Canada Goose alternatives: 10 great winter coats that won’t set you back $1000
Yes, people are still paying $1,000 for those rugged yet oh-so-fashionable Canada Goose parkas.
And no, you don’t have to.
A few years ago, I invested in a very warm down coat from Eddie Bauer, and three years ago, my husband snagged a heavy-duty parka from The North Face. Neither cost more than $350, and both ticked off many of the boxes that make Canada Goose’s coats so popular among celebrities and Northern city-dwellers.
The coats had fur-lined hoods, quality down, and understated sporty style that worked for Midwest living. And they were warm, really warm, especially when worn with a thin down layer underneath. They made subzero temperatures truly manageable and allowed a cold-weather wimp like me feel, if not invincible, at least well-protected.
With those coats in mind, I came up with a list of Canada Goose alternatives last fall. And now, with winter breathing down our necks once again, it’s time for an update. The list prices for this year’s picks range from $150 to $400 but bear in mind that sales can bring savings of more than $100.
Eddie Bauer Lodge Cascadian Down Parka
This relatively new parka doesn’t have many online reviews yet, but the early word is highly positive regarding quality and style. We’re swayed by its great looks and impressive temperature rating — and by Eddie Bauer’s track record with high-performing coats. Available in fresh colors such as red-hot salsa, the Lodge Cascadian is rated to withstand temperatures as low as -45. $249, https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612570/women’s-lodge-cascadian-down-parka?color=Salsa&sp=1&size=
Land’s End Men’s Expedition Winter Parka
“A must in the Midwest,” according to an online reviewer from Omaha, this Land’s End standard comes in men’s, women’s, kid’s, and even pet’s sizes. Rated to -3 degrees and waterproof, it provides room for layering if you want to take it out on colder days, and gets a lot of love from reviewers in Chicago. The style is clean and classic in navy, or try red if you want a pop of color. $299.95, https://www.landsend.com/products/mens-expedition-winter-parka/id_326828
L.L. Bean Women’s Maine Mountain Parka
Made to keep you warm at -45 degrees, this ultra-rugged parka has great vintage style: It could be the family heirloom that you cleverly wrested from your stylish sister. The kelp green option with a touch of orange in the lining and big retro buttons is pictured here. $399, https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/118914?page=maine-mountain-parka
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket
New Yorkers seem to think they discovered this chic and affordable coat. We just appreciate that they tested it for us under not-quite-Chicago conditions. (The coat now averages better than 4 stars on Amazon, with over 12,000 reviews.) Chicagoans have weighed in too, with one reporting it did well at 20 degrees with just a tank top underneath, but would need additional layers in subzero conditions. $149.99 - $199.99, https://www.amazon.com/Orolay-Womens-Thickened-Jacket-Wished/dp/B07BV6V4HL
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka
Feel the warmth! Rated to -40 degrees with rugged good looks and a faux-fur lined hood, this one gets five-star reviews from fans in Chicago, Minnesota, Finland and Northern Alberta. “Makes me feel invincible in the cold,” writes one Chicagoan. The look is rugged but upscale; the fit is generous to allow for layering. $349, https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/10112068/men’s-superior-down-parka?size=&color=Dk%20Charcoal%20Htr
Land’s End Women’s Expedition Waterproof Down Parka
Rated for -2 degrees, this parka’s no slouch in the cold department, but its real strength is style. Dare to go for the white, a flash of light in the gray days of winter, or enjoy this fresh, sporty look in relatively low-maintenance mulberry, moss, black, candy-apple red or aegean blue. $299.95, https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-expedition-waterproof-down-winter-parka-with-faux-fur-hood/id_321544?attributes=32671,44967
Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket
Stop. Take a deep breath: No one is suggesting that this handsome and beloved lightweight down jacket is your go-to outerwear for December in Minneapolis. What we are suggesting is that layering gives you options, whether you follow the lead of the Tribune fashion editor and wear two lightweight down jackets, or opt for a single lightweight layer under a parka that’s warm, but not “the Chicago River is frozen today” warm. $199,https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-puff-jacket/84212.html?dwvar_84212_color=IBOG
Eddie Bauer Superior Stadium Coat
This one’s warm enough for Manitoba and Calgary, online reviewers say. Waterproof and ready to handle -40 degrees, it boasts understated grown-up style (think a trench coat for January), an actual waist, and extra length for warmth. The charcoal heather color stands out in a sea of navy and black, while remaining impeccably neutral. $379.00, https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612339/womens-superior-stadium-coat?rrec=true&sp=1&size=&color=Dk%20Charcoal%20Htr
The North Face Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
We tend to favor cold weather coats with below-the-waist coverage, but there’s no denying the street style of these jewel-toned down puffers, and they get great reviews from as far north as Alaska. $279.00, https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens-1996-retro-nuptse-jacket-nf0a3c8d?variationId=R15
The North Face Gotham Women’s Parka
The casual city style and frosted plum color take our breath away. This is not the coat that will get you through the worst of the polar vortex, but if you already own that trusty winter workhorse, the Gotham parka is a great way to up your outwear game. Intrigued? Check out the great online reviews coming in from the Midwest and New England. $249, https://www.nordstrom.com/s/the-north-face-gotham-550-fill-power-down-hooded-parka/5713696?origin=keywordsearch-
nschoenberg@chicagotribune.com
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