Question

TLDR; looking for warm North Face alternatives. I am *always* cold. For the last decade, I have worn a zip-up almost daily. I originally had a Patagonia and have since worn North Face. Because I wear it daily and travel with it, I normally have no problem with spending the money, but y’all have me feeling some guilt. I don’t care about being brand loyal but I DO care about being warm and not looking like a full on marshmallow. I wear an XS so I can also wear child sizes in most brands; has anyone else done this before? Does anyone have any alternatives to an Osito that they love? I thought I though ask the hive-mind before I buy a new one.  

Answer 1

Personally I love Kathmandu. Recently got a jacket of theirs on fb market place and love it! I also got my work one on there and as I’m out and about visiting people’s homes quite a bit I needed something light and warm so went jack wolfskin. Husband adores RAB and Montaigne. For what it’s worth if you wear it all the time don’t feel the guilt about the money. If you have the budget go for it

Answer 2

Is there an outlet mall near you? I’ve always gotten great deals there

Answer 3

I try to buy my outerwear second hand. I am outside with my pup a few times a day and freeze, so I try to get gently worn second hand gear. It’s about 1/2 price.  

Answer 4

Check Columbia. com! They are having a winter sale right now and you can get an additional 20% sale with their FREE rewards program. Part of the program is free shipping as well.  

Answer 5

I wear North face and in my opinion it’s worth it. I save for it!  

Answer 6

Columbia is great but the 32 Degrees stuff from Costco keeps me cozy and I’m always wearing stuff to keep me warm unless it’s like 80 out

Answer 7

I love my Columbia jackets!  

Answer 8

There are some things I won’t budge on spending the money, because the quality and lifespan of the product is worth it. I personally feel like The North Face is worth it. Columbia I feel is on par with it as well, and is on sale quite often. Seriously, don’t feel guilt over something you WILL use, and get your money’s worth out of.  

Comments

Someone else mentioned earlier though, look for a secondhand /consignment shop geared towards sports. They’re a great place to find hardly used, brand name items. It’s where I get most of my kids winter stuff from.  

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This ☝️ You know your going to use it, dont feel guilty!  

Answer 9

Check out Sierra trading Post. They carry all the nice brands at a fraction of the cost. Also, Patagonia is a great brand (expensive) but they do repairs on their gear  

Answer 10

Columbia isn’t bad!  

Answer 11

Try shopping used! Mercari, Thread Up, Poshmark.  

Answer 12

I purchased a Columbia jacket at their outlet store and it is my favorite jacket ever, it is several years old and still looks great. Keeps me super warm and can be layered.  

Answer 13

We’ve tried them all (dd lives in a cold place) and Columbia is warmest and best value and they have awesome sales!  

Answer 14

I got this from Costco and I live in it. I wish I bought two

Answer 15

Columbia is a great alternative! I have all 3 brands- North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia and they all preform really well! Columbia is not "cheap" however, it is cheaper than the other 2. and they have great sales! L. L. Bean has some good sales as well, for another alternative.  

Answer 16

I got my Omni-Heat Columbia jacket for 100 dollars at a Columbia outlet at the end of winter last year! Love it! It was originally 349!  

Answer 17

Try Kohl’s sales. I get my Columbias cheap there.  

Answer 18

I found my North Face on eBay. New with tags but way cheaper than in the stores.  

Answer 19

I have had good success with Columbia brand clothing.  

Answer 20

Budgeting isn’t to keep you from buying the things you need. it’s to help you plan for your purchases. I would save and buy what you like

Answer 21

The nice things about Patagonia, North Face and other high end outdoor companies is the guarantee. They fix or replace the item if a zipper breaks or lining or stitching or the water resistance fades, etc. I would try Sierra Trading Post, Backcountry. com, REI garage, and even Nordstrom Rack online or Macys in the summer for sales on TNF Unfortunately resell sites like ebay have lots of knock offs, which I am sure are still warm, but if you want to get it replaced or repaired at some point it may be an issue.  

Answer 22

Don’t feel guilty if it’s to keep you warm and comfortable!  

Answer 23

I shop on poshmark. They sell all types of brands at cheaper prices.  

Answer 24

Get your iron checked, I was extremely cold and tired, my iron was low, I take two a day now, drs orders  

Answer 25

Columbia is the compromise I made. Each year they run a back-to-school sale in Aug and the fleece are $20/pc.  

Comments

@harsho47 I love my Columbia jacket.  

Answer 26

Buy what you love! If it’s for comfort and warmth, it’s a need. I’d rather spend the $$ for something I love than save a few dollars for something I may only like

Answer 27

Dicks Sporting Goods has some North Face on clearance. I had to buy a new one so I feel your pain

Answer 28

I like to look on Backcountry. com for deals. They have several comparable brands and sometimes have great deals.  

Answer 29

Ive never had a north face nor columbia but I got a really soft, warm jacket I got from tractor supply company store, usually wear a carhartt but with being pregnant I cant handle all the extra fluff. I believe it's called Blue Mountain! It's so warm. And couldn't beat the price at like $35! But I've seen north face on sale at kohl's. My kiddo has a couple north face hoodies from kohl's on sale!  

Answer 30

2nd hand? Thredup. com. i would never sell to them again, but i have bought many quality items for half or less then half the org price.  

Answer 31

I’ve had both of my heavy north face coats for 12 years (luckily haven’t changed size). Columbia omniheat is awesome for something that isn’t literally frigid. I’d say when it drops below 30 it’s north face only for me.  

Answer 32

Check ebay! You can almost always find a brand new north face for a lot cheaper than in the store. That’s usually where I get mine.  

Answer 33

I’d say budget for the brand you love. Have you ever shopped on backcountry. com? I buy most of my layering gear on there because they sell past season colors for a steal!  

Answer 34

I like Columbia

Answer 35

Almost any outlet stores have Northface. I never pay full Price for mine.  

Answer 36

For wear in the house, Walmart sells a “sleep jacket” by Secret Treasures for $12 that is so soft and warm. I’ve seen bloggers wear it out in public too!  

Answer 37

I have a Aritzia parka and they’re very warm (they have different warm ratings).  

Answer 38

Stick with what works. Don't skimp! Sucks being cold. I just sold my Patagonia on Mecari. Check there.  

Answer 39

You can try second hand stores too. I’ve had good luck at platos closet and clothes mentor.  

Answer 40

Burlington coat factory and or ross/ tj maxx could carry the brand randomly but if they were it would be dramatically cheaper

Answer 41

Get a heated vest from Amazon. Seriously. They aren't massive and can stay heated up to 12 hours.  

Answer 42

Try cabelas bargin cave on line.