LLBean Baxter State Parka.

Or if you have deep pockets, Canada Goose Parkas are the best

LL Bean Wardens Coat. At a minimum, you want a parka that falls below the hip. I am also a believer in detachable hoods (in super cold, I use a hat and the hood) You should research the difference between down and synthetic insulation to be sure you get what will work best for you. The better LL Bean products will last a long time.

Canada Goose is excessively spendy because they're trendy. They work really well, but they also don't need to be that expensive.

That being said, good cold weather gear isn't cheap. Each type has its own pros and cons. To point you in the right direction, we would have to know if you're going to be active during the time you're outdoors, or are you going to be standing around. I've got a ton of great ski gear, but I'd never wear that if I was going to be standing around watching a parade. Or at least, I'd wear a lot more of it to the parade than I would to go skiing in the same weather.

Hey thanks for the reply. It will be a mix of activity and Stationary from my understanding. I'm definitely erring on the side of more insulated. If I get warm, I have my mid layers figured out so no issues there. I cannot believe how expensive canada goose is and more so I can't believe how many young people just walk around the streets of Boston wearing one

Awesome! I'm looking into the LL bean. Thanks

Thanks for the response! The LL bean looks to be exactly what I'm after. I appreciate it

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.

I swear, I have never been cold in that coat. I have ice fished in -20 F and was snug as a bug!

Can vouch for the Maine Warden's parka, although if there's a strong possibility you're going to be physically active for prolonged periods where you will end up sweating a lot you're going to want to consider parkas using synthetic insulation as mentioned above or maybe a hooded wool coat like those from Johnson Woolen Mills.

I have a super warm parka that I got at the North Face outlet store in Freeport. It retailed for like $350 or something, but I got it for $100. Its warm as all getout.

For outdoor cold weather activities I much prefer to do a lot of layering rather than relying on a single piece of gear. I back country ski and you don't want to allow yourself to sweat and freeze. I generally wear 4 plus layers. Wool long sleeve, synthetic mid layer, down puffy, 3 ply gortex shell. Depending on anticipated temps and conditions I might subtract layers or add some other wool or synthetic layers.

And then there is also the option of adding chemical heaters.

I have a friend who works as an Olympic sledding official (skeleton,luge, bobsled). She spends a lot of time standing around on ice in a non physical capacity, so she doesn't generate heat. She swears by battery powered heated jackets.

I wear a cotton canvas anorak with wool layers underneath. Works great, but no good once it gets 20f or above due to the limitations of cotton.