I try to go for a walk before bedtime most nights in most weathers. My 'Hoggs of Fife' coat is wearing out.
Would you please recommend a good parka to replace it?
I try to go for a walk before bedtime most nights in most weathers. My 'Hoggs of Fife' coat is wearing out.
Would you please recommend a good parka to replace it?
Fjallraven
Superb.. they do several different models. The main difference is how cold do you want to go. They have one which is c. £1500 that's good for something daft like -50! I saw one in the Ambleside shop... you couldn't miss it, it was the only coat they had chained down! Apparently they had actually sold a couple.
I use a Berghaus Ulvetanna which I got on a price match so felt like I'd stolen it. What I like about it is that it's exactly the right length for me, and doesn't feel like you're wearing a straight jacket - particularly when you lift your arms. I don't quite know how they've done it with such a large and heavy coat but the arm articulation is excellent.
I also like what they've done with the shape. I can wear it over a t shirt without it feeling baggy, but also wear it over three layers (the last of which is quite bulky) without it feeling tight! Again, I don't know how they've done it but if they did it intentionally it's a great design and it works.
I can scarcely fault it to be honest. I think some more inside pocketry would be nice. If you're looking at them you need a size down, the medium is massive for example.
I got a Swedish Army Parka off eBay and it's extremely warm. Lots to choose from here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...parka&_sacat=0
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
You don't need a Parka. I walk everyday in all weather, when very cold I only use a Buffalo Mountain shirt, with a t shirt underneath, never been cold. Brilliant bit of kit. But the ultimate in Parkas are Canada Goose, but really expensive
Take a look at Didriksons - don't see loads of them in the UK, my partner just bought a Didriksons Lina parker, for the cost it is great quality.
Good quality, looks good and keeps her warm & dry whilst still being breathable. Lots of nice features such as media pocket, thumb loops and extra warm lining on the back.
If they were better known in the UK, I'd expect them to be more expensive.
Other options would be a down filled parker from one of the well known outdoor manufacturers, but could end up being too warm for your intended use? As mentioned above, Canada Goose make some very nice parker coats, but they are also very expensive.
Would it be for wearing in the UK? If so a word of warning. Don't get too carried away.
Few years back I decided that I just had to have the warmest coat in the world. So tapped this very phrase into google and shelled out for a Canada Goose Snow Mantra.
Which then spent many years taking up half my wardrobe space, interspersed with a few hours of wearing max.
It was a beautifully made thing but 2 things made it totally impractical for our climate.
First off, it is designed for being stationary at around -50 degrees so obviously it got a little warm, even in the middle of our winter. One thing I also hadn't considered was that it doesn't rain at -50 so it has no waterproofness either, again, less than ideal for UK.
The biggest problem though was the sheer weight and size of the thing. As I couldn't wear it here I took it on a few snowboarding holidays. No lie, it would take up half of my luggage allowance in both volume and weight and still not be worn due to the actual physical activity involved in sliding your way down a mountain.
Not too mention that wearing the thing rendered you completely inflexible. Hilarious trying to wear it in a car.
Great novelty piece but just not practical. Only place you would not look out of place in one of those would be within 50m of the North pole being pulled behind a line of huskies.
Eventually got rid of it to a gentleman who ran Arctic expeditions.
Make do with a bog standard lightweight hooded down jacket these days. That was relatively inexpensive and breaths so well that it always feels the right temperature whatever the weather is doing.
Originally Posted by Holy Moses
Lmao thanks genuinely made me laugh out loud, I too made the Canada goose mistake a while back felt like I was taking a sauna and I’m not sure I ever zipped it up so sold it. The Fjällräven ones I’ve listed aren’t in that league they’ll be warm but not Canada goose warm should be about right for the U.K. winter maybe I hope, the Barents one is waterproof on its own but they can all be waterproofed using the wax they sell. More wondering if anyone here had one and could comment.
I’ve had my CG Expedition parka for four winters now and it is a fantastic bit of kit.
As mentioned you would not want to go shopping in it but for watching footie and winter wanders by the sea I think there is very little out there which is better. I never wear anything other than a tshirt under it and it is fine not too hot st all.
Cost..... mine came from a local stockist 50% off on the last day of the January sale so a bargain. Having had it four years it is like new and for me they are worth the money with a bit of discount.
Thats not true pal. I remember when we met up in sea palling that time and you were only wearing stockings and suspenders
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
And we said we would keep that strictly between us if you remember. Oh well secrets out, it goes also nicely with a black teddy I have.
I have a few fjallraven winter jackets, including the Singi winter one. It's probably the most ideal for UK weather as it has the full G1000 material to help with rain and wind and a reasonable level of artifical insulation inside to keep you warm but not incinerated inside. It also has a big hood to keep out the wind if need be and a long fishtail back to keep your backside covered. It does wear big though as I'm usually a size large and even in medium it still wears big on me, so if possible I'd try and try it on before buying it.
I'd avoid the down as you'll rarely need it for the UK, unless your standing stationery for hours at a time.
