With winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is which coat will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? We highlight two coats for you that meet these important criteria, and pit The North Face vs Canada Goose in a showdown: the Gotham III Jacket by The North Face and the Chilliwack Bomber by Canada Goose.
The North Face Gotham III Jacket – Men |
Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber – Men |
Down Fill Power Insulation
Both jackets are very well insulated. From Edmonton to Montreal, we have no problem recommending either one. The Gotham III Jacket uses goose down with a fill power of 550, while the Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber uses white duck down with a fill power of 625. Canada Goose also has their own temperature rating system – the Thermal Experience Index, or TEI. The Chilliwak TEI clocks in at TEI3 – good from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius.
Another factor to keep in mind which will influence the effectiveness of your winter coat is the fit. You want to ensure that you choose a winter coat that fits properly so that it will do its job and keep you warm.
Down insulation is a very effective insulator. Even though there are an increasing number of synthetic options, down is still the best for those who don’t stand up very well to the cold. Both The North Face and Canada Goose only use down that is traceable to the source.
Shell Fabrics and Liners
The Chilliwack Bomber for Women benefits from an Arctic Tech shell treated with a Durable Water Repellent finish. Canada Goose uses Arctic Tech textile, which is water-resistant, wind-resistant and durable, in the men’s model as well.
The Gotham Jacket II for Women resists water, but the Gotham III for men is totally waterproof. The Gotham Jacket for men is lined with a waterproof, breathable liner DryVent, and has sealed seams, which ensure that water won’t leak into the coat. It would seem the women’s will get an update soon.
The North Face Gotham Jacket II – Women |
Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber – Women |
However, it’s unlikely you’ll wear these coats when it’s warm enough to rain. In my opinion, the important point to consider is how wind resistant they are. Both jackets do a great job in this regard. The outer, reinforced fabric on both models for women cuts the wind, while the Gotham for men benefits from a second barrier, the DryVent liner.
Real or Synthetic Fur
Animal lovers will probably prefer the Gotham Jacket with its detachable synthetic fur, making it easier to wash. The Chilliwack Bomber has real coyote fur around the hood – also removable, and carefully traced to the source through a Canada Goose initiative. Real fur tends to be slightly more durable and will protect your face better from the wind than synthetic.
The North Face Gotham Jacket II – Women |
Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber – Women |
Cut and Style
Apart from their logos, these two coats are very similar in style. They are the same size, but the Chilliwack is slightly more fitted than the Gotham III. Contrary to other Canada Goose jackets, the Chilliwack will correspond to your normal size. It is also a bit longer than the Gotham.
The Chilliwack’s collar comes up a little high around the chin, and is best worn zipped down to the base of the neck, or zipped completely up to the nose. The Gotham’s collar zips up high and still leaves room for the chin. It becomes a matter of preference.
Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber – Men |
The North Face Gotham III Jacket – Men |
Made in Canada vs. Made in China
Customers are often surprised that the Chilliwack is more expensive than the Gotham. The difference in price can be partly explained because Canada Goose is made in Canada and The North Face is made in China. It’s rare that manufacturers make their outdoor clothes in Canada, and a great achievement considering the availability of labour in our country.
We should consider the fact that Canada Goose produces jackets on a much smaller volume than The North Face, for whom it would be impossible to produce such a large quantity only in North American factories.
Conclusions
Like most things, the difference between the Chilliwack Bomber by Canada Goose and the Gotham III Jacket by The North Face becomes a matter of personal preference. Fur or synthetic? Heavier down fill or lighter? Collar, fit, pockets, overall look – there are many things to consider. I hope the above gave you a bit of bearing for two of the most popular winter jackets around.
The comparison between The North Face vs Canada Goose jackets in general can be explored more in depth here.
Styles Similar to Canada Goose
Vallier Outremont Parka – Men |
Nobis Shelby Down Parka – Men
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Quartz Co. Vostok Coyote Fur Jacket – Men |
Styles Similar to The North Face
Fjällräven Barents Insulated Parka – Men |
Patagonia Frozen Range Parka – Men |
Arc’teryx Macai Jacket – Men |
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