The 10 Best Winter Jackets of 2025

Best Overall Winter Jacket for Women

Fjallraven Nuuk - Women's

An easy favorite for our female testers, the Fjallraven Nuuk withstands some of the coldest temperatures we've experienced. Equipped with a deep hood, faux-fur ruff, a spacious collar, and a zipper that goes all the way up to your nose, the Nuuk keeps your face out of biting winds and bitter temperatures. The Nuuk is packed with an abundance of useful pockets inside and out. There are plenty to keep your hands warm and necessities dry and safe. The roomy cut allows for lots of layers, a big bonus for prolonged winter excursions.

Fill Weight	250 g
Insulation and Fill Power	Supreme Microloft (100% polyester)
Measured Internal Temperature	76.0 °F
Hood	Insulated with detachable faux fur trim
Pockets	6 external - 2 chest, 2 hand warmer, 2 catchall. 5 interior - 2 zippered, 1 button, 2 mesh catchall.

The Nuuk is the warmest jacket we've tested and kept us comfortable in -30°F wind chills. In all but the most extreme temperatures, this jacket is robust enough to keep us warm in light layers, making winter dressing a far less onerous affair. At the same time, if you need to bundle up, the cut is roomy enough to accommodate multiple layers without looking frumpy. In milder temperatures, simply unzip the jacket, or snap a few buttons on the storm flap to moderate your temperature. We love that it's warm and protective yet breathable enough to keep you from melting beneath your layers.

The Fjallraven Nuuk is a great choice if you want warmth without sacrificing style and comfort without sacrificing durability. The Nuuk is one of the most wearable styles in our tests, with a relaxed look and comfortable feel that avoids feeling bulky. At the same time, the considered construction, minimal external seams, sturdy fabric, and quality hardware are meant to last. And all those useful pockets, cinches, and useful features are tucked away into a surprisingly sleek-looking package. Choosing the best outdoor gear can sometimes mean opting for function over form. This jacket is for those who want the best of both worlds. We reach for it for everything from cold commutes to extended hikes and casual dog park runs to evening strolls around town.

The one thing we didn't love about the Nuuk is carrying it around indoors. It is hefty and bulky, making it a pill to haul around the mall while shopping or to your gate at the airport. Instead, you might want to opt for something like the Canada Goose Shelburne with its handy backpack-style carrying straps, or the Outdoor Research Coze, which weighs less and will keep you warm from nose to knees.

The ample cut of the Nuuk can also be a tad too generous, and some of our testers found the sleeves much too long. Though it kept us dry, the Nuuk's face fabric held onto water in our shower tests, and it's not our top pick for wet weather. For that, we prefer the waterproof outer layer of the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1. Still, if you want to stay outside when it's cold enough for all the water to freeze, the Nuuk is sure to keep you warm and cozy.

Read more: Women's Fjallraven Nuuk review

Best Overall Winter Jacket for Men

Fjallraven Nuuk Parka

Cold, wet, snowy conditions are no problem for the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka. This jacket's roots are firmly planted in Scandinavian culture (Sweden), where winters are dark and very chilly. The Nuuk's first line of defense is a thick polyamide shell (recycled polyester) laminated with a waterproof polyurethane membrane. It is insulated by layers of dense Supreme Microloft synthetic insulation, designed to trap warm air by mimicking down.

All combined, this beast of a parka tips the scales at a whopping 4.6 pounds (size 2XL), giving it an appealing, weighted, protective feel. It's rugged, warm, and has more pockets than a fishing vest. It's also very comfortable and built to last. Its synthetic fur-lined hood gives the Nuuk a serious Arctic vibe, but this jacket isn't built for a full-blown polar expedition, like the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. That said, it's still one of the warmest parkas we've tested, and with proper base layers, it will get you through some of the coldest stretches of winter.

