What brand would you use when buying an outdoor coat for the winter and harsh weather of Chicago? NorthFace?

You'd want to avoid ski or snowboard jackets if your looking for something more heavily insulated. I'd recommend a snowmobile jacket from Choko Design. Choko is a Canadian apparel maker so their jackets are definetely made for harsh winter weather. I have a Choko jacket and it doesn't disappoint, heavily insulated and fleece lined, warm even with just a t-shirt under! You'll get allot for your money also, you can buy a Choko jacket as a set with snow bib pants for as low as $130! There are 2 other styles for $155 and $200. A North Face Nuptse Jacket or similar premium brand down jacket will cost $200 or more. Here are the links to the Choko outfits, stay warm from top to bottom without paying too much. http://www.chokoclothing.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=CHJK9598&reference=/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dcatboy%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPlain/SearchResult.html http://www.chokoclothing.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=CHJK9599&reference=/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dcatboy%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPlain/SearchResult.html http://www.chokoclothing.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=CHJK9594&reference=/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dcatboy%26searchstart%3D30%26template%3DPlain/SearchResult.html

I live in Michigan and me and my family love Columbia Brand outerwear. Keeps you really warm.