Puffer replacements

Besides shopping for jeans, I've been on the hunt for puffers to replace my old (second hand) Thermoball which was showing its age and the fabric of which I had never liked much. (It was a bit shiny in a weird way, like a plastic bag.) 

I ended up with a long packable Aritzia "little puff" in navy (on sale). It's not as fitted as the old coat, much more "sleeping bag" style -- but that feels a bit more current. As a down coat, it is lighter weight, and it's good for walking in cool (but not frigid) weather, as long as it is not raining. While the fabric is water resistant, and I wouldn't get soaked through except in a true downpour, I don't enjoy wearing down coats the best in wet conditions. 

I cut the tags on this one. I like a lot about it (esp. the double zip, the length, and the length of the sleeves) but don't like that it does not have an upper or inside pocket for phone. Oh well. 

Also trying the North Face Tamurello Parka.This was also on sale.  I have not decided about this. It is a jacket, more than a coat. It is not down, and. also not for frigid temps. (I'm covered for true cold, which isn't really frequent here). It's an off white. Maybe a bit too warm for me -- I'm not sure. I've been wanting a white or light or vivid coloured puffer for a long time. This one, being polyester, is more rain-worthy than the Aritzia. It has a double zip and zip pockets (good) but also no phone pocket. 

Both these coats are good for my climate / needs and I'm definitely keeping the first. It's just a question of whether the second will fill the function I want -- basically walks on slightly wetter days. Casual wear only. 

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68 Comments

  • Jenni NZ replied 2 years ago

    Well actually I’m more drawn to the second one! I see what you mean about maybe not *totally* perfect for your colouring but I think it looks good!
    And the first one is very suitable too. I prefer pretty things which I think the second one is!

  • slim cat replied 2 years ago

    White looks so good on you - nice fit and look!
    For the practical usage the first one in navy is pretty perfect.

  • Runcarla replied 2 years ago

    Puffer needs in the PNW would certainly be different than for colder and/or dryer places.  I think nuancedream has the same Lands’ End one I have, only hers is teal/green.  They have some pretty cool colours this year, including orange! It also comes in white but only available in XS (2-4) ATM. It has an upper inside pocket, and the front pockets are lined with fleece - which I love.

    https://www.landsend.com/produ.....ributes=24


    It’s hard to tell what’s going to be waterproof.  My Uniqlo ones certainly aren’t but the LE seems to be.


  • CarolS replied 2 years ago

    Oooh -- I like the little puff -- it looks very modern on you! And  (surprise!) I am also a big fan of the white one -- especially with the addition of a colourful scarf or turtleneck peeking out. Great quilting detail. 

    I don't buy any jacket longer than hip length if it doesn't have a double zip. When I was hunting, I was so frustrated that so many "designer" brands (Calvin Klein, Michael Kors come to mind) cheap out with single zippers. 

  • Jenni NZ replied 2 years ago

    Carol why do you want the double zip? Is it because like me you are a bit more pear-shaped so if it fits your shoulders it doesn’t do up well? ( Which is why I bought a one-size-too-big puffer, so it would, and would go over other layers). Or do you have another reason?

  • CarolS replied 2 years ago

    It's about comfort when walking or sitting, although I'm more square than pear. Still, I do think it is also a bit more flattering on me when it is partly open - hinting at flare I don't have? And maybe it's just what I've become accustomed to. For example, when I put my coat on, I immediately unzip the bottom several inches. Then when I walk into the grocery store,mor example, I often will just unzip the top to about the middle of my torso. The thought of not having that option doesn't appeal to me!

    ETA and yes to what Suz said about driving!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Jenni, I'm not Carol, (obviously!) but I will say that while a double zip can be especially useful for pear shaped women, it's a great feature for anyone who plans to be active in the coat, or anyone who drives a car in the coat. If the coat is longer than hip length and you tend to stride (which I do) a single zip constricts movement. The coat will also bunch when you sit unless you can unzip the bottom. Like Carol, I get extremely annoyed at designers who don't include this feature -- it feels cheap. 

