Best Winter Parka?

C

CorpsmanUP!

Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
356
Will be used for hunting/ hiking PLEASE NO CAMO!
Any suggestions welcome but prefer not to pay through the nose for it.
Thanks,
Doc
 
for hiking and all around versatility you cant beat layers. I have always been a mountain hardware fan and I have an alchemy softshell and top it with a GTX4 shell. I am super warm and dry with this combo no matter what the situation.
 
Cabela's, http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/home/firsthome_d2.html?cmCat=Home_D, sells great stuff for a fair price. They also have a great selection so you're more likely to find exactly what you're looking for, at the price you can afford.

I've bought stuff from Cabela's over the years--shoes, jackets, a vest, and so on. Been happy with most of them, and, in cases where the clothing didn't fit, returns were a breeze. :thumbup:

Check 'em out.
 
On a budget, an M-65 would be a great option. Since you said no camo, there is commercial versions available in navy blue, black, and OD (there is also some vintage surplus OD IIRC). You can get a USGI surplus button in liner for not too much, that's a really good ideas to get. I have worn one through New ENgland winters- I think it should do fine for you down in FL.

Also, look into the Carhart insulated (I believe they call them 'arctic' line) line. I am on my second now, they last forever, and look sharp. Well worth the investment. The Cotton duck material does take forever to dry (which is a downside). but overall, they are great jackets. Sometimes, if it is really colde (ie. 0*F or below esp. w/ windchill) I will layer with a insulated vest for warmth.
 
I see you are tagged for Florida. By Parka, do you mean a real, I'm hip deep in snow Parka or something a bit less than that?

For a deep snow parka, I don't have name but can list a few features that are useful for hiking about in parka weather.

Pockets, lots of pockets. Hand warmer pockets, big cargo pockets, and internal pockets are all useful for storing gloves, snacks, and a thin poly pro type stocking cap. Good hand warmer pockets are lined with a warm material like artifical wool.

A zip off hood that also zips up high enough to help protect the face. Make sure it has drawstrings to tighten about the face as well. Preferably the hood has an insulation layer. Hoods are vastly warmer than stocking caps. If you ever get caught in the wind you will thank me for the hood.

The classic water resistant outer layer that also moisture out...something like gore-tex. It is also nice to have lots of vent zippers like at the waist and under the arms. If you are hiking around, the trick is maintain warmth but not sweat. This requires temp controls like vents.

A zip away inner layer, also preferably some man made material that is super light weight, wicks away moisture and is warm. A bonus is that it has pockets and could work as a lighter jacket for warmer/dryer weather than the full blown parka.

Avoid the classic ski jacket that is cut to the top of the waist. You want a coat that reaches are far down past the buttocks as you can find. A draw string at the very bottom is also nice...again for the wind.

A zipper closure that is sealed up by buttons and or a velcro flap.

Hope that helps.
 
AR fan said:
Filson makes good stuff, a little pricey though.
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I love my Filson stuff. The Tincloth chaps have gotten me through some of the thickest crap in the Upper Penisula of Michigan, but it I also have a Sheltercloth jacket, and doesn't breath for crap. I would say spend some money and buy Northface. Good stuff-you won't be sorry!
 
dull yet deadly said:
I love my Filson stuff. The Tincloth chaps have gotten me through some of the thickest crap in the Upper Penisula of Michigan, but it I also have a Sheltercloth jacket, and doesn't breath for crap. I would say spend some money and buy Northface. Good stuff-you won't be sorry!
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I've used North Face in the past, but haven't needed a parka for 10 years, so didn't know if they were still good. :thumbup:
 
zenheretic said:
I've used North Face in the past, but haven't needed a parka for 10 years, so didn't know if they were still good. :thumbup:
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Eh....they are OK. They went through a period where they were more about fashion than function, and were very popular with the rap crowd and the trend followers. I think they're starting to turn that around but I'm don't believe they're back to what they once were.

Personally, for a bullet-proof shell I'd look at Arc'teryx, Marmot or Mountain Hardwear first, with fleece or down underneath. However, since the OP is in FL those are probably all overkill unless he's planning on using it for somewhere further north.
 
:foot:

Well that is why I tried to not mention brands since I was out of the loop for so long.

Since they are popular with rappers, I have to imagine a North Face must be good for,

"Hidin' a 45 au-to-matic
on my Person!" :D
 
I just saw this in one of the magazines that I get.

Looks like it might be ok, i dunno.

Evan
 
it isn't for FL- I have a fleece for when it hits 40. It would be for lots and lots of snow.
Thanks for all the replies. I will do some checking.
 
CorpsmanUP! said:
it isn't for FL- I have a fleece for when it hits 40. It would be for lots and lots of snow.
Thanks for all the replies. I will do some checking.
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Since you have fleece already you might get by with adding a soft-shell jacket. A hard shell is nice, but unless it's very windy or rainy they can be overkill. When you're hiking you don't need a lot of insulation as you're putting out heat but when you stop you do need to add something to keep warm. For hunting it depends on what you're hunting, you could be walking or you could be sitting. If you are going to spend most of the time sitting then you might want to look at something heavier.

Most people who spend a lot of time outside in the cold don't wear one heavy jacket but rather several layers. This allows you to adjust to the conditions better. Ideally you want the outer layer to be able to breathe and be windproof. Underneath that comes down/fleece in vest or jacket form (both if it's real cold), sweater, flannel/wool shirt, long underwear....the mixture of those being dictated by the temp and your level of activity.

I'm a big fan of down over fleece when it's cold, for the same weight you get a lot more insulation. The downside (no pun intended :p) is that down is more expensive and it loses a lot of it's insulation factor when it's wet. If you're in the Pacific NW where it's wet down isn't a good choice but in the Rocky Mtn area where I live it works well. If you can, find out what the locals use where you're going...they usually know what works and what doesn't.
 
X2 on a quality softshell. There are dozens out now, the best are almost waterproof, insulate well, layer ok, and have a multitude of useful interior pockets. In Missouri, a good 75% of winter can be negotiated with one. I would think in FL you would do well.

I understand acclimatization is a lot of it. 40 in Florida is percieved as cold. Here, it's a warmish winter day -lightly insulated garment not zipped up, no ear coverings, light gloves - when you get used to it. I use a softshell with ball cap and unlined mechanics gloves on those days. Last winter at the Alamo, I heard locals were in their downfilled ski parkas - as observed by folks from Minnesota in light sweaters. And both were quite comfortable.
 
BlackHills said:
Eh....they are OK. They went through a period where they were more about fashion than function, and were very popular with the rap crowd and the trend followers. I think they're starting to turn that around but I'm don't believe they're back to what they once were.

Personally, for a bullet-proof shell I'd look at Arc'teryx, Marmot or Mountain Hardwear first, with fleece or down underneath. However, since the OP is in FL those are probably all overkill unless he's planning on using it for somewhere further north.
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Last time I bought anything from NorthFace it went back to REI for the same reason mentioned above, the rain jacket looked good but leaked badly. I now buy mainly Marmot outerwear, as the stuff holds up and performs well under cold and wet conditions. Recommended!
 
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