What winter jacket do you recommend?

[GoinAllTheWay]

I've had it with this POS winter jacket I've had for the past couple of years. It's one of those windbreaker types with the zip in fleece lining. You put it on and the sleeves for whatever shirt you are wearing wind up around your elbows.

I've been eyeballing those Canada Goose jackets for some time now and wonder if they are worth the price and are they as good as advertised?

Anyone found something as good for a lesser price?

[prarieboy]

I have a Canada Goose Parka. It is often too warm. Great for standing in cold weather but if your wear it for any sort of activity it's too much most of the time.
I like it and think it's worth the money. Really well made

[CubicleGeek]

"Worth the money" is relative. The Canada Goose jackets are definitely high quality and extremely warm, but you are paying a premium for the name.

I have the Expedition parka and it's the warmest jacket I've ever owned - too warm even. I had to pick up a gap jacket for -10 to -20 range as anything warmer than -20 and I'm over heating on my walk to work.

I've also walked with that jacket at minus high 20's (feels like -30's) and not felt cold, which I couldn't say the same for my North Face Summit which was also an expensive jacket.

[KevanGuy]

I got this jacket last winter and love it:

http://www.beargryllsstore.com/usa/products/survival-clothing/jackets/bear-polar-jacket-2042.html

Really warm, light and the elastic snow skirt on the inside makes a huge difference.

[Sliver]

MEC has nice parkas in a few price ranges.

[Tyler]

Where's a good place to buy Canada Goose jackets in Calgary?

[kevman]

Holt Renfrew?

Is it just me or are the only people that wear Canada Goose jackets not actually Canadian?

[Northendzone]

i like columbia gear.......i have a jacket, ski pants, and long johns with that omni-heat reflective stuff in them and the stuff works quite well.

the canada goose jackets seem nice, but to me they would be lousy for calgary when it is -20 in the early morning and then -3 in the evening.

eddie bauer also has some nice jackets - i like going to sportchek.

[K1LLswitch]

Harry Rosen also carries Canada goose stuff, as does the outdoor store in banff (Atmosphere? Forget the name)

[Bigtime]

Abominable Sports also carries Canada Goose.

[Wormius]

Does the OP find his current coat warm enough?

Personally I haven't been one to rely on a single coat to keep me warm, I usually dress in layers. It also depends on the activities. I like to have the ability to cool down to a comfortable level.

That said, I have been eyeing the Northface McMurdo.

Columbia, Eddie Bauer all make decent coats too. I am a little suspicious of some of MECs stuff these days. I have a pair of their mitts, and they become so stiff in the weather that we were having yesterday, that I couldn't even manage to make a fist. I have had coats in the past that reacted the same way, and you're out there walking like a penguin because you can't move articulate your arms at the elbow.

[HockeyIlliterate]

Where's a good place to buy Canada Goose jackets in Calgary?

Atmosphere (or whatever the store across from MEC is called) sells them.

I believe that the prices are all the same regardless of which store you go to (Holt, Atmosphere, etc).

[DownhillGoat]

What are you using it for?

I've got this one and just love it. I do a whole lot of stuff outside in the winter, and the waterproofing/seam sealing is a big deal for me.
http://arcteryx.com/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&model=Fission-SV-Jacket

MEC is good for outdoor wear, and if you don't mind the Forzani conglomerate, Atmosphere often has decent gear and regular sales.

[CubicleGeek]

Where's a good place to buy Canada Goose jackets in Calgary?

Holt Renfrew, Atmosphere, Brooklyn Clothing in Kensington are the ones I know of.


Is it just me or are the only people that wear Canada Goose jackets not actually Canadian?

What are you basing this on?

[Tyler]

Thanks. I'm heading down to California in December. Will be interesting to see if you can get them cheaper in the US than here. Wouldn't surpise me.

Those of you guys who have them.. do you find the hoods slip off constantly? That's all the Amazon reviews of the male coats seem to complain about.

This is the one I'm looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007L7TBE6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=186TG7W8U84XM&coliid=IKGZWYWWEMNBI

[GoinAllTheWay]

Holt Renfrew?

Is it just me or are the only people that wear Canada Goose jackets not actually Canadian?

Lol, I've noticed that as well.

Holt Renfrew does have them. I've also seen them at WholeSale Sports but was in there over the weekend and didn't see any. Maybe they stopped?

Interesting to hear that the CG jacketscan be too warm. Not a bad problem persay but did wonder about that. My current jacket is ok down to around -15, any colder than that and it's not good at all.