    Carla, thanks for the link -- that might be an option. I like the bright white and xs would be my size. Does the faux fur trim come off the hood? I wouldn't want it -- I dislike faux fur in the wet weather -- a lot. 

    I fear that coat also might be warmer / heavier than I need.. I already have two really warm down coats -- coats I bought in Ontario for Ontario weather -- one ancient (but still really wearable) Lole and one Nobis, which is the parka de resistance -- I love it (and it is down and truly waterproof) but it is far too warm for all but the coldest day here, especially if I am active. I do wear the Lole on chilly nights. Rarely in the daytime. I took the hood off, which makes it less warm. 

  • rachylou replied 2 years ago

    Oh, the Little Puff is extremely fab, Suz!

    The white one… I confess I don’t love it. I love the white, but the jacket itself feels iffy to me… I wonder how much you’d reach for it.

    Jenni… I love a double zip for ‘climate control’… open, but tamed…

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Rachy, I think you might be right about that -- it's lacking something in the style dept somehow. Hmmm. Luckily, it's totally returnable. 

    It gets really fab reviews, interestingly enough. 

  • Runcarla replied 2 years ago

    @ Suz - hood comes off, but fur does not come off separately from hood.  The LE puffer is my cold weather puffer, but PoHo doesn’t get much colder than -20, and winter is usually ‘warmer’ IYKWIM.  Might be too warm for where you live.

  • gryffin replied 2 years ago

    Gosh Suz don’t you look gorgeous! Both coats are super nice and very flattering on. I’m very impressed by Aritzia. I needed a warm long puffer and just bought the TNA powder Dri parka long. It rendd as ins to be seen if it will be snug to -30 but it seems very well made, proportioned. Double zips nice and heavy etc. that’s too bad about the inside pocket as many of their costs have that feature. But love the color and fit is incredible on you. Enjoy it!!!

  • replied 2 years ago

    I like both a lot, but the white especially!
    Double zips don't matter to me, since I generally wear my coats open. If it's cold enough to zip, I'm not thinking anything but "I wanna go insiiiiiide!!!" :)

  • Irina replied 2 years ago

    Both coats are great, my favorite is the first one. The white looks good on you, maybe just a bit too sporty.
    I bough a puffer from Aritzia this year, too. Mine is for the coldest days and haven’t been worn yet. But I like the quality and fit.

  • Christina F. replied 2 years ago

    Love the first one!

    I agree that the shade of white on the second one is off. That may be ameliorated with a scarf, but if it's not perfect, try for something else.

    I have had the best luck finding puffers at the Rack, TBH. I got these in person but I think the online selection is good too (not sure about in Canada, though I know you have the Rack). It's hard to find options other than black and navy, but I did manage to snag the bright red a couple of years ago. I have seen a few bright colors this year, but if you want real quality and water resistance you may have to look around a lot. PPP!

  • lynn replied 2 years ago

    I love the white on you!  It just brightens your face so much. The navy is good too and will be useful, I think.

  • JAileen replied 2 years ago

    The white one looks really good on you.  The fact that it’s white and non down is good.  I would have to wash a white jacket more often, but hate to wash down frequently.

  • LaPed replied 2 years ago

    They both look good, but the white one looks GREAT! The colour and the length give it a bit of a sporty ski-bunny vibe that I really like. I'm curious: how does the Tamburello compare to your ThermoBall warmth-wise? I'm in the market for a lightweight synthetic puffy in a mid-thigh length, and those are both candidates. 

    Jenni NZ -- I pretty much won't consider a longer-length zippered coat *unless* the zipper goes both ways. Otherwise, I find myself in situations (walking up stairs or hills, driving, etc) where my range of motion is impeded and I end up with my coat all the way unzipped, brrr!

  • replied 2 years ago

    Love 'em both!  I particularly appreciate how the hem on the white one dips down in back - tres chic!  I agree that the looser fit look with big down channels (not sure how to describe that quilting style) is more current in puffers right now - and this black one is perfect in that regard.  

