Wrapping up my first full week in southwestern Ontario in the Cat parka. It hasn’t been as cold here in December (@ freezing +/-) as it was in mid-November (snowing sideways…), but enough to get an initial feel for the coat. Also, some situational context – I live in Texas and have no need for a top-of-the-line heavy winter coat. I wanted something inexpensive, versatile, and good enough to get me though spending 2 weeks a month on the snowy, windy Lake Huron coast this winter. I’m not outside all day; I use it for short walks, so I rarely wear it more than 30 minutes at a time. If I were looking for an all-day, every day coat for this environment, I would have been willing to pay a lot more money. Fit: I bought a size Large parka. I’m 5’8”, 200 lbs., with a bit of a gut, but otherwise normal proportions. I wear a 44 Short jacket, Large t-shirt and a 17”/32-34 dress shirt. Even with my ‘well-insulated six-pack,’ I should have probably gotten a Medium (If you are 5’10”and under and less than 180, I suggest you try a Medium), but the Large fits close enough that I didn’t return it. I have plenty of freedom of movement, and enough room to add additional layers or even wear it over a sport coat. The sleeve length is fine, coming over the top of my gloves. The drawstring at the bottom of the coat helps to take up slack and prevent wind from coming in (there is another drawstring at the waist, but I haven’t used it). Length-wise, the coat almost goes to my crotch. I would describe it as ‘car-coat’ length; it doesn’t quite cover my butt but it doesn’t ride up over my belt line in the back if I bend over either. The neck of the coat comes up very high in the front; zipped all the way, it covers my chin. Great in a blizzard, but not so much in normal situations, since the stiffness of the coat prevents folding the collar lapels to either side. It would be nice to be able to snap the lapels out of the way (if I leave the top 3-4 inches unzipped, it’s tolerable). The removable hood is functional but the fit is awkward worn by itself. Not quite a snorkel, but too big to call normal. There are drawstrings, but if I use them to close up the sides so the wind doesn’t blow it off, that pulls the front edge down so far it hits my glasses. This irritating aspect cost it a star. It works better if you wear a watch cap, hoodie or other bulky hat underneath. Construction: The coat outer shell is a heavy (plasticized?) ballistic-type matte nylon that works very well as a wind barrier but as others noted, it’s also somewhat stiff and noisy. The interior (body and arms) lining is non-removable a soft quilted nylon; enough to do the job without being too bulky. The hood is fleece lined. Both linings are comfortable. Some have mentioned zipper issues (plastic teeth), but mine have been OK; since it is a two way unit, take your time getting the zipper properly seated and started (I did replace the rubber pull extension on the main zipper with a longer loop of shock cord to make it easier to find with gloves on). The pocket snaps and zippers are much appreciated over Velcro closures found on typical ‘value’ products. Overall, build quality is better than the price suggests. Features: The main zipper is covered by a storm flap that can be snapped closed. This coat has more pockets than you can possibly use. As others have said, the fleece lined slash side pockets (located to the outside of, and underneath the lower front patch pockets) are serviceable but could be 2” deeper for keeping bare hands warm. I especially like the two deep zipper side pockets located near the main zipper on the chest. The large lower front flap pockets are great for securely stashing gloves without worrying of losing them. There are at least four other pockets I haven’t even opened yet! The sleeves have an internal knit cuff to keep wind out. Utility: Overall, very comfortable (hood notwithstanding). Went out this morning @25F wearing just a t-shirt under the coat. Even though I have lots of air space inside the coat, it is weather tight; like a spacesuit! For no longer than I plan on wearing this coat outside, I’m pretty sure that I can brave anything Ontario can throw at me this winter with just this parka and a hoodie underneath. As a traveler, I appreciate that it’s reasonably packable; once in the airport, I can stuff it (along with gloves, cap, etc) into a small carry-on duffel. Style: This is a good looking jacket. I’ve gotten a few admiring comments from co-workers. Not wanting to be a walking billboard, I used a seam ripper to easily remove the Cat logo tags on the left shoulder and breast pocket in about 4 minutes, with no ill effects. The dark reflective strips are a nice touch; unobtrusive during the day but they show up well at night. Bottom Line: This parka does the job; despite a few nits, I am quite satisfied for the money. I would have given it 5 stars if the hood fit better. If I had to replace it tomorrow, I would likely order another one, but try a Medium size.