Measured Interior Temperature	80.2 °F
Shell Fabric	Polyamide
Insulation and Fill Power	100% recycled polyester
Fill Weight	250 grams/ sq meter
Removable Hood	No

On brand for Fjallraven, the style of the Nuuk Parka manages to bridge the gap between rugged and urban, and the quality of construction means it will perform well in both environments without looking out of place. The versatility is one of our favorite features of this jacket, though it's not quite as versatile as the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1. We brought this jacket on a mission to find the northern lights in the farthest reaches of northern Sweden, where we hung out in temps as low as -15°F. We then brought it into town to wander the Christmas market. We stayed warm and felt stylish while doing it.

This is a great jacket for those who value versatility. It can take you through any number of winter activities, from winter camping to urban exploration, without skipping a beat. It will keep warm when temps drop into the single digits, and even further if you add additional winter gear. The high quality of construction, useful features, and subtle style make this a jacket that you will reach for again and again.

The zipper on the Nuuk connects on the opposite side (for Americans), which can be a bit confusing at first. The zipper is also very touchy, so it usually takes several attempts to align the teeth. Although stylish, the Nuuk is a bit bulky, so it doesn't pack or travel well — especially since its fabrics and insulation don't compress like a down jacket.

If you want something similar, the The North Face McMurdo and Canada Goose Langford are our favorite cousins to the Nuuk. Both are down-filled, warm, and just as weatherproof. The McMurdo is lighter and more compressible, but it isn't nearly as rugged as the Nuuk. The Langford is super solid, a bit bulky, and made to do battle with the elements.

Read more: Men's Fjallraven Nuuk review

Best Value Winter Jacket for Women

The North Face Arctic Parka

Warm and waterproof with a trim design that still gives you plenty of room to move, The North Face Arctic Parka is an excellent winter jacket available at a reasonable price. A durable, waterproof exterior protects a silky-smooth baffled liner stuffed with 600-fill recycled down.

Our testers loved how the parka's roomy collar kept their faces comfortably out of the cold, and the large hood has a clever, fold-out faux fur ruff. When rolled up and snapped back, the fur holds warmth around your face and blocks a light breeze. If it starts to blow, unfurling the ruff forms a tunnel to slow even a stiff headwind. The mid-thigh length extends warmth without impeding your mobility, and a storm flap with sturdy snaps makes it easy to adjust coverage.

Fill Weight	Not specified
Insulation and Fill Power	600-fill recycled down
Measured Internal Temperature	68.7 °F
Hood	Adjustable, insulated with removable faux fur trim
Pockets	2 zippered hand warmer, 1 drop-in interior

Soft elastic cuffs prevent gaps between your jacket and gloves. When they do get wet, they stay cold. The comfortably placed pockets are not built into the insulating layer, so they don't keep your hands as warm as they could. An internal pocket will keep your media devices warm enough to work, but there is no zipper to secure them in place.

The Arctic Parka's faux fur ruff is removable, but its hood isn't. We like to have a hood handy in winter weather, though, so we don't mind. These few small complaints aside, winter jackets don't get much better. We also like the well-priced REI Norseland Parka, but it's not as durable.

Read more: The North Face Arctic review

Best Value Winter Jacket for Men

L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka

We love the strength and durability of nylon. So we were especially pleased to discover that the entire shell of the L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka is made from 100% of the stuff — including a two-layer TEK waterproof barrier. The combination of these two coverings creates a very formidable windbreak and is excellent at keeping rain, sleet, and snow where they belong. These simple but very important features were enough to win us over on the cost-effectiveness of the Rugged Ridge, but there's much more about this jacket that we loved.

Measured Interior Temperature	74.7 °F
Shell Fabric	100% nylon
Insulation and Fill Power	100% polyester
Fill Weight	170 grams
Removable Hood	Yes

The Rugged Ridge didn't turn our heads when it came to warmth. That's not to say that it performed poorly, just that it didn't compare well against peers in its overall price range, and it certainly didn't match the warming abilities of our top parkas. That all said, this jacket could be slotted as activewear, so running a little on the cooler side comes in handy when you're moving a lot and want to keep your body temperature regulated. We feel the Rugged Ridge breathes well, works great with additional base layers, and has well-balanced Primaloft synthetic insulation that evenly retains heat throughout.

