As most of you already know, I am not a fan of winter. For years I have been in a cantankerous mood starting after Thanksgiving and ending only when the flowers start to show in the spring. After testing out this coat, it occurred to me that I was cold. This sounds outrageously silly but I had been thinking that being uncomfortable was just part of winter. Epiphany: It doesn't have to be that way. Now when I go out and its stupid cold, I can focus on having fun.
Do I feel like I look like a stereotypical grandmother should? Yes I do. Do I care? No, I don't. A grandmother in her advanced age would have acquired knowledge and wisdom over the years and she would have learned that being comfortable and happy should trump fashion. every. time. I am at a point in my being that I am comfortable in my own skin from the inside out and now its time to address the outside in and this coat keeps me toasty warm which makes me happy. Besides, maybe now is the time that the younger ladies stereotype should be synonymous with comfort.
Pockets also make me happy! Besides the two zippered pockets on the outside for your hands there is an inner pocket on the right hand side that is big enough for a wallet or cell phone.
The Parka has a slim fit design and is quite thin. You would think that it is bulky but in fact it is very light and my knees stay warm. How novel is that! You don't see long coats very often anymore and with tight fitting clothes being en vogue, I have an inkling that most women are cold in the winter in the name of fashion. It is not fashionable to be miserable.
The Downtown Loft Parka has 800 fill-power-premium European goose down to insulate in minus temps. I wonder what makes a power premium goose?? Whatever they do, it works for me. A shawl collar transforms into a hood for head protection and also sports a two way full length zipper that has a snap wind flap.
The fabric is a DWR or Durable Water Resistant material. I have worn it in a drizzle as well as snow and the water slid off like on a gooses back....I stay warm and dry. It comes in three colors, Black, Prussian Blue, and Forge Grey. They are priced at $349.00
Is it really expensive? Yes, but in hindsight, which is one of the stellar perks of being a reviewer, I get to test it out and know what I was missing and then put worth on that price based on need. I don't have to make this huge gamble. So knowing what I know now and being a general hater of most things winter I would recommend that the price is worth being warm and this coat does a stellar job of keeping me warm.
Now granted, there is more to staying warm than just a coat. I also wear some kind of boots or thicker soled shoes(zero drop) with wool socks to keep the cold from attacking my feet. I also wear a hat to keep the cold from launching an assault from the top down. Also always have gloves in the pockets of your super warm coat is a necessity.
If you are looking for a coat to keep you warm in the winter months I recommend the Patagonia Downtown Loft Parka. If you are not sure, check out some of the other Pategonia Down Coats. If they are like the Downtown Loft Parka, I think you will be happy with it!
Cheers and Happy Shopping,
AngiBee
8 comments:
I prefer to let the geese and ducks keep their own down and feathers. They need it more than us. Plenty of synthetic fibers work great for our needs. The "down industry" is rather cruel.
The European Union forbids improper live-plucking. They do allow the "harvesting feathers and down from the live animal at the moment of molting" if carried out in accordance with certain rules.
You make good points though Chris and I have been looking into it more. I was under the impression that most down would come from the food industry but the down in the Patagonia jackets are from the UK. maybe I should ask Pategonia where they get theirs specifically...
Angie Bee,
I'm glad you brought up this point--the UK (and most of Europe) seem to be way ahead of the US in terms of animal welfare issues. Patagonia is generally doing the right thing with environment and animal issues too.
Best to you in 2012.
I'm glad you brought up the whole down thing since I hadn't even considered it. I just got lucky that they seem to be using humane practices.
The uk is indeed way ahead of us in many ways. It's frustrating that the example they set is so often ignored by the us.
For Patagonia's Down Sweater, they used Hungarian down from geese killed for food, raised and slaughtered under humane conditions. Their Footprint Chronicles are a great way to see their processes, just not available for all products.
cantankerous - what a fabulous word!
I think the coat looks pretty darn cool and warm to boot! But I'm not "down" with down. I don't think it's possible to slaughter anything humanely, like Kovas mentioned. That is one big oxymoron, in my opinion. But I respect everyone's thoughts and opinions. :)
I was googling this jacket and came across your blog. I hope you don't find this creepy but can I ask roughly how tall you are and what size you bought? I am short (5"1) and wonder if it would be dragging on the ground.
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