My probably annual winter jacket recommendation thread!!

[Foogs]

Funny thing; A waterproof parka for real cold conditions where the moisture is in form of dry snow. Guaranteed to keep in the moisture and make inner layerings wet = disaster when it is -20C or more.

This is my wintershell:

Just layer up with enough layers under it, don´t need much. Long sleeve mesh undershirt, a wool sweater and an insulated waistcoat. If that is not enough then add a thick wool undershirt between mesh shirt and the woolen sweater.

It won't be for wearing during activity, rather as a mother ship to stay warm during periods of inactivity.

 

[MikeLA]

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.

Totally agree, prices are so high. Takes me weeks of research before I buy a coat and I do like coats. Always have a limit financially and take so long because most of the time I realise I actually don’t need it.
There are so many cheaper options with as good as quality or every better that the above or other expensive brands like carinthia or arcteryx. Which I have looked at and nearly bought.