Help Finding the Right Jacket

Hi,

I'm in need of some advice. My girlfriend is always struggling with the cold in the winter. She's petite and her body temperature basically changes instantly to the temperature around her. Whens he wears a few layers, she's somewhat warm outside, but as soon as she steps inside shes sweating before she can take the layers off.

Can someone recommend a jacket that will help her stay warm outside but not overwhelm her with heat when she's inside? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Rob

I'd have her exercising, hydrating, and eating well, to maximize her metabolism - and have her physician check her for any conditions that impact metabolism.

That said, small people do have trouble with this sort of thing.

Sorry, those criteria don't make sense. No such jacket. Unless she dresses in layers and just takes off layers until she is the right temperature, that does not compute and will not work.

This just doesn't compute!

If you're dressed to be warm at 30*F and you go into a 70*F room without removing layers, you've immediately done the equivalent of putting on a thick down jacket over your outdoor layers. Of course you're going to sweat! The only answer is to remove the outer layers the minute you get inside! Or perhaps start unzipping just outside the door.

it sounds like she needs few more insulating layers. She needs a nice warm jacket for outside that she can take off inside to quickly reduce her insulation.

Someone on here was complaining about using too many layers when people layer.

I'm pretty thin so I can relate to this. I'll get cold fast and overheat fast too.

Unless it's freezing or below I use a lightweight wind breaker type jacket as an outer shell and a under it a fleece pullover or wool sweater, or whatever is appropriate for the temp. The fleece and wool layers are very warm but they're also breathable so they'll lose heat pretty fast on breezy or cold days.

The wind breaker slows that heat loss pretty good but once you're indoors you'll overheat in a hurry so pulling just that off asap will usually keep me from overheating.

Layering is a bit more work but it's also a lot more flexible so it's still the best option. She's really just going to have to refine her layers and get used to taking them on and off a lot. I know somedays I feel like I'm constantly doing that but it's really not a big deal when you think about it.

I really appreciate your input. And sorry guys - I didn't realize that I was contradicting myself.

1) @lori I agree. The metabolism aspect is huge and is probably as pivotal as an upgraded jacket.
2) @billstephenson I think that's her best option. Do you have any recommendations for brands for either the pullover or windbreaker? Or will any get the job done well?

Thanks again.

Rob

I'm pretty much in line with everyone else. I would also suggest a down vest. They are light and warm and work well under a light jacket.
FYI, the parka in my picture is superwarm, but no one, including me, could wear it indoors for more than a minute or two; I know, I tried. That's the whole point.
Layering is the answer. In winter, I usually have on a Capilene base layer, fleece jacket and if really cold, the down parka and insulated pants. If it isn't that cold, off comes the pants and parka and I just wear a pair of Marmot Precip pants and the fleece. If it's windy or snowing, I have an REI rainjacket. Not the lightest combo of stuff, but pretty versatile.

There are lots of good jackets of one sort or another. I'm not that keen on spending huge amounts of money on them, though. I did pick up a brand new Marmot jacket with a removable liner for $50 in a secondhand shop. Came off a film set and looks like it never was worn. I doubt the shop had any idea what it was worth. My point is that deals like that are out there if you look around.

That was Jim. He's not a normal human being.