Best men’s overall: The North Face McMurdo ParkaBest women’s overall: The North Face Arctic Parka IIBest for warmth: Nobis Supra Men’s Performance Puffer Best outdoor performance: Arc’teryx Norvan SL HoodyBest stylish for women: Canada Goose Women’s Rossclair ParkaBest budget: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket
How we chose the best winter jackets
When choosing the best winter jacket for you, the most important thing to consider is climate, followed closely by activity. You’ll likely have to choose between a casual or performance coat. Casual winter clothing is designed for errands, walks about town, or keeping warm during your commute to work. These coats might be a bit heavier, but they are super warm and crafted with style and silhouette in mind. A performance jacket is designed for athletic activities like hiking, running, or cycling. They are lightweight and will provide increased mobility while protecting for long periods in the cold. For example, if you live in a super snowy place and need a jacket that’s suitable for a long hike, you’ll need a waterproof model that is well insulated with a lightweight fill to keep you warm without dragging you down. If you live in a city that suffers from cold winds, a versatile jacket with a sleek shell and fur-lined hood is a stylish way to stay warm and keep the wind out of your eyes. The next thing to consider is the fill material and its effect on price. Winter jackets can be quite expensive, for a reason. They are your first line of defense when it comes to brutally cold days, offering excellent insulation and heat retention. Pricing can depend on many things, but one of the most common structures correlates to the fill material and power. A jacket’s fill is the material stuffed between the outer and inner layers, directly responsible for trapping heat and keeping out the cold. The most popular fill is down, which is the light undercoating that lies beneath the feathers of ducks and geese. Synthetic down is also available, typically made from ultrafine polyester fibers that perform well even when wet. Each jacket is given a fill-power number to reflect the loftiness of the down. The higher the fill power, the better the down will be at trapping air, generating an effective warmth-to-weight ratio, and quickly compressing when it’s time for summer storage. We’ve also covered other winter gear, like the best heated gloves, so we know a thing or two about staying cozy in frigid situations.
The best winter jackets: Reviews & Recommendations
Now that you’re prepped with the logistics, let’s dive deeper into our favorite picks, as well as a few more tips for selecting the best winter jackets.
Best men’s overall: The North Face McMurdo Parka
Why it made the cut: A loose fit and 600-fill goose down make for a warm jacket that’s stylish. Specs
Material: PolyesterInsulation: 600-fill goose downWeather-proofing: Waterproof, Machine washable: No, dry clean only
Pros
WaterproofDown fill for light warmthLight
Cons
Dry clean only
The North Face McMurdo winter jacket will help you brave the elements during quick trips to the supermarket or longer excursions outdoors. It has a two-layer DryVent waterproof shell, 600-fill-power goose down, and weighs a little over 3 pounds. The hood has an emergency gaiter to prevent any snow from sneaking in, plus the faux-fur trim is removable, so you can even customize your coat a bit. While North Face doesn’t have a women’s winter jacket that’s the exact same model, The North Face Arctic Parka II, shares many of the features of the men’s winter jacket, including fill power and DryVent technology.
Best for warmth: Nobis Supra Men’s Performance Puffer
Why it made the cut: This jacket withstands temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring you’ll feel cozy in even the iciest of conditions.
Specs
Material: Polyester Insulation: Duck down insulation Weather-proofing: Windproof, waterproofMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Underarm vent systemPerforms in incredibly low temperatureMachine washable
Cons
Hood is non-removable
The Supra Men’s Performance Puffer makes a great winter statement. Filled with premium Canadian Origin White Duck Down, down-filled hood and ribbed cuffs that seal in heat, this men’s winter jacket will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The waterproof material will keep you dry during a snowstorm, and its seam seal tape beefs up its ability to protect you from the elements. Plus, a 10,000mm windproof laminated membrane fends off gusts and gales. You can keep your phone or keys protected in its flap pockets at the waist or the zipped pocket on the left bicep. And there’s no need to spend extra money to maintain the jacket—just toss it in the washing machine. The men’s winter jacket is available in a variety of colorways so you can find your perfect match.
Best outdoor performance: Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody
Why it made the cut: You don’t need a thick, bulky jacket to stay snug while hiking or running outdoors. Specs
Material: Gore-TexInsulation: Thermal insulationWeather-proofing: Waterproof, windproofMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Gore-Tex material means it’s extra waterproofedMachine washableThin and lightweight
Cons
Expensive
This Arc’teryx hoody is designed to stand up to nature’s wettest, windiest weather. Gore-Tex reduces the need for heavier fabrics to keep warm and dry. It’s easy to compress and pack even with the fitted hood. It also features a watertight front zip and an elasticized hem. Plus, it’s machine washable. Excellent in the cold weather, this jacket is also available in women’s sizes.
Best stylish for women: Canada Goose Women’s Rossclair Parka
Why it made the cut: Specs
Material: Company’s Arctic Tech fabric, a blend of polyester and cottonInsulation: 625-fill duck downWeather-proofing: Water resistantMachine washable: No, dry clean only
Pros
Fusion fit great for more petite bodiesNot boxyAdjustable waist for A-line silhouette
Cons
ExpensiveDry clean only
Canada Goose is known for producing the best winter coats with Arctic Tech fabric that will hold up in the freezing cold. The Rossclair parka is a Canada Goose jacket that delivers 650 fill power in a streamlined, slim fit that eliminates any boxiness, plus adjustable exterior waist straps mean you can get a sleek cinch. Available in nine colors, each with a two-way adjustable hood with removable fur ruff, plus recessed rib-knit cuffs, this women’s winter jacket combats harsh winds and offers many comforts.
