Do l want down or something else?I'd like somethng lightweight and comfortable, but warm.

Is this a trick question? Are you with PETA? Because l prefer leather. So there.

down all the way or pure wool , be prepared to scrach alot.

get a down-filled jacket that says 'Micro-weave' on the label. very warm and light.

l worked outside for about 20 yrs in subzero weather & l will tell u that goose down cant be beat,Try Caballea's,LL Bean,some of the top sporting clothes drygoods,and while ur r at it get some good insulated waterproof boots,and some good glove ,,although l could not work very well with gloves,, Good luck & stay warm oh! yes but one of those wide mouth stainless steel thermos & filled it with homwmade chili or some good beef stew with a bay leaf in it for lunch..Stay warm & as comfortable as u can ------ its rough out there--------i know i've been there !!

How cold? West coast cold or great white north cold?
l agree that down filled jackets & wool r the warmest.
Layers work really well too. l spent half my life in Quebec where winters r damn cold. Seven years in northern Alberta where temperatures reached -40 C, without the wind chill factor. Now l live on Vancouver Island BC & l only wear a fleece jacket or a rain jacket in winter. So u have the choice l guess. It depends how warm u want to be too. Have a good one. Cheers! =)

No matter what kind of jacket you get ( l agree that down is the best), remember to dress in layers!

Try a layered jacket - a fleece liner, down insulation, a removal-able waterproof cover. It should be useful 3 seasons of the year - unless your summers are as cold as they are here in San Francisco, then you can use it all 4 seasons.
Land is End has coats that are like that.

l got my eye on a 3-in-1 jacket from Walmart. They look pretty good, but unsure how warm they are.

layering up has proved best for me so that l can accommodate according to my activity.