Other aspects of the Rugged Ridge that we loved are its many drawstrings. Not only does the hood have drawstrings to cinch it tight, but so does this jacket's waist and hem. We think these are added-value features that really boost its ability to maximize heat and block out wind. We also love the waterproof exterior pocket zippers, decent storm flap, and double-layered cuffs. Overall, there really wasn't much we didn't like about the Rugged Ridge. In fact, our only real complaint was we feel its velcro is a bit weak.

If you have a bit more cash in your pocket and would like something a little more stylish and warm, we think both the Fjallraven Skogso and the Cotopaxi Calidez are great options. We also feel the REI Stormhenge Parka is a terrific buy — when it's available.

Read more: L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge review

Best Women's Winter Jacket on a Tight Budget

Orolay Thickened Down

The Orolay Thickened Down Jacket gets the job done for less and has a statement-making look that's, at the very least, an interesting departure from the usual winter parka fare. Baffles filled with 700-fill power down (90%) and feathers (10%) make it one of the warmer parkas we tested, though not quite as warm and cozy as the 700-fill down Outdoor Research Coze.

A unique cut curves out from your shoulders before narrowing at the mid-thigh hem. It's sort of an oval, leaving your layered midsection free to breathe. If you need more room, zippers expand the hem on either side, giving you an extra four inches to work with. The enormous hood matches the jacket's liberal proportions. It's cavernous and fleece-lined, keeping your head cozily out of the weather. Comfy handwarmer pockets tuck into the jacket's insulation without forcing your hands past a scratchy zipper.

Fill Weight	Not specified
Insulation and Fill Power	700-fill power (90% white duck down, 10% feathers)
Measured Internal Temperature	68.8 °F
Hood	Insulated
Pockets	2 hand warmer, 2 zippered straight pockets, 2 zippered chest external, 1 zippered chest interior

A potential drawback to consider is the Orolay Thickened Down only zips up to your collarbone, leaving your face and neck exposed. If you're battling frigid weather and require a jacket that zips all the way to your nose, check out the Fjallraven Nuuk.

In our tests, we found the Orolay seems likely to last, with relatively sturdy fabric and a fair number of hidden seams. However, the stitches that are exposed aren't the most durable. When snagged, they pull and bunch the fabric. We found its seven zippers worked well during testing, but does give you many potential weak points. Their bright chrome flash is also the source of our style indecision. The silver shine and black ribbon pulls aren't really for us, but they might be for you. If so, this is an awesome jacket. If not, consider the Columbia Heavenly Long, which isn't as warm, or the comfy REI Norseland Parka.

Read more: Orolay Thickened Down Jacket review

Best Men's Winter Jacket on a Tight Budget

Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's

Sometimes enough is enough. The Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket is durable enough, weatherproof enough, stylish enough, and warm enough. At this price point, it doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but it scored much better than we anticipated, convincing us of its worth — this jacket is a serious bargain.

If all you need is something reasonably warm that performs well enough in average winter weather, this jacket fits the bill. Its polyester shell is backed by a polyurethane barrier, making it quite waterproof. It's roomy, comfortable, and lined with thick polar fleece. It's also packed full of features: wrist gaiters, a removable hood, a drawstring waist, storm flaps, waterproof zippers, and even a powder skirt. It's a great all-purpose jacket that can protect you as you shovel snow or while you hit the slopes — just as long as the temps are 25°F or higher.

Measured Interior Temperature	72.6 °F
Shell Fabric	100% polyester
Insulation and Fill Power	Synthetic
Fill Weight	Not specified
Removable Hood	Yes

Though we found the style decent, this jacket is a bit dated. However, we recognize that style is a personal preference. Additionally, the long fleece liner tends to hold onto sweat, which can become uncomfortable but also can lead to the chills. Its stitching is subpar and its overall construction is questionable, but we haven't seen any serious durability problems after our three-month testing period. If you'd rather spend your money on a better daily wear jacket, the Patagonia Downdrift is a terrific pick.

