Winter Coat Suggestions

I need help finding a super warm winter coat. Right now, I have a north face that I got from the outlet, but it's not super warm (I'm thinking it was a city coat??). I commute to school, which means a lot of time waiting for the bus.

I'm thinking of getting this North Face: http://www.rei.com/product/770675 but I'm not sure if it's any warmer than my current North Face, although the guy at the store said it should be.

I want something black, with a hood, and not too puffy. Does anyone have suggestions? Is down-insulated the warmest kind of coat?

Thanks!!!

In my opinion, Polartec Fleece is the warmest.  It has no bulk so you can layer it under any coat.

That jacket does look nice, however I have a couple of suggestions to stay warmer that may end up being cheaper and more effective/useful than buying a new coat.

You might want to look into getting something that you can wear under your clothes, like Under Armour. A thermal shirt and leggings/tights would work too. (Cotton stuff is not recommended though, because cotton just absorbs sweat, which will just end up making you colder.) A hat/ear muffs, a scarf, and gloves will help a lot too.

I work in downtown Chicago and I walk a mile from Union Station to my office and  back every day, in all weather except driving rain or temps below 0.  A few commeints:

First, the coat you linked to would probably be better than what you have, but I wouldn't recommend it for truly cold weather, because it's not long enough.  Even if it keeps your torso toasty warm, your legs will be cold in no time. and you'll be miserable in spite of a warm torso.  Get something that's down near your knees.  It holds in more of your body heat and is better wind protection.

Second, down really is the best.  I haven't found anything else that will give you the same level of insulation and wind protection.  At least for walking.  (Running or other sport is different, where you're producing more body heat and don't need to conserve as much of it).  Trust me, when it's 15 degrees or colder, you don't give a flying fig that it's puffy.  I take the bus when it gets below 0, but it's not because my down coat isn't warm enough -- it's that my boots, mittens, etc usually aren't warm enough.

Three, layering does wonders.  I would investigate getting a light thermal layer first (I adore underarmor coldgear for running--adore it) as an alternative to buying a new coat.  A good layer is often more effective in weight and $ compared to a warmer coat.  Adding a good layer will make a coat just as warm to 10-15 degrees colder temps than what it was without that layer.  So really, it comes down to, if you could be just as warm in your current coat, but in 15 degrees colder weather, and that would suffice for 90% of the winter days, just go with that.  However, if it would be less than 90% of days, then you flat out need a warmer coat.  And if you don't like the puffy down, something lighter than down can be effective by adding another layer under it.  Pretty much any layer, not just the expensive ultra light, ultra warm performance gear like underarmor. 

But I still say, get something to your knees.  Long socks under your pants/jeans are another layer that will help keep you warm below the knee, but the area between the top of your sock and the bottom of your coat will feel cold.

I like the Columbia jackets. It's made up of two jackets in one. They zip together when you need a lot of warmth or you can take them apart and use either during the spring or fall.

There are different grades of warmth with the Columbia jackets though. The ones without the double jacket system aren't as warm.

You can find Columbia at sporting good stores and I've seen them at Kohls.