YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Puffer replacements

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Puffer replacements https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:47:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243383 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:59:44 +0000 Suz 2243383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ NO fear of that here, Carla. As Gaylene says, until you've lived out on the coast, you cannot really take in just how dark the dark is. We do get some snow here (and heaven only knows how much more or less with climate chaos) but that is only for about a week or two a year at most, and I have a great parka for those conditions! I need one for the wet and dark, not for the snow.  Gaylene on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243232 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 21:48:58 +0000 Gaylene 2243232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No need to be an outlier, Carla; I totally agree with you! Wearing a white ski suit on a ski slope turns you into a mogul if you fall down! Colorful ski wear can save your life if you ski outside marked trails.   <div> </div><div>Even after eight years, I’m still taken aback by the “blackout” effect of the combination of rain, mist, heavy forest, and winding roads if you are driving outside our city core at night. Those reflector harnesses and vests are essentials if you are walking at night on the Island. The contrast of a white coat against the black/dark green really helps as well.  </div><div> </div> Carla on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243225 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 20:58:21 +0000 Carla 2243225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m going to be an outlier on white for visibility!  It works if you live in a place that doesn’t get snow, but if you live in a snowy place all bets are off regarding visibility - day or night!  I suspect you would be okay on the island… Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243213 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 19:56:15 +0000 Suz 2243213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LaPed I really like those! Vancouver has a big HH store. Stay tuned. I’m going to check it out!! LaPed on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243208 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 19:34:54 +0000 LaPed 2243208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks like HH does a lot of white coats! I agree with Gaylene that a white shell, insulated or not, makes a lot of sense for a damp and windy coastal climate. Then you could layer any puffer you like underneath. Synthetic insulation like Primaloft is designed to retain its loft better in wet conditions than down, but a puffer jacket on its own doesn’t block the rain from getting through for very long, unless it has a waterproof or water resistant outer with a solid (not quilted) face. I absolutely do not need a white coat because it would stay white for all of two seconds, but I’m having a lot of fun browsing for you, Suz! I wonder if any of these are available in Canada? <a href="https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-aden-insulated-coat-62649?color=291445" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=291445</a> <a href="https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-adore-ins-rain-coat-53655?color=314605" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605</a> <a href="https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-frida-ins-parka-53686?color=314605" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605</a> <a href="https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-illusion-winter-parka-53623?color=314605" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605</a> <a href="https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-lisburn-ins-coat-53692?color=314605" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605</a> Gaylene on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243199 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:52:35 +0000 Gaylene 2243199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, GREAT question, Joy!  I still drive at night and was dying to ask a runner exactly that question when my lights picked him up running down the centre of a dark, narrow,  twisting road on a rainy night. He was dressed entirely in dark clothing and his only concession to the pitch blackness was his headlamp. The feeble light it emitted was barely enough for him to see his surroundings, much less make him visible to drivers. I checked the papers for the next couple of morning just to see if there had been an another accident. <div> </div><div>Suz, I think HH makes a fleece lined version of my raincoat. I have a similar fleece-lined raincoat but find it much too warm for our winters on the Island. My sister wears her fleece-lined raincoat during the winter months when she and her partner are in Northern Scotland. It’s kept her warm and dry in some pretty fierce gales. The combination of a wind proof, water-resistant outer shell, a fleece lining, a well-fitting hood, and drawstrings at the wrists and waists makes for a pretty warm walking combination. </div><div> </div><div>I guess my skiing background makes me wonder about the performance of puffers in wet, stormy weather. Some puffers claim to be water resistant, but those quilted seams make for a lot of potential water entry points during a full-on rain and wind event. My past experience is that dampness (external or internal) is what chills me—and once I’m chilled, only a hot bath warms me up. </div><div> </div><div>Good luck on your search!