The 7 Best Winter Jackets for Men

Best Overall Men's Winter Jacket

Fjallraven Nuuk Parka

Insulation: Supreme Microloft | Number of Pockets: 8 exterior, 5 interior

The Swedish-born Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is no stranger to cold, dark, wet winters. This jacket is dense, heavy, waterproof, and warm. Admittedly, it isn't designed for competitive dog sledding or polar expeditions, but our test team found it can certainly hold its own for just about any other urban or wilderness adventure you have planned. Fjallraven is rooted in Scandinavian heritage, and this jacket showcases their familiar iconic style by successfully blending native, traditional, and urban vibes, as does the Fjallraven Skogso. It's similar to the Nuuk's in style and function, but it's shorter and not as warm.

The Nuuk's rugged canvas-like shell is actually made of 100% recycled polyester (polyamide), and its proprietary synthetic insulation (Supreme Microloft) provides superior warmth by mimicking actual down. At its core, the Nuuk is a cold-weather parka built for more prolonged exposure to the elements. In our opinion, it even strongly competes with brawnier jackets like the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, although it's not quite as rugged.

We like to think that you wear this jacket to experience events, as opposed to just passing through them. You wear the Nuuk to chase the Northern Lights, brave an outdoor New Year celebration at the city center, or shrug off frigid temps while you enjoy a winter bonfire with friends. As lead tester Jason Wanlass put it, “This jacket is out to win battles against the wind, rain, and driving snow.” That said, the Nuuk's trendy style also lends it to being a great daily wear jacket for life's normal routines. When combined with a beanie, gloves, insulated pants, and some dense top layers, we feel the Nuuk can keep you warm down to about -15°F if you're moving.

However, we found the Nuuk to have a few flaws. Its main zipper connects on the opposite side (more common in Europe or Scandinavia), so it's a little confusing at first. The zipper can also be quite stubborn, often requiring more finagling than we had patience. It's possible this was just a fluke with the jacket we ordered, but after three months of use, we're still struggling to get it right. The polyamide shell likes to absorb water. This isn't a waterproofing problem; thanks to an interior polyurethane membrane, the inside of the jacket never got wet. However, the water weighed the jacket down a bit during a rainstorm.

Our last gripe with this jacket is that it doesn't travel well, so if you're traveling by airplane or public transit, plan on carrying or wearing it. If you're looking for similar performance but a different style, we also highly recommend the down-filled The North Face McMurdo Down Parka or Canada Goose Langford Parka. If you like the idea of down but are drawn to a more basic, daily wear jacket, the Marmot Fordham is another longtime tester favorite.

Read more: Fjallraven Nuuk Parka review

Best Value Men's Winter Jacket

L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka

Insulation: Polyester | Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 3 interior

When directly compared with many of the other options in our lineup, the L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka certainly has limitations. It's nowhere near as warm as the Fjallraven Nuuk or as well-built as the Canada Goose Langford. And, when it comes to style, we think the Fjallraven Skogso and Cotopaxi Calidez have far better vibes.

BUT…

When it comes to getting your money's worth, our firsthand experience with our Rugged Ridge has us convinced that it is one of the best buys we've come across in our years of testing men's winter jackets. No, it doesn't have the smallest price tag, but cheap doesn't always equate to value.

The things we liked about the Rugged Ridge are many: a dense nylon shell, solid water and wind resistance, great stitching, thoughtful features, loads of drawstrings, and a reasonably sporty style. This jacket can double as a work or ski coat, or it is perfect for running errands or shoveling the snow. Our lead tester gushed that “this much versatility and this many features at this price point are an outstanding value!” Any way you use it, we feel that with proper care, it will last you for as long as you desire to wear it.

The Rugged Ridge scored its highest marks for its construction quality, versatility, and style. However, we also noted above average performances in all of our other metrics as well. This jacket is somewhat generic and carries a “bring your lunch pail to work” kind of attitude.

