High end Winter coats - CG versus Mooseknuckle versus Parajumpers
Hi all thanks for reading my objective non-biased review.
Since I do not own a Moncler, Mackage, Fjallraven or other high end brandsm I am sure I missed a few, thought some folks might be able to benefit from a very objective review of some of the jackets out there because I have experience wearing them.
Out of the many brands I owned, lets start with CG. I own two authentic pieces, the CG chilliwack bomber in grey and the CG Constable in navy blue. I have had both jackets for about 5 years, and I cannot say they both look absolutely amazing because they do not, especially my Constable is getting that worn look. But these are sturdy, well constructed jackets, no doubt about it. Both have served me well Winter after winter with minimal, if any, feather leakage or otherwise any issue with the jacket. All the seams and threads are completely intact, in fact I will be selling my CG Chilliwack quite soon because I do not wish to wear it again.
I have absolutely nothing against CG but as a whole, this brand is no doubt a QUALITY brand, but as far as fashionable goes, you are nothing special sporting any CG coat. This is demonstrated easily everywhere you go with the number of people sporting the CG especially in Toronto. The proportion among middle class high school kids, especially for the Chilliwack, is disconcerting, lets face it, when you go out as mid-30's guy like myself, you can't help but be a little annoyed by the number of kids and people sporting exactly the same coat. Oh woe to the Goose flock.
Like I said again, nothing wrong with the coats. CG makes a fantastic, high quality product. If you are looking for exclusivity though look elsewhere immediately because this brand no longer offers it.
A few years later I purchased a Mooseknuckle Stirling parka and it as well, is a very high end quality product, of ever slight better quality than even the CG, in my opinion. The workmanship and lasting construction of the average MK jacket is top notch, no doubt that any average winter coat they make will last many many years. Mine has quite an awesome pelt of black fur but then again, pelts may differ greatly from one piece to another, and with that variation, I am not going to nitpick, some coats just have better pelts than others, depending as individually as the real animal that pelt came from. Simple as that. So that is out of scope of discussion. Lets talk warmth. CG versus MK, ok, I have NO IDEA. I cannot give you an opinion because in this regard, these makes are running absolutely on par. I cannot give you a fair comment that one is warmer than the other, they both are comparable.
As far as exclusivity goes, the only thing really separating the MK from CG is that it is duly less recognizable yes, perhaps because it is a couple hundred more for a similarly comparable coat. Both regardless, excellent choices. I have all my coats in a Medium size, I am about 5'8 and 150 lbs, 30 inch waist.
I would have to say based on my experience wearing a CG chilliwack versus an MK ballistic bomber for my size and height, both dead Medium size, both jackets fit VERY similarly, if for sake of fairness I would say that the MK fits slightly better and has an ever slight higher rise than the CG. Not that the CG chilliwack is NOT meant to be a slim fit jacket in the first place. It is a roomier, boxier, functional design - IMHO, both very similar - but slightly higher quality at the end of the day offered by the MK as well as that slight extra exclusivity being a couple hundred more than the CG. Warmth? Sorry that is an unabashed tie between both these excellent offerings by 2 recognized Canadian brands. No need to mention that CG is owned by the Americans now, I know that I bought my jackets many years ago when they were still a Canadian company.
Now onto the beginning of this season, lets throw in the absolutely uber exclusive Parajumpers Gobi leather winter coat, again a black medium, with the ridiculous GTFO price tag of a whopping $2280. Mind you I got this thing from Sporting Life for a deal of $1500 plus tax, but before you call this informed shopper insane, let me explain why I purchased this jacket.
As I mentioned before about the Goose flock, and the increasing popularity of so many players in the higher end expensive down-filled winter jacket segments, consumers like me are wanting something that is still recognizable but ultimately that much more exclusive. I do get some satisfaction wearing something that I don't have to see on other people when I am out and about, and with this particular fashion piece, I get the best of all worlds.
Lets look at this ridiculously priced coat objectively. First, lets make no mistake, the Parajumper Gobi is a very well made coat made with the same care, quality and attention from the other 2 brands I have reviewed above and provided opinions of, it would not be remotely fair to call one based on another for a fully objective viewpoint. Mine is an even more exclusive option, as I opted for the all-leather construction made of a distressed, aged look leather, with detachable hood and detachable inner down/feather lining.
Now lets be fair and say that the leather Gobi is an absolutely stunning coat that really does not fair well in photos.. it is much better in the flesh and is a very distinctive piece in its own right. It all depends on your taste as a consumer. As far as the patch and brand logo that seems to be so popular these days, nothing screams exclusivity like PJS or Moncler depending on your own personal style. If you tend to be more jeans and t shirts kind of guy and like vintage t shirts and stuff like that, the PJS might appeal to you more. If you like a more dressy, slightly more preppy style, perhaps a Moncler would suit you more. It all really depends. No doubt, PJS is a designer company, meant more for fashion than pure practical function, and as such, the pieces PJS produces, it certainly delivers.
