My probably annual winter jacket recommendation thread!!

[Paul_B]

For possibly the last two or three winters I have been thinking about getting a warm jacket to wear when walking the dog, taking junior to football matches and standing around watching and a few other uses too. I am not happy with my buffalo S6 shirt any more. I simply cannot get on with the cuffs curling out so the pile is sticking out to the elements any more. Grrr! I wanted one for so long but could not afford one then when I could justify it I don't like just one stupid feature that does not work for me.

So what is warm these days? I might be standing around or walking in it. I am not a type to want to hide in the woods with a stalker type colour scheme but I am not a type ot wear ultra bright colours neither. Most I own are blue, black or green with one orange paramo!! I am thinking a scandi parka type of thing like a Didrikson parka. I am also thinking something better and newer than my ancient Rab vapour-rise jacket but a little longer and warmer.

I prefer jackets these days. Oh and it will probably get used as a winter commute coat (train and bike commute) in the usual Cumbrian winter weather. I do not distinguish between weekend and weekday coats. I grab the best one for the conditions.

What is new and good out there? What is old and good out there but still readily available. I prefer civilian looking and know nothing about surplus (or where to go for them) so perhaps surplus isn't quite right for me. Oh, UK based (South Cumbria / Westmorland area).

 

[MikeLA]

My winter coat is a Buffalo SP6 or Belay. BUT
I do like and use a fleece a Rab double pile, high collar and warm.
Also find when I used a down coat it rained and I froze, just something to remember in our British weather

 

[demographic]

North Cumbria here and I tend to have a light fleece and then a shell garment (usually a Tilak Odin single layer Ventile smock which is good in the cold, less so when its chucking it down) to keep the breeze from blowing the warm air out of the fleece.
When it's properly wet it's just a gore tex jacket cos no matter what people on here say, single layer ventile just isn't waterproof enough.

When I'm at work I often have a shell jacket with fleece inner. Keeps the wind out, doesn't hold onto sawdust or shavings and is reasonably warm, when its properly raining its a hi Viz goretex jacket again. Possibly over the top if its very cold and windy
I absolutely can't be done with waterproof outer layers that have loads of insulation so they only have a thin lining.
The ones with loads of padding get called Gaffa jackets cos it's only the officewallas who need all that insulation, everyone else it usually to hot in them while working.

 

[Moondog55]

Why not just fix the cuffs of the shirt you already own?

 

[stonepark]

I am not happy with my buffalo S6 shirt any more. I simply cannot get on with the cuffs curling out so the pile is sticking out to the elements any more. Grrr! I wanted one for so long but could not afford one then when I could justify it I don't like just one stupid feature that does not work for me.

You could try a fix on the S6, if the fibre pile is moving inside the sleeve.

Pull pile lining up towards armpits and about a couple inches above the cuff, run a stitch around the sleeve, parallel to the cuff.

This will act as a stop to the pile movement and should no longer get exposed to elements at wrist.

 

[Paul_B]

Why not just fix the cuffs of the shirt you already own?

How? It is a feature of the SP6 and other buffalo smocks due to the pile lining and the pertex outer not being fixed together except at the cuff. The whole thing just rolls over. I have read online that it happens to a lot of people. It is two different types or materials joined together loosely so there is no stopping it if it starts other than to bond the two layers which would stop it working so well I reckon. Perhaps a few stab stitches near the cuff perhaps at an inch and two inches from the cuff might reduce it but I am not so sure it would work.

IMHO buffalo is a design that has its day except for certain uses and users. There is better for most people. So unless you are really keen on it and can forgive the limitations it is more useful to look elsewhere. YMMV but I have written my SP6 off except for certain once or twice a year conditions (usually dog walks in exceptionally cold winter evenings).

 

[Herman30]

This one has kept me warm in -15C with a string undershirt and a wool sweater under.
This one has a warm liner that can be taken off.

