Best N-3B PARKA, Bronson or Real McCoys

[Aloysius]

Why are you making a new thread when you just made one on this same topic?

@Peacoat do you mind merging this into his previous thread? I'll answer after that so it stays contained.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Why are you making a new thread when you just made one on this same topic?

@Peacoat do you mind merging this into his previous thread? I'll answer after that so it stays contained.

Oh my previous one on parkas?

 

[Aloysius]

Oh my previous one on parkas?

Your previous one on N-3B parkas, exactly the same topic.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Ok that makes sense. I guess I was just curious about United Carr Buzz separate from N3B.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Made in Japan products have "Made in Japan" listed on the white label inside.

Some products from the group are not made in Japan, could be Korea could be China and many other places, they're usually lower MSRP although that's also not always the case. But only made in Japan can have made in Japan wording on the label, and some do not,

I would skip the United Carr jackets all together, you can find small Japan brands like Pherrows and others that has N-2B coats for a song on the used market, and they're made in Japan. No one looks for these because they don't have the brand power like Buzz. Just search by price and start from the bottom up.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I edited the thread for the sake of clarity, yes, I don’t think this needs to be parka related. If I figure out what United Carr is then I’ll figure out the rest on my own.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Made in Japan products have "Made in Japan" listed on the white label inside.
View attachment 663755

Some products from the group are not made in Japan, could be Korea could be China and many other places, they're usually lower MSRP although that's also not always the case. But only made in Japan can have made in Japan wording on the label, and some do not,
View attachment 663756

I would skip the United Carr jackets all together, you can find small Japan brands like Pherrows and others that has N-2B coats for a song on the used market, and they're made in Japan. No one looks for these because they don't have the brand power like Buzz. Just search by price and start from the bottom up.

Oh so they are just more affordable? Got it

 

[Aloysius]

I edited the thread for the sake of clarity, yes, I don’t think this needs to be parka related. If I figure out what United Carr is then I’ll figure out the rest on my own.

We've discussed this in the previous thread and the thread before that. I also provided links.

United Carr is one of the general market lines by Buzz Rickson's. Generally cheaper but not necessarily worse; for instance they will have changes from the military design that BR wouldn't do in mainline. (They also more recently started a new line for this type of thing.)

I gave you examples of Japanese domestic market brands that aren't 'enthusiast' but are still high quality, adding the caveat that they are even less likely to work for your aims of an extra warm jacket because Japan is relatively temperate.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I think I have all the info I need to make an educated decision. Southern Athletic Co. probably

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Alright I bought two used parka’s today, a Canada Goose Expedition in Navy, and a 60s vintage parka. Together cheaper cost less than half of a new Canada Goose. I’ll let y’all know if I feel difference in warmth, but based on what was said on here, it sounds like any new down jacket will be warmer than the old wool pile insulated ones.

Edit: Grammar

 

[Peacoat]

Alright I bought two used parka’s today, a Canada Goose Expedition in Navy, and a 60s vintage parka. Together cheaper cost less than half of a new Canada Goose. I’ll let y’all know if I feel difference in warmth, but based on what was said on here, it sounds like any new down jacket will be warmer than the old wool pile insulated ones.

Edit: Grammar

Yes, please do. Several years back I did a comparison test In cold weather of the N3-B and my Canada Goose parka. Seems as though there was one other in the mix.

While I don't remember the specifics, I think I found that while the N3-B and the Canada Goose were about on par for warmth, the Canada Goose was much lighter and more comfortable to wear.

Would like to find that comparison, but it was a while back with a bunch of posts since then.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Yes, please do. Several years back I did a comparison test In cold weather of the N3-B and my Canada Goose parka. Seems as though there was one other in the mix.

While I don't remember the specifics, I think I found that while the N3-B and the Canada Goose were about on par for warmth, the Canada Goose was much lighter and more comfortable to wear.

Would like to find that comparison, but it was a while back with a bunch of posts since then.

Interesting. I was looking at people who tested modern Alpha parkas with an internal temp reader, and they scored lower than a Canada Goose. And it makes sense: Down is usually warmer than synthetic, and synthetic tends to lose its insulating value over time faster than down. This would explain why my Alpha parka isn’t performing as well—I’ve been using it for several years.

It also makes sense that the N3B would have to be much heavier to achieve similar warmth since it will take much more wool pile by weight to give the same insulation against down. I’ve heard that wool continues to insulate when wet, unlike down, but we’ll see if I wet get enough for it ever to matter. These are parkas and not raincoats, after all. I know Helley Hansen makes a sick raincoat, but I digress.

I found the Canada Goose Heritage Expedition in Navy blue for under $500, so it seemed like a no-brainer. I don’t think I would ever pay full price for an N3B. Similarly, I spent about $160 for each one I found. When they arrive, I will see which one is in better shape and resell or return the other. Both have stains and grime, so the one I keep will probably end up as a cabin jacket for the Northwoods. I also found a USAF interlinked for $40, in case I need more warmth.