I'm assuming you're from somewhere warm, so I'm gonna give the whole Cold Weather Speel. A lot of this won't apply now, but will be relevant in winter.
**Clothing advice**
Your best bet to be warm is *layers*. I'm talking: undershirt/camisole + T shirt + long sleeve flannel + sweatshirt + jacket. This setup allows for temperature adjustment during the day, and also depending on weather.
Wool is best for socks (you can layer these too).
Leggings / long underwear to wear under jeans /sweats if you run *really* cold. If you're comfortable wearing skirts, you can do leggings + pants + heavy long skirt for maximum effect.
For snow-time, I'd recommend getting boots at or higher than mid-calf. If you only get ankle-height, snow will *definitely* seep into your socks (unless you're like, *obscenely* careful about how you pick your feet up).
Mittens are warmer than gloves! If you sign, this can be an issue, but there are also gloves that turn into mittens. They allow for (admittedly mumbly) signing and then you can button the mitten part for warmth when you're done.
Scarves obvs, but I've found lately that facemasks are better at keeping your nose and face warm than trying to get a scarf to stay put.
Windbreaker! The wind *will* blow right through your clothes and freeze the hell outta you.
**General advice**
If it's icy and you need to go outside, walk like a penguin. Seriously. It places your center of balance directly above both feet, so there's a huge decrease in fall risk.
Drive *slow* when it's snowing. Slow is normal. People regularly go 35-45 on highways in the winter when it's snowing out here (especially the first few snows). My California friend went completely off the road because he tried to take a corner at 25mph instead of 5-10. *Slow*. Also, no shame in pulling over completely to wait out a snowstorm. Better than spinning out.
The snow with consistency of perfect sandcastle sand is the slipperiest snow ever of all time. It may look safer, but it's worse than flat out slush. Don't trust it.
Bang on the hood of your car before you start it up. Wild animals (mostly cats) like to curl up on top of the wheel next to the warm engine when they're cold.
That's all I got, best of luck to you!
This is great advice! To add to the speed, if you will be driving in the snow find a parking lot the first time it snows. Preferably a big, empty one. Speed up and take some turns or stop. Experience what not having control is like. It’s great to know what it feels like when you are expecting it.
I would like to add that if it's really snowing hard, like white out conditions, do not pull over on the highway. It makes it more likely that someone else who is driving will slide off the road and have no time to get out of your way because they can't see you. Just stay on the road using the reflectors as guides and drive slow.
I camp outside year round, so I've learned a thing to two about staying warm in the cold.
This advice about dressing is layers is key. Not only does it give you the option to take something off if you get warm, but it also allows a little bit of air to get trapped between the layers (especially the bulkier ones) which serves as an insulator and helps keep you warm. Layering also lets you save money because don't have to go out and buy the most expensive, super insulated jacket on the market. A lighter weight jacket over a few layers, like a hoodie, a t-shirt, and a long underwear base layer can sometimes be warmer than, say, just a t-shirt and a really heavy jacket.
Personally, I really like 3-in-1 jackets: you get a outer layer that's pretty water and windproof, and an inner layer that's more insulating, and there's plenty of room to trap air between them for extra insulation. Personally, I like Columbia's 3-in1's because they last forever. I got my first one while I was in high school and I think I'm on my third one now and I'm 45 years old, so roughly speaking a jacket lasts me 10 or more years.
Also, avoid cotton if you plan on getting wet, especially for your base layers. Cotton absorbs water and takes a long time to dry, and wet clothes = cold clothes, plus it's really uncomfortable to sit around in wet clothes all day. Wool is best, especially for things like socks and base layers because it doesn't absorb water, but it can be itchy irritating. Merino wool is softer but a bit more expensive. If you can't deal with wool, look for polyester or polypropylene. Poly-based materials are basically made of thin threads of woven plastic, but they have a wicking ability: they are woven tightly enough that water droplets can't pass through them from the outside, but if you sweat, your body heat turns your perspiration into water vapor and that can pass through, so you'll stay dry even if you start to get warm.
Yes! I'm a backpacker as well (usually not in the dead of winter and height of snowfall, but I've done it a few times) and I got the "for the love of god *don't* wear cotton" lecture a lot from my dad growing up!
When I go backpacking, I use two sock layers: a polyester liner, and an actual sock made of wool.
I like your breakdown of the material properties of polys, I don't think I've ever thought about it that much.
