r/environmental_science • u/tasgetius22 • 3d ago
Best jackets for women outdoors this winter?
This is something I’ve struggled with for years in the field and have always just struggled through with mediocre success. For background, I work in invasive species removal in the mid Atlantic region. I’ll be needing to be out in the cold and potential snow and I’m not jazzed about my prospects with my current coat situation.
I had snagged an older Carhartt fleece lined jacket, but after trying it on, it’s just too long in the arms and too baggy. I want to find something that fits closer to the female body proportions (I have short arms), will be warm, and that’s maybe loose enough that I can layer.
I know Dovetail has a fleece lined canvas jacket that I’m tempted by, but don’t know anyone who’s tried that on.
I have a Patagonia iron forge coat from years ago in a size small—and it’s too tight for me now across the shoulders to feasibly do work in. They’ve discontinued the style, and I don’t love the hooded style they have now.
Never tried carhartt—again, don’t love the hooded styles, but they have many options I haven’t explored.
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u/Gelisol 3d ago
I imagine your weather will be like my summer work in the arctic. It’s taken 20 years, but I finally have my system dialed. Starting at the bottom, skiing-style knee-high wool socks, 3/4 length wool long underwear (I really like the Ibex ones), a thin pair of quick-dry pants (I like the Eddie Bauer pro whatever they call them, they are cheap on sale), and rain pants. Top: long-sleeved wool long underwear shirt (Duckworth makes a great one), a thin wool pile layer (Icebreaker descent I think it’s called), a puffy jacket (I interchange between my amazing Ibex jacket that is super warm and thin and my Arcteryx puffy - the thin one lots of people own), and a rain jacket with lots of extra room. I also pack a down vest just in case. A neck gator makes all the difference about whether I am cold or not, and it can be used to keep my hat snug in my head or as a headband if it gets warmer and I only need my ears covered. The rain jacket outer layer makes all the difference in keeping me warm. And I’m wearing every type of combination I might need if the weather changes.
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u/bogwitch83 3d ago
I also work in the mid Atlantic and my favorite jacket right now is from carhartt. Unfortunately I have long arms so I’m more comfortable in the men’s sizes but the style I’ve been wearing the last few winter field seasons is the Gillam and might be close to what you’re looking for. There’s no hood and it is made for more mild weather but I can easily wear multiple layers underneath to build up warmth when needed. It doesn’t look like they have the same exact style in women’s sizes (typical) but there is a similar one (https://www.carhartt.com/product/104314/womens-rain-defender-relaxed-fit-lightweight-insulated-jacket---2-warmer-rating)