[zblaesi]

I'm looking for a parka for under $250. I've narrowed it down to the following three (all on sale):

• L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka ($224)
• Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka ($209)
• ($150)

I'm having a hard time deciding between them and picking a color. I'm leaning toward the Lands' End in radiant navy, but I'm reluctant because (i) unlike the other two, it doesn't seem to have draw strings at the waist and (ii) the buttons on the pockets look like they could be annoying.

If you've had experience with one or more of them, which would you recommend, in what color, and why? What are the relative advantages and disadvantages? Would you recommend some other budget parka instead?

Also, if anyone owns one and has any pictures, please share! More pictures would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[icky thump]

None. Try the Uniqlo N-3B if it is in your size. Note that it is incredibly oversized. Read the reviews. Equivalent to the Bean at 25% the price.

Uniqlo N-3B I just bought one because the price was so incredible. Opted for a medium instead of the typical large and it fits fine over a suit jacket if needed. I am a 42 in most jackets. It is too early to tell how warm it is but it is incredibly well-made for the price.

 

[Semper Jeep]

Of the three the OP mentioned, I'd go with the LL Bean. The Baxter State Parka is a classic design they've been offering for years. My dad has been wearing the same one for at least 10+ years and it seems to have held up very well.

I have a military surplus N-3B from Spiewak and once it finally gives up the ghost, I'd probably look to the LL Bean first if I cannot find a similar quality N-3B again. I can overheat on a walk in -30ºF temps wearing that thing and the LL Bean seems to have the best reviews for similar temps.

icky thump mentions Uniqlo as an option and I've heard consistently good reviews for their outerwear so at that price it might be worth a shot if your size is available.

 

[SG_67]

I don’t own any UniQlo outerwear but if it represents the same value and quality as the rest of their merchandise, then it’s certainly worth a look.

 

[icky thump]

I don't own any UniQlo outerwear but if it represents the same value and quality as the rest of their merchandise, then it's certainly worth a look.

This coat was $49.90. I haven't tested it in ultra cold yet.

The Uniqlo long seamless down coat I have performs so well in the cold that my wife stole it from me for working outdoors despite it being 3 sizes too big.

 

[SG_67]

This coat was $49.90. I haven't tested it in ultra cold yet.

The Uniqlo long seamless down coat I have performs so well in the cold that my wife stole it from me for working outdoors despite it being 3 sizes too big.

for "fast fashion" their technical garments and fabrics are actually quite nice and constructed with function in mind.

 

[Styx]

I have the EB Superior down. For me (in blustery WI) waist cinch adjustment is a must. Also I believe at the time this was the longest coat giving the most coverage. And it's warmth has yet to falter let alone fail.

 

[mlenecare]

Uniqlo is good for some things but I would not take it over LL bean or EB for a serious winter coat. LL bean all the way as far I'm concerned. I have LLB, EB and Uniqlo and the LLB coats have always been the best.

 

[zblaesi]

Thanks for all the input, and sorry for the slow response. Here's an update.

I initially gave the Lands' End a shot. It is a nice jacket. I like that many of the pockets are lined with fleece on both sides to keep your hands warm. I also like that the jacket is long and provides good coverage.

However, as some reviewers have pointed out, there isn't much insulation in the arms and the zipper is very annoying. Those weren't dealbreakers for me. For me, the main downside of the jacket is that the hood is kind of short. As a result, when I adjust the hood to keep the faux fur out of my eyes, the weight of the jacket hangs from my head rather than my shoulders, which is extremely uncomfortable. I also don't like that the hood doesn't hang very far back when you're not wearing it, which means that the faux fur kind of scratches your neck. I decided to return the jacket for these reasons.

I went with the L.L. Bean next. It seems to be much higher quality than the Lands' End, and the hood is much more comfortable (plus removable). The snaps are much better than the velcro and buttons on the Lands' End, and it has additional pockets (e.g., one right behind the storm flap on the front of the jacket). It is definitely bulkier than the Lands' End, which could be a pro or con depending on how you look at it. The only downsides, so far as I can tell, are that none of the pockets are lined with fleece on both sides, the snap pockets on the front aren't lined at all, and the jacket is slightly shorter than I'd like it to be.

I'm just conflicted on the color, because I'm not crazy about any of the options. I ordered it in two different sizes/colors: black and Kelp Green Heather. The black one, a size down from what I usually wear, fits better. So, if I wanted to go with green, I'd have to do an exchange. I'm also somewhat tempted by the Charcoal Heather, which apparently looks less dark than it looks on the L.L. Bean website. I like the black, I'm just worried that it's too stark and/or generic. Then again, since I don't own any other heavy winter jackets right now, maybe it's better to go with black.

Any input on color for a parka?

 

[Yonkle]

I have the charcoal Heather its great many compliments. Very warm well made. BTW I live in upstate New York.
Best regards,
Yonkle

 

[EclecticSr.]

Owning vintage Eddie Bauer superior parka and two L.L.Bean Baxter State parkas, I would probably opt for the L.L.Bean today. If you had asked that question 40 years ago the answer would be Eddie Bauer, not many could come close. Today, look to waterproof outer fabric ,goretex etc. However, if budget was not a constraint, I would not hesitate to go with any of the F.A.T. down parkas. In my opinion better than Canada goose at a better price for superior down. Hey, just my opinion. Too bad they had to switch to coyote ruffs instead of wolf, I get it. All mine have wolf.

 

[mhj]

I've had an LL Bean knee length parka for about twenty years now and it's still going strong. The zipper was replaced at one point by Bean at no charge. This is the current version but it's currently sold out.

 

[Guest]

I find Lands End never warm enough. Love Bean Baxter State that we got for a song $35 at their outlet store. Occasionally steal from my spouse. Have just ordered EBauer for me after sending back LandsEnd. Fingers crossed.

 

[ran23]

Uniqlo is in the Winter Sales right now.

 

[Guest]

I have not tried a LL Bean parka. I have Eddie Bauer. It is hugely warmer than the winter parka I was issued when stationed in Maine during the epic blizzard of 1962. I liked it so much that I bought an EB ladies down coat for my wife and an EB for my nephew.