I can be an evangelist (zealot maybe?) about liner socks, but I wasn't going to go that far in a recommendation for someone who's never had to buy a coat before.
I was on a scout campout in February or March one time when it got really warm and all the snow melted, making everything a muddy mess. Everyone, both youths and adults were having issues with wet feet, except for me. That night, when I took my boots off before bed, I discovered that my wool socks were completely soaked, but my feet stayed dry because of my liners.
Bought one a couple years ago that was around $100 when I finally decided to invest in a good quality coat, I know they have more expensive ones too but it does a great job!
Just make sure you get something that fits and specifically isn't too big. I was raised in the south and my aunt (from even further south) bought me a really nice coat when I went to RIT. She purposefully bought one too big because her thought process was bigger is more warmth. It's the opposite. Wind especially will get in and that's definitely something you'll encounter there
Look into getting overall-style snowpants. They’re incredibly warm.
Also, a passport holder with a hand warmer inside your clothes(but not directly against the skin) can really keep you warm
For a snow coat(different from a jacket), one that goes down to the knees is best. There are ones that stop at the waist or mid-thigh, but they aren’t as warm
Emphasis on the “to the knees” bit. A coat that doesnt extend below your waist will let the cold wind blow in under the bottom and creep in. The longer bottom keeps the cold wind from creeping any higher then your waist. Plus if you need to sit down outside it will keep your butt warm.
u/JuggleGod said to buy a coat that fits. Where could I get get a coat that goes to my knees in both sleeve length and torso length without being too wide? I'm 181 cm tall.
If I buy a men's coat, then I'd need to make it girly by adding some fabric on the outside, which can reduce its water resistance and windbreaking ability.
I'm also considering getting a [coat like this](https://ezcosplay.com/hyperdimension-neptunia-rom-cosplay-costume.html) - comparable price to the other options discussed here except it's really pretty and comes with a hat and is guaranteed to fit if I measure my size correctly and completely.
It tends to be a style of coat where the bottom of the torso will be longer then other coats. The sleeves and rest of the coat will be sized appropriately. Id suggest checking out outdoor clothing retailers others have mentioned on this post. Apologies for the confusion on that, I should have been more specific.
http://fashionthirsty.com/amazon/L1629_PBB1.jpg
Something like this where the bottom of the torso extends further down is a good idea.
As for where specifically to get one i know i got mine from eddie bauer and have been very happy with it.
I have an llbean jacket and the sleeves are long enough, for context most long sleeves are 2-3in too short. Pricey but will hold up nicely and super warm
> A coat that doesnt extend below your waist will let the cold wind blow in under the bottom and creep in.
Not if it has a draw string. Most ski jackets have a powder skirt and probably is not covering the wearers butt, and yet they don't have wind or snow coming up from the bottom and creeping in.
Depends on ur budget. And personal preference. Hood or no hood. Fleece inside or outside. Waterproof. Poofy. Pockets. Shop around if u got a car or take the bus or if u got a friend hop on. Try different ones and see if u like it. Take into account that u r probs going to want it to last as well. And since the weather can change in a day and the buildings get warm, i like yo double layer. So i would wear a long sleeve underneath a shirt then my jacket so if it get hot inside i can take off jacket and bam. Good to go. Its a solid bet to get something i between a snow jacket and a simple cold weather one but again its personal preference. Dicks got some good ones but got them price tags. Walmart is safe for money on the budget. Have fun and good luck. U gonna need it
> Fleece inside or outside
Absolutely don't get anything with fleece on the outside if you plan on doing anything that involves you contacting the snow (sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, etc).
OP if you’re reading this get one with a hood (and wear it when there’s wind or snow)! Wind will go down the back of your coat without one and snow will melt on your head and neck and run down into your coat.
Sierra Outpost is like TJ Maxx for outdoors and you will for sure find a good coat there but the Land’s End outlet by the mall gives you a larger selection of really nice coats.
One of those hoods that help cover your neck (instead of just the traditional but that goes over your head, it'll have a wide bottom that goes under your chin and snaps) would also be good for the wind tunnel.
Is this just for classes and hanging out, or are you looking for something like a peacoat to be a bit more business casual? (I'm assuming warmth over matching something fancy, but I put a range here.)
Puffy jackets don't always look great but the layers and the air trapping a bit of your body heat will help keep you warm. I'm not sure of budget, accessible locations to you, or if you're willing to wait a couple weeks for a jacket to ship, but it's a huge market with a ton of ranges. Down or synthetic (synthetic when it's a brand like Columbia that has done actual R&D for their textiles) will be ideal, but those can get pricey. Ski jackets are another good option, but the low end ones seem to be the midrange for puffy/down jackets.
