November 02, 2009The North Face Gotham vs. Canada Goose Chilliwack
The North Face Gotham Femme
The North Face Gotham Homme
Canada Goose Chilliwack Femme
Canada Goose Chilliwack Homme
With winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today’s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: the Gotham Jacket by The North Face and the Chilliwack Parka by Canada Goose.
Last winter I answered a lot of questions from many clients on Altitude-sports.com, who wanted to know the differences between these two very similar models, their style and their characteristics. With an urban look, these hip-length jackets are insulated with down and made for men and women. They have plenty of pockets, fur around the hood, and rib-knit cuffs that keep out the wind. One last point before we get into the heart of the matter: down is a very effective insulator, and even though there are other synthetic options such as, Primaloft and fleece, it is still the best for those who don’t stand up very well to the cold.
Made in Canada vs. Made in China
At first glance, customers are often surprised that the Chilliwack is more expensive than the Gotham (for prices see “Related Products” at the bottom of the page). The difference in price can be partly explained because Canada Goose is made in Canada and The North Face is made in China. I think this is an important point because it’s rare that manufacturers make their outdoor clothes in Canada, and a great achievement considering the availability of labour in our country. However, we should consider the fact that Canada Goose produces jackets on a much lower scale than The North Face, for whom it would be impossible to produce such a large quantity only in North American factories. I will leave you to form your own opinion on the subject and to decide whether or not “Made in Canada” is important enough to pay the difference when you buy your next coat.
The Big Technical Differences
Down
First of all, I have to say that both jackets are very well insulated. From Edmonton to Montreal, I’d have no problem recommending either to a customer. The Gotham Jacket uses goose down with a fill power of 550, while the Chilliwack uses duck down with a fill power of 625.
A note on down: a higher fill power number means the coat contains a higher quality down and therefore less is needed to obtain the same level of insulation. Goose down is generally more efficient in terms of warmth than duck down. However, duck down is sturdier and performs a bit better in humid climates. This means it can be used with thicker nylon fabrics. For example, if a thick nylon is used with goose down, the feathers will tend to compress and won’t keep the heat in as effectively. It’s then a question of deciding which compromise is best: light nylon fabrics which are more compact but less sturdy, or strong exterior nylon fabrics that can withstand abrasion.
In both of these cases, these two jackets are equally warm.
With or without a waterproof liner?
Unlike the Chilliwack and Gotham for women, which have a water repellent coating sprayed on the outside of the jacket, making them water resistant, the Gotham for men is totally waterproof. In addition to a spray-on coating, this jacket is lined with a waterproof-breathable liner The North Face HyVent, and has sealed seams, which ensure that water won’t leak into the coat. However, whether a jacket is waterproof or not shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your choice; it’s unlikely you will wear such a coat when it is warm enough to rain. In my opinion, the important point to consider is how wind resistant they are. Both jackets do a great job in this regard. The outer, reinforced fabric on both models for women cuts the wind, while the Gotham for men benefits from a second barrier: its liner HyVent.
Real of Synthetic fur?
Animal lovers will probably prefer the Gotham Jacket with its detachable synthetic fur, making it easier to wash. The Chilliwack has real coyote fur around the hood. I can say from experience that real fur tends to be slightly more durable and will protect your face better from the wind than synthetic. However, I find the Chilliwack’s collar less practical in winter as it comes up awkwardly high around the chin. You either have to wear it zipped down to the base of the neck, or zipped completely up to the nose. The Gotham’s collar has a better design because it zips up high, still leaving room for the chin.
Cut and Style
Apart from their logos, these two coats are very similar in style. They are the same size, but the Chilliwack is slightly more fitted than the Gotham; however, on the same models for women, the reverse is true: the Gotham is more fitted than the Chilliwack. Contrary to other Canada Goose jackets, the Chilliwack will correspond to your normal size. It is also a bit longer than the Gotham.
Well I think I’ve covered all the important points necessary to make a distinction between these two classic jackets, but please don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments box below. Also, if you want to know more, click on the product in the “Related Products” section found at the end of the article.
Until next time,
Max
Cette article est disponible en français ici
Related Products
Related Photos
Latest Photos
25 Comments
By Robin, July 19, 2010 at 11:42 am
Hi,
Thanks for the comparison review – great info!
As for Canada Goose jackets, I was wondering if I could have some advice on sizing. I want to get either a Chilliwack or the new Montebello.
I’m a lady, 5′2″ and 100 lbs – really petite. I normally always take the smallest size for most brands – whether it be 00, 0, 2 or XXS, XS. According to the sizing information on the Canada Goose website, based on chest size, I would take an XS, rather than an XXS.
Is this true? I’ve heard that the jackets run really big and I should get an XXS, but I just want to be sure – I don’t wanted to feel constricted and uncomfortable in a heavily insulated coat.
Also – I tried on an XS in a belted ladies’ The North Face insulated jacket and it was too big.
Thanks!
By Juan Altitude (Staff), July 19, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Hello Robin,
Good question. Great North-style Canada Goose do run quite large. But the more urban collection is actually quite trim-fitting. I would argue that its a borderline decision in that both should be good. But considering what you told me, I would go for the XS.
By Robin, July 20, 2010 at 9:48 am
Thanks!
By Robin, August 20, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I just wanted to share that I ended up trying an XS in a shop locally, and it fit great (quite slim fitting)!
