To parka or not to parka?
What's preferable between 1) long wool coat + separate stormproof shell, versus 2) insulated parka?
I already have the long wool coat. I could get one of several parkas since there are a lot of options (Patagonia, Fjallraven, Uniqlo, etc.). There aren't many long stormproof shells, but it would keep my wardrobe minimal with fewer redundancies (simply layer over the wool coat).
Thoughts? FYI this is mostly for mid-atlantic winters, so it would be used infrequently, but could also be used for travel further north. I commute to work via car, so I'm pretty well protected, but I also like to take long walks and maybe do some yard work in the dead of winter.
11 Replies
I'm not sure how I feel about layering over a long wool coat - I have a long insulated rain jacket I wear instead when it's cold and rainy. Anything more than a light drizzle I don't wear the wool coat
I don't think one is better than the other, I also have an uninsulated hard shell. Really vibe based what I reach for
I would vote for a third option - cheap puffy jacket (Uniqlo ULD works well) and long raincoat for more flexibility based on weather
interesting. So I also have a couple of puffy jackets already. And the wool coat. Which I combine in the coldest weather. I'm really looking for something more for the cold+windy+rainy days, which are few and far between.
i hear ya, it's nice to have options, but I already am busting at the seams in my closet
you could use a hiking layering system - warm base layer (usually thermals but cotton is fine for daily wear), insulating layer, like your down jackets or a fleece, and then a windproof/waterproof layer like a hard shell. I've worn a version of this with a flannel shirt under the down jacket and it's kept me warm in very cold temps, below freezing
This is my thinking as well. It's just that most technical shells are hip-length, and I'm looking for a solution that hits the thigh (and covers my wool coat underneath)
Gotcha. How about rains? https://www.us.rains.com/products/fishtail-parka-male?variant=39572426326039&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4Y-sBhC6ARIsAGXF1g4tXF7PhPsRB8ixyVgqAil5uQ5nms52s-uX4gTqFFeiihbdcgLHT4YaAi1mEALw_wcB
Rains
Rains® Fishtail Parka in Black for $155 | Free Shipping
Buy Rains® Fishtail Parka in Black for $155. Wide selection of Jackets. 2-Year Warranty | Get Free Shipping Now.
that looks very nice. I also just stumbled upon Stutterheim, and Helly Hansen
so would you imagine that, in the worst case weather, I could layer as follows: 1) thermal, 2) flannel, 3) puffy, 4) wool overcoat, and 5) rain coat?
I will say rains PU fabric is not breathable, sometimes I was sweating in it even in winter
I imagine this would keep you warm down to like 0 degrees
whereas the parka I've been entertaining would combine 3, 4, and 5
I think it's nice to have options! If I'm running to the store it's nice to throw on one thing instead of 5. But if you have a big wardrobe already I understand not wanting lots of things
Stutterheim also uses rubberized cotton, so like rains it'll be bulletproof but not breathable
thanks for your advise