Power Kite Forum

Good or great winter jacket or coat?

rtz - 15-12-2016 at 07:01 PM

It's hard to choose something like this. Anyone found anything that is the best you have ever had?

I'm not ready to drop ~$800 on a Canada Goose coat. I think they are a bit too bulky for buggy use anyways.

Need something to use as an outer shell, windproof and has a hood.

Kober - 15-12-2016 at 07:31 PM

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/heated-gear

rtz - 15-12-2016 at 08:42 PM

I may have to pick one of these up.


hiaguy - 15-12-2016 at 08:43 PM

It's all about layering.
A thermal or micro fleece liner for insulation, along with a wind- water-proof (think GoreTex membrane) lined shell should keep you warm. (Personally, I favour Columbia Interchange or Titanium)
Don't forget a good pair of micro fleece "long johns" under something that's windproof to keep your lower half comfy too.

IFlyKites - 15-12-2016 at 10:36 PM

I agree about layering. That's probably your best bet. Base Layer, then some wool/cottom over that, and lastly whatever you'll be wearing outside, (jacket/pants). Look for a light jacket/pants that are windproof. Make sure it has good breathability.

Most sports stores should have them.

abkayak - 16-12-2016 at 05:57 AM

if you want to be warm a 1 piece or at least bib overall type pants are required in the layering equation
imo

Feyd - 16-12-2016 at 10:46 AM

I'm in the cold and wind all the time this time of year. Either riding, instructing or doing site inspections. Layering is the only answer if you are going to be outdoors in the cold.

No cotton, doesn't wick moisture although there are some cotton blends that work better than cotton, it still is not as good as a aqua phobic synthetic. Electronics, only good if you have power. :P

Hiaguy nails it. Have a synthetic wicking layer against your skin. A fleece layer on top of that. Then a wind proof shell on top of that.

For my needs I wear a synthetic long john, another wicking layer synthetic on top of the long john top. I wear closed cell knee protection and with my harness, my lower half stays pretty warm without additional layers. For pants I wear a non-insulated shell bib pant. keeps drafts off and snow out in a crash. The bibs have a wicking liner but no insulation. I will wear my medium fleece layer, either long sleeve North Face Denali or a Denali vest. On top of that I will wear a shell or a medium weight 800 fill down coat.

Warmth is as much about moister management as it is about keeping cold out.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html

bigkid - 16-12-2016 at 11:30 AM

I like a shot of wild turkey while sitting in front of the tv watching a good movie with a warm body snuggling close to me while under a blanket. Out in the cold blowing wind while the snow freezes my face off? Sounds like fun. But the above layer system sounds good too.:P

skimtwashington - 16-12-2016 at 12:16 PM

Whether moisture comes from you or outside you...no cotton...no cotton.....'cotton kills'..

I have this super stretch(neoprene-ish foam material]) shell I like to wear (with waterproof zip pockets) waterproof-like and with incredible stretch & mobility I put over all my layers .

Zip t neck base layer.... or two...fleece or two..... and shell.

I complement the top with bottom base layer.., or two.. and ski pants(insulated) .

Neoprene face mask and google and I'm 100% covered ...no skin exposed.



Down is fantastic...... only except, perhaps, if you are sweating
way too much.

Heated jacket...?
I have my own more reliable battery...no thanks for now.

ssayre - 16-12-2016 at 01:05 PM

A heated jacket would be awesome for watching a football game in the cold. As long as I'm moving around, I usually don't get too cold, but Sitting, watching a game in the cold is brutal.

BeamerBob - 16-12-2016 at 03:05 PM

I agree on the layering tips. I love my North Face ski jacket. I looked for a model name on it but can't find one. It has a zip off hood and what I think is a thinsulate liner. It gets rid of moisture well with good pockets in the right places. I skied all day in it a year ago with temps starting out at -9 and got up to 12. Only my fingers and toes got cold. Upgraded socks and gloves after that day. Smartwool is an amazingly warm baselayer and perfect at regulating heat and moisture. It's also great for socks and glove liners.

adambweird - 16-12-2016 at 03:54 PM

I go with a 16 yr old Columbia thats wind and waterproof with its zip in liner and some sled bibs that are rated for -50 F. Holdovers from my sled days, lol. Add a few layers as needed for the activity. Ive gone out riding for hrs a time in just shorts and a tshirt under my jacket n bibs, but the the phrase "ride it like you stole it" dosent come close to the adrenaline loaded way i used to snowmobile, never had a chance to get cold, lol.

shehatesmyhobbies - 16-12-2016 at 04:19 PM

I agree with the Columbia, had mine since '87 still warm and waterproof as the day it was bought. Skiing with just a t-shirt underneath and still sweat. Never been cold in my Columbia, ever!

adambweird - 16-12-2016 at 04:26 PM

I go with a 16 yr old Columbia thats wind and waterproof with its zip in liner and some sled bibs that are rated for -50 F. Holdovers from my sled days, lol. Add a few layers as needed for the activity. Ive gone out riding for hrs a time in just shorts and a tshirt under my jacket n bibs, but the the phrase "ride it like you stole it" dosent come close to the adrenaline loaded way i used to snowmobile, never had a chance to get cold, lol.

BeamerBob - 17-12-2016 at 10:29 AM

My North Face replaced a Columbia purple and real jacket from about 1992. The difference is night and day particularly with regards to moisture management. The Columbia would always weigh lbs heavier after a day of skiing. The new jacket just gets rid of the moisture.

Bladerunner - 17-12-2016 at 01:02 PM

This may seem crazy but something I experienced this week.

On Monday I was introduced to my new project. Retrofit a parking lot to LED. Caught me by surprise and I was not fully aware I would be working outside. The next day was just a bit colder. -9c ( about 16f not bad at all. ) the only thing I changed was I put on long johns and warmer gloves. Shocking how much was! I seem to forget it here but growing up Long John's were the 1st layer of defence!

Maybe it is a skinny thing but I find if my extremities are warm especially feet hands and head my core is usually happy. I can have the warmest jacket possible on and if my extremities are cold I'm screwed.

rtz - 17-12-2016 at 04:50 PM

It was like 20 here today with a wind chill making it 6. I always seem to over dress for the conditions. I'm burning up and overheating and sweating in the buggy. Cold toes still even wearing insulated boots this time. I thought I had good gloves; but they are only good to a certain temp. Today exceeded that.

What are some gloves that are GOOD? I'm overwhelmed by the choices online. Hate to get some that aren't good enough. Consider mitts too. I fly handles hooked in. I can manage with the mits.

bobalooie57 - 17-12-2016 at 05:19 PM

I have taken an insulated car shade, mylar on one side, foam insulation on the other, from the dollar store, and traced my feet on it. I then cut them out and put them in my boots, reflective side up. They are thin, so don't take up too much room, but keep my feet warm in some awful conditions.