fleet landing for beach guard in Tasmania in the middle of winter. We didn’t have the option of the polartec parka and liner back then. So much better than a wool pea coat.
 
#41
chevy_man said:
Whatever they use for FR is heavy. It weighs twice what my normal stuff weighs and is reserved for oil and gas related work.

It's really hard to beat the Carhartt rancher jacket. That's assuming you're moving and not just sitting still. I start with a layer of merino wool, hoodie and jeans, and then add the Carhartt if it's cold.



Some people can't regulate heat well either though. I was working with a guy one day that had about 8 layers and a Milwaukee heated jacket on under his Carhartts.
I was wearing a pair of Carhartt bibs and a Milwaukee jacket over a T-shirt. I was sweating at -30*, while he was freezing.


For snowmobiling, I wear a layer of merino, under a 1 piece uninsulated waterproof suit. Zero issues staying warm. I have insulated gear and it's too damn hot above -30*.
Click to expand...
FR is also used in and around electrical installations, not just oil and gas.

When OSHA first started talking about FR, they were even talking about FR underwear. I voiced my opinion that if my underwear were on fire, I already had lots of other things on my mind.
EDIT TO SAY: It's all pretty much bullshit and just one more way to make us slaves pay ever more. Fucking government and those that bribe them. 3-10 washings and the flame resistant chemicals are gone. Stay with natural fibers, wool, starched cotton, silk or go with Nomex and you have the flame resistance for the life of the garment, barring any frayed edges and shit. My super heavy overcoat is the EXACT same item but has been chemically treated to resist flaming.

But, yeah, hard to beat...I disagree. LOTS of other clothing lines out there doing at least as good and probably better. Bulwark comes to mind immediately.

Fuck Carhartt and their vaccination stance. I'm going to go ahead and wear out the shit of theirs I already own but I will NEVER buy another piece and if I am given any, I will as politely as possible decline, no offense to the giver. Most of the vendors I deal with feel the same. No more Carhartt and no more Yeti and fuck Black Rifle Coffee, too.
 
Last edited:
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#42
Pvt.Donut said:
Midwesterner, I got tired of freezing when it gets -0°F so I bought Feathered Friends Volant Jacket
featheredfriends.com

Volant Down Jacket

Please check our Shipping Info page for current shipping times. Thanks! A perpetual favorite in the Feathered Friends line, the Volant marks the transition from sewn-through construction to a fully baffled garment. These baffles, combined with high lofting 900+ fill power down, Pertex® Shield®...
featheredfriends.com featheredfriends.com

Not the trendiest colors but it's downright hot unless it's -40° out. I also look like the Michelin man.
Click to expand...
I believe you! On all counts!

I just got a FF sleeping bag. Raven UL 10°F. It’s very nice, but I used to have a Western Mountaineering MF Antelope 5°F and I think the WM makes a slightly better bag (not the down part, the zippers and neck collar adjustments.

The WM bag got burned up in an apartment fire, long ago.
 
#43
Aftermath said:
Fuck Carhartt and their vaccination stance. I'm going to go ahead and wear out the shit of theirs I already own but I will NEVER buy another piece and if I am given any, I will as politely as possible decline, no offense to the giver. Most of the vendors I deal with feel the same. No more Carhartt and no more Yeti and fuck Black Rifle Coffee, too.
Click to expand...
I like the cut of your jib!
 
#44
Sorry to butt in, does any one have one of these and how do you like it for hunting?
www.llbean.com

Men's Maine Guide Wool Parka, PrimaLoft | Casual Jackets at L.L.Bean

Find the best Men's Maine Guide Wool Parka, PrimaLoft at L.L.Bean. Our high quality Men's Casual Jackets are thoughtfully designed and built to last season after season.
www.llbean.com www.llbean.com
I live in upstate NY and was thinking of getting one. The camo version for me, the other colors wouldn't be bad for the OP.

Mike
 
Last edited:
#45
Aftermath said:
I have some real heavy duty insulated Carhartt bibs and parka. Heavy duty, FR rated. Heavy. As heavy as it is, you'd think it would do a better job of keeping you warm. I'm sure it's great stuff at 0F but at -30F plus wind, it's still heavy but not very warm. Did I mention that shit's heavy?...when it's dry? Also, I'll never buy Carhartt shit ever again after the jabby shit they pulled.