Särmä Windproof Fishtail Parka - Varusteleka.com

Green windproof Fishtail Parka for Active Outdoor Use. Improved version of the classic US M51 Parka. International delivery.

www.varusteleka.com

 

[jcr71]

ive been wearing Craghoppers 3in1 jackets for years. i pick them up when they are on sale, and they are reasonably priced.
i find them an excellent all year coat. versatile, warm, and waterproof.

 

[lostplanet]

For standing around like wearing an oven with just a t-shirt underneath Snugpak SJ9. Ive just picked up a FJ6 and I am hoping its not as warm tbh.

Saying that I've never been more comfortable (no overheat) with a woolpower 200 zip neck when moving or for colder weather 400 zip jacket both used under a semi windproof polycotton smock of some description.

 

[Aristotle]

I have had a Craghoppers Waverley jacket in black for the past two winters. I have been really impressed with it. It is possibly the best all-round coat that I have owned

It is waterproof, has a good hood, good pockets and is a fairly warm UK coat -but it would not be up to Arctic winter night shift guard duty.

Craghoppers Waverley Thermic Jacket review: warm but weighty, it’s a coat you have to commit to

Seriously warm, reliably waterproof and windproof, the Craghoppers Waverley Thermic Jacket also has a great hood and absolutely loads of pockets

www.advnture.com

 

[Herman30]

This is not a recommendation, just showing my deep winter jacket.
This one would not suit the wet british winter anyway, it´s for our dry cold winters.

Presenting the swedish M90 parka. Very warm with padded liner and padded hood.
And a breast strap so it can be worn as a cape. And long enough to reach my knees.

 

[Paul_B]

There are some interesting suggestions but apart from Herman's surplus style options they all seem short or so called technical. I like the idea of Snugpak as the insulated ones like SJ3/6/9/12 WGTE are all UK made. not something you can say much with outdoors kit very often these days. I have shorter technical but I am looking for longer.

I have been looking at Didrikson parkas. They do warm and extra warm parkas that have IIRC 100-150g/m2 range or the even warmer 160 to 250g/m2 padding. I think UK it is the warm option is best at 100-140 area weight. POssibly the extra warm at the lower weight. I have a haglofs synthetic jacket that is about 100 and it feels cold at times here when I wear it. On truly winter days where there is ice out there I have to wear a 60g/m2 gilet underneath. All slow dog walking stuff that is in the evening.

Anyway, the insulated parka types seem better for my needs as they are the only type of mens jackets that go beyond the bum. I think there are very few jackets out there longer than the derriere. I am looking at between knee and butt. Sufficient to protect the groin area if it is rainy or snowy and for warmth there too.

What gets me annoyed is that there are loads of longer jackets for women in the UK both insulated and not insulated but mens jackets are rarer at lenght. IIRC craghoppers and rohan do shell jackets that are longer (one is the rainshadow). They do not do longer winter padded jackets. I think for that you have to look for Scandinavian brands or canadian brands that cost a fortune such as canada goose. If Snugpak came out with say an SJ6 or perhaps 9 in longer length then I could consider them.

So right now it looks like a Didrikson drew or falke parka. Are Didrikson a decent brand? They seem cheaper than most other Scandinavian brands doing that insulated parka sort of thing. Fjalraven, 66 north, etc.

PS I have had it with the SP6 buffalo, apart from it having those annoying cuffs which I have not been able to sort out, the one I have is now feeling a bit tight. I have grown somewhat from when I got it. I got it originally bassed on actual measurements of my chest and got the right size for that according to their size chart. It was snug as it should be for technical use over the skin. I use it over a thin layer back then and it was ok. Now I use it over a layer in the colder days / evenings and it is not really big enough for much under it. For my use need now I need the next size up which I am not going to spend the money on the same thing when I hate the cuff issue so much. No point flogging a dead horse, it simply doesn't get you anywhere. Perhaps I should sell it on. Excellent condition with a hood with the patch that goes over the face to provide severe weather coverage. I think those patches go missing a lot.