As for negatives, we really didn't care much for the flimsy velcro used to secure the storm flap and cuff adjusters. It isn't super warm; however, it leans more toward being activewear, so we're not sure this is a big deal. We also thought the pocket zippers were a little stubborn. It fits a little tight under the arms (on bigger bodies), and although sporty, it doesn't have much of a unique flare. But, it has solid bones and won't cost you the equivalent of a car payment — two things we really liked. A similar, but lighter-weight option for the Rugged Ridge is the Columbia Hikebound II.

Read more: L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka review

Best for Tight Budgets

Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's

Insulation: Synthetic | Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 1 interior

The Wantdo Snow Jacket is an extremely affordable winter weather coat designed for moderate exposure to the elements. Its polyester shell, synthetic insulation, and shaggy-fleece interior lining give the appearance of warmth, but our verdict was more like — warm enough. Perfect for shoveling snow, ice skating, running errands, or sledding, we used this jacket mostly for daily wear. At its core, it's built more for recreation and leans toward being a ski jacket. However, we feel this versatility is a great feature when we consider this jacket's price tag.

We didn't dig the Snow Jacket's style (1990s), but we really liked its features: elastic wrist gaiters, powder skirt, removable hood, storm flaps, and even waterproof zippers. We doubted its construction quality, but impressively haven't seen any problems yet. That said, this jacket's overall quality is definitely reduced by its affordability — you simply get what you pay for in the winter jacket arena.

“I wouldn't necessarily wear it as a stylish jacket for dinner and a movie — but to each their own,” our lead reviewer said. The seams of this jacket are loosely stitched (8-9 stitches per linear inch), which could eventually lead to durability issues, like popped seams. Zipper quality is so-so, its hemline stops at the waist, and it's not built for really cold temps. But cash is king, and the Snow Jacket is simply a bargain.

If you like the price point of the Wantdo but don't care for its ski jacket features, take a look at the Columbia Hikebound II. It's a lightweight jacket that doesn't have all the extras. If you like the versatility of the Wantdo but need a better-performing jacket, we think the REI Stormhenge Parka is a great option. It's loaded with high-performance features but has an affordable price. Lastly, if you just want a reasonably stylish, cheap puffy jacket, the Tommy Hilfiger Hooded Puffer may be your best bet.

Read more: Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket review

Our Most Versatile Option

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka

Insulation: Inner jacket: 700-fill down, Outer jacket: none | Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 3 interior

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is an extremely versatile cold-weather jacket with a layering system that can adapt to a wide variety of temperatures, weather conditions, and activities. It is the most versatile jacket in our current lineup and was a fan favorite among some of our reviewers for its style, appealing fabrics, and noticeable comfort.

The Tres 3-in-1 features two independent jackets in one, giving the user three entirely different layering systems to wage war with a wide variety of elements and temperatures. When fully layered, it can provide warmth on the coldest winter days, and it is roomy enough to accommodate the addition of a sweater, beanie, and scarf without looking or feeling too bulky. It's durable enough for winter recreation, yet dressy enough for casual to semi-formal events.

We don't like this jacket's large front pockets — at least not for hand warming. There are no side-entry pockets on the Tres 3-in-1, and stuffing your hands in the top of the pockets isn't very ergonomic, making them uncomfortable to use while walking. Additionally, they are zippered pockets, so the zipper teeth grind against the hands and wrists. That said, these pockets are weatherproof, very secure, and excellent for storing valuables.

We also have one lightweight 3-in-1 option in our lineup: the Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka. It doesn't match the warmth of this Patagonia jacket, but it is very weatherproof and an excellent option if you're in the market for a thinner jacket that can double as active wear.

Read more: Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka review

Best Splurge Parka

Canada Goose Langford Parka

Insulation: 625-fill (80% down, 20% feathers) | Number of Pockets: 4 exterior, 3 interior

Yeah, it's pricey, but you won't hear any apologies from the manufacturer. The Canada Goose Langford Parka is a no-nonsense parka with the brawn to defend you against winter's elements, especially wind and precipitation. Is it worth the cost? We feel it's a tad overpriced, but we won't deny the elevated nature of the Langford's craftsmanship, ruggedness, protective features, and style. This is one of the best-looking parka-length jackets we've tested, and we feel it is a welcomed inclusion into Canada Goose's long line of bulky coats that seem to look out of place if you're wearing one anywhere other than an Artic outpost. The Langford performed well in all of our metrics, particularly construction quality and weather resistance. And, we must admit, it really feels good to wear. It's weighty, accommodating, and has an overall protective energy about it.

