New Winter Coat/Parka Needed

[Dennis The B]

Over the years, I've owned several winter parkas and/or coats. My Eddie Bauer down coat, while still functional, is getting a bit tatty for being seen in public. I also own an Eddie Bauer EbTek parka, with the zip-in liner/coat. It's warm and dry, but it's getting a bit down-at-the-heels also. Both are over twenty years old.

For the past three seasons, I've owned a Cabela's guide parka/jacket combination, and even after washing, it's still stiff, the pockets are difficult to open, and the thing just isn't my cup of tea. As I write this, it's at the Salvation Army store for resale.

For the last eight years, I also have worn a wool-lined Carhartt work coat, and it sadly lacks in warmth.

The choices out there don't seem all that good. Right now I'm dithering on the L.L. Bean web site. The choices there, Baxter State and Rugged Ridge parkas, seem like pretty good deals. I like the concept of the Maine Warden Parka, but for my needs, the $350+ price tag is a bit steep.

I'm unimpressed with Columbia, Under Armor, and Lands End.

What are your experiences? Pros, cons of L.L. Bean. Other choices out there? Thanks.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

They're pricey but I'm partial to Arc'tyrex

 

[Comrad]

Northface makes some good stuff, plenty warm and Made in America.

 

[M&P Freak]

Take a look at truWest parkas. Primarily a swimmers parka, you can have it custom made to suit your needs. Good stuff.

 

[Mule Packer]

I went with the Baxter State Parka and love it. Last winter, we had almost a full month of temperatures in the zero and below-zero range and it did a great job.

Personally, I'm not real keen on the faux fur around the parka, but fortunately, it's easily removable. I mean, if you're going to go with fur around the parka, let's make it real fur. Granted, we can't go wolverine, but how 'bout coyote? There's a least a bizillion of 'em out there, so they aren't endangered.

Anyway...it's a great parka.

 

[kwselke]

I bought a LL Bean Baxter State Parka in 1986 and finally donated it two years ago. If their quality today is as good as it was in 1986 you will be very happy with it.

 

[Len]

Dennis:

Although the Bean warden's parka might be a little pricey, I've had one version or another for more than 20 years now.

I believe I purchased it in a cheaper mode, back when they were offering a choice between down and thinsulate filled options.

The gore-tex is rock solid and dry as a bone. I have never been cold in this thing, and I've been in some horrendous blizzards with it.

More pockets than I can ever use, the hood is warm, not just an ornamental add-on.

One of the best features is that there are two zippered vents/access on left and right to open up for a pistol/holster access. All you do is open the zipper on the appropriate side, and kind of fold the material behind the gun [in my case, usually a SA 41 mag in a galco leather holster].

It's not a quick draw rig, but it does provide gun access without freezing the rest of you to death. When the weather gets real bad, you just close it up and the pistol is covered nicely.

Yes, it's pricey, but you'll probably be loyal to the brand if you try one....kind of like other things we discuss on this forum

Len

PS...just noticed you're from Michigan...I can honestly say there won't be any weather we get up here that it can't handle!

 

[Jst1mr]

Filson Double Mackinaw Cruiser...awesome!

 

[perrazi]

Canada goose parkas. same thing worn by the Nat'l geographic people when in the arctic.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I have had a LL Bean Wardens parka. DOes everything you want. I am also lucky enough to have a Filson Cruiser. Crazy warm, pure wool.
If I were to do it again I would look for a System, a Parka that has a removable liner that acts as a jacket ,and must have a vest built in it.
Gortex. and all the extras. May be expensive but you have 3 seasons worth of coverage in one buy.

 

[Jessie]

Warmest one I own is a Cabelas wool parka. Nice enough that I've worn it to a couple of the wife's functions, but still has shell loops in the front cargo pockets. In fact, there's pockets everywhere. Quilted lining is comfortable and it wasn't " cheap " but it sure wasn't close to that $350 mentioned above. I think it was around $175 or so.
Just looked it up, called 'Legacy' and if its the same one (I think so) now $219.
I got mine a few years ago

 

[GaryS]

The Maine Game Warden Parka is expensive, but it's worth it. I bought one years ago and Bean has replaced it twice at no charge. It's incredibly warm, incredibly dry, and incredibly wind proof.

I don't have any experience with the Rugged Ridge or Baxter State, but based on my past experience with Bean, they are going to be top notch as well.

Bean is expensive, but the company is great to deal with and stands behind their products 100%.

 

[Jessie]

You sure cant complain about replacing your coat, Twice! Great CS. Was done just because you wore it out?

 

[GaryS]

You sure cant complain about replacing your coat, Twice! Great CS. Was done just because you wore it out?

One had a ripped pocket and the other had a cigarette burn somewhere. That must have happened when I hung it somewhere since I don't smoke cigarettes and didn't smoke cigars when it happened.

The second time was during the summer, so the only ones they had were in the outlet. Which meant that they gave me a refund and then I bought a brand new one at the outlet for less than I paid for the original one.

I've had other stuff replaced by them, as has my wife. They are really good to deal with.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I've got a nice waxed cotton 3/4 parka tha tworks wonderfully well. If it's cold-I wear a down vest under it-or if I'm duck hunting-I have neopreme waders under it. If it's too cold for that-I stay home and snuggle up next to momma

 

[Rintimtin]

I went with the Baxter State Parka and love it. Last winter, we had almost a full month of temperatures in the zero and below-zero range and it did a great job.

Personally, I'm not real keen on the faux fur around the parka, but fortunately, it's easily removable. I mean, if you're going to go with fur around the parka, let's make it real fur. Granted, we can't go wolverine, but how 'bout coyote? There's a least a bizillion of 'em out there, so they aren't endangered.

Anyway...it's a great parka.

What no Filson? Mule Packer.

For work I used to use a Carharrt Artic Wear Parka. Have had the same one for 10 years, plenty warm when layer with a hoody or flannel. Pretty durable.

I several Carharrt coat/jackets, and the ones with the horse blanket really do lack in the warmth department. This year I think I am going to try a Quick Duck Coat.

 

[pineappleshooter]

I've got a nice waxed cotton 3/4 parka tha tworks wonderfully well. If it's cold-I wear a down vest under it-or if I'm duck hunting-I have neopreme waders under it. If it's too cold for that-I stay home and snuggle up next to momma

Do we really need parka advice from someone south of the Mason/Dixon line?

 

[msinc]

If you are bent on spending a lot of money I suggest you take a look at Sitka gear. it is really nice stuff and will keep you warm. it seems like a lot of cabbage up front but its like a Rolex watch...most guys never think that for what they spend over 20 years for cheaper watches they could have had a Rolex last that long. I would also suggest you look at the Columbia Omni Heat line of jackets and parkas...they are reasonable, well made and for the weight/bulk very warm. I know you wrote that you were unimpressed with Columbia {I am as well with most of their stuff} but the Omni Heat line is perhaps worth a second look.

 

[leswad]

I really like the beretta coats I have, except for the zipper being on the wrong side.

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[Cyrano]

I had a Filson jacket in Alaska; it was very comfortable. I have little use for one in El Paso, but if I were to go to cold country, I't take one with me.