In Sweden they have a saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” During the winter, I often find myself muttering, “oh really, I think this counts as pretty bad weather,” but I also have a closet full of some pretty amazing winter clothing, so I never get too uncomfortable.
The thing about living in Sweden is you need a jacket for just about every occasion, and it is pretty hard to find a good one that meets all of your needs. But if you love the outdoors, it can be well worth the investment, in both time and money, to find a quality jacket or two that will do.
As an active outdoorsman, dog owner, and mother, I am outside for long walks or hikes practically 365 days a year. I need good gear to get me through.
Where I live the weather varies – often a combination of wind, precipitation, and cold. It can be difficult to find a jacket that is really top notch in all of these conditions. I can also be a little vain; I don’t want to look like the Staypuff Marshmallow woman. I would like to retain a little bit of my natural waistline.
A jacket made to be comfortable and practical in this sort of climate doesn’t usually come cheap. The jackets I have bought often last several years, and really it isn’t about fashion here, it is about function. You don’t NEED to invest in a new winter jacket every year if you find a good quality one that serves its purpose.
My favorite Swedish brand is Fjallraven. According to their website, their products are now available in the US, but they have a long tradition in Sweden as being high-quality hiking and winter gear. They make all sorts of trail gear, but their jackets are really solid.
I am a firm believer that the best winter outdoor gear comes from countries where they get intense winter weather. The clothing is made by folks who wear this stuff as well as design it.
The best solution for me has been to not invest in one winter jacket, but two jackets with slightly different functions. I have one wind/water resistant jacket which I layer with a warm fleece if necessary, and one warm winter coat without water resistance. The reason behind my choice was that I can use my expensive water/wind resistant jacket to go out in the rain. And for the most part, I can use my winter jacket on really cold days, but then rain isn’t an issue, only snow. I’ve found I stay relatively dry for the 1-2 hours I am out in the snow in this coat, and it serves its purpose.