If you have broader shoulders or a bigger body, you may have a little trouble getting a perfect fit. The Langford was specifically designed to have a tailored, urban vibe, so it is slimmer than a standard winter coat — not to an extreme, but it does fit a little tighter, especially across the shoulders and in the armpits. Getting the main zipper started on this jacket was often the bane of our existence. It rarely locked in and zipped up in one try.

Although warm, it's not as toasty as other Canada Goose models. It's bulky, hard to pack, expensive, and the hood reduces visibility when fully zipped… but wow, we SO love its hood. It's massive and warm. However, money is money, so if the Langford's price tag is out of the question, you may want to consider the The North Face McMurdo Parka. We feel it's warmer than the Langford and is far less expensive. The Marmot Fordham (shorter fit), Outdoor Research Stormcraft Parka, and Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka are also good options, although none are as stout as the Langford.

Read more: Canada Goose Langford Parka review

Another Great Value

REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka

Insulation: 850-fill down and synthetic fibers| Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 2 interior

The REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a lightweight, reasonably warm, weather-resistant winter jacket. It offers features and protection — on par with more expensive models — at a more appealing price point. Its hybrid insulation is more than just a casual blend of down and synthetic. Instead, designers devised a mapping system to strategically place both types of insulation throughout the jacket. For example, the Stormhenge's cuffs and lower sleeves are more likely to get wet, so they contain synthetic insulation because it retains loft (and therefore retains heat) even when saturated — down doesn't.

Staying true to REI form, every inch of the Stormhenge is engineered with purpose. Its sleeves are sealed off by elastic wrist gaiters, and the hood cinches down to create a near-perfect line of vision. Seamless shoulders provide a smooth ride for backpack straps, while hand-warmer pockets sit low so they can still be accessible while wearing a hip belt or harness. And to top it all off, the nylon waterproof shell sheds water like a duck.

Style is not this jacket's forté. It's not ugly, but rather simple and understated. “It has a slightly strange cut,” our tester noted. The Stormhenge flares out at the bottom, creating pear-shaped lines that are a little too roomy. All said, this jacket is laden with performance features while costing less than many similar options.

The Outdoor Research Stormcraft Parka is another one of our favorite down jackets. It is chocked full of premium 700-fill down, but it is protected by a dense GoreTex shell, so it's a great consideration if you live in a wetter climate. If you are looking for a more general-purpose jacket, we think you should look at the Patagonia Downdrift. It also uses down, but has more of an urban style.

Read more: REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka review

Best Overall Down Jacket

Rab Electron Pro

Insulation: 800-fill recycled European goose down | Number of Pockets: 2 exterior, 1 interior

If you're searching for a more packable puffy that will still keep you warm in frigid temps, the Rab Electron Pro is our favorite choice. In our side-by-side testing of down jackets, this thickly filled model kept us cozy and warm on all our backcountry adventures and mid-winter urban explorations.

Though down jackets can't offer the same kind of weather resistance as the shell-covered coats in this lineup, the Electron Pro is filled with hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum Pro exterior and kept out wind and rain better than almost any other similarly-designed model we tested. It feels great against the skin and has a ton of adventure-ready features, including an adjustable hem, an adjustable and helmet-compatible hood with an eye-protecting brim, stretch panels at the cuffs, and hand pockets high enough to accommodate a backpack belt or climbing harness.

Compared to more everyday-focused winter jackets, the Rab Electron Pro doesn't have a lot of pockets for storing things while you're out and about. We particularly miss having internal slip pockets. It's also one of the heaviest and bulkiest down jackets we tested — though is still more packable than just about any winter jacket. If you want the most packable down layer we've found, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer weighs just 8.3 ounces and breathes like a dream, making it a great choice for high-output winter activities like running or biking.

