I'm going to China in February nad am told to anticipate that the weather will be much as it is in the upper midwest. I think it's a good idea to buy some better winterwear because it is likely to be primitive where we could end up.

I wanted to invest in something like a Columbia Titanium combo jacket with thermal inner coat and wind/weather resistant shell with concealed hood. The price is about $299 which isn't so bad, but with that brand, patagonia and some others I wonder how much I would be spending for the name alone.
I also wonder how well the thermal properties of these coats work. they don't seam to have much loft so I wonder if they depend on an active user to generate some heat to keep inside.

I'm most afraid of being stuck at remote bus or train stops, or even airports where I'll be doing a lot of standing or sitting around.

I'm OK spending the cash, I figure for this trip my waerable shelter is a good investment. I also know that with so much coal heat and air pollution my clothes (and lungs) will be somewhat damaged by the time we get back. I'll be gone 2-3 weeks.

Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.

Adam