Read more: Men's Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket review

Most Versatile Women's Parka

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka - Women's

If you live in a warm or variable climate or simply want a jacket that will see you through three seasons, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka should be on your shortlist. It includes a liner jacket made of satiny, down baffles and a durable weatherproof shell. When you zip them together, you get a warm, protective jacket that can handle true winter weather. The highly adjustable hood keeps snow and rain off your face, and there are just enough pockets to protect your valuables and your hands. All three layers look good, with functional cuts and understated good looks.

Fill Weight	Not specified
Insulation and Fill Power	700-fill recycled duck and goose down
Measured Internal Temperature	69.1 °F
Hood	Uninsulated, removable, adjustable
Pockets	2 zippered hand warmer and 1 interiordrop-in pocket in shell, 2 zippered hand warmer and 1 interior chest in down liner

The liner jacket, which holds all those 700-fill-down feathers, doesn't have a hood, and the shell's hood and handwarmer pockets are uninsulated. So we recommend wearing a winter hat and gloves with this parka. The Tres can also be tricky to size. The inner jacket is smaller on its own than when it's zipped into the shell. The outer layer's zipper gives it an extra inch or so in circumference. The liner fits in our testers' usual size small, but it's snug for some. We tried a medium, but the shell was comically large with incredibly long arms.

The Patagonia Down With It is a similarly stylish option with less complication. Still, if you can nail the fit and stomach the price, this is the best jacket in the test for wet and fickle winters.

Read more: Women's Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka review

Most Versatile Men's Parka

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka

For a multi-purpose, easy-to-wear parka, the Patagonia Tres is a great option. It has two layers that can be worn separately — one can be worn as a simple winter parka, and the second is great for shoulder season. When worn together, they create a great weather barrier that does a good job of keeping out the elements and holding in warmth. Surprisingly, even with its two layers combined, this is a very comfortable jacket, and it looks great in almost any setting.

Measured Interior Temperature	76.3 °F
Shell Fabric	H2No performance: 2-layer, 100% recycled polyester herringbone
Insulation and Fill Power	700-fill down
Fill Weight	Not specified
Removable Hood	Yes

While the Tres is exceptionally weather-proof, it isn't perfect. We did find that high winds managed to sneak in around the collar a bit. If you're looking for a winter parka that packs a little more warmth, the The North Face McMurdo or Fjallraven Nuuk are good options.

We also didn't like that the hood and pockets lacked insulation, giving need for a good pair of winter gloves and a warm beanie if temperatures drop too low. On that note, while the hood does accommodate a beanie, it only comes to brow level with one on, leaving room for wind and snow to reach the face. Still, the Tres 3-in-1 offers a great deal of versatility, style, and protection from the elements.

Read more: Men's Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka review

Best Luxury Option for Women

Canada Goose Shelburne

A favorite option for its impressive combination of elegant looks and burly winter weather protection, the Canada Goose Shelburne offers premium performance for a premium price. The size medium packs nearly 500 grams of responsibly sourced 625-fill-power down, protected by a rugged, weather-resistant shell. It's a formidable shield between you and even the harshest winter weather. Well-designed features — like a generous, wind-shielding snorkel hood and rib knit cuffs — keep your hands and face protected as well. On warmer days, a two-way zipper and easy-snap storm flap let the jacket breathe easy, making it a fairly versatile choice.

The tailored, trim silhouette lends a polished sheen to the jacket's rugged performance, helping it transition from daily use to glitzy events to winter adventures. Thoughtful details, like built-in backpack carry straps make it exceptionally easy to use throughout the day. No more overheating indoors or lugging a bulky jacket around the store — simply slip it over your shoulders and stroll at your leisure.

Fill Weight	499 g
Insulation and Fill Power	80% Down, 20% Feathers, 625-fill power responsibly sourced down
Measured Internal Temperature	73.0 °F
Hood	Insulated, optional hood trim accessories
Pockets	2 fleece-lined hand warmer pockets with snap closures, 1 interior zipper chest, 2 interior drop-in mesh

It's also impossible to ignore the cultural allure of the Canada Goose brand. The consistent quality of their products and the prestige implied by the iconic “Arctic Program” patch demand a premium price tag. The jacket's high-quality craftsmanship is undeniable, but alternatives like the Fjallraven Nuuk offer comparable functionality at a much lower price point. Yes, the Shelburne offers an elevated aesthetic, but a big part of what you're paying for is the brand's cultural clout.

