Brands that sell coats for v cold conditions?

[TuftyRusty]

I’m hoping to go to Canada for a few weeks this winter (covid restrictions permitting…) to visit family. I’ll also be going to Scotland to visit other family over Christmas. So the winter is looking pretty cold for me!

I have winter coats that work for London but nothing that’ll be warm enough for Canada.
Ive been looking and I’ve seen some which look warm but its hard to tell whether they’ll be warm enough…. Ideally something that’s ok down to -20C.

I think I need to look at specialist brands for cold weather/maybe Scandi brands etc.

Ideally I’d like it to be:

• not technical looking - I don’t need it for hiking or anything, but it does need to be very warm

-not down (ethical reasons)

Any brand suggestions for me to look for?

Thank you!

Ooh I'd treat myself to Canada goose when visiting

Get a decent set of sweat wicking thermals and socks, scarf / cowl, gloves and hat.

Start by looking at Decathlon which have loads of choices.

I got Didricksons too.

Canada Goose and remove the fur trim ? You will not find a warmer coat

Another vote for Didriksons. Mine is almost too warm for UK conditions, though the waterproofing is useful for the constantly rainy dog walking.

I have a long snowdonia thinsulate one - unbelievably warm. Possibly a little long for me as I’m short, but it feels like wearing a sleeping bag

I did 2 years in Canada including some brutal -50+ winters. My best coat was a SoulCal jacket from SportsDirect! Honestly - if it's going to be -20 and below you need to seriously consider down.

@Bananaman123

Ooh I'd treat myself to Canada goose when visiting

You would ‘treat yourself’ to the intentional abuse of animals? You sound lovely

Thanks everyone! Lots of ideas here. I definitely wouldn’t buy Canada Goose or down - I’m not comfortable with either.

I have found a few on Didriksons which look promising and they are all down free. And I’m looking at two companies which do non-down coats.

Noize - which is Canadian and Save The Duck which is Italian.

noize.com/

www.savetheduck.it/

Neither have loads of stock at the moment so I’m keeping an eye out for all the new winter stock.

Another option would be a second hand down coat.

Patagonia is one of my favourite brands, and vaguely ethical as well. They do some synthetic puffers as well I believe (that will need a wind/waterproof layer over top).

Another recommendation is to get something that covers your butt, preferably down to mid-thigh. Sometimes a few extra inches in length makes all the difference, especially if you’re going somewhere that is windy as well! www.patagonia.com/product/womens-downdrift-parka/20605.html?dwvar_20605_color=NESB&cgid=womens-new-jackets-vests

If you’re going somewhere that gets chinooks (Edmonton/Calgary) get a jacket that has layers that zip in and out.

Well done on staying away from Canada Goose.

You don't need a special jacket or even really a ski jacket. Any down jacket/puffa jacket will be fine. I spent 8 years living somewhere that was below zero for four months of the year and was down below -20 for a lot of that time. I survived entirely on jackets that cost around fifteen quid.

They layers below your jacket are more important, as are your shoes. Uggs, or fake Uggs are the best option. I always wore a heattech long-sleeved top from Uniqlo, and a jumper of some kind.

I got a lovely Didrikson’s coat last year. I found the sizing in the adult range to be massive so saved money and got myself a cheaper coat of the same quality by buying from their children’s range!

North Face Arctic Parka?

My Wellensteyn coat keeps me toasty warm in absolutely any conditions. So many lovely quality details like fleecy velvet lined pockets and sleeves.

Moncler

Berghaus

I came here to say Lands End. Good quality, properly warm, lasts forever.

If you are happy with second hand down, then I'd recommend a Lands End long down coat from ebay. Mine has been happy in -30C over business clothes and it has worn so well - I've had it 10 years and it shows no sign of wear in spite of being shoved in bags to travel

I also recommend Didriksons. I bought mine specifically for a Canada trip and it kept me warm.

I havent read through every comment so don't know if anyone has said so, but you dont need the most expensive jacket or anything, the most important thing for cold weather like we get in Scotland or that youd encounter in Canada, is layers.

Having the right layers means you wont feel the cold as much, as opposed to a big jacket which will only keep your top half warm.

Some leggings under your trousers works wonders, honestly. It doesn't have to be thick thermal ones, just that second layer protects you from our humid cold weather at -10. Having a vest top, top, jumper and a jacket will help, so will a thick scarf and a warm hat!

Mittens are good for your hands, keeps them warm enough but still able to use your fingers lol!

But the game changer really is the leggings under your trousers, the cold against your legs really isn't nice, especially as it is really humid and freezing cold, the wind always has an icy chill through winter.

I really love my Wolfskin. They use artificial down in my coat. It's the warmest thing I've ever owned.

Another vote for Didrikson here. I love my Didrikson coat and it keeps me lovely and warm through the winter.

@CraftyGin

The last time I went to Canada for Christmas, I bought a Canada Goose on my first day there.

Canada Goose skin wolves.

@AdriannaP

Moncler

Lol. Cos we've all got £1000 to spend on a coat. FFS.

Trespass is definitely worth a look. My warmest coat is from there. I suspect it might be down filled but all my others definitely are synthetic filling.