Recommendations for a winter/SHTF jacket or Parka.

N

NO F-Bdy Bs

Joined
May 3, 2007
Messages
247
Im in the market for a winter jacket. Here is my criteria.


Waterproof
Hood
long in length. Something that will cover my ass if I have to sit down when its cold/rainy.
DURABLE!
Be able to keep me warm in 20deg weather, and 35deg weather when its rainy.
Something I can wash
Id PREFER something US made, but its not definite.
Not to bulky

I guess, im looking for a Parka.


I would be using this jacket at work, and as a winter jacket. Not something to be tucked away in a Bug-out kit, never to be used. That in mind, it needs to be tough.
Id like to stay away from the "tacticool" look. Something blue, gray, kakhi, ect
 
I suggest a shell and mid weight under layer. More flexible and warmth can be built into it by further layering. For toughness I prefer 3ply gortex but others around here seem to hate gortex. Gortex costs a lot up front, but I usually get 6-10 years of wear out of them. Beware of 2nd hand ones because when they go, they really go and no treatment of over the counter DWR will bring them back.

Midweight layer - wool shirt, 200 wt. fleece, primeloft jacket (my personal favorite), etc....
 
Serious waterproof? Check Grundens foul weather gear. Will waxed or oiled cotton work...bet that's about the toughest like some of Filsons. I don't know about many of the brands but the folks from Oz might be able to recommend full or 3/4 dusters that would work.

Are you looking for something like a knee length, goretex lined carhart coat you can snap a liner into?
 
I use an old air force parka. They can be found on the 'bay for not too much and they're a well thought-out design. The only downside is weight.

CIMG8164.jpg

CIMG8165.jpg
 
Like kgd, I would recommend mid layering for flexability. This jacket has been
great for me. It has a very tough outer layer and is waterproof with their
version of Goretex without the price. You can find these new for just over half of the MSRP.

Exposure II
 
kgd said:
I suggest a shell and mid weight under layer. More flexible and warmth can be built into it by further layering. For toughness I prefer 3ply gortex but others around here seem to hate gortex. Gortex costs a lot up front, but I usually get 6-10 years of wear out of them. Beware of 2nd hand ones because when they go, they really go and no treatment of over the counter DWR will bring them back.

Midweight layer - wool shirt, 200 wt. fleece, primeloft jacket (my personal favorite), etc....
Click to expand...

+1 I too like goretex but I know many don't.
 
if you're looking for a parka with SERIOUS warmth and dont mind it being made in canada, check out the Canada Goose line of parkas.

their expedition parka was designed for scientists and researchers working in antarctica in the worst conditions possible.

the jackets are pricey but are considered to be top of the line.

http://www.canada-goose.com/home.htm
 
i have asked myself the same question. one of my considerations is that I want mine to be reasonably fire resistent as it would often be worn near a camp fire. This might not be practical but I often work with some fire department guys and have eyeballed their coats. The shell is long, water proof, fire resistant and tough as nails. Weight would be an issue and new they cost a lot but I'm keeping my eye out for a used one. Id remove the reflective tape and try to dye it an earth tone.
josh
 
multiple layers, not one- if you exert yourself w/ any heavy, one layer coat your going to sweat (and get wet)

for warmth (insulation layer) choose wool, fleece or down, for the outer layer- choose a waterproof/breathable shell- I like shells w/ pit zips or some other method of getting heat out

you'll get a lot more utility out of a combo then with one heavy coat
 
other than the fire question, I'd say my oilskin field coat meets your requirements.
 
kgd said:
I suggest a shell and mid weight under layer. More flexible and warmth can be built into it by further layering. For toughness I prefer 3ply gortex but others around here seem to hate gortex. Gortex costs a lot up front, but I usually get 6-10 years of wear out of them. Beware of 2nd hand ones because when they go, they really go and no treatment of over the counter DWR will bring them back.

Midweight layer - wool shirt, 200 wt. fleece, primeloft jacket (my personal favorite), etc....
Click to expand...

+1 to this.
 