Best budget: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket
Why it made the cut: A quality winter jacket doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg—and this one from Columbia is proof. Specs
Material: Nylon and polyesterInsulation: Thermal insulationWeather-proofing: WaterproofMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Removable hoodInterchangeable layers mean you can customize it depending on temperatureLightweight
Cons
Not windproofRuns large
An interchangeable jacket that won’t break the bank, this model from Columbia utilizes a combination of heat-reflective and air-permeable waterproof technology to dissipate moisture while keeping the heat in and the cold out. As it gets warmer, you can settle on just the shell, or if it’s still quite cold, but the snow has stopped, you can comfortably get away with the inner layer alone.
What to consider when buying the best winter jackets
Looking for an everyday, casual jacket that will keep you toasty at all times?
A truly great winter jacket is comfortable, and cozy, and can last for seasons to come. It should stand up to snow and sleet without weighing you down, protect and insulate without any Achilles heel, and have a stylish yet neutral design to pair with any outfit you own. If you’re not looking for a thin, lightweight outdoor activity jacket, you might find it comforting to buy a model with a little more weight and slightly lower fill power. You’ll know for sure that you won’t get cold, plus you’ll feel more protected. A fill power of 500 and above should be perfectly adequate for walks about town, taking the train to work, or heading out to dinner with friends on a below-freezing winter evening. If you live in a place that gets a fair amount of snow or winter rain, make sure your winter jacket is waterproof or at least has a waterproof shell. We recommend selecting a coat that will fall at or around the upper/mid-thigh for maximum coverage without any extra bulk. It also doesn’t hurt to go with a hood for additional shielding around the face. Once you’ve found an option that has the right amount of fill for your locale’s weather, all you need to do is decide on the color and—bam—you’ll have the best winter coat around town.
Do you want something that will be on-trend without sacrificing warmth?
Winter coats have a reputation for being boxy, bulky, or simply uncool. But that doesn’t have to be the case. While you can undoubtedly find a sleek, streamlined wool coat, hip bomber jacket, or trendy oversized teddy designs, you may find yourself shaking if things get too frigid. If you live in a freezing climate, we recommend having at least one really well-insulated coat to keep on hand when your other options just won’t cut it. A long parka jacket with a fur-lined hood is one of our favorite popular styles (there’s a reason, say, a Canada Goose jacket is coveted). If you select a top-notch jacket from a reputable brand, you won’t need to invest in a new coat for years to come. They will give you the look of winter royalty and ensure you stay protected against the elements.
Want a jacket that can transition from the sidewalk to the hiking trail?
While some prefer to have two different jackets for outdoor pastimes—one for, say, trail walking, and one for shorter excursions like running to the store or walking the dog, there are many great options for those looking to have it all. A combination casual/performance winter coat is the way to go if you want maximum flexibility. For an easy transition from snowshoeing to a drink slopeside, go for a jacket with a high fill power: something around the 700 mark should do the trick. This will ensure your jacket is light enough to keep you moving without overheating, with a bit of puff to provide maximum coziness and comfort when you’re not exercising. Of course, you’ll want to make sure the shell is water and wind-resistant, so you’re not soaked through or chilled to the bone if the weather suddenly changes. Unlike a purely casual jacket, we recommend lifting the hemline a bit so that it rests at or around your hips. This length will still keep you warm, but it will free up your lower half and increase mobility. A combination casual and performance jacket will set you up nicely for anything the colder months can throw at you. Don’t forget to add a pair of the best heated socks or some heated insoles for warm toes to match your warm arms.
Do you need a winter jacket for running and other outdoor exercises?
Cold weather doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying the great outdoors and everything it has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to live in or visit a place where winter running and cycling are available to you, make sure you’re equipped with the best winter jacket available. A winter running jacket made for running outdoors will rely less on down fill and more on a thin yet insulated design to make sure you don’t overheat. The key to outdoor exercise is layering. You’ll notice that many winter jackets are significantly thinner than their casual or even trekking counterparts; this is because they are designed to fit over other pieces of moisture-wicking clothing, like long-sleeve shirts or lightweight fleece. Having the option to shed or add a layer can be a game-changer when it comes to a challenging run. If you know your first few layers can be quite thick, think about sizing up your jacket. You can also opt for a heated vest if you don’t need a full jacket, but would still like some warmth. As with all our favorite jackets, it’s important to find a hooded model that is waterproof, but you’ll also need to think about breathability. While you can still consider a high fill power (something around 750 will do nicely), you should pay even more attention to the construction and material. A material like Gore-Tex repels water without trapping in sweat, making it great for all-weather use and ensuring your cool down won’t leave you shivering.
So, what’s the best winter jacket I can get for under $200?
An excellent winter jacket is certainly an investment and can set you back more than just a pretty penny. However, you can definitely find a few more reasonably priced winter jackets if you’re not ready to shell out a grand for a Canada Goose jacket quite yet. Ultimately, you’ll want your winter coat to last for more than one season, which can help explain the price. If you want an outer layer that costs under $100, there is a good chance you’ll find yourself looking for a replacement within a year or two. However, if you pay apt attention to the fill quality (synthetic or natural) and overall construction, you may be able to find a great quality jacket for less.
Final thoughts on the best winter jackets
The best winter coats and jackets are wardrobe essentials for anyone who will experience cold weather. The best winter jacket for you will suit the climate you’re in and won’t prohibit you from participating in your favorite outdoor activities. Water and wind resistance are certainly must-have features, and we recommend never saying no to a removable hood. Choose a casual coat for everyday wear and a performance coat for more demanding activities like trail running, or select a combination for a great winter jacket that will keep you cozy during the winter seasons to come.