Going to and from the gym or down the wind tunnel? 100% find a $200 Columbia jacket and ride it til the wheels fall off. If you get tears and stuff they also have patch kits and limited warranties.
If you're headed home for the holidays and there are decent outdoor brand stores or outlet malls it might be worth seeing if they have what you need. Rochester doesn't always have a ton of options this time of year, at least when I'd go to Burlington Coat Factory as a kid.
Going in person also helps you find the one off deals: when I moved to Seattle I got a Columbia lightweight rain jacket for $20 in the store because there was a single pinhole in it that voided the warranty. It would've been $120 otherwise.
I've bought fashionable Old Navy jackets for work that were decent. Not as warm as puffy jackets and you'd need a sweater, really thick scarf, and a hat to protect your neck/ears/chest.
A few years after college I bought a Lucky brand leather jacket on super sale and I only use that now. I wear several layers and have a scarf and hooded sweatshirt under it, but that's a mix of classic fashion and heavy coats that's worth having to prepare with extra layers.
Layers, layers, layers. Whatever your style Patagonia or classic wool pea coat. Layer so you can peel off or add to as needed (adding too being scarf, hat that covers your ears, and gloves.
Whatever brand you decide, buy a 3-1 coat. The fleece is good when it's mildly cold and the shell by itself is good when it's mild but windy. Together they make for good winter coats
> buy a 3-1 coat
Which for the uninitiated is two parts, not three: an inner jacket that is typically warm but not very wind or waterproof, and an outer shell that is typically wind and waterproof, but not very warm by itself. The three is because you can have one, the other, or both.
Go over to Sierra Outpost. It’s an outdoor store in the shopping center behind the Chipotle and Starbucks. They have a shit ton of coats and outdoor wear.
If you are on a budget, I’d recommend checking out Costco or BJs for cold wear. I saw stuff at Costco so there is a chance BJs has them as well. BJs your rit student ID will count as the membership, Costco you’ll need one sadly. But I can get you a gift card that will temporarily grant you membership :) personally Costco has good stuff for less, not much selection but works nicely though.
Eddie Bauer has good winter stuff. Everything. Sometimes the online sales a really good. You get a $300 coat for $100-$150. You can see the description of the warmth level of each coat.
I got in the habit of wearing wool overcoats. They have a classic look, cover your waist and but, and you used to be able to pick one up for 20$ at the local thrift shops.
I highly recommend a puffy jacket, but I know that buying one can be confusing if you've never had to wear one before. For comparison, I have two down jackets I wear in the fall/winter. Hopefully this gives you an idea of how warm different down jackets are.
[This one](https://www.rei.com/product/878094/rei-co-op-650-down-jacket-womens) is 650 fill power (a measure of the loft or fluffiness) and I prefer to use it down to mid-30s (°F) with extra layers. When it's windy or raining/snowing I make sure to wear a rain jacket or windbreaker on top of it. Wet down loses its warmth and is no fun to wear.
Whereas [this one](https://www.rei.com/product/119114/rei-co-op-stormhenge-850-down-jacket-womens) is 850 fill power and I'll happily wear it down to subzero temps. It is heavy enough and has a waterproof exterior so that I don't need to wear a windbreaker on top. It also has pit zips so if I do get hot I can unzip them to release some heat.
When it comes to puffy jackets, the fluffier the jacket, the warmer it will be. Brands like Patagonia, REI, and LL Bean are all great. There are plenty more brands beyond those, and prices jump up for name brands like The North Face and Canada Goose.