I have parkas made from down, oilskin, leather, cotton, wool, and gortex. How much bulk and weight are you willing to deal with? A good 3 ply gortex parka is the most effecient in this, as they typically weigh in at 2 lbs, and roll up compactly. Also, you mention keeping it packed. Some of your options are eliminated due to the effects of long term compression destroying loft. You can save big bucks by looking for previous years gortex parkas at outdoors stores in late spring. As an example, I paid $117 for a $450 North Face by doing this. It is 10 years old and going strong. I wear a Filson wool vest and a 300 weight fleece jacket underneath. For a wool parka, I use a Filson double Mac. For oilskin, I have a Fison. If you really want a bargain, visit military surplus, or better, pawn shops outside of military posts, and pick up a 3 ply gortex ECWS parka. I just looked at one that was near new for $60. Also, check out what is offered by Cabelas. Look at Iditarod clothing and 3 or 4 in 1's designed for hunting.
 
No F_bdy Bs...
You didn't say where you are at - I'm guessing if rain is a winter concern, you don't need REALLY warm kit...
re-read the OP & you only need down to 20F; that's only -7C.
Cold enough to die of hypothermia - especially if you get wet, but not really arctic conditions.
You won't need down-fill at these temps - it's no good if it gets wet, anyhow.
A wool mid layer with a water-proof & wind proof outer-layer should do well.

Check out Helly Hansen gear, some decent stuff:www.hellyhansen.com
HH is made in Norway...

I also like Filson's: www.filson.com
Made in USA, I think.

My opinion of goretex: reasonably water-proof, but breathability is way over-hyped & not nearly as good as the adspeak would have you believe.
If the jacket has good pit-vents it helps a lot.
Not a bad fabric, but overpriced as hell.
I will buy it if the price is right.
 
Last edited:
Goretex.

Reasons:

Vent able shell.
Newer version (ABU) has a thinner shell, better layering options.
Liner also has pit vents.

Experience:

Six years wearing it in windy *ss Oklahoma working the flight line in rain and sleet.

20 degrees is nothing, two layers tops or you'll be sweating bullets.

I'm sure there are other options, I'm just letting you know my experience.

EDIT: Thought I'd toss this in here as well, pockets, two massive breast pockets, two large side pockets:

if it's for a bob, snacks and possibly water, hand warmers, extra gloves, pistol/ammo, all can be carried in your outer layer all at once.
 
Last edited:
as someone who has worked extensively with different waterproofing materials I can honestly say I'm impressed with goretex. Casual users don't understand how dynamic it has been on certain industries, most of them marine. It makes life a whole lot easier and more comfortable in the water, that's for sure... for evening hikes or an overnight camp you won't really appreciate all it can do, when a 20 year old wool sweater or a casual jacket can do the same thing. But for others whose lives are constantly cold, wet, and miserable, either from external water or wallowing trapped in their own bodily fluids, Goretex can be a lifesaver. the Goretex tag doesn't necessarily make a product waterproof-the design and methods of use have a large amount to do with how dry you actually stay...
 
fasteer said:
A wool mid layer with a water-proof & wind proof outer-layer should do well.

Check out Helly Hansen gear, some decent stuff:www.hellyhansen.com
HH is made in Norway...

I also like Filson's: www.filson.com
Made in USA, I think.

My opinion of goretex: reasonably water-proof, but breathability is way over-hyped & not nearly as good as the adspeak would have you believe.
If the jacket has good pit-vents it helps a lot.
Not a bad fabric, but overpriced as hell.
I will buy it if the price is right.
Click to expand...

Agreed on the wool underlayer and windproof outerlayer. Funny though that you would think Gore Tex is overpriced, but Filson not.

Anyway, my .02

Arcteryx Theta AR (Water / Wind Proof & Pit Zips) http://www.rei.com/product/754260 Read the reviews!
Filson Mackinaw Cruiser http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092310&keywords=Mackinaw+Cruiser

Filson invented durable clothing with natural materials.
Arcteryx defines durable clothing with synthetics.

If that's too much dinero then drop the Filson Mackinaw and add an REI "One" Jacket underneath. Both can be worn separately for specific conditions. The REI "One" Softshell is the best midweight 3 season jacket I have ever owned. http://www.rei.com/product/770914

You cannot go wrong with either combo. It will cost you tons but is worth it.

Just an opinion.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top