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Nullus Anxietas
Picture of ensigmatic
posted January 21, 2024 09:44 AMHide Post
quote:
Originally posted by 229DAK:
After living in Alaska for four years, I learned that layering is key. I didn't need a single, expensive parka but one that was a shell w/liner and then layers underneath. Remove layers as needed based on physical exertion.



When I'm clearing snow in colder weather I'll wear light-weight polypropylene underwear, jeans, a flannel shirt, and my Columbia Tri-Season parka.

As the work progresses and I get warmer the parka becomes more-and-more unzipped. Eventually the parka is swapped for a down vest or no outerwear at all.

Unless it's blowing I can be outside in ±20°F weather with no outerwear other than gloves and a beanie, if I'm clearing snow, and be perfectly warm--but no sweating.

I'm a believer, and I say this as somebody who used to pooh-pooh layering.



"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe
"If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher
 
Posts: 26139 | Location: S.E. Michigan | Registered: January 06, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted January 21, 2024 10:13 AMHide Post
I've been looking for the same for a few weeks. After watching a bunch of reviews, I'm leaning toward the OSC (the one Para linked). It seems like staying away from anything that might be sold at a major mall is key if you want function over fashion.


Layering certainly has its place if you are headed out for an extended trip and might need to adjust, but there are other times you want to walk 1/4 mile to the mailbox in very cold temps and just feel like putting on one thing over your indoor clothes. I've never lived in AK, but have experienced -52F (actual temperature)and -40 many times growing up in Northern MN.
 
Posts: 9210 | Location: The Red part of Minnesota | Registered: October 06, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
goodheart
Picture of sjtill
posted January 21, 2024 09:53 PMHide Post
In 1995 I bought a winter parka from L.L. Bean, and wore it through a couple of winters in and out of Siberia. I can’t remember the model, it looks most like the Ridge model. I’m pretty sure outer shell is Gore-Tex, insulation is down. Lined hand-warmer pockets, high collar that snaps, insulated hood.
It’s still in great shape, perhaps because I’ve rarely had the occasion to wear it since not going to Russia.


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Posts: 19150 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Enjoy Computer Living
Picture of LoungeChair
posted January 22, 2024 12:41 AMHide Post
Another vote for the LL Bean Parka. It's may not be the absolute best parka on the market but it may be the best value out there.
The quality of the parka is really quite good.


-Loungechair
 
Posts: 680 | Registered: October 07, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Nullus Anxietas
Picture of ensigmatic
posted January 22, 2024 10:21 AMHide Post
Cleared snow yesterday. 25°F, mostly sunny, light breeze out of the WNW.

Wore Icebreaker Merino over-the-calf socks, jeans, 32° long-sleeved tee, light flannel shirt, my Columbia Tri-Season parka, and a beanie.

By the time I'd finished with the snow blower and a bit of light shoveling I'd swapped the parka for a down vest to finish the job.

Other than my hands getting cold (swapped the insulated gloves for insulated mittens to fix that) I was comfortable the whole time.



"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe
"If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher
 
Posts: 26139 | Location: S.E. Michigan | Registered: January 06, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
goodheart
Picture of sjtill
posted January 22, 2024 02:09 PMHide Post
My only complaint about my LL Bean parka was that it wasn't long enough. It's really nice to have your butt completely covered.


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“Remember, remember the fifth of November!"
 
Posts: 19150 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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