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    LOVE the blue! It's a slam dunk for our climate and lifestyle, and I know it will get a lot of wear. KILLER cute with those outfits, and absolutely on trend :)

    Suz, I love you in white! FWIW though, I don't think this white puffer is quite right. It's not cheeky, and maybe a little warm in tint (as you already mentioned!). Maybe you need a more cool toned white in a shorter, or longer length. Slightly different fit. Don't rule out a silver grey puffer either! 

  • catherine replied 2 years ago

    Suz, I like the white one on you a lot. The length is really flattering.

  • Jonesy replied 2 years ago

    It's interesting: I love the dark blue on you (it looks really chic and functional, and fits in so well with your style and wardrobe), but the cream one is just kind of eh, though I can't put my finger on why...

    I'm interested in the double zipper discussion :). I guess I don't wear long coats that zip, so it's not something I think about! (My long coats are wool and button, and my puffer I wear as gear is hip-length.) And I definitely wear my coat open or take it off in the car, so that's not an issue for me. But I can see how the double zip would be critical for a long puffer!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I'm keeping the Aritizia (have already worn it multiple times).  But, alas, I think the white one is going back. 

    The style bothers me less than it might bother some because it's more of a functional jacket, IFKWIM. This is for walks in my neighbourhood, on the trails, etc. Not a "fashion" purchase so much as a "gear" purchase that I hope might have some crossover possibility in specific weather conditions. 

    I should probably have clarified on another point --- the white is not just for style. I live in a very dark neighbourhood, and I walk a lot at night. It is common for pedestrians here to get hit -- just the other afternoon, a high school student was critically injured at a crosswalk. I wear reflectors on my clothing when I walk (ugly, but functional) and often have a headlamp or flashlight, but a white coat would make me much more visible. 

    But I don't think this is "the one" and will wait a little longer to see if I can find what I'm after. 

    LaPed -- it's probably a similar warmth level to the Thermoball. The Thermoball is longer and more fitted, and does not have a dipped hem in the back -- is slightly more "coat" than "jacket" (unless they have changed the cut). The arms on the Thermoball have always been too long for me -- that is a feature Angie and Staysfit loved but didn't work as well for me, though I often just pushed them up and they would stay, which was kind of cool -- scrunched sleeves on a coat! Keep in mind my Thermoball is really old though, so the fabrication and style may have changed a bit in the intervening years. 

    The Tamburello is more "jacket" than "coat" so would not be quite as warm for that reason alone, but it does cover the bum (crucial for me). I think it would work for late fall and early spring temps back east in your climate, and would work well if you were layering for hikes, etc. 

    Carla, thanks. I think the LE would be too warm for what I want. I might be best in a kind of 3 in 1 coat with true waterproof on outside. What I sometimes do for these conditions is wear my little Botanie puffer as one layer and my Pendleton rain coat as the top layer. But I want something light (i.e. visible) vs. something so dark. 

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    A two-way zipper is good for riding a bike in a longer jacket/short coat. Ask my blue parka how I know—the zipper is ripped off the coat for 2-3” on one side. I haven’t gotten it replaced yet, because the zipper teeth are a perfect match for the jacket. I wish I could get just the other bits replaced.

    Anyway, I agree with you & Rachylou that the white one is….underwhelming. Could be that the reviews are people shaped differently than you, or who generally put less emphasis on appearance.

    My Hollister puffy vest does not have a removable hood, but the fur trim can be taken off the hood. The vest is fleece-lined and better quality than you might expect. I’m pretty sure they have them every year.

    But in those terrifying conditions (I thought Canada had better traffic safety than the US, so am truly shaken), why not get a reflective jacket? Some of them aren’t obviously reflective in daylight.

  • Sal replied 2 years ago

    These both look good Suz but agree with your call to send back the white.  There will be another one.  The navy will be a workhorse!!

