You need a good jacket.
You need a good jacket.
You need a good jacket.
People in New England love to act tough—wearing shorts and T-shirts in below-freezing weather. But as a future Amherst College student, investing in a real winter jacket is essential. You must stay safe from the cold, exacerbated by the wind and the higher elevation of the campus. Last year, it snowed from December to March in Amherst, and I was so grateful for my winter coat.
I’m here to share some jacket recommendations that I’ve either owned myself (as a lifelong Massachusetts resident) or heard great things about from friends. Here’s a list of jackets I highly recommend:
- Marmot Down Parka
I may be biased, but this is truly the best jacket ever. I’ve had mine since high school and it has never let me down. The internal fleece cuffs keep your hands and wrists warm, and the magnetic buttons plus zipper add extra insulation. - North Face Down Hooded Jacket or Arctic Parka
These jackets come in cute colors, are very warm, and the company has a great warranty. - LL Bean Jackets
I see so many LL Bean coats on campus. There’s also an LL Bean store in Hadley that you can reach by taking the PVTA (Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority) if you want to browse in person. - Costco Jackets
Costco sells $20 jackets that are not only super affordable, but also surprisingly warm and stylish. - Canada Goose Langford Parka
This one is pricey, but it has great features like ribbed-knit cuffs, an oversized storm flap, handwarmer pockets, and backpack-style carry straps. - 32 Degrees Puffer
Another very affordable option (around $20). Great for layering during the coldest months. - Columbia Insulated Jackets
I wore a Columbia jacket in middle school and it was incredibly warm. Their Omni-Heat™ reflective lining uses tiny silver or gold dots to retain body heat—very effective in New England winters. - Fjällräven Parka
On the more expensive side, but one of my friends has had hers since middle school and still swears by it. - Carhartt Jacket
Known for durability and warmth, this jacket is excellent for harsh winter conditions. - Patagonia Jackets
I see many students wearing these on campus. They are an investment, but they last a long time. - The Super Puff™ (Aritzia)
Exactly what the name suggests: super puffy. You will look like a cozy marshmallow, but you’ll stay warm.
These are just some suggestions–don’t stress if you can’t buy one right away, as winter jackets can be expensive. Amherst College hosts a free clothing sale every year with hundreds of jackets donated by former students. This year, some of my friends scored a North Face jacket and an LL Bean puffer for free! Students can also rent winter gear at no cost from The Gear Locker, run by the Amherst College Outing Club: https://amherst.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/outingclub.
When in doubt, look for a jacket made with down. Down insulation traps air and creates a thermal barrier that prevents body heat from escaping. This can especially be helpful if you’re attending college in a cold climate. I also suggest getting a longer coat so your legs stay warm too.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about dressing warmly at Amherst College, winter gear, or anything else, feel free to reach out to me at ipatel28@amherst.edu.