What is the warmest type of coat?

Question

I have just moved to Norway (as north as Alaska), but I am from sunny Texas. I don't wanna freeze! Should I buy wool, cashmere, fur, fleece, leather, Northface shells, etc? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Llama fiber is 7 times warmer then wool. It really depends on how cold natured you are and whats available there.Fleece is about the next best thing. Bundle up Norway is a bit Nipply.

Answer 2

The most important part of the coat is the filler or insulation. Down is pretty much universally regarded as the best filler although it can get a bit expensive. Beware of feather filled coats as there is a great deal of difference between true down and feathers, although a down and feather mix can be ok if the down percentage is high enough. There are some artificial fillers that may match or even outperform down if one belives the manufacturers claims,l but I'd stick with the tried and true.

The only thing that's really important about the outer shell is that it is waterproof and you like the way it looks. The inner shell however can be a bit more important. I prefer a cloth lining as it feels much nicer, however a vinyl or similar material lining is good on a down coat since the down can escape though the weave of many types of cloth.

A hood is a must if you plan on spending significant time outdoors, otherwise a good knit cap will do.

BTW, while I'm hardly an animal activist, I'd have to say that fur is generally overrated for practical wear. Sure it looks great, but for simply keeping warm, you can do better for less money.

Answer 3

You need something that retains the heat, does not make you perspire too much and doesn't allow much evaporation.

So get something that has a lining that "wicks away" the moisture, that has a good amount of insulation - down or synthetics or combination, that has a chamois lining in the back of the coat (so it doesn't get out of shape from all the sitting you'll be doing in snomobiles etc), that has a tightly woven or treated exterior that keeps the heat from leaving you too fast.

ALSO you want a zipper covered with a placket that is buttoned down, snug cuffs to prevent heat loss at your wrists, something similar around the neck, and an attachable hood that has a drawstring around the face.

Sounds like a lot of work! Yup, getting dressed in the far north is quite the experience.

And don't forget silk thermal underwear, long stockings and snugly fitting boots into which you can stuff your pant legs.

There should be some reliable stores up there that can help bundle you up for brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr winter. ;-)

Answer 4

First you definitley want something that is water proof. If not something water resistant. If you don't have any type of way of staying dry, then the efficiency of your insulation will drop very quickly. And that's no matter what type of material your jacket is made out of. Second I would look for a jacket with good breathability. The moisture that can build up from your body can leave you drenched in sweat in a very short time. It goes back to the first point. Staying dry. The last recomendation I could give you is to try different kinds of jackets at different stores. Some brands are better for casual use (walking to and from the car, going to and from work or school, etc.), and some brands are better for more intesive activities (shoveling snow, walking the dog, snow activites like snowboarding or skiing). Personally I like either The North Face or Columbia. They have good snowboarding jackets for climes that get down to about 15 - 20 degrees F. For colder temps I like The North Face's expedition weight items. Both brands however use really good materials and craftmanship for their stuff. I have a Northface rain shell and fleece that I've been using for over 5 years now and it's perfect for San Francisco's unpredictable weather. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Here in Pennsylvania we have some awfully cold winters, too. Wool is a very warm material, and so is faux fur. For the five block walk to class that I make in the winter, during my fall semester, I bought a $300 faux fur coat that I absolutely roast in. I had a woolen Sunday coat as a child, and the fur is much warmer.

Leather isn't a very efficient insulator. Even on the animal, it just holds in the insulating material (fat). Fleece is warm but generally too thin for anything more than autumnal weather. In my experience, you'll appreciate the fur most. Synthetic fur can offer you some of the best protection, and as long as it's made by a quality company, it isn't cheap looking at all.

Answer 6

Warmest Jacket

Answer 7

As a Canadian who doesn't shiver at -35, -45 degrees Celsius-I feel 'qualified' to answer this with some degree of Authority ha ha


WOOL or ACRYLIC is the only way to go. Also remember to layer yourself. You will be much warmer with a few layers of clothing than with a thick coat. I believe this is because different articles of clothing have the fibers running in a different pattern therefore having 3 or 4 layers prevents any drafts from getting in. Don't overdress however or you'll sweat. Be sure to have a cotton shirt or thermal vest as your first layer and never forget to have thermal socks and a warm hat/toque on your head as you lose a lot of warmth through your head if not covered.

A wool or otherwise warm scarf for your neck, ear muffs and some waterproof gloves for your hands and you're all set. PS If it's really cold you can also wear long johns or some type of tights-this is available for men and women (and kids) and comes in various degrees of warmth.

Answer 8

The warmest type of coat is a wool coat. Take a look at the website I found that shows you ther proof.

Answer 9

First of all you should think layers since the coat will not be the thing that will keeping you warm. Make sure you check out what kind of heating systems they have in the area you are, since you don't want to buy something that you won't really need. Ask your self how much real time will you be out in the weather? What activities will you be doing? What kind of layers are you using? Now if you have really strong heaters when you are going to be inside then you will have to reduce your layers of clothes and rely more on the jacket...but if the heaters don't really provide that much heat inside then you will have to rely more on layers. Remember that you lose the most heat from your head and feet and so extra care must be taken not to lose too much or over heat those parts. Perhaps you should buy Cashmere sweaters and a lighter jacket just to keep the moisture out.

Answer 10

I have 3 very warm coats, an Army parka with fur lined hood, a Carhart Arctic jacket with attached hood (this one I use when going out someplace nice), and a two layer Woolrich wool jacket. The parka is the warmest, yet least fashionable. The wool is next but is not very long. The Carhart is also short. On very cold windy days it is the parka by far.

Answer 11

When I was stationed in Alaska I wore a series of layers but the warmest coat alone was down. Be sure the coat is made of goose down and not some mixture. Another suggestion, buy a ticket to Florida and for get the coat.