    Practical functional and stylish outerwear is worth getting perfect.  It took me ages to find the right lightweight running/biking jacket - I was so delighted to find one in a neon that wasn't yellow and had everything I wanted.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 years ago

    Great find! I love the coat for you. Good luck finding the right white jacket. If you don't mind continuing to layer a puffer under another jacket, you might find a lot of options in lighter-weight active-wear rain jackets and shells. I like Louis Garneau for quality and price.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 years ago

    (duplicate removed)

  • Helena replied 2 years ago

    Geez, these both look great to me! The navy is a slam dunk for sure ... if it's for use in bad weather, I wonder if the white might be a little high maintenance (unless you have Angie's super powers?!?)

  • kerry replied 2 years ago

    I have this in black and it’s ok in a bit of wet. It’s very lightweight. Maybe it’s a little too sporty for your needs and I’m not sure any of the colours would suit your need for light at night.

    https://www.gapcanada.ca/brows.....=1&am

    Have you looked at Athleta? Too gearish?

    https://athleta.gapcanada.ca/b.....02&am

    https://athleta.gapcanada.ca/b.....02&am

    https://athleta.gapcanada.ca/b.....02&am

  • Jaime replied 2 years ago

    Being the sort that happily wore a puffer yesterday because it was below 70F/21C I will just stay away from any functionality questions. The first one, that you are already using, looks just right. The white one struck me as not the perfect white in some of the pictures, but I do think you *need* a true white puffer.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thank you all! Good suggestions. I'll look at Athleta, Jules -- thanks for the reminder!! and Sharan, I'll check Garneau! 

    StagFash, it really is the wild wet west out here! :) In all seriousness, it's fine in town, but I live (and walk) in a suburban/ bordering on rural area. It gets dark early in winter and it is not very well lit (edited to make snese, LOL) and such lights as we have seem to exacerbate glare. 

    I do have a true reflective jacket for my bike. (In Finds. May not look reflective, but it is!)  But for walking, hmm. I don't know about that. I mean -- most of them seem like the wrong style for my needs. I need a longer walking style coat, not a short puffer. 

    Anyway -- the white one has gone back and still on the hunt! 

  • replied 2 years ago

    Jaime - you wore a puffer when it was 20c ish ? I’m killing myself laughing over here . We’re in shorts breaking out the sunscreen when it hits that high of a temp ;)

  • CarolS replied 2 years ago

    It's true. :-)

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    Shevia, thanks for the reminder that I wanted it this way! My puffy vest with the fur trim on the hood was my Florida winter coat, and I was excited when temps dipped into the teens (Celsius) so I could wear it! Easy to remember today, when everything is covered in a blanket of fluffy white, but I must remind myself that the next few months of single digit temps under grey skies are a privilege I’ve chosen

    Suz, long reflective coats are out there! You’ve gotta do you, but the situation you describe is one where I’d put function before form. These are intended as proof of concept, not specific recommendations. Cool bike jacket, btw—exactly what I meant about not always being obviously reflective when there’s ambient light. https://www.adidas.de/en/refle.....ts-regular

  • Staysfit replied 2 years ago

    Laughing at Shevia so much I forgot what I was going to say to Suz…..

    Um….

    I like the quilting and cut of The North Face jacket but I do not prefer this warm of a white for you.  If you really like this particular jacket, I have learned it is likely that TNF will produce it in other colors so keep alert since it is not something you seem in a hurry to purchase.  If you are looking specifically for a white jacket it may be tough, they are known for this warm white (it has been in a lot of their ads over the years) so they may not change something that seems to be a hallmark to their brand……

    Also, did you feel the logo?  They have gone from embroidery to a patch with embroidery, to maybe a printed or stamped logo which has a tacky residue feel to it, as though it is double sided tape with the protective backing removed……(I have two new this year TNF items with this logo….)

  • lyn67 replied 2 years ago

    Really great puffers, both, navy more practical, BUT I LOVE YOU IN THE WHITE!!! (I don't see it very warm in natural daylight, at all!!)

