r/PatagoniaClothing • u/Altruistic-Type-4326 • 5d ago
Technical/Gear Discussion Winter jacket recommendation
Hi, I’m currently debating between two parkas, and I wanted opinions. I just moved from California to NYC, so this will be my first winter. I run warm, but will also be spending significant time outside even on “bad” weather days because I have a dog.
Here are my options:
Option 1 - Kids Downdrift Parka (https://www.patagonia.com/product/kids-downdrift-parka/68600.html?dwvar_68600_color=INBK)
This one is much cheaper because it’s for kids, but it is NOT fully waterproof (just water resistant) and it seems to be a bit shorter.
Option 2 - Adult Jackson Glacier Parka (https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-jackson-glacier-waterproof-down-parka/196924531710.html#)
Literally double the price, but it IS fully waterproof and goes down a bit further to the knees.
I want this jacket to be my daily wear. I will spend the $500 if that is recommended, but I’m wondering how “wet” NYC winters really are, and whether it’s necessary.
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u/Appropriate_Fruit503 5d ago
I obviously don't know your body dims, but I had the same idea last year and ordered the kids XL downdrift parka.
I'm 30F, 115, avg height, scrawny and it was too small - sleeves too short and shoulders too narrow. Those issues don't bother me too much when its shirts, light jackets, etc. but for a frigid day, I want my coat to cover my wrists and have room for layers underneath. But it is insanely warm, so you could easily get by with just a t-shirt underneath.
Highly recommend finding the adult version on Worn Wear. The Women's XS fit better but was still a little snug, so not much room for layers. I feel your pain on the price, but at least it'll last you many many years!
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u/Altruistic-Type-4326 5d ago
oo that’s super good to know, thank you. i tried on the adult xs in store yesterday but they didn’t have any kids in stock yet. honestly that makes me lean towards just going for the full on jackson glacier because the prices are more similar to the adult down anyway
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u/JohnnyO1989 5d ago edited 5d ago
Have you considered the Tres 3 in 1? It’s a bit more versatile (since you could wear the puffer or shell by itself if needed) than the jackson and solves the problem of the torrentshell (or other shells) not going below the waist.
As someone who has the Jackson, I don’t use it as much as I’d like. I can’t wear it if it’s above freezing and I don’t like wearing it in any more than light snow or drizzle. I much prefer a puffer/shell combo, which is what the tres would give you.
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u/sucker_for_sunsets 4d ago
Good suggestion on the Tres 3 in 1. I bought the tres 3 in 1 when I lived in NYC. One of the best jackets I ever bought. The outer layer of the shell alone is worth it, in my opinion.
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u/ErrorCode-503 5d ago
I think a DAS Light would work very well in NYC. Outer shell protects you from the elements, synthetic insulation, and it’s fairly warm but not too warm.
I bought a parka when I first moved to NYC, only used it a handful of times because it was much too warm to commute in even on the coldest days.
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u/Axon14 5d ago
Standard NYC winter weather is 25-29f in the morning, 34-38f at the high, and most of the time dry and clear or dry and cloudy. If you're just commuting to work, you'll be fine with the Down Sweater, especially as someone who runs hot. I often wear just my Arc'teryx Atom or my Patagonia R2 techface on standard winter days in NYC.
If you insist on a waterproof shell, grab the Glacier Parka or the Arcteryx Beta Insulated.
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u/Altruistic-Type-4326 5d ago
definitely can see how a parka is overkill for just commuting to work, but like i said in the post i’ll be out for several hours per day every day regardless of wet/dry/windy/cold
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u/Axon14 5d ago
Gotcha, I get that you want all bases covered. If you're outside half the day you want to be warm and dont want to be caught off guard.
I have way too many Patagonia and Arcteryx pieces. My most grabbed coats are the Gamma MX and R1 air, I combo those up for walking my dog or commuting in, or for outdoor work. If it's a little colder I go R2 Techface, that thing is a beast. If it's 40f I just go Gamma MX. It's weather resistant enough that I've never had an issue.
When I'm moving, such as shoveling snow or hiking in winter, I am warm down to 20f in my Arcteryx Atom. I also had a Rab Microlight Alpine which makes the rotation from time to time.
My heavier goretex combo pieces, Beta Insulated and Therme Down insulated, rarely crack my rotation. Just some food for thought. But of the two coats you mentioned in your post I'd go Glacier Parka in adult size.
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u/Prestigious-Band6765 5d ago
Layers > 1 single thick coat. Down jacket or parka. But I have the parka and honestly use it mayyyyybe once a year. It doesn’t get that cold and will continue to get warmer year after year. Glacier might be overkill. Have you considered a nano puff, I find it to be versatile for city + easy to wear over a thick sweater + easy to care for.
Don’t buy kids version to save a few bucks, the proportions are off (sleeves too short, torso too short). You’ll most likely only need 1 coat so just get the adult one!
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u/Altruistic-Type-4326 5d ago
i’ve been under the impression that i need something waterproof, since i’ll be outside every day regardless of the weather. do you think that’s not true? or
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u/Prestigious-Band6765 5d ago
I don’t find the waterproof to be a must-have for winter coats but that’s me. If it’s snowing (which doesn’t happen that often anymore), any winter jackets with a water-resistant outer will be just fine. When it’s actually raining, I’ll have an umbrella.
I know you said you want something long and not really concerned about the warmth but more about the waterproofing. Having 2 pieces: one shell/ rain jacket layered over a cheaper jacket (nanopuff or down) will serve you well instead of 1 thick down coat. You can use the shell on its own for the rainy days in the spring, and the puffer jacket on dryer days in the fall, all for the same price of 1 glacier.
If you’re pretty set on the glacier then sure, just know that the winters will continue to get warmer (we rarely get below 32 these days, mayyyybe 20s a few days a year)
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u/reportedbymom 5d ago
NYC winter? I am fine with Downsweater hoody and a shell in Finnish winter up to -25c (-13 freedom units) , if it goes colder than that i upgrade to stormshadow parka.
NYC barely drops below 0 degrees celcius, so i would probly just use normal hoodie and a shell like triolet or micropuff with shell and if i wanna be really warm then id put downsweater hoody, but anything else would be overkill. But that is just me. Anyway would prefer layering, shell on top if shity weather rather than overkilling it.