 

[Moondog55]

I think you have to look at Canadian and American parkas if you want warm and also tough and these tend to be heavy and not versatile. I just got my daughter such a parka as her partner is a Canuck. I weighs over 3 kilos [ size Small] because it uses a combination of low fill power duckdown and synthetic Hollowfill insulation and heavy cotton/poly canvas shell to resist tearing on pine tree branches.
Also probably too warm for the UK as it was rated to -50C with appropriate under layers or -30C with only Baselayer underwear
I do think that you have the insulation weight correct, 100 to 150GSM is about right for white season here in Oz and my remembrance of winter in Scotland is that my Point5 jacket with 90GSM wasn't warm enough but combining the jacket and the vest was but the parka with dual layer 150GSM was far too much when even moderately active.
My current static layer is the DeadBird Nuclei SV parka which uses a combination of 90GSM and 190 GSM APEX [ which Arcteryx call Coreloft] but sadly now discontinued

 

[Herman30]

@Paul_B Could the be something you like?

Särmä Windproof Fishtail Parka - Varusteleka.com

Green windproof Fishtail Parka for Active Outdoor Use. Improved version of the classic US M51 Parka. International delivery.

www.varusteleka.com

 

[Paul_B]

I really dislike the fishtail parka, too much like Oasis style of clothing (Oasis being a Mancunian band I thought was oveerrated and more than a little annoying from the so called Britpop era).

I saw a Didrikson parka that looked ok and about the right insulation, until I saw the fishtail parka bit and ruled it out. No idea why I am so against them. It is not rational perhaps.

Mind you there is one point against that one, it isn't waterproof. I live in Cumbria, Unfortunately if it is not raining turn around and look again, it will be!! At least in the season I would or could wear such an insulated jacket. It does seem that the more military styled jackets come a bit cheaper than the civilian style ones. It makes me think that basic / functional is not what the civilian inspired outdoor brands do, too much extras and marketing to get a higher price!

I am still trying to understand who needs a Canada Goose parka at £1300 or greater!!! Why is a £450 Fjallraven parka better than a £270 Didrikson one? why is is the CG £1300 one better than the £450 Fjellraven onr? Seriously stupid people buying into the Canada Goose label in this country. I once saw a news reporteer for the BBC interview a young man on the street to get their POV on how the younger generation can not afford to live and save a deposit for a house these days. This early 20s guy wass saying that they are really struggling whilst wearing a Canada Goose Parka that would have been a good start on a rental deposit!! Made me laugh as I don't think the reporter realised thee guy had money to burn like that. I digress.

 

[Herman30]

I totally agree with you on the prizing issue. It´s ridiculous.

 

[MikeLA]

How? It is a feature of the SP6 and other buffalo smocks due to the pile lining and the pertex outer not being fixed together except at the cuff. The whole thing just rolls over. I have read online that it happens to a lot of people. It is two different types or materials joined together loosely so there is no stopping it if it starts other than to bond the two layers which would stop it working so well I reckon. Perhaps a few stab stitches near the cuff perhaps at an inch and two inches from the cuff might reduce it but I am not so sure it would work.

IMHO buffalo is a design that has its day except for certain uses and users. There is better for most people. So unless you are really keen on it and can forgive the limitations it is more useful to look elsewhere. YMMV but I have written my SP6 off except for certain once or twice a year conditions (usually dog walks in exceptionally cold winter evenings).

I am still a big fan, got used to the design and the cuffs, saved my skin so many times in the past hillwalking, in winter, in real bad weather and other times. Still my do too bit of clothing.
Not found anything to beat it, when the rain hits or the cold and you stuck up a hillside.
Whatever you think about it keep it one day in bad weather may save you.