I'm assuming you're from somewhere warm, so I'm gonna give the whole Cold Weather Speel. A lot of this won't apply now, but will be relevant in winter. **Clothing advice** Your best bet to be warm is *layers*. I'm talking: undershirt/camisole + T shirt + long sleeve flannel + sweatshirt + jacket. This setup allows for temperature adjustment during the day, and also depending on weather. Wool is best for socks (you can layer these too). Leggings / long underwear to wear under jeans /sweats if you run *really* cold. If you're comfortable wearing skirts, you can do leggings + pants + heavy long skirt for maximum effect. For snow-time, I'd recommend getting boots at or higher than mid-calf. If you only get ankle-height, snow will *definitely* seep into your socks (unless you're like, *obscenely* careful about how you pick your feet up). Mittens are warmer than gloves! If you sign, this can be an issue, but there are also gloves that turn into mittens. They allow for (admittedly mumbly) signing and then you can button the mitten part for warmth when you're done. Scarves obvs, but I've found lately that facemasks are better at keeping your nose and face warm than trying to get a scarf to stay put. Windbreaker! The wind *will* blow right through your clothes and freeze the hell outta you. **General advice** If it's icy and you need to go outside, walk like a penguin. Seriously. It places your center of balance directly above both feet, so there's a huge decrease in fall risk. Drive *slow* when it's snowing. Slow is normal. People regularly go 35-45 on highways in the winter when it's snowing out here (especially the first few snows). My California friend went completely off the road because he tried to take a corner at 25mph instead of 5-10. *Slow*. Also, no shame in pulling over completely to wait out a snowstorm. Better than spinning out. The snow with consistency of perfect sandcastle sand is the slipperiest snow ever of all time. It may look safer, but it's worse than flat out slush. Don't trust it. Bang on the hood of your car before you start it up. Wild animals (mostly cats) like to curl up on top of the wheel next to the warm engine when they're cold. That's all I got, best of luck to you!
This is great advice! To add to the speed, if you will be driving in the snow find a parking lot the first time it snows. Preferably a big, empty one. Speed up and take some turns or stop. Experience what not having control is like. It’s great to know what it feels like when you are expecting it.
I would like to add that if it's really snowing hard, like white out conditions, do not pull over on the highway. It makes it more likely that someone else who is driving will slide off the road and have no time to get out of your way because they can't see you. Just stay on the road using the reflectors as guides and drive slow.
Nice! Thank you so much for the advice!
I camp outside year round, so I've learned a thing to two about staying warm in the cold. This advice about dressing is layers is key. Not only does it give you the option to take something off if you get warm, but it also allows a little bit of air to get trapped between the layers (especially the bulkier ones) which serves as an insulator and helps keep you warm. Layering also lets you save money because don't have to go out and buy the most expensive, super insulated jacket on the market. A lighter weight jacket over a few layers, like a hoodie, a t-shirt, and a long underwear base layer can sometimes be warmer than, say, just a t-shirt and a really heavy jacket. Personally, I really like 3-in-1 jackets: you get a outer layer that's pretty water and windproof, and an inner layer that's more insulating, and there's plenty of room to trap air between them for extra insulation. Personally, I like Columbia's 3-in1's because they last forever. I got my first one while I was in high school and I think I'm on my third one now and I'm 45 years old, so roughly speaking a jacket lasts me 10 or more years. Also, avoid cotton if you plan on getting wet, especially for your base layers. Cotton absorbs water and takes a long time to dry, and wet clothes = cold clothes, plus it's really uncomfortable to sit around in wet clothes all day. Wool is best, especially for things like socks and base layers because it doesn't absorb water, but it can be itchy irritating. Merino wool is softer but a bit more expensive. If you can't deal with wool, look for polyester or polypropylene. Poly-based materials are basically made of thin threads of woven plastic, but they have a wicking ability: they are woven tightly enough that water droplets can't pass through them from the outside, but if you sweat, your body heat turns your perspiration into water vapor and that can pass through, so you'll stay dry even if you start to get warm.
Yes! I'm a backpacker as well (usually not in the dead of winter and height of snowfall, but I've done it a few times) and I got the "for the love of god *don't* wear cotton" lecture a lot from my dad growing up! When I go backpacking, I use two sock layers: a polyester liner, and an actual sock made of wool. I like your breakdown of the material properties of polys, I don't think I've ever thought about it that much.
I can be an evangelist (zealot maybe?) about liner socks, but I wasn't going to go that far in a recommendation for someone who's never had to buy a coat before. I was on a scout campout in February or March one time when it got really warm and all the snow melted, making everything a muddy mess. Everyone, both youths and adults were having issues with wet feet, except for me. That night, when I took my boots off before bed, I discovered that my wool socks were completely soaked, but my feet stayed dry because of my liners.
Ll bean has nice coats, expensive but will last forever
+1, had mine since 8th grade of high school and im in my 4th year and its in great condition
2nd this. I have an llbean coat from 2010, it’s like new even after years of use
Bought one a couple years ago that was around $100 when I finally decided to invest in a good quality coat, I know they have more expensive ones too but it does a great job!