Read more: Rab Electron Pro review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	84	Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Best Overall Men's Winter Jacket	$500
	79	Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Our Most Versatile Option	$699
	78	The North Face McMurdo Down Parka	$400
	76	Marmot Fordham	$325
	75	Canada Goose Langford Parka Best Splurge Parka	$1,475
	73	Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka	$400
	72	Patagonia Downdrift	$329
	71	Fjallraven Skogso Padded Insulated	$365
	70	REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka	$299
	69	L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka Best Value Men's Winter Jacket	$199
	68	Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka	$549
	64	Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka	$399
	63	Columbia Hikebound II Insulated	$140
	63	Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka	$479
	55	Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's Best for Tight Budgets	$62
	53	Tommy Hilfiger Men's Hooded Puffer Jacket	$90
	50	Carhartt Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket	$120

How We Tested

We've studied winter jackets for over a decade and have had hands-on experience wearing and testing over 90 different men's coats. We've also refined our testing process and metrics to a rigorous and thorough standard through the years. We've worn these jackets in every type of winter weather, doing every kind of winter activity — from cities to the wilds to the small towns in between. See our full How We Test article to get a complete picture of the testing process we put each jacket through.

Our winter jackets are tested side by side and then individually scored against five rating metrics:

• Warmth (30% of overall score weighting)

• Weather Resistance (25% weighting)

• Comfort (25% weighting)

• Versatility and Style (10% weighting)

• Construction Quality (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our winter jacket test team is headed up by full-time Utah resident Jason Wanlass, who is no stranger to wild winter weather. Jason is an avid trail-seeker who has backpacked routes in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and the Patagonian region of Argentina and Chile. He has also braved the wilds of Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and more in the dead of winter. He's weathered decades of Utah winters and faced fierce weather in remote corners of the globe, giving him the expertise to distinguish between jackets that are the real deal and those that won't handle real winter weather.

Analysis and Test Results

We rated each jacket's performance in the key areas, and through our testing process, we learned exactly what to look for in a winter coat and how to narrow down the options. Read on for specifics about how the jackets fared in the individual metrics that comprise the overall scores.

What's the Best Value?

Winter jackets can be pricey and might be the most expensive piece of clothing many users own. That said, they are one of the most essential pieces of clothing for users who live in cold climates and can make the difference between enjoying beautiful winter days and shivering miserably, wishing summer would arrive sooner. In general, the warmest jackets are the most expensive, but there are still good deals to be found. Consider how much warmth you'll need, making sure you don't buy a jacket that is unnecessarily warm (and expensive) for your region.

We love the value of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Parka, which provides a blend of down and synthetic insulation, a waterproof membrane, and excellent features. Plus, it is well-constructed and durable for a range of uses.

The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and The North Face McMurdo are also great values, especially if you live in colder climates. Both perform nearly as well as the best jackets on the market at a much lower price. We also love the value-added features and performance of the Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, and Patagonia Downdrift.

However, if you genuinely need weather resistance to battle against the brutal winter elements, a more expensive jacket, like the Canada Goose Langford Parka is worth the investment, although it's not quite as warm as our top performers. Refined design characteristics, down insulation, and effective waterproofing require time, effort, and money on the manufacturer's part. This extra effort drives up the sticker price, but in the long run, a well-designed winter jacket made from durable materials will prove its worth.

In more temperate areas, users might be able to get away with less. While they can't match the performance of the best jackets, Columbia Hikebound II and Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka offer decent performance at reasonable prices.

Warmth

Warmth is the most heavily weighted metric in our testing model, accounting for 30 percent of each product's total score. Warmth directly corresponds to how much insulation is used in a jacket, be it down or synthetic insulation. The more insulation a jacket contains, the warmer it is. The most helpful measurement for warmth is, of course, comparative testing in actual conditions. To do this, we wore each coat extensively and collected anecdotal data. Then we strapped Bluetooth thermometers to our body and stood out in the cold in order to record each jacket's maximum interior temperature.

Our top performer in this metric was, without question, the Fjallraven Nuuk. Although not a true expedition parka, it is still built for frigid conditions and is by far the warmest parka in our lineup. Right on the heels of the Nuuk is the The North Face McMurdo.