By neck and neck warmth, lets be fair and say straight out - CG or MK coats with their heavy down fill choices, are definitely much WARMER coats. I have no doubt about this as I do own pieces by all 3 companies, with PJS falling at the end of the pack. But does this mean it is any less of a coat? By all means, I am sorry to say that the difference does NOT make or break your choice as a consumer. To be completely honest the warmth difference is very mildly noticeable, I only know this from long exposures in all the coats and in whatever weather I have seen living in Toronto, just because I said my CG or MK is warmer than a PJS, this does not mean by any margin that makes the PJS any worse than the MK or CG. On the contrary, I actually now prefer my uber exclusive PJS leather Gobi.
My reasons for my choice in my every day is because of a few things, first of all, as far as fashion and style are concerned, IMHO, the Parajumper Gobi bomber in Medium fits me the best. Albeit true that the jacket rides higher as a bomber, hitting just above my butt, because in this case, it is supposed to - it is a slim fitting jacket after all. And because the shell is leather, it does not have as bulky fill of down in the lining, simply because folks the jacket really does not need the extra bulk. It is a slim fitting bomber and really fits and looks absolutely great compared to the MK or the CG which just fit a lot bigger if compared to a PJS bomber like the Gobi.
Second with all the time I am spending outside, the PJS with multiple extremely useful pockets and features is loaded and functional enough for every day use, while delivering that warmth that is needed in frigid temperatures. Now remember I did say that the CG or MK are warmer, but I never said that the PJS does not deliver enough warmth for comfort. Lets be clear - it IS STILL a VERY warm coat, no doubt about it. Maybe not as much as the CG or MK, which can be downright super hot at times especially in a car or wandering malls, but for an urban landscape the PJS delivers that balance in spades.
Anyways let me end by saying at the end of the day between spending 600$ on a Goose or 900$ on a Mooseknuckle or 1500$ or more on a Parajumper, at the end of the day you are getting something that will deliver in form and function. How much of value the item is to you, ultimately depends on only one thing : YOU. Don't kid yourself or anyone else. The ultra high end jackets exist out there for the consumer that wants to stand out from the crowd, to be a little more exclusive, and of course, the satisfaction that some high school kid isn't standing on the corner with the same exact coat, with three of his buddies wearing the same coat as well, kind of what the CG brand has come to as a staple sight in the streets and malls of Toronto. Sure Moosknuckle is definitely more popular on the radar as well and you can start to see more of the brand around. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with what you are wearing. Personally for me, I rock my leather Gobi PJS proudly in winter simply because IMHO its stylish, it fits well, and I don't see anyone wearing the same jacket. Like ever.
Cheers all, hope you find my reviews useful and best of luck choosing your next winter coat! Sorry did not say much about Mackage or Moncler as I do not own anything by these 2 companies, no doubt they are also on par quality products.
Since I do not own a Moncler, Mackage, Fjallraven or other high end brandsm I am sure I missed a few, thought some folks might be able to benefit from a very objective review of some of the jackets out there because I have experience wearing them.
Out of the many brands I owned, lets start with CG. I own two authentic pieces, the CG chilliwack bomber in grey and the CG Constable in navy blue. I have had both jackets for about 5 years, and I cannot say they both look absolutely amazing because they do not, especially my Constable is getting that worn look. But these are sturdy, well constructed jackets, no doubt about it. Both have served me well Winter after winter with minimal, if any, feather leakage or otherwise any issue with the jacket. All the seams and threads are completely intact, in fact I will be selling my CG Chilliwack quite soon because I do not wish to wear it again.
I have absolutely nothing against CG but as a whole, this brand is no doubt a QUALITY brand, but as far as fashionable goes, you are nothing special sporting any CG coat. This is demonstrated easily everywhere you go with the number of people sporting the CG especially in Toronto. The proportion among middle class high school kids, especially for the Chilliwack, is disconcerting, lets face it, when you go out as mid-30's guy like myself, you can't help but be a little annoyed by the number of kids and people sporting exactly the same coat. Oh woe to the Goose flock.
Like I said again, nothing wrong with the coats. CG makes a fantastic, high quality product. If you are looking for exclusivity though look elsewhere immediately because this brand no longer offers it.
A few years later I purchased a Mooseknuckle Stirling parka and it as well, is a very high end quality product, of ever slight better quality than even the CG, in my opinion. The workmanship and lasting construction of the average MK jacket is top notch, no doubt that any average winter coat they make will last many many years. Mine has quite an awesome pelt of black fur but then again, pelts may differ greatly from one piece to another, and with that variation, I am not going to nitpick, some coats just have better pelts than others, depending as individually as the real animal that pelt came from. Simple as that. So that is out of scope of discussion. Lets talk warmth. CG versus MK, ok, I have NO IDEA. I cannot give you an opinion because in this regard, these makes are running absolutely on par. I cannot give you a fair comment that one is warmer than the other, they both are comparable.
As far as exclusivity goes, the only thing really separating the MK from CG is that it is duly less recognizable yes, perhaps because it is a couple hundred more for a similarly comparable coat. Both regardless, excellent choices. I have all my coats in a Medium size, I am about 5'8 and 150 lbs, 30 inch waist.
