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Need gear - a warmish jacket with hood - where??

stylemama

Okay, this is so far from fashion/style, but I need help! Camped last night and discovered this morning that layering shirts and sweatshirts really just didn't cut it for the chilly morning. I have avoided parkas for a long time - as well as windbreaker type jackets, but it's clear I really need something like that for outdoor play with my kids. I've looked through land's end and eddie bauer this morning and they have great selections, but I'm a bit overwhelmed and can't figure out what will work best.

Here's what I'm looking for - please help me narrow the search if you can. I'm looking for a waterproof jacket/parka that goes below the hip (covering my rear for the most part), has a hood, and, ideally, a zip out lining so that I can wear it in the relatively mild winter with layers to play in the snow on the 3 days we get snow.

Yes, I want it all in one because I want to buy one coat now and never again. I want to reserve the rest of my clothing budget for non-gear!

Thanks for the help.

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from stylemama

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Are you looking for something to camp in or go to the park in? Sounds like you need a puffer coat. Does not need to be gear!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

LL Bean has 3-in-1 coats that I love for true gear; it is a waterproof jacket that goes to the bottom of the dupa with a fleece lining that zips out. So you can wear the waterproof hooded jacket, or just the fleece jacket, or both together. I have had mine for years and it works no matter what size I am. I just took it with me on a trip to the New Hampshire mountains in August, and I wore it all three ways. It works in colder weather too.

Wow, I forgot how reasonably priced they are ($89) and I love the colors they have now! Mine is boring red with black fleece.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....#038;cat4=

stylemama

Angie - I'm thinking of a jacket that would work for the park, snow and camping. Anything where I'm actively engaged in the elements (dirt, etc.) I love the puffer coats, but here in OK, I'd only need one for 2 weeks at best. (Remind me of this in February.) Today, for example, it was a cool, semi-wet 50 degrees this morning and now it's 75.

Kirsten - the 3-in-1 coat is probably perfect. I love the colors - just have to accept the gear aspect in terms of spending money.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear stylemama, a coat for the snow is a different kettle of fish. You need two coats. A casual light weatherproof trench, and a warmer puffer. Sorry - can't satisfy all those needs with one coat. And why would you want to? They are investments!

Try Lulu Lemon and the North Face.

Anonymous

Angie is right...you will need more than one coat. I live a lifestyle that often calls for gear-appropriate clothing. I had a huge mental block about spending any real money on this type of clothing since it is clearly not stylish. But when I calculated how much of my life is actually spent in gear-appropriate situations, I decided to make the investment and make sure that even when I was camping or rolling around with the kids that my clothes were well fitting and nice looking. I've been happy since I overcame my mental block about spending $$$ on gear.

The 3-in-one jacket is great for gear situations and you could wear it for all the different weather conditions when battling the elements. But its way too gear-ish to wear around town.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Stylemama, I guess I am not sure where you live, because if you do get real snow, Angie and Marlene are right, the 3-in-1 isn't for that. I generally use mine in the colder days of fall and early spring, and really it is just for super-casual events like camping or hiking. I don't wear it to the park or the store. I have puffer vests or short trenches for those occasions -- and this year I bought a really cute knit/fleece moto-style jacket for those days. Here are a couple of photos so you can see the difference.

The first two are me hiking in New Hampshire, and the third one was for a charity walk I did last Saturday (hence the running shoes, I had cute little flats for later that day).

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

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Elly

Veteran

Stylemama--- another option is a snowboard or ski coat. These are generally lighter weight than puffers and not as warm. They have some insulation and thinsulate and are waterproof. With some warm layers underneath they can take you through really cold situations, but can be worn with a t-shirt on days were it starts out at 50 degrees. There are some that are two in one with a zip out fleece liner. They usually aren't stylish or fitted, but you can get them in really fun colors and or patterns.