I think the XXS would be too small for a comfortable fit, so I ended up getting the XS. Thanks again for all your help!
By Juan Altitude (Staff), August 20, 2010 at 6:12 pm
My pleasure ! Thank you for the follow up. Enjoy the jacket !
By Julie, February 28, 2010 at 8:47 am
Bonjour, j’aimerais savoir s’il vous reste un Verdi down jacket II (North face) noir dans le L et XL pour homme, ainsi que vos heures d’ouverture. Avez-vous un numéro de téléphone?
By Juan Altitude (Staff), March 1, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Bonjour Julie,
En date du 1er mars 2010, il reste un XL à la boutique The North Face au 4924 Sherbrooke Ouest. Il y en a en Large et XL à la boutique à Tremblant. Il est possible de les commander si vous le désirez.
Notre numéro de téléphone est le 800.729.0322.
Vous pouvez trouver les heures d’ouverture ici
By Andréanne, March 26, 2010 at 1:19 am
Je cherche partout à Montréal un manteau Chilliwack rouge pour femme, soit médium ou small (je suis entre 2 tailles, il faudrait que je les essaye pour voir) Y a t-il un endroit où ils en ont encore?
Merci!
Andréanne
By Juan Altitude (Staff), March 26, 2010 at 11:46 am
Excellent question. Je vous invite à consulter Canada Goose directement.
By Sara, February 23, 2010 at 5:10 am
Hey Max,
I’m planning on buying a Canada goose chilliwack, and I need help on deciding what size to get.
I’m 5′7 and 110 lbs. I live in Canada I’d really appreciate it if you could help! thanks (:
By Juan Altitude (Staff), February 25, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Hello Sara,
I recommend a small.
By Sam, January 5, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Hi Max,
Thanks for the review. It really helps people to buy online.
I’m looking to buy a canada goose jacket.
I have a north face jacket, size medium, does the north face jackets run in about the same size as the canada goose’s does? (I’m 6′2″)
Thanks
By Juan Altitude (Staff), January 13, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Hello Sam,
Good question. To answer your question, I need to know which Canada Goose jacket you were thinking of buying. If it is the Chilliwack, then it is essentially the same as The North Face, just slightly larger.
By David, January 3, 2010 at 4:08 am
Purchased a Gotham, and it’s a great jacket, but the ZIPPER is CHEAP….. I Paid $400.00 Canadian for this coat, and the zipper constantly stuck, and eventually the handle broke. This, after Owning it for LESS than a month. I’m taking it back tomorrow for a FULL refund. It’s unacceptable that this is happening. North Face better get it’s quality under control.
Dirt.
D.
By Juan Altitude (Staff), January 13, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Hello David,
I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with the zipper. I haven’t of that happening before. Luckily, The North Face is really good with its guarantee. I don’t know if they’ll give you a full refund, but they’ll certainly have it fixed.
By Matt, December 21, 2009 at 5:23 am
Max,
You mentioned that the Chiliwack (unlike other Canada Gooses) corresponds to your normal size — do the sizes run larger or smaller than they should?
I’m getting ready to buy an Expedition coat on-line (no dealers nearby). I wear a size 37 suit jacket. The size chart on the Canada Goose site says 36 is Small, and the Medium range begins at 38. Do you think I should I go with the Small or the Medium?
Thanks for your help,
Matt
By Max Altitude (Staff), December 21, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hi Matt,
Sizes run larger than they sould. As for which size you should take… it’s hard to tell with this information. You seem to be in between two sizes. What heigt and weight are you?
By Matt, December 21, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Sorry — I’m 5′9″ & 150 lbs. It’s starting to sound like the Small might fit me better. I tried coats on in a store last week, and in some brands I needed a Medium, and in others I needed a Small. I was just trying to save myself the headache of returning something that didn’t fit quite right.
By Max Altitude (Staff), December 21, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Hi Matt,
Small would be the best for you indeed. I’m about the same size and I take small.
By Matt, January 13, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Just to follow up, I bought two Canada Goose coats — an Expedition, and also a Halifax Parka that I gather must have been discontinued, as I bought mine on clearance. In both cases, the Small was absolutely the correct size for me. Good call! I definitely appreciate the sound advice.
By Juan Altitude (Staff), December 7, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Great question Kevin. I guess if the Chilliwack is never on sale, enough people do think it does makes sense to pay the difference! I think there are many factors that are in play when we make a purchasing decision, and I can’t claim to know them all!
By Eva, December 30, 2009 at 5:54 am
hello i was wondering if u can remove the fur on the hood on chilliwack model?
By Juan Altitude (Staff), January 13, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Hello Eva,
You cannot remove the fur on the Chilliwack
By Kevin, December 5, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Great review!!
but as we all know, we can get Gothams for $279 at some places while Chilliwacks are literally never on sale!!!
so in this case, does it makes sense to pay close to $200 more for canada goose parka???
if it is, please explain why that is
thx
By Max Altitude (Staff), December 7, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Hi Kevin, indeed there is a big price difference between the Gotham and the Chilliwack. In the end both jackets will do a great job keeping you warm in the most severe conditions. As for the reasons why you should pay more or not for the Chilliwack, I guess it all comes down to how much you value features like local production, real fur, Canada Goose’s style, etc.