Just as a footnote on fjallraven customer service. My zip broke on my 7 year old Nordi padded jacket (my fault I may add). As a long shot, as the zip was colour matched to the jacket, I emailed fjallraven to see if they might have any same colour zips. They asked for the zip code on the jacket, checked the warehouse and the next day posted a new zip out to me,free gratis.
Last edited by zippy; 5th December 2017 at 20:32.
I'm afraid + 1
I had a north face mcmurdo parka looked great but was practically unwearable in the uk
i used to look enviously at people in their CG Expedition parkas, once I'd realised the mistake I'd made with my (bright red!) Snow Mantra.
Expedition Parkas still come with all that CG quality but are of far more sensible and usable dimensions, albeit at the upper end of the warmth scale for UK. They appear almost casual in comparison. If I had of got one instead I imagine I would still be using and enjoying it to this day. I have always particularly liked them in Grey.
Snow Mantra at around twice the weight was nothing short of ridiculous. One of the many occasions in life where greed at having to have the top of the range doesn't always pay off.
I spend a fair amount of time walking in winter, and I really don’t like being cold!
However, it’s a big mistake to buy a coat that’s too warm. I made this mistake last year, bought a padded coat that’s fine for standing around on a cold day but useless for walking because it’s simply too warm. Best thing to do us wear layers, a fleece under a windproof Goretex outer layer is my preference.
Paul
Thanks guys, I’ve taken a punt on the Fjallraven Barents Parka as a few of the reviews seem to say 8ts perfect for the U.K. weather ie coldish and wet rather than below freezing. I’ll update on what i think once I receive it I’ve also sized down on advice of a few reviews too so fingers crossed it actually fits, I just wanted something a bit smarter around town than my usual winter jackets which are the usual down belay type jackets.
I’m frightened to add up how many jackets I own now which must include paramos full range lol
Out on the hills or walking the dog in winter try a paramo halcon with one of their jumpers underneath below around 4deg I can’t praise that jacket enough for U.K. walking
Congratulations. I hope it turns out to be just right for you.
I also seem to have to carry out occasional culls to my jacket collection to keep the numbers under control.
It may be just me, but I've always harboured a suspicion that men tend to have lots of upper half garments. Jackets, jumpers, t-shirts etc as these are easily acquired from a distance with just a rough idea of sizing.
Whilst on the other hand always running low when it come to the bottom half and trousers. As the fit of these is more critical and therefore requires actual visiting to a place of shopping, with people and things.
A word of warning on Canada Goose. I nearly got suckered into buying one of the many counterfeit ones advertised online. Fortunately a little older and a little wiser, if it looks too good to be true it probably is.
I've just bought a MA. Strum Amtrac down filled parka.
https://www.getthelabel.com/p/ma-str...l-jacket/79975
I haven't actually worn it yet because the cold snap we had recently ended the day after it arrived, but it looks like I'll get a chance this weekend.
Otherwise, I've found my trusty Patagonia Isthmus does the job, but you'll need something more than a T-shirt underneath if it gets really chilly.
Got to be one of the most copied things out there.
Once you're familiar with the real thing some of the photo's online are laughable. The coyote fur trim is usually the easiest give away.
I imagine some counterfeiters use genuine items in their photos though and then send their victims the rubbish.
As with most quality brands there is no doubting the real deal once you get your hands on it.
At the very least it would help to explain Pitch3110's penchant for combining his parka with nothing but underwear and t-shirts :)
And this is from someone who wears skirts with no pants.....
- - - Updated - - -
You know what they say, don't knock it until.........
and are you still selling knock offs :-P
I have an aigle one. Waterproof and is warm without being baking.
https://www.aigle.com/en_uk/parkas-and-coats-47.html
Got one of these a few weeks ago. Lightweight,warm and waterproof.
https://arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/mens/fission-sv-jacket
Ok, I know it’s middle of summer and nobody is much interested in a Parka at the moment. But in 4 months times they’ll be 3 times the price. So, if you buy one now, stick in it the back of the wardrobe for a few months and pull it out when it gets cold.
I bought this parka back in March at the end of the winter sales for more money, and it is a fantastic piece of kit. More fitted that the usual TNF stuff, loads of useful pockets and Primaloft insulation. It’s reduced from £398 to £119 in the John Lewis sale. A true bargain.
They size large, and I bought a small (5’9”, 12 stone) and it fits me perfectly. S and XS left as I type.
https://www.johnlewis.com/j-crew-nor...-coat/p3849861
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Canada Goose overpriced tat? Even a cursory look and it’s clear it’s top kit. Parajumpers and Bogner are amazing quality but they’re pretty expensive too.
I wear a Schöffel Ptarmigan, not technically a parka but a very useful piece. Keep an eye on Zalando Lounge for an offer on Schöffel and Bogner. I got mine pretty cheap from there.
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I agree CG aren’t tat but the quality isn’t what they were when I got mine 10 years ago I guess due to increasing production and new owners. Price doubled too so value isn’t great any more either. Also worn by those with interesting dress sense in London at least!
Good suggestion for Zalando Lounge, I have seen Woolrich on there once or twice too
Yes.
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/canada-goose.com
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