I have a reasonable dress jacket that I wear to work, I need something for snowmobiling around my cabin and the days where it's effin cold.


I believe that the prices are all the same regardless of which store you go to (Holt, Atmosphere, etc).


Correct. CG seems to have taken a page out of Apples manual. Same price regardless of where you buy it from.

[kevman]

What are you basing this on?

Purely anecdotal.

I assume it has to do with the fact that they're ungodly expensive and largely a fashion over function product. Tourists eat that stuff up!

[Nammer403]

I bought my Canada Goose Jacket last year and it is worth it. Bought it from Harry Rosen. I usually wear a T-shirt/polo underneath the jacket if im not in work attire and it is very warm.

[CubicleGeek]

Those of you guys who have them.. do you find the hoods slip off constantly? That's all the Amazon reviews of the male coats seem to complain about.


Can't say I've experienced that problem - maybe if you have the draw string loose and your jacket not fully zipped. I keep the draw string quite loose and it is pretty snug with the jacket zipped up fully.

[Nammer403]

Those of you guys who have them.. do you find the hoods slip off constantly? That's all the Amazon reviews of the male coats seem to complain about.

This is the one I'm looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007L7TBE6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=186TG7W8U84XM&coliid=IKGZWYWWEMNBI


I find the hood is fairly big but I find it doesnt slip off for me.
I have the chateau. http://www.canada-goose.com/products-page/arctic/chateau-parka

[GreenLantern]

Canada Goose make really nice jackets, there are cheaper alternatives that are just as warm just make sure you get that life time warranty.

North Face actually make a great urban winter parka, I would check them out. The fill isn't as good of quality as a CG but it is more than warm enough for urban use, they are nearly half the price and also stand by a life time warranty.

If you want something more technical I picked up the Loki Meta Snowsport a few years ago and have loved it. Used it in the mountains, ice fishing, snow mobileing, snow shoeing and just walking around town. I use the built in face shield every day walking to work. One beak on it is that while the built in gloves are a nice feature, they look kind of stupid when fully extended. It also compromises the quality of the wrist band on the coat. However, hopping in a cold car without gloves sucks, so it is very handy for that.. and for brushing snow off your car if you forget that brush. Breaths really well, water proof of course, insulated and has all the vents you would need with a snowsport style jacket.

http://www.lokicanada.com/product_detail.php?id=C103

[J epworth]

Purely anecdotal.

I assume it has to do with the fact that they're ungodly expensive and largely a fashion over function product. Tourists eat that stuff up!

This is what I thought before I get my Canada Goose Manitoba jacket. Thought they were a total fashion statement, until I actually looked into them and realized they are definitely the warmest jackets on the market. It has that stigma of being a fashion item, but it is definitely function first.

[zyzz]

Canada Goose is a great jacket if you're not worried about price. I wear my tshirt under it on -30 days and am more than warm enough

[Zarley]

Bought a Canada Goose Expedition parka last spring and I wore it to the football game for the first time yesterday - I'm really impressed with how warm it was. All I wore underneath was a T-shirt and I was toasty warm throughout the game. I don't think I'd be able to wear it in weather warmer than minus 10 though, it would be too hot.

They are pricey coats, but I think it's worth it.

[mykalberta]

I hear Sears sells them as well.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-goose-sues-sears-over-knock-off-jackets-1.2420158

[Suzles]

I just bought a really nice winter jacket (with removable liners) at Value Village. Tremendous selection and really good prices. (Oh and don't buy Canada Goose as they have that truly horrible coyote fur trim ...)

:boom:

[REDVAN]

I always lmao at you people who are shopping at Costco/Walmart looking for screamin' deals on crackers and chips whilst wearing your Canada Goose down coat...

Buy a coat that's less than 800 bucks and you could afford the crackers at Safeway!

P.S. I have a Merrell coat that I got from Atmosphere a couple years back- warmest coat I've owned, think it cost 300.

[2ArmBands]

I have had nothing but good luck with Helly Hansen thus far. Paid about $350 for it 3 years ago and if I could figure out where the hell I put it I wouldn't be currently shopping for one. I've heard the Canada Goose jackets are quite nice but like someone said above I can't do the fur trim thing!

[GGG]

Canada goose from a technical standpoint arent even that good. They are heavy, use low quality down. They are well built but any jacket with the same amount and type of down with box construction will be just as warm.