  • Janet replied 2 years ago

    I’m late to this, but I love the dipped back hem of the white one. If this one didn’t feel quite right to you, I hope you can find another one that suits you, because the light color is really great.

    Kudos to you for being picky and patient. I’ve been impatient in the past with puffers and have a couple in my closet I don’t love for various reasons. Sigh. Double zippers on longer ones are now an absolute requirement — live and learn!

  • rebekahphoto replied 2 years ago

    Suz Im following along here with great interest. I love the blue one on you, and I agree the light color looks fab with your coloring--I could see you in a soft silver version

    Im currently obsessed looking for the right down puffer....for the NW rain, but not too warm. Walking and bus commuting, (looking for black)Also considering the non-down versions (Sonora) but not sure if they really are as warm and lightweight? 

    I currently have a down Andrew Marc in a metallic ink blue 3/4 length that I bought on a whim a few years ago and have really been loving the light weight warmth! I used to always wear wool coats, but the down has converted me. but its not very waterproof

    I bought a maxi down one from Costco of all places, it has great details and quality--lots of zipper pockets, hood, double front zip and zipper sides..but its much more for a frigid Chicago winter than Seattle! lol. Way too warm....so back it goes.

    Im now waiting for delivery for the J+ puffer from Uniqlo...but it might be a bit too oversized. will see

    Eddie Bauer currently is running an outerwear sale, so you might check in there. 

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thanks, Rebekah, it sounds like our needs are similar. My Ontario puffers are really too warm for all but the coldest days here. Yet I do need some warmth and definitely waterproofness. 

    I often get a poor fit with Eddie Bauer but I am checking anyway just in case because never say never! 

    I love the Uniglo style! It was all sold out here when I last looked but I will check again for restocking. I hope it works for you! 

    Staysfit, Lisa, Carol -- I hear you!! At 20C I'm putting on the summer clothes, too! I'd have been chortling at the idea of a puffer at all out here a few years ago, but it's amazing how fast you get acclimatized. It's damp and wet and sometimes gales blow off the ocean so colder than one might imagine at times -- but not so cold that we need big arctic protection but cold enough that more than one winter coat is required for sure! 

  • Glory replied 2 years ago

    Just chiming in to say the navy is wonderful and glad you are keeping it. I have a mid thigh very light weight puffer from Lole. They offer a few colours and might be worth checking out. It serves me until -5 or so.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    THanks, Glory. They are a good company. My grey puffer is Lole and it is still going strong after 11 years of constant winter wear. It has lost a few feathers and the zips have a tendency to stick (a problem with many older puffers, I've noticed) but otherwise it is still terrific. Worth a look! 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 years ago

    Suz, I really like Sugoi, too, for biking. I have a version of that jacket--I love the all-over reflectivity.

  • Echo replied 2 years ago

    The photos of the blue are a bit dark, so it is hard to tell, but as long as its it useful and comfortable (which it definitely is!), it was a valuable purchase.

    As for the white, I simply adore you in that color. Perhaps not THAT particular shade of white, or that particular coat, but honestly the lighter color brightens you up so much and complements your hair so well that I didn't even notice the fit/style of the coat at first. It is just that stunning on you. It wasn't until I went back and looked at it closely that I could see some of the issues others had mentioned. So while I applaud you being patient and picky, you NEED a coat in a light shade like this!

  • Jaime replied 2 years ago

    :) Glad I checked back so I could crack up at you Canadians/North Easterners cracking up at me and my puffer in the chilly 20C weather! You would all die laughing if you could hear the radio reporting the "wintry weather where it is better to stay under the covers".
    As for puffers in your "summer" weather, let's just say I'm not the only one!

  • Gaylene replied 2 years ago

    I figure a white raincoat is an essential if you are walking after 4pm in the winter months in Victoria. The combination of rain, trees, narrow roads, and dark clothing make pedestrians almost invisible on black nights. The other tricky aspect of  our winter is getting accustom to warm temperatures when it’s raining—our winter rains are called “The Pineapple Express” for a reason. 


