If you have good midlayers, I'd suggest going with an uninsulated shell outer. Your base layer wicks moisture and keeps you dry, and it's the midlayers that give you insulation. the outer layer is your weather resistance. That's what keeps the wind and wet from getting in.

The most versatile and useful cold weather outfit is one where each layer performs its own function, and not more than that. Heavily insulated parkas are great for when you're going to and from your car and buildings. Then you only want one garment to deal with. But for long days out in the cold, keep the functions separate.

As for brands, anything with a Gore-Tex or similar layer is what you want. Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Mountain HardWear are very good brands, as is LLBean. If you're headed to Maine, I'd strongly suggest going to Freeport to shop. The Patagonia outlet there has a 50% off clearance going right now, and LLBean has sales now, in both their main store and in their outlet across the street.