If ridculously warm, but good value I would recomend the MEC Tremblant. Same cheap down as in a Canada Goose but at a much mor reasonable price and no stupid coyote fur hood.
http://www.mec.ca/product/5015-464/mec-tremblant-jacket-mens/

[stazzy33]

Snowboarding jackets from Source Snowboards or Misson are awesome. I personally recommend the 686 Smarty Jacket (http://686.com/products/men/outerwear/jackets). Super comfy and warm! It also has a removable liner for those warmer days

[VladtheImpaler]

Mountain Hard Wear - split off from North Face, better price, better quality.

[Northendzone]

I find many different retailers sell jackets at varying price points.

This.....

[Drunk Skunk]

If you, or anyone else, works outside in the winter, then I highly recommend Berne workwear.

[Regulator75]

I bought this one from Atmosphere a couple Winters ago.

http://www.columbiasportswear.ca/Men%27s-Portage-Glacier%E2%84%A2-III-Down-Long-Jacket/WM5512,en_CA,pd.html#detailsTab

It's crazy warm, I can only wear it when the temp is -15 or colder.
Even during the coldest days, I could still walk the dog for 20 minutes and stay super warm.

[woob]

I have an Eddie Bauer First Ascent down jacket. 850 fill rating. It's super warm and comfy. Hood is a bit of a pain but worth having on those super cold days. It kept me warm for the entire Heritage Classic game. Highly recommended. Watch their website for deals as they often have good sales. Also, sign up for their newsletter for additional deals as well. I was able to stack a couple discounts and got the jacket for $199 and I think at that time it was $399 retail.

[You Need a Thneed]

For quite a few years now, I've just gone with separate pieces. I have a North Face shell jacket and an MEC Fleece. Plenty good enough for any time you aren't spending an extended period of time outside. If I'm going to spend an extended period of time outside, such as going to the football game this last Sunday, I just put more layers on underneath.

That way I don't have to have a specific jacket to wear only when it gets below -20. There is no way I could wear most of the jackets posted here until it got to about -20, as I'd be way too hot.

[corporatejay]

I always lmao at you people who are shopping at Costco/Walmart looking for screamin' deals on crackers and chips whilst wearing your Canada Goose down coat...

Buy a coat that's less than 800 bucks and you could afford the crackers at Safeway!

P.S. I have a Merrell coat that I got from Atmosphere a couple years back- warmest coat I've owned, think it cost 300.

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/009/559/stewie.png

[REDVAN]

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/009/559/stewie.png


How does that opinion make me ######ed? Or do you just find my wording off-putting?

I think it's ironic that people go and scrimp money on food while wearing ridiculously expensive coats because: if they can afford an $800+ coat they clearly have lots of money otherwise they'd buy more economical coats. So they then go and waste time buying food at boxstores for 3% less money and 150% more time.

People are wearing these Canada Goose coats as a status symbol- not for warmth- and then they scrimp on groceries. So in reality, they are just trying to make themselves look richer than they are. IMO, that is dumb.

P.S. I only picked groceries to pick on because I myself was at Walmart in my good down coat wondering why these rich people with their Canada Goose Down brand coats were shopping here to save a few cents.

[GoinAllTheWay]

/\/\/\

Glad you wrote in that last line as I was truly baffled as to how you were drawing a straight line between CG Jackets and tendency to buy cheap groceries. Not to say I agree with your assesment though.

I'm most certainly not buying one as a 'status' symbol at all. I've seen them at a few places and saw the price and figured there must be something to them.

If there are alternatives out there that are equally effective but for a cheaper price, I'll certainly look at them as I'm in NO hurry at all to drop $800 on a jacket.

[corporatejay]

either that or someone wants to support a Canadian company who makes their product in Canada and is willing to pay a premium for that product since it's clearly a good product but doesn't see the value in buying the same groceries that are available at wal-mart for more money at safeway to throw money out the window.

[GoinAllTheWay]

That too. I'f there is a Canadian made option available for whatever product I'm looking for, I will probably buy it. I like to support Canadian companies.

[spetch]

I didn't read the whole thread yet but if u want a Canada goose jacket I am sure I could give u a great CP discount on one, same with Columbia jackets

[Nammer403]

You would see me wearing the jacket on days like today or walking to and from the dome. but if its 0 to minus 10 I wouldn’t even bother putting it on so its more for warmth than status for me.

[GoinAllTheWay]

I've looked at some links suggested by some in here, many thanks so far! I need to stay away from the puffy looking ones with the thin nylon exterior. Those things tear pretty easily. I need something that can stand up to a bit of a beating.