The Nuuk and the McMurdo share identical warmth scores and performed nearly identically in our detailed warmth testing. Both parkas are warm and built for long-term exposure to cold. Their defining difference is insulation. The Nuuk is lined with Supreme Microloft synthetic insulation, while the McMurdo is stuffed with 600-fill down. We used thermal imaging to compare each jacket's ability to hold in heat on chilly winter nights. Both performed well, but the Nuuk was more effective.

Lighter hues in the images indicate more rapid or extensive heat loss through the fabric, while the darker shades show how well body heat is being preserved. Although images of the McMurdo are lighter in color, it still is perfectly warm enough for reasonably cold winter weather. We also liked how it more evenly disperses heat throughout the entire jacket. Importantly, though the Fjallraven Nuuk immediately appears to be holding more heat, the bottom portion of this jacket is looser. This allows the heat to escape from below the hem, rather than through the fabric of the jacket. In practice — and in our chest temperature testing — both of these jackets proved themselves to be exceptionally warm.

One common feature among the top performers is fur or fur-like substances. Both the Nuuk and the McMurdo are lined with synthetic fur. Having this extra line of defense against the elements traps more warm air against your body, keeping you warmer for longer.

Other top performers include the Marmot Fordham, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, the Canada Goose Langford Parka, the Patagonia Downdrift, and the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka. All of these are down jackets, allowing them to be lightweight but warm. Our favorites among the five are the Langford, Fordham, and the Tres. Specifically, we loved how the Marmot kept us warm outdoors for extended periods of time. It has a very tough shell that is packed with 700-fill treated down, although the shell does tend to hold onto water.

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka got our votes because of its versatile warmth. This jacket has two separate layers, a long, stylish outer jacket, and a decently warm inner down puffy. Each can be worn separately in a wide range of climates and temperatures. However, when combined, they collectively really pack a punch in terms of warmth. The Tres 3-in-1's greatest warmth feature is its extra-long fit. It is the longest jacket on our list.

Lastly, we were quite impressed with the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka. It didn't garner super high warmth scores because it was compared directly against the much heavier parkas. However, when judged on its own merits, we think it is quite warm for its weight. The Stormhenge is insulated with a very unique mixture of 850-fill goose down and synthetic fibers and is the lightest full parka in our lineup.

Weather Resistance

Heavy storms are an inevitable part of winter life, making weather resistance a vital factor to consider when purchasing a jacket for doing battle with the elements. This metric makes up 25 percent of each jacket's overall score. Winter jackets need to be proficient at protecting against wind, snow, rain, and sleet — with the ultimate goal of keeping you and the insulation dry. Key features for this metric include jacket length, pocket design, adjustable cuffs, drawstring hems and hoods, storm flaps, resistant shells, and waterproof membranes.

Surprisingly, the toughest jacket in this metric is the REI Co-op Stormhenge Parka. It received the highest overall score for weather resistance. More specifically, the Stormhenge proved itself during our water tests by outperforming all the jackets on our list. The Stormhenge's treated nylon shell is also laminated with REI's HydroWall 2L waterproof membrane. Combined, the two create an incredible barrier against precipitation.

Our next top performers include the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, Canada Goose Langford Parka, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, Outdoor Research Stormcraft Parka, and the Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka. All five jackets received identical scores in this metric, but our favorite performer was, hands down, the Langford. While not as warm as other Canada Goose jackets, this beast is built to handle wind, rain, sleet, and snow.

The Outdoor Research Foray is a very lightweight winter jacket. It consists of two individual layers that can be worn independently. The outer polyester Gore-Tex shell protects very well against wind and rain.

We were also quite impressed with The North Face McMurdo Parka, Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Downdrift, Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket, and L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge. All six offer great protection from the elements. Worth specific mention is the McMurdo. The combination of its nylon shell, waterproof DryVent membrane, and 600-fill down blocks wind and rain like a brick wall.

Comfort

Ideally, a good winter parka combines insulation and weather-resistant into a comfortable package you can easily wear and move in all day. Often, the sheer volume of material can be restrictive, which is why our testing plan weighted comfort as 25 percent of each jacket's overall score.

