Hello travel forum enablers,
I will be looking for the perfect winter coat when they come out soon. What brand/style do you recommend that fits these requirements?
Thanks!
Hi Jean, this is what I would buy if I needed what you are asking for. The Fjallraven Nuuk Lite Parka https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/jackets/parkas/nuuk-lite-parka-w/?v=F87161::7323451066009 Fjallraven is great quality and will last for a long, long time. Love the fuzzy fake fur on the hood! Lots of colors to choose from. And pair it with these pants - the Fjallraven Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers. I bought those pants for my RS Scandinavia tour in May and I was dry and cozy all the time in the drizzly, mid-50 degree weather. Lucky you to be going to the Christmas markets!
Fjallraven was a small family-owned Swedish business gone global, you'll fit right in!!
This is very close to the one I have. I bought mine in Dresden several years ago and it’s very well made, very flattering, and warm! It is well worth the cost IMO.
https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/jackets/winter-jackets/kiruna-padded-parka-w/
Another vote for this company!
I have their 3 season version:https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/jackets/shell-jackets/visby-3-in-1-jacket-w/?v=F84131::7323450801724
I wore mine to the Quebec City Christmas Market a few years ago with a wool sweater underneath and stayed comfortably warm. With the lining removed it becomes a dressier raincoat style, too.
It's high quality and should last many years.
Didrikson coats are waterproof and warm. Highly recommend. They are a Swedish brand as well.
Which three out of the four criteria are 'non-negotiable' ? Or is the budget unlimited?
Happy hunting!
Hi Joe, I currently have an Eddie Bauer knee length puffy coat that’s fairly warm, but it would be drenched if it rained. So the waterproof feature is important to consider buying a new coat.
How about this one? Cost is considerably lower than the Swedish ones.
https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-juniper-ridge-ii-down-jacket-2085391.html?dwvar_2085391_color=397
Or this? Two colors in 1-2 sizes on sale for $129.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612671/women's-girl-on-the-go(r)-insulated-waterproof-trench-coat?sp=1&color=Dark%20Mulberry&size=&sizeType=Regular
Sierra has this one:
https://www.sierra.com/marmot-chelsea-down-coat-waterproof-700-fill-power~p~6jtmr/?filterString=womens-jackets-and-coats~d~261%2F
And this one (in limited sizes and only in black, but $100):
https://www.sierra.com/columbia-sportswear-juniper-ridge-ii-omni-tech-down-jacket-waterproof-insulated~p~7wmwp/?filterString=womens-jackets-and-coats~d~261%2F
Or how about a waterproof shell to go over your current down coat? A packable one might not be as cute, but it would be very practical to keep in your day bag.
It poured the day that we went from Strasbourg to the Alsatian villages last December. I put my Mickey Mouse poncho (from a long-ago trip to Disney World) over my down coat and it kept my cross-body bag and the fabric string backpack holding our purchases dry. Also, my waterproof hiking shoes worked very well.
Jean, if you lived closer I'd lend you mine ( wink emoji). Here in CA, my great Xmas market coat has been in the closet for years .
I bought a midi length down coat (with hood) from Macy's during a summer sale. Do you have a Macys with the special sale area? The ankle length was great, then I just wore leggings. I did bring rain pants. I also brought a rain poncho, so that my backpack was covered.
Wising you a wonderful trip!
Ps Looking good in photos is vert important.
I would follow my regular packing plan. I have an Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Parka. I am 5'2" and the petite hits me mid thigh. It weighs just over 11oz. It has kept me dry in downpours in Paris and Scotland. I sized up so I can wear my puffer jacket or vest and my small crossbody under it. Add base layers, a cashmere sweater, a knit cap, scarf and gloves and I'm good to go.
Have you looked at Land's End? A lot less expensive than some of the alternatives above. Guess it depends on how much you will wear it in every day life.
There is Women's Wanderweight Packable Down Coat for $167 from $239.
Two years ago, I bought a puffer coat/jacket from J. Crew (not out yet). I like it because it doesn't have a hood, is a nice chestnut color, is warm, stylish, has snazzy snaps and zippers and very deep front pockets so that I don't need a crossbody bag. The inside lining is a contrasting rose color--the whole coat has style. I've worn it all over Europe in the winter and, of course, at home. The only thing I have trouble with are those two-way zippers--I can never line them up. My husband says that I remind him of Arsène Wenger!
currently have an Eddie Bauer knee length puffy coat that’s fairly warm, but it would be drenched if it rained. So the waterproof feature is important to consider buying a new coat.
Scotchguard or similar?