 

[bobnewboy]

I use one if these almost every autumn/winter day I’m outside:

Hoggs of Fife Kincraig Waterproof Field Jacket

The Hoggs of Fife Kincraig Waterproof Field Jacket has been designed to withstand whatever the British weather at it due to its weather. 4.9* CUSTOMER REVIEWS

hollandscountryclothing.co.uk

Warm, hasn’t let any water in, has a high collar and hood when you want it, hand warmer and cartridge pockets etc.

 

[big_swede]

Didrikson used to be a real good brand but for old school oilskins which commercial fishermen use. I think they got bought up a decade or so ago and some investment company wanted to squeeze every penny out of the good reputation they had for their commercial rainwear, and they branched out in to every aspect of outdoor and everyday wear.

For everyday wear a M/65 coat with liner isn't that bad imo and can even be seen as sort of trendy (if you squint a bit). The m/90 parka herman showed works in the UK as it is not known there (I used to wear one in the winter while living in Yorkshire). Here I would be regarded as weird. It's a nice jacket, mine lives in the car as emergency clothing. Good coat, but heavy.

Also lighter synthetic puffa type coats are very versatile too, small pack volume, drizzle resistant. Use mine a lot for going on late night and early morning walks with the dogs if it's muggy outside.

And to be honest, my most used coat is a waxed cotton coat with a quilted liner (made in the UK, not the ubiquitous brand that begins with a B). Works in most situations, not the best in any of them, but a good compromise.

If my dad would wear a buffalo shirt with me when I was a kid I would try to stand a bit away from him Same with the särmä-thingy. Maybe a good coat but you would look like a proper weirdo in it.

 

[big_swede]

I really dislike the fishtail parka, too much like Oasis style of clothing (Oasis being a Mancunian band I thought was oveerrated and more than a little annoying from the so called Britpop era).

I saw a Didrikson parka that looked ok and about the right insulation, until I saw the fishtail parka bit and ruled it out. No idea why I am so against them. It is not rational perhaps.

Mind you there is one point against that one, it isn't waterproof. I live in Cumbria, Unfortunately if it is not raining turn around and look again, it will be!! At least in the season I would or could wear such an insulated jacket. It does seem that the more military styled jackets come a bit cheaper than the civilian style ones. It makes me think that basic / functional is not what the civilian inspired outdoor brands do, too much extras and marketing to get a higher price!

I am still trying to understand who needs a Canada Goose parka at £1300 or greater!!! Why is a £450 Fjallraven parka better than a £270 Didrikson one? why is is the CG £1300 one better than the £450 Fjellraven onr? Seriously stupid people buying into the Canada Goose label in this country. I once saw a news reporteer for the BBC interview a young man on the street to get their POV on how the younger generation can not afford to live and save a deposit for a house these days. This early 20s guy wass saying that they are really struggling whilst wearing a Canada Goose Parka that would have been a good start on a rental deposit!! Made me laugh as I don't think the reporter realised thee guy had money to burn like that. I digress.

The price difference is partly set by the market. But there is huuuuuge difference in production details that dictates costs. A LOT.

Canada goose is indeed one of those brands where you don't get what you pay for. Fjällräven on the other hand are really picky with their subcontractors and actually tries to make a difference and pay somewhat fair wages (I know this from being in discussions about manufacturing a line of products for them). They have, for the industry they're in, quite good quality standards, they do a lot of testing, and try to have a bit of traceability of the materials, they are moving away from south east asia and trying to bring some manufacturing back to the EU. And hence, their parkas are a bit more expensive than the big store versions of the same garment. Does that mean that they are better? Well, technically yes, you are less likely to find faults in materials and manufacturing on a garment from them than on a garment that costs half as much. Anybody who thinks differently needs to spend some time in the textile industry (or any other manufacturing industry really). There are always statistical outliers however. But again, those details are hard to see from just looking at the price, high price does not equal high costs. It's hard being a consumer these days.

I wouldn't be caught dead in any of them parkas though.