Finding the right coat for every activity

Purchasing a winter coat is no simple task. Of course, each person is different, so your purchase should be made according to your needs and personal characteristics. Nonetheless, certain basic notions are worth knowing. Here are a few tips to help you choose your next winter coat!

SYNTHETIC VS DOWN INSULATION

When shopping online for a winter coat—or for your own personal culture—it is important to know the difference between synthetic and natural down insulation. The first is made of synthetic materials that imitate the latter. However, the difference between the two is much more significant.

Synthetic insulation removes moisture and body heat more effectively than down. It is therefore ideal for intense winter activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, etc. It is also perfect for people who give off a lot of heat.

On the other hand, natural down traps body heat and is therefore preferable for people who do not release much heat and for light activities in very cold temperatures.

MID-SEASON AND RUNNING COATS

When the weather is uncertain (rain, snow, sun) and between 0 °C and 15 °C.

When wanting to go for a walk in April, rake your leaves in October, or simply shopping in winter, it can be hard to find the right coat to wear. Whether it's for shopping or doing light activities in moderate and uncertain temperatures, you want to opt for a breathable coat that is light and easy to carry if it gets too warm.

If you don't give off much heat or you are of the chilly-type, you can opt for a down coat, which will keep the heat well.

On the other hand, if you give off a lot of heat, you should opt for a synthetic coat such as North Face's Thermoball line of coats for men and women or the Atom LT line of coats from Arc'teryk. These coats will keep you warm when necessary, while allowing moisture removal if you are feeling hot.

COATS TO BE ACTIVE DURING THE WINTER

When the temperature is between -20 °C and 0 °C.

When going skating, skiing or snowboarding, you will want to have a warm synthetic coat that keeps the heat in. Moreover, having a coat with an impermeable membrane will protect you from the elements (wind and snow). Finally, there are other components that will make you appreciate your coat, such as inside pockets, a snow skirt, underarms traps, etc.

To optimize your winter equipment, you should not neglect the base and intermediate layers. Choose a quality base layer, such as the men's Tech sweater by Icebreaker, made of 100% merino wool, or the HH Lifa Crew women's sweater by Helly Hansen. They will keep you warm and dry, no matter what coat you choose.

Regardless of the activity, it is not recommended to choose cotton base layers or clothing. Why? Because cotton is known to trap moisture. If you perspire at all during your activity, your sweat will turn into moisture and remain stuck to your body, so you might get cold!

Did you know? Air is your greatest ally in winter because a good insulator is one that stores the air in order to accumulate heat!

Tip: it is important to choose the right coat size. Too often people choose a coat that is too tight, which compresses the insulation inside and leaves no room for a layer of air. On the contrary, if the coat is too big, the heat will be easily lost. If you plan on wearing an intermediate layer, you should choose a coat that is large enough to fit without compressing the insulation of the coat, while remaining comfortable in your movements.

COATS FOR EXTREME COLD AND STATIONARY ACTIVITIES

For very cold temperatures, ranging from -40 °C to -20 °C.

If you do stationary activities in very cold temperatures, whether you are working in the Great North, walking your dog at -30 °C or simply enjoying snowstorms, you should opt for a down coat with a 100% windproof membrane and that is minimally water resistant. You should also choose a coat that is longer, so that it will cover your buttocks, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. Finally, you should choose a coat that has real fur around the hood. Why? Simply because real fur does not freeze in the cold. It creates a microclimate around your face, which will keep you warm and protect you from the wind.

We have several coats that are made in Canada. Take Canada Goose or Quartz Co, for example. We also hold Kanuk coats, a Quebec brand, which uses Thermo+, a synthetic insulation material which creates a layer of air that is very similar to natural down. In addition to having beautiful lines, these coats have a long life span and are easy to maintain.