Needs v. Wants: Traveling Light Edition
November 7, 2010
As I prepare for a trip overseas in December, PiC is insisting that in addition to my need for a lighter, travel-friendly computer, I should really consider his selection of ultrawarm, lightweight outerwear, the Patagonia Down With It Parka:
I did my mental “That’s a BAD PRICE” stomp and tried to walk away but he asked me to at least try it on and get a sense for the sizing and the weight.
You guys.
It was so cozy that despite the risk of looking like the Michelin Man’s second cousin (I usually hate puffy anything), the slim fit was just on this side of flattering enough for me to say I really want it. The pockets were deep deep deep and lined so they were warm and fuzzy, there was an inside zippered pocket (be still, my heart!) and the hood zips off. However, all sources say it is water-resistant and not waterproof so a waterproof is still necessary. [Patagonia’s waterproofs that fit are another $250!! Am I crazy or are they??]
I already have a gorgeous knee-length black coat that is frankly ten times more professional and lovely, but it’s also about 8 pounds of wool and silk lining I’m not sure I want to lug overseas, traipsing out into the country with dogs and horses, before then heading into the city and the countryside again. It’s not just heavy, it snaps up dirt and hair like a fancy rug and that’s not going to be presentable halfway through two weeks of travel.
To be clear, traveling light isn’t just a minimalist desire for me, it’s an actual physical need. My body cannot tolerate certain stresses. Carrying, lifting, dragging, toting, and tossing heavy luggage and bags that is typical of business travel is one of those stresses but this isn’t optional so I’m doing my level best to pare down every ounce of unnecessary gear.
Staying very warm is also not just a desire, if I get too cold, my body literally shuts down. And it has a liberal definition of “too cold.”
After combing through all the deal sites, REI, Backcountry.com, steepandcheap.com, Amazon, to no avail, I hit up all my possible gift card “vendors” (a la credit card rewards, hotel points, miles and other points redemptions) for better “financing” to reduce out of pocket spending. No luck there either. I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to make the decision to pay full price or go without.
Then I stumbled upon one site claiming to clearance out last year’s coats for $202 and free shipping in 5-7 days. A quick chat with Patagonia customer service confirmed that last year’s coats were the same slim fit, which was the only detail that was missing from my comparison of the coats. It’s not a store for which I can get gift cards so I’d be out of pocket for the full amount.
I still need a rain coat, hat and gloves. I can cross the extra turtleneck off my list, we found that for $10 at H&M.
Do I suck it up and just go on the hunt for a raincoat and take my existing heavy coat? Or go for the only “deal” I’ve found in the hopes of saving myself some cold, shivery, painful travel days?
Note: Spending $200 on a coat when I’ve already got one and when I’ve been scrimping and saving all my other pennies makes me really grumpy. Plus I’ve still got other expenses. I still haven’t picked that computer, for one thing. While, it is supposed to be my birthday present, I still think of his spending as our spending.
Sometimes, the best things can put a dent in finances! But they are so, so worth it.
And as a fellow petite, I can’t stand lugging a ridiculously heavy suitcase so I have learned to pack my tiny carry-on really REALLY well…including for overseas trips! Good luck. And hooray for a sweet PiC that you have! 🙂
I vote: Go for it and get the coat! It sounds like one of those things that will be worth every penny.
REI is so expensive. Have you checked Eddie Bauer? Sometimes they have similar things for lots less cash.
You should get it but not sure about white. If your black coat attracts dirt I think this would, too.
Are you going to the UK? Just a guess…when I saw countryside + dogs + horess, that’s what came to mind.
It sounds like you really need the coat. And a good coat is worth it! It will last many, many years. I still have a Barbour coat from when I was 15 years old. Seriously. It’s 11 years old. I used it in the rain, snow, sleet, etc and mostly to ride horse. And it’s still in amazing condition. My parents were smart enough to buy it in a size too big for me back then, so now it just fits wonderfully.
Forget the raincoat and the extra baggage, you’ll regret it when you travel. Is your discomfort and pain worth saving $202?
I feel you on the cold front. I’m very thankful it doesn’t snow here.
(I have a bad price stomp, too. But yours is probably cute, mine’s just sulky).
I think the coat sounds like a good deal. I would be wary of the colour, though, and in terms of material etc will it suit your needs (is it professional enough?)
Also, I know exactly what you mean about putting a dent in the joint expenses – I’m going to make sure BF buys my Christmas present out of his own money! I’ll probably still have an idea of the cost, though, just through how much he’ll be able to put into the pot that week.
UGH. First, don’t take the heavy coat. You will be miserable. Did you check LLBean and Landsend? They have outerwear also, though w/out the Patagonia prestige. I checked Sierra Trading Post–nothing. Did you try Campmor?
If you were traveling in January, you could wait for the post-Christmas sales.