I have the Lands' End packable down coat that BethFL recommended. I've bought it twice in long sleeves and once in the long vest version. I love them and wear them constantly in fall and winter. They are also a great pillow when stuffed into their attached pouch. However, they are not remotely waterproof. I have a super-light hooded transparent raincoat that I put on overtop. It also folds up into a very small bundle and weighs nothing. That way I have all-weather options, but not in one coat. Happy hunting!
Scotchguard or similar?
Joe, Scotchguard will not make something waterproof; only water repellent, which protects you to a certain extent but not in a heavy rain. Fabric that is waterproofed has been treated with heavy-duty stuff (a variety of ingredients depending on the kind of fabric) and the seams are usually enveloped to keep the water from leaking through at the seams.
Jean, my daughter swears by this company, Quince, and has ordered a lot of their clothes. She has been impressed with the quality and their customer service. I saw this coat on their website just now.
https://www.quince.com/women/women's-responsible-down-hooded-long-parka?color=faded-cargo
Thank you for all of the recommendations! I’ll check them out and see what looks like it would work well & be somewhat cute! I have a dusty blue & off-white/gray winter hat I gave myself for Christmas last year that I love & toasty light gray mittens. So, I might tend towards a navy or gray color palette.
I could also use a new parka for my Christmas Market trip in early December.
That fjallraven Kiruna is a nice jacket, but a bit more that I want to spend since it’s a once maybe twice a year use.
I’m checking the Helly Hansen site. Our family has several jackets from HH, (ski, puffer and casual) and the quality has been amazing. They have also had black Friday sales in the past.
Maybe this one?
https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-westport-ins-coat-53298?color=605289
Jules, I just looked at the link you provided. The HH coats check a lot of boxes, but the one that really appealed to me (not one of the OP's requirements) is the inner chest pocket with a zipper. I can never find women's coats/jackets with that very desirable feature.
https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-aden-insulated-coat-62649?color=290548
Lindy, funny that you mention the inside pocket. The first HH jacket that I purchased over 10 years ago that I wore to Metz last year, is a men's snowboard jacket that I bought at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. It has loads of pockets and I often didn't carry my crossbody purse, just loaded up my jacket. :)
I recommend looking through the selections of Land's End once the winter apparel is available. I bought a terrific coat about three years ago that fits all of your criteria. We are in Alabama and I seldom need it but it was perfect for the Christmas markets in Germany. It has a couple of zippered pockets in the breast area that was perfect for keeping a credit card forty in-out times. zippered pockets on the side and inside pockets. Nice burgundy color! Waterproof since we encountered rain and snow in a few places. Knee length.
Good luck and enjoy the markets. Also, be sure to wear warm shoes with good tread!
That fjallraven Kiruna is a nice jacket, but a bit more that I want to
spend since it’s a once maybe twice a year use.
Have you found what you''re looking for yet? I think I just saw this coat at REI, it was heavier than I would like to take with me, probably due to the waterproof outer shell.
I looked at everyone’s input and some of them led me down a trail where I ended up looking at the Columbia Women's Apres Arson II Winter Long Down Jacket. I ordered it in the silvery gray color, and it arrived. Wow, this is a warm coat! It has the foil lining, plus down fill and a waterproof outer layer. It’s definitely heavier than my previous winter coats, but in a good way. And for a cute style, I like the design details of the front pockets, the cut of the coat, and the furry hood. Lindy, this one does have the inside chest zipper pocket you wanted, too. It’s knee length with a heavy duty 2-way zipper and a couple of snaps for the last 6-8 inches.
It checked all of my boxes. I wish it cost less, but living in the wintery north part of Idaho, I know I will get a lot of use out of this one.
If I lived in a climate similar to yours I’d buy that coat in a minute! Very well designed and looks great too.
That's a cute coat Jean! Maybe dress it up with a bright red or whatever scarf for those photos?? You're right about the price tag, but when you're walking around in wet, freezing cold markets, you're going to be so glad you paid up for a quality coat.
I put my Mickey Mouse poncho (from a long-ago trip to Disney World) over my down coat and it kept my cross-body bag and the fabric string backpack holding our purchases dry.
I was going to suggest a packable poncho...Mickey Mouse certainly would add character. I have a shin length Lands End down coat that I love, but as winters aren't as cold as they used to be I don't wear it that often, but would use it for Christmas Markets and put a plastic poncho in my purse.
It is indeed snazzy! Love that it has the inner zippered pocket. Yes, you made a wise choice--nothing worse than a soggy body because of a sodden "rain" coat. The red scarf idea is brilliant.
Sandanciso & Lindy, that’s funny that you mentioned a red scarf! That was the first thing my daughter said when I showed her a photo of me wearing the coat. I’m thinking that I should pick up that red scarf in Vienna! : )
The REI Labor Day sale just started today. Maybe they have something for you!
