What Type of Coat Are You? How to Choose Your Winter Jacket

I know, I know. You’re always looking for the right coat for the right temperature and the right occasion. The one that will protect you against cold, sweat, rain, wind, and global warming; the one that will outlast fashions so short-lived they’re out of style before you know it. The one that looks the best shoveling the entryway, shopping for organic produce, stopping by the in-laws, skating in the park, walking to a business dinner and changing that damned flat tire. But how do you find this coat? The coat?

This one?

Or this one?

We all experience a thousand different situations in a week. I suggest you take the following short quiz to find out what you really need in a winter jacket.

1- Sunday Morning: It’s so cold tiny ice crystals form in your nostrils and sparkle in the sunlight.

a) You planned to go skating and you will go skating.
b) You warm up your muscles with by-the-book exercises, apply wax rated for – 30 C to your cross-country skis and spend the afternoon skiing kilometers, until you reach your starting point, your body nice and toasty.
c) You want your time outside to be pleasant and you propose a long family walk into town for some Christmas shopping.

The North Face - Honcho - Denim Blue

2- Monday Morning: The freezing rain that fell during the night has coated the car windows with ice.

a) You get up early to de-ice all the neighborhood cars because you have the best ice scraper in the world.
b) You scream until the ice shatters off the windows while you drive and warm up your hands, already at your destination.
c) You turn on the heat for five minutes, clear off what ice you can without breaking your broom and let the wind take care of the rest.

The North Face - Redpoint Optimus - Bayou Blue

3- Tuesday Morning: It’s January but the sun is shinning like it would in March.

a) With skiing seriously on the brain, you call your boss and cough at him in your best sick-voice that you are suddenly ill.
b) You walk the hour to work instead of driving the car.
c) With a sunny bounce in your step, you use the day to make some headway and get acquainted with your new clients.

Arc'teryx - Atom LT Hoody - Miro Blue

4- Wednesday Morning: The wind’s blowing so hard you can feel it under the covers.

a) You take a deep breath and hold it from the house to the car, from the garage to the metro, from the metro to the office where you finally exhale.
b) You think a short yoga practice in the living room will do just fine.
c) Quick! You’re out the door with your kite-surf before you even eat breakfast.

Arc'teryx - Kappa SV - Dark Ember

5- Thursday Morning: You wake up to rain pouring down the picture windows.

a) You panic and look at weekend ski conditions on the Internet.
b) You prepare yourself for the weekend and change the wax on your skis from - 30 C to + 10 C.
c) You tell yourself that winters are getting warmer, or that it’s the calm before the storm of the century.

The North Face - Varius Guide Insulated - Bittersweet Brown

6- Friday Morning: You’re advised to stay inside due to an attack of the H1N1 flu.

a) You layer up to protect yourself against all possible germs that could infect you in the cold.
b) You dress to move faster than the cold-travelling germs.
c) You dress to be comfortable while everyone else stresses out.

Arc'teryx - Sceptre - Coffee Bean

7- Saturday Morning: There’s a massive snowstorm.

a) You grab your skis, wanting to ski the fresh powder before crowds of tourists get to the slopes and start falling under your feet.
b) You get ready to explore the backcountry on unmarked trails that will take you to the top of the mountain faster than the others will.
c) You spend the day feeding the woodstove, relaxing, going to the spa, snowshoeing and drinking hot chocolate.

If you chose mostly A’s, I recommend a coat made for winter sports. You’ll want one that’s waterproof, with a ski skirt, a high collar, a hood large enough for a helmet, a larger fit for ease of movement and a good layer of insulation so you can stay warm outside all winter long.

Arc’teryx Sceptre Jacket ou The North Face Insulated Varius Guide Jacket

If you chose mostly B’s, I recommend a coat made for aerobic activity. You’ll want one with light insulation, which is easily compressible if you need to pack it in your backpack, stronger material on the shoulders and more breathable material under the arms. You won’t need the coat to be waterproof or windproof, as it won’t breathe as well.
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ou The North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket

If you chose mostly C’s, I recommend a coat you can wear in the city as well as on the slopes. You’ll want one that’s windproof, (which is also very water-resistant), a warm light insulation like Primaloft or down, a hood just in case, and a classic but technical style.
Arc’teryx Kappa SV Jacket ou The North Face Honcho Jacket

But of course, I’ll leave you to make your final choice according to your preference, your comfort and your budget. Have a great winter!

Véronique Altitude

Cet article est disponible en français ici