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I switch between leather and carhartt in cold weather depending on my mood. Couldn't afford leather in my younger days, could buy used carhartts at an outlet store cheaper.
I was wearing a Carhartt as well, and it was great, but I lost weight and not it looks like I'm wearing a burlap sack, so I recently got this N-1 USN deck coat replica. Storm sleeves, alpaca lined. Weather resistant jungle cloth. Very Nice.
It really comes down to how the jacket is made more than the outer materials. Is it insulated? With what? Wind resistant? Water resistant? Cuffs open or with the stretchy stuff?
I have fabric and leather jackets for different temps. For cold weather I use a waxed cotton 3/4 length Belstaff with belt. The belt cinches the waist closed tight so no wind gets to you. The waxed cotton breathes, which is really important even in cold weather. But it also protects against wind. I got it a little big so I can fit layers underneath, including the single most important cold weather gear I have - heated liner.
If you're on a budget something from First Gear or Tourmaster will be a good bet. They make some really nice fabric jackets for under $300 that will be very warm and protect you well.
Growing up it was always leather for cold weather riding. Even as a youngster I saved my money up and got a leather jacket. Several years ago I noticed some of my friends wearing textile jackets. They said that the textile kept them warmer then the leather. I was a doubting Thomas and stayed with my leather. One day we were at the motorcycle international show and one of my buddies made a qty deal with a vendor. 6 Sixth gear jackets for $150. So I got one and since then when the temps really drop down around freezing that is my go to jacket.
On January 1 of each year we have a polar bear ride and this last Jan 1 it was in the low 30's and windy. I had the jacket and a pair of tourmaster pants one with a base layer of freeze out gear and I was quite warm the entire time.
Carhartt is awesome. Not sure it's rainproof but it's Comfortable, warm and will give you protection from rash.
Warm and comfortable yes but good impact and slide protection, no.
Since the OP only asked about good warm coats I think mentioning work wear is fine but lets not oversell Carhartt as being sown together with Jesus' beard hair.
Walharts at Wal-Mart. Cheap and they work. The overalls keep me warm and I can still reach my jean pockets. Jacket wise a leather for abrasion resistance. I doubt a Cathcart would last sliding on pavement.
I just sold my 20-year old horsehide leather biker jacket after switching to a Tour Master textile jacket. Plastic armor on the elbows & shoulders, waterproof, super windproof and half the weight of my leather. Once leather is wet, it sucks!
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