I like the battery heated fleece jackets. I use a Gerbing brand heated jacket as an insulation layer under the windproof (and lightly insulated) outer layer. Together they are lighter than most of my other outer gear and MUCH warmer, I can move more easily and don't feel like the Michelin man. I have 4 spare batteries, keep 2 in each hand pocket of the heated fleece. If I run it on low, I am not likely to even need a spare battery. It has to be pretty cold to even turn on at all. Definitely good to -30F plus wind on high. At those temps, you don't want any exposed skin for more than just a few minutes. You will definitely know what is exposed.
Baffin boots. EXCELLENT! They also make some great cold weather outer gear.

EDIT TO ADD: Minimum 12 hour shifts for duty. Never have run out of battery.
Click to expand...

@Aftermath

I've used their heated gear on my M/C, works great. Do you know if they are adaptable to stand-alone batteries?

Thanks,
Keith
 
#46
Keith E. said:
@Aftermath

I've used their heated gear on my M/C, works great. Do you know if they are adaptable to stand-alone batteries?

Thanks,
Keith
Click to expand...
Yes, as I said, I have 4 batteries. Use one at a time. The battery has a button that turns on the unit. A second press increases the heat. 4 settings of on. Each battery is about 3"x1.5"x1" and fits in a pocket inside of one of the handwarmer pockets.
gerbing.com

Gerbing 7V Men's Thermite Fleece Heated Jacket 2.0

The Thermite heated fleece jacket is powered by Gerbing's patented Microwire heating technology that provides best-in-class heating performance and comfort. This jacket provides up to 8 hours of heat and is perfect for staying warm during any cold-weather activity. We love the stylish look and...
gerbing.com gerbing.com

There is another brand that you slightly inflate which presses the heating elements closer to your body as well as provide dead air insulation space. My friend has a vest and loves it. He took some 12v DeWalt batteries for tools apart and reconfigured them to fit smaller and uses that when he is off the bike.
 
#47
Aftermath said:
Yes, as I said, I have 4 batteries. Use one at a time. The battery has a button that turns on the unit. A second press increases the heat. 4 settings of on. Each battery is about 3"x1.5"x1" and fits in a pocket inside of one of the handwarmer pockets.
gerbing.com

Gerbing 7V Men's Thermite Fleece Heated Jacket 2.0

The Thermite heated fleece jacket is powered by Gerbing's patented Microwire heating technology that provides best-in-class heating performance and comfort. This jacket provides up to 8 hours of heat and is perfect for staying warm during any cold-weather activity. We love the stylish look and...
gerbing.com gerbing.com

There is another brand that you slightly inflate which presses the heating elements closer to your body as well as provide dead air insulation space. My friend has a vest and loves it. He took some 12v DeWalt batteries for tools apart and reconfigured them to fit smaller and uses that when he is off the bike.
Click to expand...
I'd need to find a workaround for the 12v power source.

Thanks.
Keith
 
#48
Aftermath said:
FR is also used in and around electrical installations, not just oil and gas.

When OSHA first started talking about FR, they were even talking about FR underwear. I voiced my opinion that if my underwear were on fire, I already had lots of other things on my mind.
EDIT TO SAY: It's all pretty much bullshit and just one more way to make us slaves pay ever more. Fucking government and those that bribe them. 3-10 washings and the flame resistant chemicals are gone. Stay with natural fibers, wool, starched cotton, silk or go with Nomex and you have the flame resistance for the life of the garment, barring any frayed edges and shit. My super heavy overcoat is the EXACT same item but has been chemically treated to resist flaming.

But, yeah, hard to beat...I disagree. LOTS of other clothing lines out there doing at least as good and probably better. Bulwark comes to mind immediately.

Fuck Carhartt and their vaccination stance. I'm going to go ahead and wear out the shit of theirs I already own but I will NEVER buy another piece and if I am given any, I will as politely as possible decline, no offense to the giver. Most of the vendors I deal with feel the same. No more Carhartt and no more Yeti and fuck Black Rifle Coffee, too.
Click to expand...

Being the electrician it's easy to get around the FR since we just kill anything we're working on. I do have a nomex jump suit in the truck if needed, but it's a last resort.

Only place I work where anyone gives the slightest care is oil and gas. I also get paid extra to deal with them, so I don't mind using FR clothes there either.
Most contracts I've gotten them to pay for all the FR gear anyways.


I also hardly ever wash my Carhartt stuff. Washing machines are destructive. Hang it up on my service body and give it a hose off if it gets really greasy. Never use laundry soap or softener.
 
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