I don;t know about the "perfect" coat - I guess I never gave it much thought. The one I wear the most is a Carhart active-jac. 12oz cotton duck with a flannel lining, elastic fabric cuffs, hood, inside breast pockets, heavy-duty zipper, and an elastic fabric waistband. I've been wearing one for about 13 years and it's nearly in tatters now. My wife gave a new one to me two Christmas's ago (newer version and in dark brown color).