I would have to say based on my experience wearing a CG chilliwack versus an MK ballistic bomber for my size and height, both dead Medium size, both jackets fit VERY similarly, if for sake of fairness I would say that the MK fits slightly better and has an ever slight higher rise than the CG. Not that the CG chilliwack is NOT meant to be a slim fit jacket in the first place. It is a roomier, boxier, functional design - IMHO, both very similar - but slightly higher quality at the end of the day offered by the MK as well as that slight extra exclusivity being a couple hundred more than the CG. Warmth? Sorry that is an unabashed tie between both these excellent offerings by 2 recognized Canadian brands. No need to mention that CG is owned by the Americans now, I know that I bought my jackets many years ago when they were still a Canadian company.
Now onto the beginning of this season, lets throw in the absolutely uber exclusive Parajumpers Gobi leather winter coat, again a black medium, with the ridiculous GTFO price tag of a whopping $2280. Mind you I got this thing from Sporting Life for a deal of $1500 plus tax, but before you call this informed shopper insane, let me explain why I purchased this jacket.
As I mentioned before about the Goose flock, and the increasing popularity of so many players in the higher end expensive down-filled winter jacket segments, consumers like me are wanting something that is still recognizable but ultimately that much more exclusive. I do get some satisfaction wearing something that I don't have to see on other people when I am out and about, and with this particular fashion piece, I get the best of all worlds.
Lets look at this ridiculously priced coat objectively. First, lets make no mistake, the Parajumper Gobi is a very well made coat made with the same care, quality and attention from the other 2 brands I have reviewed above and provided opinions of, it would not be remotely fair to call one based on another for a fully objective viewpoint. Mine is an even more exclusive option, as I opted for the all-leather construction made of a distressed, aged look leather, with detachable hood and detachable inner down/feather lining.
Now lets be fair and say that the leather Gobi is an absolutely stunning coat that really does not fair well in photos.. it is much better in the flesh and is a very distinctive piece in its own right. It all depends on your taste as a consumer. As far as the patch and brand logo that seems to be so popular these days, nothing screams exclusivity like PJS or Moncler depending on your own personal style. If you tend to be more jeans and t shirts kind of guy and like vintage t shirts and stuff like that, the PJS might appeal to you more. If you like a more dressy, slightly more preppy style, perhaps a Moncler would suit you more. It all really depends. No doubt, PJS is a designer company, meant more for fashion than pure practical function, and as such, the pieces PJS produces, it certainly delivers.
By neck and neck warmth, lets be fair and say straight out - CG or MK coats with their heavy down fill choices, are definitely much WARMER coats. I have no doubt about this as I do own pieces by all 3 companies, with PJS falling at the end of the pack. But does this mean it is any less of a coat? By all means, I am sorry to say that the difference does NOT make or break your choice as a consumer. To be completely honest the warmth difference is very mildly noticeable, I only know this from long exposures in all the coats and in whatever weather I have seen living in Toronto, just because I said my CG or MK is warmer than a PJS, this does not mean by any margin that makes the PJS any worse than the MK or CG. On the contrary, I actually now prefer my uber exclusive PJS leather Gobi.
My reasons for my choice in my every day is because of a few things, first of all, as far as fashion and style are concerned, IMHO, the Parajumper Gobi bomber in Medium fits me the best. Albeit true that the jacket rides higher as a bomber, hitting just above my butt, because in this case, it is supposed to - it is a slim fitting jacket after all. And because the shell is leather, it does not have as bulky fill of down in the lining, simply because folks the jacket really does not need the extra bulk. It is a slim fitting bomber and really fits and looks absolutely great compared to the MK or the CG which just fit a lot bigger if compared to a PJS bomber like the Gobi.
Second with all the time I am spending outside, the PJS with multiple extremely useful pockets and features is loaded and functional enough for every day use, while delivering that warmth that is needed in frigid temperatures. Now remember I did say that the CG or MK are warmer, but I never said that the PJS does not deliver enough warmth for comfort. Lets be clear - it IS STILL a VERY warm coat, no doubt about it. Maybe not as much as the CG or MK, which can be downright super hot at times especially in a car or wandering malls, but for an urban landscape the PJS delivers that balance in spades.
Anyways let me end by saying at the end of the day between spending 600$ on a Goose or 900$ on a Mooseknuckle or 1500$ or more on a Parajumper, at the end of the day you are getting something that will deliver in form and function. How much of value the item is to you, ultimately depends on only one thing : YOU. Don't kid yourself or anyone else. The ultra high end jackets exist out there for the consumer that wants to stand out from the crowd, to be a little more exclusive, and of course, the satisfaction that some high school kid isn't standing on the corner with the same exact coat, with three of his buddies wearing the same coat as well, kind of what the CG brand has come to as a staple sight in the streets and malls of Toronto. Sure Moosknuckle is definitely more popular on the radar as well and you can start to see more of the brand around. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with what you are wearing. Personally for me, I rock my leather Gobi PJS proudly in winter simply because IMHO its stylish, it fits well, and I don't see anyone wearing the same jacket. Like ever.
Cheers all, hope you find my reviews useful and best of luck choosing your next winter coat! Sorry did not say much about Mackage or Moncler as I do not own anything by these 2 companies, no doubt they are also on par quality products.