    My winter walking coat is a white, waterproof but breathable, lined Helly Hansen raincoat. I generally just wear a light wool sweater under my coat. If we get a colder (often sunny with a northerly wind!) day, I add my ultralight down Uniglo vest, a wool hat, gloves, and scarf as required. It took some time to realize that overcast/wet = warm while sun = cold/wind in this area.

    The only puffer I own is a light synthetic jacket which I often need to wear unzipped when I’m walking for any distance. Unless you run really cold, and aren’t bothered by the clumps of a soggy puffer, I’d hold off on buying two puffers. 

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Gaylene, so interesting! You are so right about the visibility here. Sadly, as you probably heard, the teen who was hit at a crosswalk on Monday in Saanich (not too far from where I live)  has since died. That shows you just how poor visibility can be. It's quite shocking to me. It's not that there are no lights (although there are very few lights in my area, as it happens). It is more that there are many obstructions and there is a lot of glare from the rain. And it seems to get dark so much earlier than in the east. Actually, it doesn't "seem" to get darker faster -- it does get darker faster! That would be different for you, coming from Edmonton. But Edmonton gets a lot of winter sun. So the darkness would be noticeable for you in a different way, I'll bet. 

    Anyway...it sounds like I may run cooler than you (or maybe wear fewer layers?) or maybe walk into the wind?  I'm not unwilling to layer, though, so can consider something like your strategy with Helly Hansen. But when I walk at night right now, I'm wearing a merino base layer, often a merino second layer, boots, merino hat, gloves, and my Lole puffer, meant for genuine cold weather! And oh yeah, a scarf!! And my reflectors, of course. 

    In the daytime I can get away with less and do. And of course on the rainy days, I need raingear, not a puffer. 

    I am not surprised by the rain=warmer and sun=cooler -- that's a Maritime thing and it was the same in Kingston (near Lake Ontario). The changes here are less extreme and abrupt (as a rule) and of course there is far more rain -- especially this year. OY!!! 

  • Gaylene replied 2 years ago

    That was such a horrible accident but I can certainly see how it could happen on that road at night. It’s the utter blackness of the shadowy areas which make pedestrians so invisible until the glare of a headlight hits them. Like you, I’m totally fine with forgoing fashion if it means being more visible when I’m on foot. 


    Everyone’s needs are different, but I actually find my lined raincoat to be quite warm because the techy lining makes it both wind and water proof. The wrist cuffs can be tightened and the neck/ collar area zips quite high there isn’t much heat loss around my head. I also wear a base layer under my merino or cashmere sweaters and find the layers, plus the close-fitting wrists and neck, keep me quite warm once I start walking. In fact, unless it’s below 0C, I usually need to open up my coat after 10-15 minutes of walking. If I put on a fleece or down vest underneath and head/neck/hand coverings, I’ve been quite comfortable wearing the combo in -10C when I was visiting relatives on the prairies. They do tease me, though, about wearing a RAINCOAT in a prairie winter. ;) 

    I was warned about the rain when we decided to move to the Island, but I actually like walking on rainy/showery days. When I was  a skier, our family mantra was that there was no bad weather when it came to skiing—just poor clothing choices. I’m now applying that to the gusty, rainy weather on the coast because I’m just so happy I can now walk almost everyday without worrying about slipping on ice!

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 2 years ago

    Suz, that Little Puff looks so good!   I'm wondering if you can have a seamstress add an inside pocket?    

    The white one, I'm on the fence about.   It's pretty good, but it isn't approaching Suz-level Fabness, for reasons I can't quite explain.   I think it's that the white color itself, is revealing a kind of generic design to the coat.  But I bet that color would be stunning as a wool or cashmere coat.

  • RobinF replied 2 years ago

    Love the Little Puff! I was considering those Aritzia coats too.