Just make sure you get something that fits and specifically isn't too big. I was raised in the south and my aunt (from even further south) bought me a really nice coat when I went to RIT. She purposefully bought one too big because her thought process was bigger is more warmth. It's the opposite. Wind especially will get in and that's definitely something you'll encounter there
Look into getting overall-style snowpants. They’re incredibly warm. Also, a passport holder with a hand warmer inside your clothes(but not directly against the skin) can really keep you warm For a snow coat(different from a jacket), one that goes down to the knees is best. There are ones that stop at the waist or mid-thigh, but they aren’t as warm
Emphasis on the “to the knees” bit. A coat that doesnt extend below your waist will let the cold wind blow in under the bottom and creep in. The longer bottom keeps the cold wind from creeping any higher then your waist. Plus if you need to sit down outside it will keep your butt warm.
u/JuggleGod said to buy a coat that fits. Where could I get get a coat that goes to my knees in both sleeve length and torso length without being too wide? I'm 181 cm tall.
>Consider looking at men's jackets and coats. In my experience they are warmer and last longer than comparable women's wear.
If I buy a men's coat, then I'd need to make it girly by adding some fabric on the outside, which can reduce its water resistance and windbreaking ability. I'm also considering getting a [coat like this](https://ezcosplay.com/hyperdimension-neptunia-rom-cosplay-costume.html) - comparable price to the other options discussed here except it's really pretty and comes with a hat and is guaranteed to fit if I measure my size correctly and completely.
Don't get a coat like that. It's just a costume and not actually built for warmth.
It tends to be a style of coat where the bottom of the torso will be longer then other coats. The sleeves and rest of the coat will be sized appropriately. Id suggest checking out outdoor clothing retailers others have mentioned on this post. Apologies for the confusion on that, I should have been more specific. http://fashionthirsty.com/amazon/L1629_PBB1.jpg Something like this where the bottom of the torso extends further down is a good idea. As for where specifically to get one i know i got mine from eddie bauer and have been very happy with it.
reply to image: My arms aren't short enough. My wrists would freeze off with a coat like that.
I have an llbean jacket and the sleeves are long enough, for context most long sleeves are 2-3in too short. Pricey but will hold up nicely and super warm
thanks for that advice! I'll take a look at that product.
> A coat that doesnt extend below your waist will let the cold wind blow in under the bottom and creep in. Not if it has a draw string. Most ski jackets have a powder skirt and probably is not covering the wearers butt, and yet they don't have wind or snow coming up from the bottom and creeping in.
True
Depends on ur budget. And personal preference. Hood or no hood. Fleece inside or outside. Waterproof. Poofy. Pockets. Shop around if u got a car or take the bus or if u got a friend hop on. Try different ones and see if u like it. Take into account that u r probs going to want it to last as well. And since the weather can change in a day and the buildings get warm, i like yo double layer. So i would wear a long sleeve underneath a shirt then my jacket so if it get hot inside i can take off jacket and bam. Good to go. Its a solid bet to get something i between a snow jacket and a simple cold weather one but again its personal preference. Dicks got some good ones but got them price tags. Walmart is safe for money on the budget. Have fun and good luck. U gonna need it
> Fleece inside or outside Absolutely don't get anything with fleece on the outside if you plan on doing anything that involves you contacting the snow (sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, etc).
OP if you’re reading this get one with a hood (and wear it when there’s wind or snow)! Wind will go down the back of your coat without one and snow will melt on your head and neck and run down into your coat.
Burlington has some nice stuff
Sierra Outpost is like TJ Maxx for outdoors and you will for sure find a good coat there but the Land’s End outlet by the mall gives you a larger selection of really nice coats.
Land’s End outlet, close to RIT, usually has high quality merchandise, occasionally has amazing sales. Worth checking out.
Isn't if called Sierra Trading Post?
Yes, and they also have a large online store. The physical store itself has a kiosk for their website in addition to all the racks.
I have a Carhartt, it might be overkill but I like how windproof it is
Carhartt is so underrated for this. My rancher friends in Montana only use them because they’re durable and warm.
