Help Needed: White Jacket: Talk me out of it or ... don't.

[Aerlind]

I personally would wait for a sale though. That's not a cheap coat! I don't think I could ever pay full price for an OR item since they have a terrific outlet here. It's attached to their SeaTac distribution facility and all returns and closeouts end up there. If you ever have a long SEA layover on the way to AK...

Talk tome about this, as I have a 3.5 hour layover on the way to AK this spring….

 

[Christy]

@Aerlind with only 3.5 hours I'm not sure I'd try it. The only way I would is if you were sitting up front in first and can get off the plane fast, if you were not arriving or departing from the north or south satellites, and you had TSA pre or clear to get back through the security fast. (SEA is a very crowded overtaxed airport. It's completely surrounded by the urban footprint and can't expand, and passenger volumes have grown exponentially. So it's hard to get through it quickly).

OTOH if maybe your outbound flight time changes and you have a little more time, it could be worth cruising out to the parking garage to get a cab and go to the outlet. Google says 8 minutes. It's just a normal size store but it's where returns and closeouts go, and they are up to 70% off. The employees are super nice and if there's something in particular you're looking for you can call them and they'll put it aside for you if they have it. I don't think I've ever been without finding something that was such a deal I had to get it.

 

[Aerlind]

@Aerlind with only 3.5 hours I'm not sure I'd try it. The only way I would is if you were sitting up front in first and can get off the plane fast, if you were not arriving or departing from the north or south satellites, and you had TSA pre or clear to get back through the security fast. (SEA is a very crowded overtaxed airport. It's completely surrounded by the urban footprint and can't expand, and passenger volumes have grown exponentially. So it's hard to get through it quickly).

OTOH if maybe your outbound flight time changes and you have a little more time, it could be worth cruising out to the parking garage to get a cab and go to the outlet. Google says 8 minutes. It's just a normal size store but it's where returns and closeouts go, and they are up to 70% off. The employees are super nice and if there's something in particular you're looking for you can call them and they'll put it aside for you if they have it. I don't think I've ever been without finding something that was such a deal I had to get it.

Seeing as we’re coming in on a regional jet from Montana, I’m sure we’ll be on the satellite concourses, as we’re always that far away when I fly to Denver, which is often. Bummer. But I will keep it in mind in case of significant delays…

 

[Christy]

If it's Horizon/Alaska you'll probably be in C rather than a satellite. Which is good, it's as central as it gets.

 

[scandium]

I think this is what I need to come to terms with…and I think I will.

This might be the last white jacket I purchase, but I don’t think I’ll regret it.

As a bonus, I have a mostly white dog that sheds like crazy, so white is a great color in that regard

We need to know how well the jacket matches the dog!

 

[elemmac]

We need to know how well the jacket matches the dog!

Each time I wear it out with the dog I’ve been thinking I need to come back with an update, but then keep forgetting.

Update: I LOVE this jacket. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for…just enough shape that it doesn’t look like a sleeping bag with arms and a big puffy hood. But it feels like a sleeping bag with arms and a big puffy hood. It’s been perfect for the past couple weeks where we’re had many day highs in the 5-15 degree range and lows hovering around zero. The hood is amazing with a big, puffy, fleece lined baffle that keeps the cold out, and draw strings to tighten up. The hand pockets are fleece lined and cozy. Inside pockets are spot on too (one big mesh pocket for storing gloves, and a smaller cell-phone-sized zip one). The side zips are perfect for walks in the woods where longer strides are often needed. It’s amazing!

In person it’s more light grey than white, which hasn’t been getting dirty easily…it actually matches the salt color that comes off cars quite well . Dog hair doesn’t seem to cling to it, but what does, also blends in wonderfully.

Thank you all for saying “go for it” and pushing me over the edge.

Here’s the good boy waiting for treats:

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I've been browsing for a long, insulated parka for a few years now...always backing out and deciding I don't "need" one. I'm going to pull the trigger this year. I think I've narrowed it down to the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. I'm deciding between the black and the white ("oyster").

Black is boring, but doesn't get dirty easily, and goes with everything. I like the white, but...it's white. I plan on using this jacket for walking the dog, trips to the store -- everyday use. Maybe where it's more off-white than bright white, it might not look as filthy?

Anyone have white jackets that they regret, needing to wash it too often? Or do you just avoid white jackets?

I have had a Helly Hanson storm coat for years -- got it on big sale because it's white. I use it only rarely. It's got lots of spots from the lifts dripping grease and stains from brushing against cars that have snow removal schmootz on them. The worst part is the lack of safety for skiing -- can't really be seen in bad weather - or by cars when out walking in your case. I'm a "do not recommend."

 

[elemmac]

The worst part is the lack of safety for skiing -- can't really be seen in bad weather - or by cars when out walking in your case. I'm a "do not recommend."

I agree with the skiing aspect here, excellent points.

I have light pink ("Flamingo Pink" according to Flylow) matching pants and jacket that I've worn in snowstorms, and DH has often complained he can't find me...I don't wear the full suit in snowstorms anymore (and take this into account for more recent ski related purchases). This jacket won't be worn in heavy weather (especially skiing), since it's water resistant, not full waterproof. Its primary function will just be warmth for me.

Walking in my neighborhood and local woods, I actually *think* it'll be safer than the alternatives (all dark colors) ...especially on evening walks mid-winter (I carry a small light too and put one on the dog's collar as well).

 

[PinkSkiR]

I've been browsing for a long, insulated parka for a few years now...always backing out and deciding I don't "need" one. I'm going to pull the trigger this year. I think I've narrowed it down to the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. I'm deciding between the black and the white ("oyster").

Black is boring, but doesn't get dirty easily, and goes with everything. I like the white, but...it's white. I plan on using this jacket for walking the dog, trips to the store -- everyday use. Maybe where it's more off-white than bright white, it might not look as filthy?

Anyone have white jackets that they regret, needing to wash it too often? Or do you just avoid white jackets?

I have a primarily white Spyder down jacket that I love. It does get dirty and I do have to wash it a bit more but the trade-off is worth it. Black is indeed boring!