    As far as a white coat, I think that would be very smart. Our street is similar to yours, it's a neighborhood but no sidewalks and there are often people out walking their dogs when I am driving to work. It is still dark then and very hard to see them. Many carry a light and have reflectors on their coats but they are still not very visible at all. I go very carefully.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Robin, that's it exactly about then neighbourhood! No sidewalks, windy streets, lots of trees and hedges, not many streetlights. 

    Gaylene, I'll check out the Helly Hansen. I can see how it might work. I do layer up that way with my Pendleton raincoat and a lightweight puffer but the Pendleton is a very dark navy. I'm with you on the "no bad weather" mantra. I'm out there every day, just like I was in Kingston. I have rain pants, etc. for the really dismal days. 

    Echo, thank you. I hear all the nice words from those who like the white. I really like it in theory, too. It's just a question of holding out for the right one, I guess! 

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    Suz, I HEAR you on the VERY dark PNW! :(

    A pedestrian was run over just last week a few streets down from our loft. TERRIBLE. One of my short puffers is citron, and accessories to match. You can't miss me! 

    Sam and Jo wear lights on the harnesses too. They look like little walking Christmas trees....

    How about a short silver puffer? Wear a light on your bag? Silver reflector tape? 

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Angie, a short puffer jacket would be fun, and I found a great silver one at Athleta!  But I will be honest here -- short (not bum-covering) jackets are a bit of a novelty item for me. I just won't wear them often except in the fall or as an underlayer. I seem to need my bum covered or I feel cold. I also like some thigh coverage. And all this especially in the wet weather. Getting damp clothes is no fun. 

     I did a search on reflective puffers and didn't come up with a lot that was available in Canada. 

    I do wear reflectors on my bags, and also a very ugly but useful reflective harness. And sometimes I carry a light or wear a headlamp. I guess I like the idea of a white/ light coat for both fashion and safety purposes. So it might be a HEWI. 

  • LaPed replied 2 years ago

    Suz, have you looked at the parka-length version of that Athleta jacket? Colour is a bit different, but still eye-catching: https://tinyurl.com/Whisper-Featherless-Parka

  • Karie replied 2 years ago

    Very nice puffers, especially the white one. I am also shopping for a puffer, and I like the “below the bum” length (my mother always called coats in that length “car coats”). I’ve just about decided on one from LL Bean that they give a “warmest” rating to, which would be perfect for my climate. Since I like your North Face one so much, I’ll have to take a look at that brand and see what they offer before I pull the trigger.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Karie, I think maybe the "Gotham" NF parka could work for you. I sent this one back as too warm a white, but I'm REALLY interested in white. 

    LaPed, thank you. I saw that one but really really really want white (if I can find) OR a vivid but not orange-red, or silver or something that is actually reflective. 

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    Suz, a bum covering puffer it is! 

    You'll find your white puffer. 

    And you're setting a trend with a reflector harness :)

    Some options in links and finds:

    https://www.saksoff5th.com/pro.....7.html?ran

    https://www.bloomingdales.com/.....ffer-coat?

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thank you, Angie! I will check them out! 

    And you would be surprised how many people wear reflective stuff around here (or maybe not, given what I have reported!) Most have vests like the one below, or jackets...but I find the little harness is easier to pack into a bag or backpack. You're smart to wear your citron on the street! 

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    Go for the Adidas—white, long, *and* reflective!

  • replied 2 years ago

    All of this is making me realize how weak my puffer game is this year . I’m not looking a fresh as I want to with my rather tired winter collection . I can’t wait to see what you end up with Suz !

  • kerry replied 2 years ago

    Maybe not white or long enough but seems very practical …

    https://www.atmosphere.ca/cate.....roduct/hel

    Too boring?

    https://www.landsend.com/produ....._349471?at

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thanks so much for all these suggestions and keep them coming! 

    StagFash, the Adidas isn't in Canada (that I can find). 

    Kerry, i looked at the Lands End but yeah...i think you are right....not super stylish. 