Leading the pack is the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. “I wore this jacket almost every day for three months and never grew tired of it,” one tester stated. Particularly, the herringbone polyester shell is incredibly pliable, allowing it to hang similarly to a men's suit coat. Sharing the same testing score as the Tres 3-in-1 is the Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka. The Cotopaxi is lightweight, super soft, and very accommodating.

Other comfy jackets include the Fjallraven Nuuk, Marmot Fordham, Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1, and Fjallraven Skogso. Our favorite of these comfortable options is the Fjallraven Skogso — particularly its soft, pliable shell that is very breathable. It also comes with tons of useful pockets and a very cozy feel.

Additionally, we absolutely loved wearing the Fjallraven Nuuk. This jacket is weighty and dense, which gives it certain heft that we enjoyed carrying on our body. The liner is also very plush, and the hood and pockets are fleece-lined.

Versatility and Style

Style varies from one individual to the next, and our personalities show through our clothing choices — winter jackets included. This review includes parkas that have a slightly formal edge and others that convey simpler taste. It really comes down to what you like and what you don't. Versatility, on the other hand, is a bit easier to pinpoint. Owning a jacket that not only looks good but one that meets or exceeds your needs is key. This metric accounts for 10 percent of each jacket's overall score.

Our hands-down favorite in this metric is the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. If you haven't checked this jacket out yet, we highly recommend doing so. Its excellent layering system can provide protection for three full seasons of the year — fall, winter, and spring — meaning that this could be the one jacket you own.

We also really liked the versatility and style of the Cotopaxi Calidez, Fjallraven Skogso, L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge, and Columbia Hikebound II. Of these four, our favorite is the Skogso. It scores higher in style than versatility, but we just loved wearing it anywhere we were planning to go.

Following closely behind these top performers are the Fjallraven Nuuk, The North Face McMurdo, Marmot Fordham, Canada Goose Langford, and Patagonia Downdrift. In particular, we really loved the McMurdo's ability to be somewhat of a technical jacket but, at the same time, have that iconic The North Face vibe that just looks cool in any setting.

Likewise, the Fjallraven Nuuk's urban-native vibe looks great in any setting. However the Nuuk isn't just all looks, it's also versatile enough to perfectly balance between outdoor life and city life.

The Canada Goose Langford is another parka with a style that appeals to many. Its close-fitting cut helps avoid the bulky, overstuffed look that so many jackets come with. With understated colorways and a bum-covering length, we never felt out of place wearing the Langford in swanky urban centers.

Lastly, we really like the Patagonia Downdrift's relaxing, understated look. It is warm and rugged enough for a full day of sledding, but it's also versatile enough to wear to the movies or dinner and still look good.

Construction Quality

Purchasing a winter jacket can sometimes be a significant investment. This generally comes with the expectation of reasonable durability and longevity. Overall, you should get what you pay for. This metric is 10 percent of each jacket's overall score.

Our two most durable performers were the Fjallraven Nuuk, Fjallraven Skogso, and the Canada Goose Langford. All three are extremely hardy and built to last. For some users, they could legitimately be a lifetime purchase, if proper care is used. Each has tight stitching, rugged materials, great accents, and quality insulation.

Other top-notch jackets include the Outdoor Research Stormcraft, Cotopaxi Calidez, Patagonia Downdrift, Carhartt Flannel-Lined Jacket, Marmot Fordham, The North Face McMurdo, and Patagonia Tres 3-in-1. More specifically, we really like the pure ruggedness of the Fordham. For a puffy-style jacket, everything about it is tough — the zippers, the snaps, the drawstrings, and the dense shell.

We also appreciate the Carhartt's rugged duck cotton shell, the McMurdo's tough nylon exterior and high-end stitch patterns, and the Tres Parka's incredible fabrics and reverse seams.

Conclusion

Choosing the right winter jacket for your needs and your budget can be somewhat daunting. Just one search can bring up an endless scroll of brand names, styles, features, qualities, and functions. Lucky for you, our experts have already been down many of those rabbit holes to find a wide variety of jackets that could suit your needs. We've looked at hundreds, whittled those lists down to dozens, and then got our hands on many of the very best options for side-by-side testing. In the end, we hope our efforts will help you find the best product your money can buy.