</div> Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243188 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:22:28 +0000 Suz 2243188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Why do people wear dark colors and walk or run in the street at night?! Joy, it's an excellent question. I think sometimes they are just oblivious to how difficult they are to see. If you don't drive, you aren't aware of how poor the visibility can be. And sometimes black or navy is all they can find in the stores, LOL!   Living in a suburb it's also worse because not all the streets have sidewalks. Where I lived in Ontario there were sidewalks almost everywhere I walked. So some of it is city design.... Anonymous on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243159 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:51:58 +0000 Anonymous 2243159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Living in a place that values no light pollution, it is very dark out, I think you need a white coat, but the right one. Lots of bike riders and pedestrians here too and many wear black and get hit by cars. Often the dog has a reflective collar so it is seen first. Why do people wear dark colors and walk or run in the street at night?! Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/3#post-2243131 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 04:55:12 +0000 Suz 2243131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for all these suggestions and keep them coming!  StagFash, the Adidas isn't in Canada (that I can find).  Kerry, i looked at the Lands End but yeah...i think you are right....not super stylish.  The Helly Hansen might be the sister of Gaylene's. But it has to be longer or it's useless to me.  kerry on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2243098 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 00:58:43 +0000 kerry 2243098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe not white or long enough but seems very practical … <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.atmosphere.ca/categories/women/jackets-pants/shell-jackets/technical-jackets/product/helly-hansen-womens-lumines-light-jacket-333484290.html">https://www.atmosphere.ca/cate.....roduct/hel</a> Too boring? <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-ultra-lightweight-packable-down-coat-with-hood/id_349471?attributes=13774,43307,43326,43398,44256,44967">https://www.landsend.com/produ....._349471?at</a> Anonymous on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2243096 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 00:47:22 +0000 Anonymous 2243096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All of this is making me realize how weak my puffer game is this year . I’m not looking a fresh as I want to with my rather tired winter collection . I can’t wait to see what you end up with Suz ! Stagiaire Fash on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2243088 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 23:18:50 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2243088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Go for the Adidas—white, long, *and* reflective! Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2243018 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 17:26:42 +0000 Suz 2243018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Angie! I will check them out!  And you would be surprised how many people wear reflective stuff around here (or maybe not, given what I have reported!) Most have vests like the one below, or jackets...but I find the little harness is easier to pack into a bag or backpack. You're smart to wear your citron on the street!  Angie on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2243009 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 16:10:30 +0000 Angie 2243009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, a bum covering puffer it is!  You'll find your white puffer.  And you're setting a trend with a reflector harness :) Some options in links and finds: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/kenneth-cole-faux-shearling-quilted-puffer-0400015647857.html?ranMID=38801&ranEAID=J84DHJLQkR4&ranSiteID=J84DHJLQkR4-9QXKSqSVAx5t2Qren5gxQg&site_refer=AFF001&mid=38801&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-9QXKSqSVAx5t2Qren5gxQg">https://www.saksoff5th.com/pro.....7.html?ran</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/laundry-by-shelli-segal-faux-fur-trim-hooded-puffer-coat?ID=4085901&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliates&ranMID=13867&ranEAID=J84DHJLQkR4&ranSiteID=J84DHJLQkR4-bpiJz8._Bk.ViA3gwKLETw&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-bpiJz8._Bk.ViA3gwKLETw&m_sc=aff&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&ranPublisherID=J84DHJLQkR4&ranLinkID=1&ranLinkTypeID=10&pubNAME=ShopStyle+%28US%29"><a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/laundry-by-shelli-segal-faux-fur-trim-hooded-puffer-coat" rel="nofollow">https://www.bloomingdales.com/.....uffer-coat</a>?</a> Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242937 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 03:27:39 +0000 Suz 2242937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Karie, I think maybe the "Gotham" NF parka could work for you. I sent this one back as too warm a white, but I'm REALLY interested in white.  LaPed, thank you. I saw that one but really really really want white (if I can find) OR a vivid but not orange-red, or silver or something that is actually reflective.  