Aloha,
I am from Hawaii, not used to cold weather. I will be in Bavaria from November 22 to December 5th. I am not sure what type of coat/Jacket to buy. I dont want to spend a fortune because I wont use the coat/jacket here in Hawaii. I need to know should I buy a wool coat or a down coat? What would keep me warmer. Any suggestions on where to look for purchasing these items at a decent price would be appreciated.
Any other helpful tips also appreciated.
Mahalo,
Jeanne

Both will keep you warm, but wool is better(imo) for everything except skiing

We have friends in Maui, when they come to visit us in Chicagoland they buy some nice looking(a bit cheap) wool coats from Chadwicks.

I like wearing long London Fog trench coats with zip-out liners and hoods. Work well for the late fall moisture, too.

Your problem will most likely be the dampness. Our granddaughter spent last year in Germany and found that layers worked fine -- the London Fog with zip-out liner at that time of year would work. Later on, when snow comes, the down coat with a sweater underneath would be more efficient. But she is from Phoenix -- and she never was warm, no matter what!

I wore a pea coat (wool) when traveling through Bavaria. But you would also need wool pants (I don't wear jeans, but they may suffice) and warm shoes.

You also need a scarf and gloves, which can be easily found in Germany.

As for stores, try eddiebauer.com and landsend.com.

Enjoy Germany. I fell in love with Europe after visiting Austria/Germany on my 1st European vacation!

It can easily rain in Germany in November. I am not sure that down or wool would be handy in that case. I like a water resistant shell (REI or LLBean would have several) and a warmth layer like polar tech. Then you can use them together or separately depending on the weather.

Regards, Gary

If you are visiting Munich, try the Lodenfrey store, across from the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. They specialize in Bavarian style clothing, including Loden coats.

I really like my London Fog coats. They don't have zip out liners but they do have removable hoods. They aren't heavy but work great with layers which is usually the way I pack for Germany and Austria.

I also buy water repellant spray for fabrics and spray my coat before I leave for my trip.

First of all - it won't be that cold - it's still fall and Bavaria isn't Siberia. And agree that a down coat -esp one of those that say for 20 below - is way overkill. that time of year in NYC (similar weather) I usually wear a leather jacket (not a blazer but a heavyweight leather jacket to mid thigh). I don;t go for the wool coat until it gets considerably colder. And don't own a down anything (if it's below zero I just don;t spend that much time outside).

If you're afraid of the cold - then get a wool coat - much more versatile than a ski jacket.

Thank you for all of the great ideas. I will go with a coat that is thigh length and water resistant with a zip out insulated lining and removalble hood. I will also get gloves and a scarf. If I find I need more I can always get it there.
Mahalo,
Jeanne

I have been there at the time of year several times and am also from a warm climate. Unlike nytraveler, a leather jacket would just not cut it for me.

And it has always been damp with sporadic rain during my visits.

I wore a full length fur coat twice and it was perfect for me. Kept me warm, shed water and was comfortable.

This year I am bringing a full length down coat that is waterproof and will see how that does.

I agree that a full length trench with zip out lining would also be a good choice but I have no need to buy more coats, living in FL as I do.

I wear gloves and a hat that covers my ears, especially in the evenings. We spend most of our time outside exploring the Christmas markets and taking day trips.

I also wear Uggs and pack a pair of leather insulated dressy boots (bought in Germany several years ago) to wear in the evenings.

Pack in layers so you can peel off when necessary.

Well, I guess it does depend on what you're used to . We had aniece visit from FL and she wanted to put on a jacket every time the temp went below 70. Have no clue how she would survive an actual winter (snow, wind and temps of about 20).

I have traveled to Germany about 50 times as I worked for Siemens. November / December weather can be damp, but they usually there is not a lot of Snow unless in the mountains or further north. I absolutely agree about the trench coat with zip out lining and a turtle neck sweater or shirt. Since sometime it can be cold you want to be sure to have shoes with good rubber soles to isolate your feet from the pavement.

My friend from Nurnberg tells me the weather pattern is changing over the last two or three years so layering would be the best option in my view..

I too agree the Kristkindl markets are excellent. Even though Nurnberg is the most famous it is also the commercialized and crowded. You may want to try the traditional Gluvine and if close to Bamberg which is a lovely small town try the Rauchbier. You must have two to appreciate.

Your best bet for a good value for a coat in Hawaii might be LL Bean or Lands End on the internet. Look in their sale or outlet sections. There are also good values at www.sierratradingpost.com.

I bought a brand new down full length coat on ebay for 99 cents plus shipping. It's a DKNY and still had the tags. It was a great deal for a cute coat!

Living in FL, I looked for a few months on ebay as I did not want to spend a lot; I have full length leather coats as well as other winter jackets in my closets already.


I pack Dri Fits to layer and silk turtlenecks to add warmth without bulk.

My husband and I have a small section of our closets just for clothes for trips like this.

sierratradingpost.com is a another good source.

Have fun!