Canada Goose Shelburne Review

Canada Goose is a status symbol for a reason. It's very expensive, and it does its job really well. There are other jackets we've tested that work just as well — or better — for far less money.

If you're in it for the patch and prestige, though, this jacket is a great option. It has the warmth, comfort, and thoughtful features to keep it as functional as it is fashionable, and it's far less bulky and expensive than top-tier options like the Canada Goose Expedition Parka.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Canada Goose Shelburne earned one of the top scores in our temperature tests and offers plenty of protective features to keep you cozy. In the size medium I tested, the jacket is packed with nearly 500 grams of 625-fill power down, all held in place by wide horizontal baffles stitched into thick, hardy fabric. The result is impressively effective insulation in a relatively sleek profile.

The 34-inch length provides enough coverage to insulate your thighs and is long enough to provide a built-in seat cushion. This is a real benefit on park benches or when sitting on a snowy bank to lace up your ice skates. Rib-knit cuffs keep drafts out, while insulated hand pockets give your hands a refuge.

My favorite feature by far though, is the insulated snorkel hood. It may sound (and look) a little odd, but it holds warmth around your face. I love appreciating a good snowstorm from within a down-wrapped cocoon, and the relatively snug collar keeps the cold from funneling inside.

Though you can't remove it, the hood is adjustable, so when the weather is less wild, you can rein it in to increase visibility. You can also cinch it snugly to cover the lower part of your face in a headwind. It would be even more protective with a fur ruff, which you can purchase separately.

The company claims that the Shelburne was designed for temperatures ranging from 14°F to -4°F. That seems a bit generous, according to our tests. It kept me comfortable while standing still outside for 10 minutes in 20°F weather with no wind, but I had a slight chill and would rather have been moving around. While I'd wear it in temperatures hovering around 0°F, I would need to layer well and be on the go.

What I really appreciate is that it works well for such a wide range of winter weather. Again, when it's truly frigid, you can add a layer underneath. And when it's warmer, simply unzip the jacket to let air circulate. Snapping a few of the well-made buttons on the storm flap will hold it in place. I was comfortable wearing it this way on a mellow hike in 30°F weather with a sweater and long-sleeve shirt.

The Shelburne also offers backpack straps to let you carry it when you pop into a store or if the weather is unexpectedly balmy. Since bulky winter jackets are almost always a pain to carry, I truly appreciated this feature.

Weather Resistance

Part of the reason that the Shelburne keeps you so warm while maintaining a trim profile, is that it excels at keeping you out of the weather. We tested it in the shower and while standing on a ridgeline on a windy day, and it proved to be a reliable shelter from just about any weather.

The Shelburne shrugged off our two-minute shower test. The water rolled right off the fabric's PFA-free, durable water repellent (DWR) finish, only soaking into a few spots here and there. It also dried impressively quickly. Absolutely no water made it through to my face or clothing during the test. The jacket's inner cuffs also stayed dry, a detail we appreciate since wet cuffs chill you quickly. An internal, zippered chest pocket also keeps your phone warm and dry.

The jacket's generous insulation and thick fabric blocks wind completely. A storm flap snaps over the zipper, helping to keep the cold air and moisture at bay. And that deep, snorkel hood is a marvelous windbreak, shielding your face from everything except a direct headwind, even without fully zipping it up. Again, the optional fur ruff would slow the wind down even if you're heading directly into it.

All told, the sturdy fabric, extremely deep hood, and secure closures keep your face and body out of the weather, making the Shelburne a great choice for wet, windy, and cold winters.

Comfort

The Shelburn blends warmth, with comfort and mobility, making it an easy jacket to reach for when the weather turns white. It balances a sleek look with a generous enough cut in the shoulders to let you layer without feeling like a kid in a snowsuit. I can stretch and reach overhead comfortably, even when bundled up.

That said, the comments on the Canada Goose site recommended those between sizes to size up, and I agree. As someone with hips, the straight cut still feels a bit trim in a size medium. (I wear a size small shirt and size 6 pants.) Thoughtful features like the flap in the back that snaps open for improved mobility, cozy cuffs, and a soft chin guard only enhance the experience. Though the hand pockets are fleece-lined, they are placed a bit awkwardly and close with two buttons that can feel cold on your wrist.