Despite its impressive warmth, timeless style, and functional features, the Shelburne suffers a few drawbacks alongside its high price tag. It requires dry cleaning, and its straight cut can pose sizing challenges. Our curvier testers found that sizing up addressed the issue. While the deep, insulated hood provides excellent protection from the side, headwinds can be brutal. A fur ruff would help, but you have to buy that separately. Still, if you're seeking superior construction, solid warmth, and exceptional weather protection in a polished package, the Shelburne may be a compelling choice.

If you're willing to trade a bit of brand prestige for affordability, the more relaxed Fjallraven Nuuk outperforms the Shelburne in all aspects except for water resistance and, perhaps, style. The Cotopaxi Calidez is another compelling option that offers decent protection, outstanding comfort, and a laidback style.

Read more: Canada Goose Shelburne Parka review

Best Splurge Parka for Men

Canada Goose Langford Parka

The Canada Goose Langford Parka is much more than an expensive, trendy jacket. Although we do feel it's a bit overpriced, we can say with assuredness that it talks the talk and walks the walk. We exposed our Langford to a range of different world climates — from Poland to Lithuania to Utah, and more — and found it exceptional at blocking wind, fending off rain, sleet, and snow, and keeping us warm on chilly winter nights.

We will say, that when we compare it directly against the previous Canada Goose jackets we've worn and tested, we don't feel it's as warm — our recent warmth tests confirmed this as well. However, for most winter weather, the Langford is a great defender against all of the elements.

Measured Interior Temperature	75.1 °F
Shell Fabric	83% polyester, 17% cotton
Insulation and Fill Power	625-fill (80% down, 20% feathers)
Fill Weight	Not specifed
Removable Hood	No

We feel this jacket's hood is its main distinguishing feature. When zipped completely, it forms a strong scuba-like tube about the head that extends well beyond the face. The hood looks a little funny, and it doesn't offer an optional faux fur trim, like the Fjallraven Nuuk or the The North Face McMurdo, but we found it to be among the most effective head coverings of our entire lineup. Additionally, the Langford is equipped with dense, ribbed-knit cuffs, a massive, snap-down main zipper storm flap, backpack straps for hands-free carrying, super hand-warmer pockets, and a collar that would make any vampire green with envy.

We loved wearing the Langford, and often wore it for eight to ten hours per day when touring northern Poland and the Baltics. Its exterior shell (83% polyester, 17% cotton) is cozy and pliable, its 625-fill down is warm enough for most weather, and its full-length size hangs heavier on the body, offering an overall protective feeling.

As for negatives, we never enjoyed starting its main zipper, and even after months of use, we almost never can get it to lock in and zip up in one fluid motion. We loved its trim, urban style, but we do think it fits a little tight around broader shoulders. Lastly, we love its parka length, but it does convert to the Langford being a bit bulky and hard to pack and store. However, when everything nets out, we are still a solid 95% on board with this amazing jacket.

If you can't justify the price tag but are still willing to pay the cost for a solid winter coat, our immediate suggestion is the Fjallraven Nuuk. It's warmer and can do everything the Langford can do. The Fjallraven Skogso is a great waist-length cousin to the Nuuk that we've thoroughly tested and love. The North Face McMurdo was also a crowd-pleaser among our testing crew.

Read more: Canada Goose Langford Parka review

How We Test Winter Jackets

Each year, we research what winter jackets are best, most interesting, and most intriguing. We then purchase and evaluate them side by side in a series of rigorous and comprehensive tests. Over the past 13 years, we've tested over 150 winter jackets. We have braved blizzards, freezing temperatures, and wet, sloppy weather, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for the best.

We have tested these jackets in winter conditions across the U.S., from West Coast mountain ranges to cold and humid coastal New England. We even brought some of our top performers with us overseas to pit them against frigid Scandinavian and Baltic winters. We've worn them to work, shoveled snow, sledded hills, and walked countless city streets, in order to get a real sense of how each performs in everyday places and situations.