Anyway, a few ideas before biting the bullet.
If you are coming to England, check the temperature range before you define ‘cold’; the numbers are nowhere as low as in the U.S.; the main problem is damp. Long underwear, thin wool sweaters, wool socks and a water/wind proof would be useful. Layers more than one big coat are more flexible. Consider running / hiking clothes – Helly Hanson and the like. Comparatively cheap and very warm. Enjoy your trip!
LAndsEnd has several down coats. They have an unconditional guarantee as well. Best deal is Dory Long Down coat, available in petite small and XS. $120. LE is having a sale: $20 off $75, $50 off 150. there are loads of free shipping codes on the net.
They also have a chevron coat that looks kinda like the Patagonia.
And Shelley is right–down may be too warm.
Sorry about sloppy typing
You’ve convinced me it’s worth it. Heavy wool is not fun to wear long term. It causes back problems even in people of regular health.
But shopping around (if you have time) and taking into account the things people have brought up (dirt, heat etc.) is always a good idea.
I think the coat will be worth it. Just get it in a darker color and you’ll be able to use it in the Bay Area as well when you return from your trip.
I bought a brown North Face Arctic Parka a few years ago when I moved from So Cal to Massachusetts (big change in weather) and while I first complained about the price ($200), it was so worth it. I have been warm every winter since (3 winters and going) and I think the coat will last me forever.
You seriously are trying to talk yourself into it, huh? Or trying to tell you to just say, “yes”.
Well, I say, “yes” because coats last for many years. If its a well manufactured coat that can get great use out of, then its worth it. (its totally cute, too!)
Would you use it in the City? If not, Shelley’s advice about the weather in England is right on.
It’s cold and wet alllll winter long. The time I spent the fall & winter there, the sun was visible for a combined total of…oh, I’d guess about 30 minutes, over three full months. It rains and rains and rains, and when it’s not raining, it’s cold and damp. So you want to be sure this thing can tolerate getting wet.
If not, then I found the best combination was layers: something warm against your skin, then a shirt, a sweater, and a good outer coat. And an umbrella. A large umbrella.
But wait till you get there to buy that. The Brits have the best umbrellas on earth. 😉
This might sound dorky, but I traveled Europe in the winter and made it by with a sturdy pull-over sweater paired with a rain coat. The rain coat kept out the wind and rain (obviously), the sweater gave the warmth. And when I didn’t need the rain coat, it was small enough to stuff into my bag.
Otherwise, I would buy cute white coat and chance it without the rain coat. In the event of a downpour I’m guessing you’ll find shelter anyways (?).
@MoneyMaus: No matter how many times I say it’s worth it after a purchase, I have the same fight with myself all over again at the next purchase 🙂
@444, FaM: I’ve spent HOURS combing the web for alternatives 🙂
@Karen: Yeah, no white for me, I’d be a mess in no time.
@LA Daze: Nearabouts! Can’t drop the raincoat though, I’ve asked the locals what the weather and absolute necessities are this time of year and it’s pouring down rain right now. Ugh. At least I’ve got the boots 🙂
@eemusings: I was a bit sad I didn’t have the raincoat last night, I got caught out in an enormous rainstorm running errands. Had to dash home as I was thoroughly soaked.
Not sure a puffy coat IS professional enough for my taste, but it’s definitely light enough and I can cover it up with the waterproof. Or I’ll end up with an alternative that doesn’t look puffy *fingers crossed*
@FS: I was sorely tempted to push the trip back one more time but January is even worse and could require SNOW gear so I decided to keep hunting.
PiC is unconvinced of the quality of the other non-Patagonia brands but I think they’ll do well enough as long as I can find a good fit.
@Shelley: Absolutely, I’ve spoken to my colleagues and they’ve confirmed the temperature ranges. C-O-L-D. (for me). My temp tolerance is notoriously low.
@Nicole: It’s sort of sad, I mostly just don’t want to dry clean it again 🙂 Also, it’ll look all beat up by the third day with a dog.
I’m still looking, though, weeks later. It’s driving me a little crazy.
@Kathleen: Definitely targeting a darker color – the white picture was just easier to see 🙂
It does make sense to get one coat that will last years than to keep replacing layers every year unnecessarily.
@MoneyFunk: I initially thought it was sort of awful until I tried it on and realized it’s only weird in 2-D. Guess I have a thing against puffy because I’m small framed and feel it’s too overwhelming, usually.
@FaM: Definitely would use it. I hate buying umbrellas as they always break but if good umbrellas are to be found abroad, I’ll wait til I get there to buy one!
@LindyMint: Not dorky, just much more sturdy than I!
It’s just that I intend to be outdoorsing for a part of a day and then when we’re going to and fro, so it’s not like I can just swan about unprotected w/a limited wardrobe.