The placement also breaks the pleasing lines of the jacket when your hands are tucked away. So, while we appreciate that the Shelburne can keep your hands warm, we wish those pockets were a little more refined. They aren't our favorite.

The jacket's length strikes a nice balance between warmth, comfort, and mobility. Whether the jacket is zipped or unzipped, it's easy to walk in, and the two-way zipper doesn't make you choose between the two. There's also a flap in the back with snap closures for even more freedom. The snaps are located more towards the back instead of the sides of the jackets, resulting in a somewhat odd look and feel. But it works.

The inner cuffs are soft and snug, adding a feeling of security. A chin guard offers a touch of softness when you need to zip the Shelburne all the way up, and the collar is roomy enough to protect your mouth and chin without feeling restrictive. The roomy hood also allows you to easily wear a hat underneath.

This jacket is one of the heavier options in the test. But the weighty fabric and extra features only add to its warmth, weather protection, and durability, so we don't really mind. The carrying straps help offset any inconvenience when you need to haul it around.

Versatility and Style

This jacket strikes an impressive balance between form and function, making it a versatile and stylish choice suitable for a wide range of activities and occasions. From casual jaunts around town to nicer occasions to a walk in stormy weather, this jacket offers features to keep you looking and feeling good.

With a nice range of color options, the Shelburne's sleek looks and prestigious brand association make it a reasonable choice for more formal occasions. And we love a posh option that can also handle itself in the weather. The protective hood, insulated pockets, and storm flap will keep you covered if you head out for an extended day in the elements. The internal zippered security pocket and two mesh drop-in pockets offer enough storage for snacks, gloves, or hats.

Winter jackets often struggle to maintain a sleek silhouette. The Shelburne manages to combine practical features with a polished aesthetic. Whether zipped up fully for a structured look or worn open for a more relaxed vibe, the jacket complements a variety of outfits, from casual to semi-formal. Though it's versatile, it is dry clean only, so we don't recommend it for gritty winter tasks.

Construction Quality

Canada Goose is known for exceptional construction quality, combining high-quality, durable materials with meticulous craftsmanship. The Shelburn seems to honor that reputation.

The outer fabric is pleasant in hand and seems remarkably resilient, showing no signs of wear and tear during the month-long testing period. During our paperclip test — in which I drag the tip of a paperclip across the fabric and seams — I was able to snag the horizontal baffle stitches and pull them a bit. They don't break though, or bunch the fabric. Many of the other stitches are internal and protected from normal wear and tear. Most of the internal seams are also concealed.

Like most of the jackets we've tested, the liner fabric is much thinner and more susceptible to punctures than the face fabric. When the paperclip did punch through, the fabric healed itself readily, and the holes did not lead to fabric runs.

The hardware is similarly impressive, with heavy-duty plastic zippers with large teeth. Larger teeth tend to be sturdier, run more smoothly, and can handle more stress without breaking down. Larger pull tabs are also easier to grab and pull with while wearing heavy gloves. The snaps on the storm and kick flaps are also of excellent quality, holding securely while easily snapping and releasing. Canada Goose also backs the Shelburne with a lifetime warranty.

Should You Buy the Canada Goose Shelburne?

The Canada Goose Shelburne jacket is a strong contender for anyone seeking a stylish, high-performing winter parka. It's particularly well-suited for those navigating cold urban winters, blending function and form for a versatile and long-lasting addition to your wardrobe. The company's commitment to using responsibly sourced down also reduces unnecessary animal suffering.

On the other hand, there are far less expensive options that perform just as well. The extra cost mostly buys you those sleek good looks and brand recognition. It's also on the heavier side and demands trips to the dry cleaners.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

We've tested the Canada Goose Expedition Heritage Parka in the past. The Shelburne is a much more reasonable option for most people. But, if you are heading to the actual Arctic, the Expedition Parka is definitely the way to go. It's far warmer and more protective. If you'd like a jacket that's just as well-made and protective for far less, I'd recommend the Fjallraven Nuuk. It's a little less chic, but I actually prefer its rugged good looks, and its more relaxed fit gives me more wiggle room. If you're really looking to save some cash, check out the Orolay Thickened Down coat. It takes a very different approach to a stylish winter coat, but the price is right, and it never fails to elicit compliments.