libes@nbs-amrf.UUCP (Don Libes) (02/03/85)
I recommend the Thinsulate (Goretex) coat I've had for 4 years. Its made by Columbia Sportswear, Portland OR. I ordered it from REI ($150 then). I also ordered a coat (same price) from EMS at the same time, for comparison. I returned the EMS coat. The REI coat was much better made. Unfortunately, the catalog companies don't always list the maker of the coat and can switch suppliers on you, so I suggest you call and ask to make sure. It did just fine in Rochester's worst weather (-40F) with only one layer of clothes on underneath. No sweater, undershirt, longjohns or hat necessary. (I admit, however, that I like the feeling of wearing a scarf around my neck, but I don't think its necessary, either.) Other advantages of thinsulate garments that I haven't seen mentioned are 1) easier to wash and dry than down. Down-filled things are a royal pain to clean. Thinsulate isn't. 2) I can wear my coat during the spring and fall and people don't think I'm nuts. I even wear it in the summer when its raining hard. (I just open the zipper if I get too warm.) Don Libes {seismo,umcp-cs}!nbs-amrf!libes