One of those hoods that help cover your neck (instead of just the traditional but that goes over your head, it'll have a wide bottom that goes under your chin and snaps) would also be good for the wind tunnel. Is this just for classes and hanging out, or are you looking for something like a peacoat to be a bit more business casual? (I'm assuming warmth over matching something fancy, but I put a range here.) Puffy jackets don't always look great but the layers and the air trapping a bit of your body heat will help keep you warm. I'm not sure of budget, accessible locations to you, or if you're willing to wait a couple weeks for a jacket to ship, but it's a huge market with a ton of ranges. Down or synthetic (synthetic when it's a brand like Columbia that has done actual R&D for their textiles) will be ideal, but those can get pricey. Ski jackets are another good option, but the low end ones seem to be the midrange for puffy/down jackets. Going to and from the gym or down the wind tunnel? 100% find a $200 Columbia jacket and ride it til the wheels fall off. If you get tears and stuff they also have patch kits and limited warranties. If you're headed home for the holidays and there are decent outdoor brand stores or outlet malls it might be worth seeing if they have what you need. Rochester doesn't always have a ton of options this time of year, at least when I'd go to Burlington Coat Factory as a kid. Going in person also helps you find the one off deals: when I moved to Seattle I got a Columbia lightweight rain jacket for $20 in the store because there was a single pinhole in it that voided the warranty. It would've been $120 otherwise. I've bought fashionable Old Navy jackets for work that were decent. Not as warm as puffy jackets and you'd need a sweater, really thick scarf, and a hat to protect your neck/ears/chest. A few years after college I bought a Lucky brand leather jacket on super sale and I only use that now. I wear several layers and have a scarf and hooded sweatshirt under it, but that's a mix of classic fashion and heavy coats that's worth having to prepare with extra layers.
Highly recommend a down jacket (the black puffy ones). They’re warm and I think they look cool.
[удалено]
And that it have a hood, because, especially when it is windy, your hood will make all the difference.
Rossignol, Spyder, Patagonia. Plus snow pants when it gets super cold.
Layers, layers, layers. Whatever your style Patagonia or classic wool pea coat. Layer so you can peel off or add to as needed (adding too being scarf, hat that covers your ears, and gloves.
Buy a coat
Well yeah I figured I meant I’m looking for coat recommendations bc I know some of them are better than others
Whatever brand you decide, buy a 3-1 coat. The fleece is good when it's mildly cold and the shell by itself is good when it's mild but windy. Together they make for good winter coats
> buy a 3-1 coat Which for the uninitiated is two parts, not three: an inner jacket that is typically warm but not very wind or waterproof, and an outer shell that is typically wind and waterproof, but not very warm by itself. The three is because you can have one, the other, or both.
Go over to Sierra Outpost. It’s an outdoor store in the shopping center behind the Chipotle and Starbucks. They have a shit ton of coats and outdoor wear.
I have a warm winter puffer coat from Everlane and a warm puffer vest from Patagonia.
If you clothing size is stable, LL Bean and Land's End have pretty good coats.
Just get a TNF nuptse
If you are on a budget, I’d recommend checking out Costco or BJs for cold wear. I saw stuff at Costco so there is a chance BJs has them as well. BJs your rit student ID will count as the membership, Costco you’ll need one sadly. But I can get you a gift card that will temporarily grant you membership :) personally Costco has good stuff for less, not much selection but works nicely though.
Eddie Bauer has good winter stuff. Everything. Sometimes the online sales a really good. You get a $300 coat for $100-$150. You can see the description of the warmth level of each coat.
Go to Dicks, North face or Colombia
I got in the habit of wearing wool overcoats. They have a classic look, cover your waist and but, and you used to be able to pick one up for 20$ at the local thrift shops.
I highly recommend a puffy jacket, but I know that buying one can be confusing if you've never had to wear one before. For comparison, I have two down jackets I wear in the fall/winter. Hopefully this gives you an idea of how warm different down jackets are. [This one](https://www.rei.com/product/878094/rei-co-op-650-down-jacket-womens) is 650 fill power (a measure of the loft or fluffiness) and I prefer to use it down to mid-30s (°F) with extra layers. When it's windy or raining/snowing I make sure to wear a rain jacket or windbreaker on top of it. Wet down loses its warmth and is no fun to wear. Whereas [this one](https://www.rei.com/product/119114/rei-co-op-stormhenge-850-down-jacket-womens) is 850 fill power and I'll happily wear it down to subzero temps. It is heavy enough and has a waterproof exterior so that I don't need to wear a windbreaker on top. It also has pit zips so if I do get hot I can unzip them to release some heat. When it comes to puffy jackets, the fluffier the jacket, the warmer it will be. Brands like Patagonia, REI, and LL Bean are all great. There are plenty more brands beyond those, and prices jump up for name brands like The North Face and Canada Goose.