While I totally respect what the other ladies are saying about two coats, I disagree. I don't think that you are saying you are going to run errands in your gear coat (I am assuming you already have a coat for this, since you originally asked about gear). I am assuming that when you go to the park with the kids you are engaging in activity and will probably get dirty. I don't know how old your kids are, but I know that catching kids going down the slide, pushing them on swings, spotting on monkey bars and just ducking in and out of the equipment playing with kids can be quite a workout and messy. I wouldn't wear a nice puffer (that have to be washed carefully or professionally cleaned to avoid damaging the down) somewhere where I am likely to get mud or dirt on it everytime I wear it. A ski coat is breathable (so you won't get too hot running around) and you can just toss them in the washer after a pair of dirty kids boots comes in contact with it. Also good for camping and yard work.

Elly

Veteran

http://www.dogfunk.com/roxy-bicycle-jacket-womens

I particularly like this one from your description. No zip-out lining, but the ski/snowboard jackets are made light in general so you can wear layers under on the mountain to keep warm-- but can take them off as you heat up without sacrificing the wind and water blocking outer layer.

stylemama

OK, after reading what you all have to say I think I have definitely found one of my weaknesses when it comes to style. Outerwear is tough for me. I live in Oklahoma. Before that I lived in Southern California where I got by with a leather jacket in the coldest weather. I do not spend a great deal of time outdoors - mostly car to door. However, when I am outdoors, it seems I am generally playing or hiking or doing yard-work or something. The camping thing is a bit misleading as last night was our first family camping trip. I just anticipate doing more things like that as my kids (5 and 9) get older. And I know that in the past (like last night) when I've done these outdoor activities in colder weather I scramble with what to wear and end up layering like crazy and feeling a bit ridiculous for not having some sort of normal gear jacket.

The primary reason i want an all-in-one coat is that our super cold snowy season is so short that it seems silly to have a coat just for it. I have two wool coats - a short jacket and a long coat that I wear about town. In the past I've tried to use that short jacket for playing in the snow and have frozen. But again, the snow only happens 2 to 3 days a year (except last year when we had several blizzards). And I have a knee-length trench/rain coat - doesn't work for the park.

My heavens! I am now starting to think that I need 3 new coats! A gear jacket, a short, light-weight trench, and a puffer coat. Ack! Breathe. Maybe the 3-in-1 will cover the playing/hiking outside/snow (with added layers) aspects. Then I would just need a lightweight trench-type jacket or a puffer vest (like Kirsten mentioned) for the early fall that does not require my wool coat, yet needs more than the thick sweaters I've been getting by in.

I think I just don't like spending money on coats.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You totally hit your own nail on the head

(Thanks, Marlene. Nice validating comment).

I didn't want to scare you just yet, Stylemama - but you do actually NEED three coats. Gear, lightweight trench and puffer - since you have the wool coats. Reserve the gear for camping and hiking - the rest for normal urban/suburban life.

shana

Veteran

I know that North Face is the more popular choice when it comes to gear but I want to add in a personal recommendation for Patagonia. I have a jacket very similar to this one:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....5086-0-601

It was a HUGE investment for me as a grad student but IMO Patagonia makes the best gear!! It looks nearly new 15 years later. I wear it for all my gear type of activities including skiing as well as just walking to my son's bus stop in the rain. It provides a totally impermeable layer of protection against moisture & wind and I can roll it up into a ball and throw it in a backpack. If I get cold, I just layer it over fleece. I know I sound like a walking advertisement but I can't help but gush about my gear

My son has been wearing the 3 in 1 jackets from Lands End for the last two winters and they have worked great! He's pretty tough on his outerwear and it shows. I feel sorry for his brother who has to wear his hand-me-downs.

stylemama

Thanks for clueing me in slowly and allowing me to reach the 3 coat conclusion myself, Angie. What a patient teacher you are. : ) And it just dawned on me that if you need a puffer in Seattle, I probably need one for the weeks/month that it can be below 0 here.

Outerwear is a long neglected area of my wardrobe. I purchased the long wool coat only last year - 4 years after moving to a colder climate. Clearly it's time to start investing in some pieces that will get me through all aspects of my outdoor life. Thanks so much to everyone for chiming in with ideas.

Shana - that patagonia coat is wonderful, but well beyond my budget right now - even as an investment.
Elly - the ski coat idea is intriguing. i will investigate that a bit more.
Kirsten/Angie - I could use some examples of a short trench. I'm having a hard time finding pix/descriptions in the archives.