Closer to home, we perform a series of measurable tests to evaluate warmth, wind, and waterproofing. We stand outside in subzero temperatures for at least 10 minutes, using a wearable thermometer to measure internal temperatures and a thermal camera to look for external leaks. We plop in snowbanks, make snow angels, hang out in wet weather, and even stand in the shower for two minutes to test true waterproofing.

When ranking winter jackets, our testers compare results across six test metrics:

• Assessments of Warmth

• Tests of Weather Resistance

• Checks and analyses of Comfort

• Trials and polls of Style

• Evaluations of Features and Versatility

• Estimations and observations of Construction Quality

Why Trust GearLab

Our results draw from a deep well of tester experience and a wide range of winter environments. The head of our men's winter jacket test team, Jason Wanlass, is a Utah resident with a taste for adventure. His travels have taken him backpacking in places like Argentina, Chile, Nepal, Iceland, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, and Italy. He has wintered in Finland, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, The Netherlands, Lituania, and Sweden. Closer to home, he also faces Utah winters each year, giving him the edge in understanding what it takes to make a jacket great and what just doesn't measure up.

Our women's testing team began with Liz Williamson, who tested dozens of winter jackets in the course of five years. She pushed these coats to their limits in the frigid Andes, deep in the severe landscapes of Patagonia, and through wet winters in the High Sierra.

Joining Liz is Senior Review Editor, Clark Tate. With a Master's Degree in Environmental Science and a solid background in science writing, Clark Tate helped develop our current testing plans and rating systems. She lives in Maine and recreates regularly in the snowy yet freezing peaks of New England, giving her an appreciation of the importance of the right winter gear. Clark has been testing and writing for GearLab for many years and has led our women's winter jacket testing team since 2020.

How to Pick the Best Winter Jacket for You

At its most basic, a winter jacket should keep you warm in cold weather. To find a great one, consider what activities you'll be engaging in when you wear it. If you're planning a ski trip or climbing excursion, you don't want a heavy-duty jacket with a hem down to your knees.

On the other hand, if you regularly see subzero temps and have to walk your dog daily, you may want exactly that. Also consider the temperatures and type of winter precipitation in your hometown. If you reside in a place like the Pacific Northwest, where winters are typically wet and relatively mild, you need a truly waterproof option. If temperatures are usually below freezing, you'll need more insulation and may not need to worry about water, as it will all be crystallized. Keep these things in mind as you work to whittle down what type of jacket will be best for you.

Gendered Jackets

No matter what winter coat you're looking for, they are very rarely sold as “unisex.” Instead, each jacket is gendered by the manufacturer and tested by our corresponding testing team. While this article covers our top recommendations for both men and women, you can dive deeper into all the testing we've done by checking out our full lineups. In the chart below, you can see a comparison of all the current women's winter jackets we've tested.

Key Metric Scores of Women's Winter Jackets

Product	Warmth	Weather Resistance	Comfort	Construction Quality
Fjallraven Nuuk	10	8.5	8.5	9
Canada Goose Shelburne	9	9.5	8	8
Outdoor Research Coze	9	7.5	10	6
The North Face Arctic	7	8.5	7	8
Rab Deep Cover	7.5	7.5	7.5	5
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1	6	7.5	7	7
Orolay Thickened Down	8	4.5	9	6
Marmot Montreal	7	7	8	5
Cotopaxi Calidez	6.5	5.5	8	7
Patagonia Down With It	7.5	5	7	6
Columbia Suttle Mountain	4	6	9	6
REI Co-op Norseland	6.5	3	6.5	5
Columbia Hikebound II	5	5	8	2
Fjallraven Kiruna	4	4	5	5.5
32 Degrees Maxi	5	1	8.5	3
Wantdo Snow Jacket	4	6	4	3
Columbia Heavenly	3	3	6	5
Moerdeng ArcticPeaks	4	4	3	3

While many jackets perform similarly for both men and women, that is not always the case. In particular, the fit of a jacket across different genders and body shapes can be wildly different. The following chart summarizes the complete current lineup of men's winter jackets that have gone through our rigorous testing.