Karie on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242934 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 02:47:55 +0000 Karie 2242934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very nice puffers, especially the white one. I am also shopping for a puffer, and I like the “below the bum” length (my mother always called coats in that length “car coats”). I’ve just about decided on one from LL Bean that they give a “warmest” rating to, which would be perfect for my climate. Since I like your North Face one so much, I’ll have to take a look at that brand and see what they offer before I pull the trigger. LaPed on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242892 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:44:28 +0000 LaPed 2242892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, have you looked at the parka-length version of that Athleta jacket? Colour is a bit different, but still eye-catching: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/Whisper-Featherless-Parka" rel="nofollow">https://tinyurl.com/Whisper-Featherless-Parka</a> Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242886 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:43:54 +0000 Suz 2242886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, a short puffer jacket would be fun, and I found a great silver one at Athleta!  But I will be honest here -- short (not bum-covering) jackets are a bit of a novelty item for me. I just won't wear them often except in the fall or as an underlayer. I seem to need my bum covered or I feel cold. I also like some thigh coverage. And all this especially in the wet weather. Getting damp clothes is no fun.   I did a search on reflective puffers and didn't come up with a lot that was available in Canada.  I do wear reflectors on my bags, and also a very ugly but useful reflective harness. And sometimes I carry a light or wear a headlamp. I guess I like the idea of a white/ light coat for both fashion and safety purposes. So it might be a HEWI.  Angie on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242866 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 19:07:11 +0000 Angie 2242866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I HEAR you on the VERY dark PNW! :( A pedestrian was run over just last week a few streets down from our loft. TERRIBLE. One of my short puffers is citron, and accessories to match. You can't miss me!  Sam and Jo wear lights on the harnesses too. They look like little walking Christmas trees.... How about a short silver puffer? Wear a light on your bag? Silver reflector tape?  Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242846 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:39:42 +0000 Suz 2242846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Robin, that's it exactly about then neighbourhood! No sidewalks, windy streets, lots of trees and hedges, not many streetlights.  Gaylene, I'll check out the Helly Hansen. I can see how it might work. I do layer up that way with my Pendleton raincoat and a lightweight puffer but the Pendleton is a very dark navy. I'm with you on the "no bad weather" mantra. I'm out there every day, just like I was in Kingston. I have rain pants, etc. for the really dismal days.  Echo, thank you. I hear all the nice words from those who like the white. I really like it in theory, too. It's just a question of holding out for the right one, I guess!  RobinF on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242837 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:29:43 +0000 RobinF 2242837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the Little Puff! I was considering those Aritzia coats too. As far as a white coat, I think that would be very smart. Our street is similar to yours, it's a neighborhood but no sidewalks and there are often people out walking their dogs when I am driving to work. It is still dark then and very hard to see them. Many carry a light and have reflectors on their coats but they are still not very visible at all. I go very carefully. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242830 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:04:17 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2242830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, that Little Puff looks so good!   I'm wondering if you can have a seamstress add an inside pocket?     The white one, I'm on the fence about.   It's pretty good, but it isn't approaching Suz-level Fabness, for reasons I can't quite explain.   I think it's that the white color itself, is revealing a kind of generic design to the coat.  But I bet that color would be stunning as a wool or cashmere coat. Gaylene on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242790 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:54:12 +0000 Gaylene 2242790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That was such a horrible accident but I can certainly see how it could happen on that road at night. It’s the utter blackness of the shadowy areas which make pedestrians so invisible until the glare of a headlight hits them. Like you, I’m totally fine with forgoing fashion if it means being more visible when I’m on foot. <div><div> </div></div><div>Everyone’s needs are different, but I actually find my lined raincoat to be quite warm because the techy lining makes it both wind and water proof. The wrist cuffs can be tightened and the neck/ collar area zips quite high there isn’t much heat loss around my head. I also wear a base layer under my merino or cashmere sweaters and find the layers, plus the close-fitting wrists and neck, keep me quite warm once I start walking. In fact, unless it’s below 0C, I usually need to open up my coat after 10-15 minutes of walking. If I put on a fleece or down vest underneath and head/neck/hand coverings, I’ve been quite comfortable wearing the combo in -10C when I was visiting relatives on the prairies. They do tease me, though, about wearing a RAINCOAT in a prairie winter. ;) </div><div> </div><div>I was warned about the rain when we decided to move to the Island, but I actually like walking on rainy/showery days. When I was  a skier, our family mantra was that there was no bad weather when it came to skiing—just poor clothing choices. I’m now applying that to the gusty, rainy weather on the coast because I’m just so happy I can now walk almost everyday without worrying about slipping on ice!