Here is what I've found so far. I like this Land's End jacket for gear purposes. The aubergine color is my favorite. It's not as great a deal as the LL Bean one, but the color makes it worth it for me. I am struggling with the lack of waist in it though. And I'm thinking it might be huge on me. From what I've read/seen, I have a similar build/size as Angie.

http://www.landsend.com/pp/Cla.....038;sku_0=::AUB&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000141

Would this one below work as a trench (not gear). Or is it too casual? This would be for errands, etc. My overall look is smart casual - occasionally business casual.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=789258032

Or is this more what you (ANgie and Kristen) were thinking of for a trench? It just doesn't look that warm to me. Not even for 50 degree fall. Am I wrong?

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=782583002

Thanks again everyone.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I live in an area that maybe gets snow- some years. Some years we get it bad, and we are piled in it for a week, some years it just barely hits the ground. I have a long puffer, and I'm so glad that I do. We spend one day a week at the park with friends, and that puffer is the only way that I manage through the winters (even though my kids hardly wear a jacket and are fine). It's also great for snow when we get snow. Even though I don't wear it a lot, it fills a gap and will last a long time.

stylemama

And here is a beautiful puffer coat. This is actually my favorite coat of all of the ones I've found - but it's the one I'll need to wear the least (and not for at least 2 months).

http://www.landsend.com/pp/Qui.....038;sku_0=::DX5&CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000001029&origin=index

And now I'm thinking that the 3-in-1 land's end coat might me a bit too long for camping/hiking/outdoor play purposes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do LE items fit, Stylemama?

stylemama

The only thing I've ever bought from LE was a swimsuit and it was too big. The comments online indicate that the shoulders in the squall coats have been narrowed - which would be perfect for me. I may just have to try it and send it back if it doesn't work.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That was my concern. If you are a similar size to me - LE stuff won't fit unfortunately.

Jonesy

Veteran

I would highly recommend departmentofgoods.com. They are an online outlet for all sorts of name-brand gear. My SO, my kids, and I all have winter coats from there. I just looked at their site, and the have 1200+ jackets under "Women's Jackets," including all sorts of variations (e.g., 3-in-1, down, snowboarding, etc. etc.).

catgirl

Veteran

As a camper.winter/rain survivor, I agree you need more than one coat and quality matters depending on purpose. North Face makes coats that can zip into each other, like a down coat with a waterproof outside layer option. I would look at rei.com and their outlet for ideas. Also look on outdoor gear review sites to see what they say about how things hold up. Real gear is expensive for good reason - it could save your life. If you're not doing extreme kinds of activities, you can probably get away with less expensive stuff. Also try campmor.com and sierratradingpost.com for discounted brand names on outdoor clothing.

stylemama

I will look at REi and North face, Alaskagirl as well as the 3 discount locations listed by you and Jonesy.

As for extreme activities, um no. The warning is noted and I certainly understand the need for high tech gear for true campers/hikers. I do not foresee camping in winter and such in our future. One night on a mowed lawn with no rain (just sprinklers) in 50 degree weather was about our speed. Still, I'll keep that in mind and be sure to get gear that is solid enough for hiking and camping in lower temps too.

stylemama

Update: My family heard my plea for gear and bought me a beautiful jacket - that did not fit me - in size or in need. Alas. So today we all went to the sporting goods store where i tried on the smaller size of said jacket and still didn't love it. THen I tried on six other gear type jackets and didn't love them. The most practical was the Columbia 3-in-1 jacket. It has the windbreaker with the fleece jacket that you can zip in or out. I kept staring at myself in the mirror and hated it. All I could think was - this is not fab. Not at all. I do not want to wear this. And the more I thought about it the more I wondered where and when I was going to wear it. I know I need a warmer winter coat. And I know that the occasions to wear a gear-type coat will come up. But for now, I'm putting off the quest for gear and moving on to the quest for around-town fall outerwear. With that in mind, I bought this puffer vest today (at 45% off - yea!). Now I have to figure out how to wear it (and if it will be warm enough for what I need).
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=770836052