Key Metric Scores of Men's Winter Jackets

Product	Warmth	Weather Resistance	Comfort	Construction Quality
Fjallraven Nuuk	9	8	8	9.5
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1	7	8	8.5	8
The North Face McMurdo	8.5	7.5	7	8
Marmot Fordham	7.5	7.5	8	8
Canada Goose Langford	7.5	8	6.5	9
Cotopaxi Calidez	6.5	6.5	8.5	8.5
Fjallraven Skogso	6	6.5	8	9.5
Patagonia Downdrift	7	7.5	6.5	8.5
Outdoor Research Stormcraft	6	8	6	9
REI Co-op Stormhenge	6	8.5	7	7
L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge	6	7	7	8
Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1	4	8	8	6
Outdoor Research Super Alpine	7	6	6	6
Columbia Hikebound II	5.5	6	7.5	6
Carhartt Flannel-Lined	4	6	4	8
Wantdo Snow Jacket	5	6	5.5	5
Tommy Hilfiger Hooded Puffer	4	4	8	5

Down Jackets

Down is a great insulator — ask any bird that sticks around in the winter. It has an extremely high warmth-to-weight ratio and is incredibly lightweight and effective at trapping and holding heat. The quality of down in a jacket is measured by how many cubic inches one ounce fills. The higher the fill power, the more air the down catches to heat up. It also means that higher fill power down is more compressible. A 900-fill power down jacket will be very compressible, very warm, and very expensive. It is also probably a bit much for the typical winter wanderer. More reasonable, in both widespread usage and affordable cost, is a 500 to 800-fill power range.

However, fill power is not perfectly correlated to the warmth of a jacket. The fill weight combined with the fill power is a much better estimation of warmth. A 650-fill jacket that uses less down within its baffles will almost certainly be colder than a 550-fill jacket that has double the down contained within. Of course, additional factors contribute as well, including fit and features. Adding your favorite fleece jacket or thicker heavy shell over the top will improve the warmth of any jacket. And, in fact, many down jackets are designed with this type of layering in mind, forgoing much weather protection on their exteriors.

One of the downsides of down is that it does not insulate if it gets wet. The tiny fibers that give down its loft and warmth will clump together when wet, losing its heat-holding ability. Some down is treated with a hydrophobic coating to help prevent this from happening if your jacket gets wet. Others swap out down for synthetic insulation in key areas like the tops of shoulders and ends of cuffs. Because down is always an animal product, it also breaks down over time and becomes less effective. Repeated compression of down will lessen its lifespan — whether that's from cramming it in your bag or wearing it and leaning back against the car seat.

Down is also expensive and, though many jackets are made using Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down, the use of any animal product always raises concerns about animal welfare. Having a down-insulated jacket is best for folks who prioritize low-weight gear and compressibility and are willing to do a little extra work to keep it from getting wet (if the jacket in question doesn't have a weatherproof exterior) and have a little more cash to shell out.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

In a lot of ways, synthetic insulation is the opposite answer to all of down's downsides. Made of spun filaments, synthetic insulation retains its loft — and therefore warmth — even when wet. It's more resistant to damage from compression, whether that's years of regular wear or being smashed into your suitcase on vacation.

Conversely, synthetic insulation is almost always heavier than the same warmth rating of down. It doesn't compress as well, making it take up more space in your closet or your bag. It's also more difficult to gauge the warmth of insulation based on its numbers and stats. There are many types of synthetic insulation commonly used in winter jackets today, which is why we take warmth testing very seriously. In our insulated jacket testing, we pit each jacket head to head in side-by-side tests and comparisons to understand which ones are truly warmer.

While synthetic insulation is heavier and not as warm for its weight, it doesn't lose loft and stick together when wet like down does, making it a great choice for folks living in wet environments or frequently playing in the snow with dogs or children. Synthetic insulation is great for people who are looking for a more affordable option, something a little more weather-resistant, and hoping to avoid the harvesting of birds.

