So before i was kinda confused on what to wear under a Denali for winter. However, im going to be saving them for the mild days. Did more research and now looking around at new if i can find a decent price but mostly used Patagonia R4 or Retro X. I know they are both windproof but im not sure which one to get. I did a bit of research and didn’t find what i wanted to know. Some things i am looking at for compare is water resistance, overall durability against backpack straps, overall comfort, and overall warmth. All i see is the retro x being more fuzzy than the R4. Anyone have their ideas/opinion?
Where will you be living?
I’m guessing this will be your first winter in a cold climate? And that you’ll be on a college campus?
I can’t speak to those particular coats. (Besides, I’m a mom. You want the input of other kids.) But I will tell you that your winter coat is only part of the picture.
If you’re in a climate that gets snow, you’ll want some boots. Unless you’re planning on doing lots of hiking, they don’t have to be the best ones out there, but you’ll want at least water resistant-- waterproof is probably better. My son likes Timberland style work boots for snow. But sitting through a class with wet feet is miserable, so attend to this soon.
You’ll also want some waterproof gloves or mittens. (Mittens are actually warmer, because the heat from one finger keeps the next one warm.) You can find decent ones anywhere in a cold climate, from JC Penney to Kohls to Target. If you’re planning to ski or snowboard, you may want to invest a bit more in some for skiers.
You’ll need a hat of some sort, and baseball caps are NOT a good choice. You’ll want something warm. Pretty much anything that LOOKS warm will probably be warm enough to get you across campus. Again, if you’re thinking of skiing or snowboarding, you’ll want something a bit more specific.
Layers are your friend. I’m going to assume you’re a guy. Layers like an undershirt, long sleeved T, hoodie and then your winter jacket (with that hat and gloves) will most probably be plenty for almost any college campus.
Oh no, i have lived in upstate ny my whole life. Course everyone has that North Face Denali for the winter which i dont know how it keeps them warm without serious layers underneath. I have a Denali jacket and hoodie but again saving them for milder days. I still want a fleece as one of my friends told me to look at Patagonia’s windproof ones. I am however getting hiking shoes that are waterproof. I am set on gloves. For hats i have a couple of those windproof fleece hats from Duluth trading. They are amazing, i have used them in rain/snow and stayed dry. It looks like the Retro X is made to layer under easily. However the R4 doesn’t look like you could fit anything heavy underneath. But it doesn’t look like i would need to, at most a really light pullover. Most of the time i just wear long sleeve shirt, and either fleece pullover/jacket. I kinda moved away from cotton hoodies.
The best thing to do is go an outfitter and try a whole bunch of stuff on, you can find better deals online, but this is something important to try on.
I personally wouldn’t consider a fleece jacket enough for a tough winter, something heaver is better. Parka, down, shearling, something like that. Something like this:
https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens-jackets-vests/mens-fossil-ridge-parka-cky7?variationId=A7L
Two words: North Face. Just bought one and it’s like a lamb.
North Face is good, did find a summit series that is windproof. I am going to give Patagonia R4 a try. Most people wouldn’t consider a fleece for winter either but i have done alot of research and the R4 has come up as one of the warmest fleece jackets. Being windproof it does not only keep out wind but some snow/rain. I dont think it would be wise to wear it in a downpour but hey you never know. A parka wouldn’t make much sense as i am used to the cold and would be a pain to carry around inside. I am only going building to building. In my campus now people already have parkas out and its only 40 degrees. Welcome to near Canada I guess LOL.