    The Helly Hansen might be the sister of Gaylene's. But it has to be longer or it's useless to me. 

  • Joy replied 2 years ago

    Living in a place that values no light pollution, it is very dark out, I think you need a white coat, but the right one. Lots of bike riders and pedestrians here too and many wear black and get hit by cars. Often the dog has a reflective collar so it is seen first. Why do people wear dark colors and walk or run in the street at night?!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Why do people wear dark colors and walk or run in the street at night?!

    Joy, it's an excellent question. I think sometimes they are just oblivious to how difficult they are to see. If you don't drive, you aren't aware of how poor the visibility can be. And sometimes black or navy is all they can find in the stores, LOL!  

    Living in a suburb it's also worse because not all the streets have sidewalks. Where I lived in Ontario there were sidewalks almost everywhere I walked. So some of it is city design....

  • Gaylene replied 2 years ago

    Ha, GREAT question, Joy!  I still drive at night and was dying to ask a runner exactly that question when my lights picked him up running down the centre of a dark, narrow,  twisting road on a rainy night. He was dressed entirely in dark clothing and his only concession to the pitch blackness was his headlamp. The feeble light it emitted was barely enough for him to see his surroundings, much less make him visible to drivers. I checked the papers for the next couple of morning just to see if there had been an another accident. 


    Suz, I think HH makes a fleece lined version of my raincoat. I have a similar fleece-lined raincoat but find it much too warm for our winters on the Island. My sister wears her fleece-lined raincoat during the winter months when she and her partner are in Northern Scotland. It’s kept her warm and dry in some pretty fierce gales. The combination of a wind proof, water-resistant outer shell, a fleece lining, a well-fitting hood, and drawstrings at the wrists and waists makes for a pretty warm walking combination. 

    I guess my skiing background makes me wonder about the performance of puffers in wet, stormy weather. Some puffers claim to be water resistant, but those quilted seams make for a lot of potential water entry points during a full-on rain and wind event. My past experience is that dampness (external or internal) is what chills me—and once I’m chilled, only a hot bath warms me up. 

    Good luck on your search!

  • LaPed replied 2 years ago

    Looks like HH does a lot of white coats! I agree with Gaylene that a white shell, insulated or not, makes a lot of sense for a damp and windy coastal climate. Then you could layer any puffer you like underneath. Synthetic insulation like Primaloft is designed to retain its loft better in wet conditions than down, but a puffer jacket on its own doesn’t block the rain from getting through for very long, unless it has a waterproof or water resistant outer with a solid (not quilted) face.

    I absolutely do not need a white coat because it would stay white for all of two seconds, but I’m having a lot of fun browsing for you, Suz! I wonder if any of these are available in Canada?

    https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=291445

    https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605

    https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605

    https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605

    https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....lor=314605

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    LaPed I really like those! Vancouver has a big HH store. Stay tuned. I’m going to check it out!!

  • Runcarla replied 2 years ago

    I’m going to be an outlier on white for visibility!  It works if you live in a place that doesn’t get snow, but if you live in a snowy place all bets are off regarding visibility - day or night!  I suspect you would be okay on the island…

  • Gaylene replied 2 years ago

    No need to be an outlier, Carla; I totally agree with you! Wearing a white ski suit on a ski slope turns you into a mogul if you fall down! Colorful ski wear can save your life if you ski outside marked trails.  


    Even after eight years, I’m still taken aback by the “blackout” effect of the combination of rain, mist, heavy forest, and winding roads if you are driving outside our city core at night. Those reflector harnesses and vests are essentials if you are walking at night on the Island. The contrast of a white coat against the black/dark green really helps as well.  

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    NO fear of that here, Carla. As Gaylene says, until you've lived out on the coast, you cannot really take in just how dark the dark is. We do get some snow here (and heaven only knows how much more or less with climate chaos) but that is only for about a week or two a year at most, and I have a great parka for those conditions! I need one for the wet and dark, not for the snow. 

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