Activewear Jackets

Ski jackets are a different animal than your standard winter jacket. Quality ski jacketscome with features designed for the slopes, like ventilation to release excess heat, large pockets for snacks and equipment, snow skirts to keep out that spray while you carve, and high collars to protect your face and neck from the wind as you speed down the hill. Much like a winter jacket, your ideal ski jacket is going to vary depending on your needs.

Hardshell jackets are also great for customizing your heat-retaining underlayers. They have very slight insulation and don't offer much protection from the cold, but are waterproof and windproof, making them great for putting the final seal on your layering system in frigid conditions. A softshell jacket can be a better option for active endeavors, as it's more breathable and often more flexible to keep up with you while you recreate. If you are looking for a great ski jacket, check out our expert reviews to find the best one for you.

Elements of a Good Winter Jacket

Winter jackets may be filled with down or synthetic insulation, but the best ones include multiple elements to keep you warm and dry. While most puffy jackets — and even many ski jackets — work best when paired with other layers, a good winter jacket can keep you warm without requiring a complicated layering system underneath.

Outer Shell

If you live in a more frigid region, chances are you are not going to experience very wet winters. The air tends to be dry in these areas, so having a waterproof shell may not be at the top of your priority list. However, some of the coldest places can also be some of the windiest, and what is waterproof is almost always also highly wind resistant. Milder and warmer regions often trend towards wetter winter weather. In that case, a waterproof or water-resistant shell is crucial to your overall happiness.

Insulation

Finding the type of insulation in a jacket that you're looking for is only part of the process. The more crucial piece is making sure the jacket has enough of it. It won't matter what insulation you've chosen if the jacket lacks the right amount to keep you warm in your climate. Regardless of the type of insulation within, if a jacket has sewn-through baffles, these tiny punctures through the fabric can create weak points for whipping winds to head straight through the jacket and cool your core.

Fit

Some jackets are made roomier than others. Consider your body shape and your typical winter wardrobe, and be sure your jacket can accommodate your build and your layers. A jacket that is tight across the shoulders is going to be uncomfortable and difficult to move your arms in while loading up the car or rolling a snowman. Likewise, tightness in the hips can make a jacket bunch up when you try to walk or run, leaving you uncomfortable and exposed. Consider also the hem length and your intended activities. If you are going to be doing a lot of running around, you may want a shorter model. If you intend to sit on a bench or the ground, a longer hem will keep you warmer.

Features

What can help separate the okay jackets from the exceptional ones are the features. A great jacket may be next to useless if it has a lack of pockets, an impractical hood, or no adjustable cuffs to seal out the cold. A quality hood that will keep you warm will be well-insulated. The addition of a ruff offers a high degree of protection against windchill. A removable hood is handy and can provide a bit more versatility in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when you may not need the extra weight around your neck. If you intend to wear a beanie, you'll want to look out for a roomier hood to fit easily over additional layers on your head without exposing your face and neck to the cold.

Two-way zippers are a great feature to have on a knee-length parka. Mobility is typically quite limited in a longer hem, and loosening the zipper just a few inches can make all the difference. It can also help regulate temperature if you get too warm. Wrist cuffs are essential for holding in the heat and keeping the outside out. Some are fleece, knit elastic, or nylon, and some even have an extended portion with a thumbhole that functions as a wrist warmer. The most protective ones include a snap or velcro strap that allows you to tighten the cuff around your wrist, sealing out the cold, wind, or wet.

Conclusion

Choosing a winter jacket can feel like a daunting task, but knowing what you're looking for can make it a little easier. We hope that our in-depth testing and comprehensive evaluations and comparisons have helped you to feel confident in finding the right jacket with the warmth, features, and protection to fit your needs and budget.

While a great jacket is a major key in winter cold protection, there are a few other pieces essential to complimenting the right one. A pair of winter gloves, a warm beanie, and a solid pair of snow boots are paramount in snowy weather. For colder treks, we recommend adding a toasty set of long underwear and a quality base layer to help keep you warm.