</div> Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242786 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:01:34 +0000 Suz 2242786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene, so interesting! You are so right about the visibility here. Sadly, as you probably heard, the teen who was hit at a crosswalk on Monday in Saanich (not too far from where I live)  has since died. That shows you just how poor visibility can be. It's quite shocking to me. It's not that there are no lights (although there are very few lights in my area, as it happens). It is more that there are many obstructions and there is a lot of glare from the rain. And it seems to get dark so much earlier than in the east. Actually, it doesn't "seem" to get darker faster -- it does get darker faster! That would be different for you, coming from Edmonton. But Edmonton gets a lot of winter sun. So the darkness would be noticeable for you in a different way, I'll bet.  Anyway...it sounds like I may run cooler than you (or maybe wear fewer layers?) or maybe walk into the wind?  I'm not unwilling to layer, though, so can consider something like your strategy with Helly Hansen. But when I walk at night right now, I'm wearing a merino base layer, often a merino second layer, boots, merino hat, gloves, and my Lole puffer, meant for genuine cold weather! And oh yeah, a scarf!! And my reflectors, of course.  In the daytime I can get away with less and do. And of course on the rainy days, I need raingear, not a puffer.  I am not surprised by the rain=warmer and sun=cooler -- that's a Maritime thing and it was the same in Kingston (near Lake Ontario). The changes here are less extreme and abrupt (as a rule) and of course there is far more rain -- especially this year. OY!!!  Gaylene on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242779 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 04:30:49 +0000 Gaylene 2242779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I figure a white raincoat is an essential if you are walking after 4pm in the winter months in Victoria. The combination of rain, trees, narrow roads, and dark clothing make pedestrians almost invisible on black nights. The other tricky aspect of  our winter is getting accustom to warm temperatures when it’s raining—our winter rains are called “The Pineapple Express” for a reason. <div> </div><div>My winter walking coat is a white, waterproof but breathable, lined Helly Hansen raincoat. I generally just wear a light wool sweater under my coat. If we get a colder (often sunny with a northerly wind!) day, I add my ultralight down Uniglo vest, a wool hat, gloves, and scarf as required. It took some time to realize that overcast/wet = warm while sun = cold/wind in this area. The only puffer I own is a light synthetic jacket which I often need to wear unzipped when I’m walking for any distance. Unless you run really cold, and aren’t bothered by the clumps of a soggy puffer, I’d hold off on buying two puffers. </div> Jaime on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242771 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:01:03 +0000 Jaime 2242771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ :) Glad I checked back so I could crack up at you Canadians/North Easterners cracking up at me and my puffer in the chilly 20C weather! You would all die laughing if you could hear the radio reporting the "wintry weather where it is better to stay under the covers". As for puffers in your "summer" weather, let's just say I'm not the only one! Echo on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242756 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 01:57:23 +0000 Echo 2242756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The photos of the blue are a bit dark, so it is hard to tell, but as long as its it useful and comfortable (which it definitely is!), it was a valuable purchase. As for the white, I simply adore you in that color. Perhaps not THAT particular shade of white, or that particular coat, but honestly the lighter color brightens you up so much and complements your hair so well that I didn't even notice the fit/style of the coat at first. It is just that stunning on you. It wasn't until I went back and looked at it closely that I could see some of the issues others had mentioned. So while I applaud you being patient and picky, you NEED a coat in a light shade like this! Firecracker (Sharan) on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242755 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 01:46:30 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2242755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I really like Sugoi, too, for biking. I have a version of that jacket--I love the all-over reflectivity. Suz on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242747 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:25:55 +0000 Suz 2242747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ THanks, Glory. They are a good company. My grey puffer is Lole and it is still going strong after 11 years of constant winter wear. It has lost a few feathers and the zips have a tendency to stick (a problem with many older puffers, I've noticed) but otherwise it is still terrific. Worth a look!  Glory on "Puffer replacements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puffer-replacements/page/2#post-2242726 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 22:27:28 +0000 Glory 2242726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just chiming in to say the navy is wonderful and glad you are keeping it. I have a mid thigh very light weight puffer from Lole. They offer a few colours and might be worth checking out. It serves me until -5 or so.