[Hack&Lube]

http://canada######.tumblr.com/

You can guess what the ###### is

Uncensored link:
http://bit.ly/uaLqIV

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1mlxwpml51qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzpgmtGmvD1qgxdmu.png

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxpz18yNG61qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/8076c10847192213587fcad933f6fd00/tumblr_inline_mh3qn17lwN1qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/8d2d3f1339025a6761d4ba2fe1d7d632/tumblr_inline_mfws9yokIT1qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_memiq2trga1qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxxna39wx11qgxdmu.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzs2eblL8z1qgxdmu.jpg

Man, so much gold. This is better than people of Wal-Mart. Love it when people are wearing artic coats with summer clothing or inside clubs.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Well that's dissapointing. I didn't know there was a ###### factor to them.

I just wanted a warm jacket that can stand up to a bit of abuse!

[Tyler]

Hahaha that is so awesome

[Caged Great]

Does anyone know where to get a full length top coat besides somewhere like Harry Rosen?

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5b/2d/f0/5b2df0d990869d9c8d0e90213dd40f6c.jpg

[spetch]

Does anyone know where to get a full length top coat besides somewhere like Harry Rosen?

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5b/2d/f0/5b2df0d990869d9c8d0e90213dd40f6c.jpg

Want me to check with SCohen for ya?

[Flabbibulin]

Does anyone know where to get a full length top coat besides somewhere like Harry Rosen?

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5b/2d/f0/5b2df0d990869d9c8d0e90213dd40f6c.jpg

Don't have an answer, but I purchased a good one about 5 years ago (very foolishly in retrospect) from Henry Singer. I would never make such a purchase now, but the coat still looks fantastic and I'm glad I have it.

I've never quite seen one at a decent price though elsewhere that looks nearly as good as what you see at Rosen or Singers (obviously), but I am sure they are out there. There is always Banana Republic for semi-decent formal wear- Im guessing a top coat there would be around 500 or 600. The Winners in westhills gets some decent stuff.

edit- if you plan on wearing one with mostly with a suit underneath, make sure you bring a suit jacket to the store. The lining on top coats is often pretty thin and will tear if you get a size too small because you tried it on without a suit jacket.

[Timbo]

My WWII Style replica sheepskin bomber is very warm and has been very durable.
It's worn in to a great patina yet still looks great.
http://shakey.smugmug.com/Other/Tims-Gun/i-sNRg6tP/0/XL/mueller4-XL.jpg

Pardon the gun.

[Caged Great]

[/SPOILER]

Don't have an answer, but I purchased a good one about 5 years ago (very foolishly in retrospect) from Henry Singer. I would never make such a purchase now, but the coat still looks fantastic and I'm glad I have it.

I've never quite seen one at a decent price though elsewhere that looks nearly as good as what you see at Rosen or Singers (obviously), but I am sure they are out there. There is always Banana Republic for semi-decent formal wear- Im guessing a top coat there would be around 500 or 600. The Winners in westhills gets some decent stuff.

edit- if you plan on wearing one with mostly with a suit underneath, make sure you bring a suit jacket to the store. The lining on top coats is often pretty thin and will tear if you get a size too small because you tried it on without a suit jacket.

I have one that I've had for 8 years or so now. It's still fine, I just would like to possibly get an alternate or replace it altogether. When I purchased it, the store went out of business a few months later and I haven't been able to find another since except harry rosen but they want around 1200-1500 for them or more and frankly to me that's too much for a piece of clothing.

Thank you for some alternate stores. I'll definitely check them out when I make the rounds doing christmas shopping.

[calumniate]

Yeah, the Canada Goose status trend is definitely here. I notice it with the high schoolers that go to western on my way to work.

I've gotten by with a J.C. Rags winter peacoat for everything day to day. Really like it, but I don't see much of them online.

[Top Shelf]

Sport Check has a bunch on sale right now

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/sportchek-40-off-select-winter-jackets-1409010/

[Canehdianman]

Sport Check has a bunch on sale right now

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/sportchek-40-off-select-winter-jackets-1409010/

Came here to post this.

Also, the Mark's Work Wearhouse flyer just arrived. There are a bunch of coats on sale there as well. Plus they are having a 20% everything (including sale items) sale on Saturday.

http://www.marks.com/

[Hack&Lube]

Does anyone know where to get a full length top coat besides somewhere like Harry Rosen?


Even if it costs you a good amount, if you get a decent coat you can pretty much wear it your entire life. Never goes out of style.

My full length top coat (I think it was only $100 from some mall store) works for casual/work/formal, etc. and I've been wearing it for over 10 years.

Recently, I was given a Dolce & Gabbana top coat but I think it's too ######y to wear so I went back to my 10 year old Market Mall special.

