LL Bean, Carhartt, Columbia, North face. I can attest to the quality of these over 20 yrs.

do you have any specific models in mind?

Light, Warm and Durable are three things that don't really go together well.

I'd steer you toward a down jacket, as it's more durable than a synthetic fill and still light and compressible for traveling. The key durability factor will be the outer shell, so nothing too lightweight like a ghost whisperer.

How about a Mont-Bell Upland Parka? Or maybe a classic Marmot Guides Down Hooded Jacket? If you want synthetic, maybe a Rab Nebula Pro.

Not sure if they're still BIFL-worthy, I've seen more than a few complaints online about declining quality for Columbia and Carhartt. I still think today's stuff is good, but when you look at details you see the difference from gear made 20 years ago.

I can second that for Columbia but they did warranty my jacket and gave a credit for full MSRP since they could not repair it.

Patagonia is another good brand, I switched to them after issues with columbia

I was going to suggest those brands as well. Growing up in Ohio I lived in Carhartt jackets.

This is the most similar version of the Columbia jacket I wear when I visit Toledo in winter. They don't sell the one I have anymore.

I would 100% recommend going with Patagonia—as a past employee, all of their clothes are guaranteed for life. Literally. Customers would bring in a 20 year old jacket and we would replace it free of charge. You’re also supporting an incredible company! If you have mid layers, the DAS would work perfectly. However, if you’re traveling, you could go with a more compressible down jacket like the Alplight.

I would consider a puffy for warmth but also for packability (not a word I'm sure). If you're traveling back and forth from California to Ohio it would be nice to easily stuff it in a carry-on suitcase.

I have a Norrona lightweight (that's the name btw) puffy that I really like. The brand isn't cheap but everything has held up over the years.

If packability :) wasn't an issue I would consider a wool coat. I have a Filson pea coat that I love but you'd probably want something that zips up. I feel like there's a bit of a cool factor because you don't see them as much these days, and wool just feels nice imo....and of course you will stay warm if wool gets wet.

If you’re only going to be outside for 10-15 mins at a crack, then you’re going to want to layer for warmth and have the top layer be something to break the wind.

There are a few days a year around these parts that it will get to be around -40 with the wind chill, but mostly the lowest day temps in the winter are upper teens and low 20s. You’re gonna be better off stacking layers. That way you’ve got the warmth taken care of outside, but you can leave some layers on inside, too. Some of these buildings will be warmer than the outside but still downright cold.

Just make sure you’ve got some to cut the wind with one or two fleece layers underneath.

Unless I’m doing yard work or going to the zoo, I’m usually good with a leather coat on top with an LLBean zip fleece underneath. Real cold and I’d add a hoodie under that.

Lived in and around Toledo for more than 30 years with no pieces missing so far.

Oh! Boots! Get some good duck boots. The sidewalks will be shit I guarantee it.

You doing work for OI?