The Chronic Consumer

I complained all winter long about needing a new jacket to replace the one I’d been using for eight years already. But as usual, I didn’t act in a timely manner and went through yet another winter with the same ugly thing I’d been wearing for ages.

So last week, I finally decided to solve the problem once and for all. I threw out my old jacket, and went shopping for a new one. Yes, I realize that it’s spring and most places have put their winter jackets away for good. I also realize that by buying early like this, I’d be missing out on new designs and styles.

But I didn’t care about that. I just wanted to get this chore out of the way.

I ended up shopping at LandsEnd.com, and found a nice-looking jacket called the Extreme Squall®. It’s temperature rated for -10 degrees F when layered with a sweater or something similar, and 10 degrees F on its own. Yes, it gets significantly colder than that in Chicago over the winter, but I usually don’t venture out that much, so I thought this rating would be sufficient.

I ordered the jacket, and was pleased with the prompt delivery — just three business days later, even though I chose Standard shipping. I also loved the way the jacket looked: it was every bit as cool as the picture on the Land’s End website led me to believe. I was a bit worried about ordering a white jacket, but I think I made the right decision here!

Some features of the Extreme Squall® jacket include:

• An iPod pocket with headphone cord keeper
• PolarThin synthetic down insulation
• Stowaway hood
• Adjustable cuffs and hem
• Waterproof zippers, pockets, and sealed seams
• Waterproof/Windproof AquaCheck laminate
• Three-ply Supplex® nylon shell

The jacket fits perfectly (thanks to the accurate sizing and measurement charts on the Land’s End site), so I can’t wait to try it next winter. Of course, it’s a shame to have to put it in my closet for the next six months, but that’s what I get for buying out of season.

At any rate, the Women’s Regular Extreme Squall® jacket from Land’s End appears to be worth the $89.50 I paid for it. The real test will come when I can wear it in cold weather, but for now, I’m happy with my purchase!