[Wormius]

+1 for Winners. Picked up a nice wool top coat from there a few years back for under $200, and spent a couple of extra bucks to get the sleeves reigned in. Unfortunately its a bit too slim fitting to wear anything underneath it, so it is relegated to pretty much just the Fall season.

[Ironhorse]

Does anyone know where to get a full length top coat besides somewhere like Harry Rosen?

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5b/2d/f0/5b2df0d990869d9c8d0e90213dd40f6c.jpg

Moore's also has a pretty decent selection.

[burn_this_city]

I'm surprised people didn't make the dbag correlation sooner. They might be warm jackets, but they are poor value if that's the reason for purchase. I see them more as a status symbol than utilitarian. Plus I always hated mens jackets with fur trim on the hood.

[Regular_John]

I've got a Windriver coat I purchased 5-6 years ago for around $230 at Mark's if I remember correctly. It's warm enough for this weather we're having but it's far from stylish, just straight black "ski jacket" kinda style. I'd prefer to replace it with something closer to a wool pea coat kinda thing, but I have a hard time replacing an item that's in good shape just to look more stylish.

But after 5-6 years it's holding up quite well actually.

[spetch]

I am not sure why people are hating on the CG for the fur. The majority (not all) of the CG jackets it is removable.

[burn_this_city]

I just think it's unnecessary, especially when you consider it's real and something died for your tacky fur trimmed hood.

[spetch]

The fur is to there to insulate your face from the wind and it works great. When I am out cleaning my driveway it is much better then just wearing a toque. Especially because the wind can really howl at my new place since there isn't much development yet.

I do understand not needing it for the majority of the days in the city, especially if you aren't walking/outside for long stretches.

Something also died for your leather shoes and gloves btw, kinda a lame argument to throw out there.

[burn_this_city]

Fair enough, but with cow hide leather at least the rest of the animal was eaten instead of tossed.

[spetch]

Fair enough, but with cow hide leather at least the rest of the animal was eaten instead of tossed.


True, but coyote meat is disgusting. The reason they are shot though is to control their attacks on the ranching industry though. They can be nasty little buggers to calves during calving season.

[burn_this_city]

At a risk of sounding like the vegan people I despise, this fur is probably harvested through trapping in the northern half of the country. Ranchers like to shoot all sorts of animals and claim it was to protect their herd. The loss of calves to predators should be part of the cost of business, especially when ranchers free-range their animals on crown land.

[Drunk Skunk]

True, but coyote meat is disgusting. The reason they are shot though is to control their attacks on the ranching industry though. They can be nasty little buggers to calves during calving season.

It really is. It's terrible. At a wild game dinner, the only way that people tried the coyote was when they weren't told what it was. Out of maybe 60 people, not 1 person enjoyed it.

It's garbage meat from a garbage animal. There aren't many scavengers that have meat that is reasonably edible

[Flabbibulin]

Recently, I was given a Dolce & Gabbana top coat but I think it's too ######y to wear so I went back to my 10 year old Market Mall special.

Serious? Im not quite sure what your edited word is, but they make pretty slick top coats imo.

If its fairly new, sell it on kijiji if you arent wearing it. They typically retail for around 1500.

[Sliver]

Rhymes with sushi.

[Anduril]

On a somewhat related note, wondering if there's any opinion on footwear for winter. Cheaped out I guess last time picking up something for $80 at Mark's considering it was on sale with the 20% off promo, it's only lasted a year and the biggest issue I have with it, is in this weather there isn't really much of insulation.
Any sort of 'fur' or whatever the inside material was made of has fallen apart because of the moisture that builds when I am wearing it regardless of weather.

[Violator]

If i had the cash this would be the jacket to buy.

http://www.marks.com/shop/en/marks-marksdefaultsalescatalog/workwear/jackets-vests/hd3-tmax-waterproof-breathable-300d-rip-stop-3-in1--52888

[Wormius]

In related news, saw the new flyer for Atmosphere, shows the Northface McMurdo parka is on for $329 ($100 off). It has gotten pretty good reviews.

[zukes]

None, it's +12 today! I'm debating golfing. :)

[MJK]

Nothing warming on this planet than Canada Goose (I use the resolute model), I use it frequently while hunting in -40 (-70 with windchill), nothing else can compare, not even the warmest homemade parka's in the North. Brands like Columbia, North Face can't even be mentioned in the same category.

Be careful of knockoffs, there are a lot out there so buy from a place you trust.

You'd have to pick the right one for Calgary.