With winter drawing closer by the day, temperatures dropping, and double digit wind speeds every day, finding the right winter coat is very important for Western students. While sporting a rain-resistant shell is important too, no one wants to have to pile on 4 shirts and hoodies underneath, only to get tangled up trying to shed one sweaty layer after another while burning up in class. One good coat can provide warmth, wind and rain resistance far superior to that of multiple layers.Â
Before yesterday, I was a serial cheap-jacket buyer. Every year, I would run down to Sunset Kmart or the Meridian Value Village to buy a coat or rain shell for under $20, and every year it would prove to be too light, or lose its rain resistance, or fall apart somehow. I ended up buying multiple layering items each winter, ultimately growing my already too big wardrobe while emptying my wallet repeatedly.Â
I figured I must have spent over double what a good quality winter coat costs over the last four winters on items that I can’t even use anymore.Â
Finally exasperated of this struggle, and with my paycheck in hand, I headed down to the Sehome REI, which is only 10 minutes from campus by bus.
Within an hour, I was back at my dorm with a water-proof, puffy, insulated, sweater lined, leather detail, hooded, incredibly wonderful green Columbia coat with a drawstring waist. Walking to the bus stop in the rain at 7:00pm, I felt impervious to the cold.
Their selection is extensive this time of year, and you’re guaranteed to find everything from rain shells, to insulated rain coats, to ski wear. They staff their incredibly helpful (and persuasive) customer service workers by section, so you’re never far from someone to help figure out pricing, technicalities, or who can give a second opinion on how it looks on you.Â
REI is notoriously pricy, but to help they’re offering 20% one full priced and 20% one outlet item starting on Friday the 13th for members.Â
Not a member? You’ll still see prices reduced, 30%, 40%, and even over 50% as they close out previous merch from 2015, ’14, and even ’13, so everyone has a chance to save big just in time for Bellingham’s latest cold snap.Â
Disclaimer: This IS NOT a plug for REI. Everyone should know of these super good deals!
These sale items and a many more can be found in our local REI, and online. Online orders over $50 ship free, too!
From left to right:
Columbia Morning Charmer, usually $100 is now $59.73, plus an extra 20% off with membership 15FALLMEM.
REI brand Therum Down Jacket, usually $129 is now $89.73,  plus an extra 20% off with membership 15FALLMEM.
Marmot Lovenia Insulated Jacket, usually, $250 is now $159.73, plus an extra 20% off with membership 15FALLMEM.
Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket, usually $220 is now $139.73, plus an extra 20% off with membership 15FALLMEM.
White Sierra Three Reasons 3-in-1 jacket, usually $165 is now $114.73, plus an extra 20% off with membership code 15FALLMEM.
Good luck braving the weather out there, and happy shopping, Viks!
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