The Best Winter Jackets for Men

Our Picks of Men's Winter Jackets

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. The Nuuk's rugged canvas-like shell is actually made of 100% recycled polyester, and its proprietary Supreme Microloft insulation 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. 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.

Shell Fabric	Polyamide
Insulation and Fill Power	100% recycled polyester
Fill Weight	250 grams/ sq meter
Removable Hood	No
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords, 1 rear velcro tab

However, we found the Nuuk to have a few flaws. Most notably, the zipper can be quite stubborn, often requiring more finagling than we had patience for. It also connects on the opposite side, so it's a little confusing at first. The polyamide shell likes to absorb water. Thanks to an interior polyurethane membrane, the inside of the jacket never got wet. However, the water weighed the jacket down 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 more rugged style, we also highly recommend the down-filled 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 it comes to getting your money's worth, our firsthand experience with our L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka has us convinced that it is one of the best buys we've come across in our years of testing men's winter jackets. A dense nylon shell, solid water and wind resistance, great stitching, thoughtful features, loads of drawstrings, and a reasonably sporty style make this jacket functional and versatile. It can double as a work coat or an impromptu ski jacket, and fit right in running errands or shoveling 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.

Shell Fabric	100% nylon
Insulation and Fill Power	100% polyester
Fill Weight	170 grams
Removable Hood	Yes
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords

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 and, when it comes to style, we think the Cotopaxi Calidez has far better vibes. This jacket is somewhat generic and carries a “bring your lunch pail to work” kind of attitude. It isn't the warmest, but not everyone needs single-digit weather protection, and the L.L. Bean 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; however, we feel this versatility is a great feature when we consider this jacket's price tag.

Shell Fabric	100% polyester
Insulation and Fill Power	Synthetic
Fill Weight	Not specified
Removable Hood	Yes
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords

We didn't dig the Snow Jacket's style, but we really liked its features: elastic wrist gaiters, powder skirt, removable hood, storm flaps, and even waterproof zippers. We haven't seen any durability problems yet, but this jacket's overall quality is definitely reduced by its affordability; the seams are loosely stitched, which could eventually lead to popped seams. You simply get what you pay for in the winter jacket arena. The hemline stops at the waist, and it's not built for really cold temps. If you like the price point of the Wantdo but want a slight upgrade, take a look at the Columbia Hikebound II. It's a lightweight jacket that is a bit warmer and more comfortable. But when cash is king, the Snow Jacket is simply a bargain.

Read more: Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket review

Best for Urban Winter Wear

Patagonia Jackson Glacier

Insulation: 700-fill recycled down | Number of Pockets: 2 exterior, 1 interior

If you want to wear a winter parka without looking like you're wearing a winter parka, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier is the jacket for you. The style is more akin to a down jacket, but it has the added water and wind resistance of a 2-ply H2No performance shell. When worn on bike rides through wet, slushy rain, we arrived at our destination bone dry on the inside. A roomy fit allows you to layer as needed, and doesn't feel restrictive through the shoulders and waist. 700-fill power down is on par with some of the warmest jackets we tested, and has the benefit of being comparatively lightweight. The Jackson Glacier only has three pockets: two at the side and one at the chest. This might be disappointing for some, but the minimalist design worked well for our tester, and the pockets are roomy enough to stash most of your personal items. Plus, they each have water-tight zip closures to provide better protection for your tech.

Shell Fabric	H2No performance: 2-layer, 100% recycled polyester
Insulation and Fill Power	700-fill-power 100% Recycled Down
Fill Weight	Not specified
Removable Hood	No
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords, 1 rear drawcord

The most notable downside is that this jacket has a waist-length cut that just can't keep up with the warmth provided by longer parkas. It also lacks some protective features and is less likely to perform well in a heavy storm or sub-zero temps. There is no way to cinch the cuffs tight against your wrists, and there is no baffle or ruff on the hood to keep wind and snow off your face. That said, visibility is much improved over other winter parkas, and a fluffy fur ruff can be a bit of a divisive style detail that many choose to remove anyway. If you want an understated yet warm winter jacket that you can wear to work, dinner, or to walk the dog on the trail behind the house, the Jackson Glacier is for you.

Read more: Patagonia Jackson Glacier 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 built-in 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 is a fan favorite among our men's reviewers (the same goes for the women's version) for its style, appealing fabrics, and noticeable comfort. The Tres 3-in-1 features an insulated down layer and a water/windproof outer layer that can zip together into one jacket or be worn independently. This gives 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.

Shell Fabric	H2No performance: 2-layer, 100% recycled polyester herringbone
Insulation and Fill Power	700-fill down
Fill Weight	Not specified
Removable Hood	Yes
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords, 1 rear drawcord

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 have zippered closures, so the zipper teeth grind against the hands and wrists. That said, these pockets are weatherproof, very secure, and excellent for storing valuables. We have one other 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 it is a welcome addition to Canada Goose's line of bulky coats that can look out of place anywhere other than an Arctic 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 feel about it.

Shell Fabric	83% polyester, 17% cotton
Insulation and Fill Power	625-fill (80% down, 20% feathers)
Fill Weight	Not specifed
Removable Hood	No
Hood Adjustments	1 topside adjustment strap

If you have broader shoulders or a bigger body, you may have a little trouble getting a perfect fit. The Langford has a tailored, urban-style fit, so it is slimmer than a standard winter coat, especially across the shoulders and in the armpits. At the same time, it's bulky, hard to pack, and the hood reduces visibility when fully zipped (but when the wind really kicks in, we don't complain about it; the hood is massive and warm). Additionally, 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. The biggest deterrent is likely the cost, and if the Langford's price tag is out of the question, you may want to consider the The North Face McMurdo Parka. It's warmer than the Langford and is far less expensive. If luxury weather protection is within budget for you, you won't be disappointed by 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. In addition, its sleeves are sealed off by elastic wrist gaiters, and the hood cinches down to create a protective cocoon while maintaining a near-perfect line of vision. Seamless shoulders provide a smooth ride for backpack straps, while hand-warmer pockets sit low enough that they are still accessible when wearing a hip belt or harness. And to top it all off, the nylon waterproof shell sheds water like a duck.

Shell Fabric	HydroWall 2L
Insulation and Fill Power	850-fill goose down, 180 g polyester fill (98% recycled) in hem and cuffs, 80 g polyester fill in hood, sleeves, and side panels
Fill Weight	Down: 180 grams, polyester: 80 grams
Removable Hood	No
Hood Adjustments	2 side drawcords, 1 rear drawcord

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 for our taste. All said, this jacket is laden with performance features while costing less than many similar options. The Patagonia Jackson Glacier is another one of our favorite down jackets. It is chock full of premium 700-fill down, but it is protected by a densely woven double-layer shell, so it's a great consideration if you live in a wetter climate. But, the REI Stormhenge is still likely a better value for most people.

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

How We Tested

We've analyzed winter jackets for over a decade and have had hands-on experience wearing and testing over 90 different men's coats. We've refined our testing process and metrics to a rigorous and thorough standard over the years, and we've worn these jackets in every type of winter weather, doing every kind of winter activity — from wandering northern cities to exploring the wilds and small towns in between. We check for warmth features like cinchable straps around any openings — hood, hem, and sleeve cuffs. And intentionally go out in heavy winter storms to test the winder resistance and face protection offered by the hoods. We stand out in below-freezing temps in the middle of the night to push these jackets to the limits of their warmth. 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, and Estonia 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?

A good winter jacket can be pricey. In fact, it might be the most expensive piece of clothing many users own. That said, it is one of the most essential pieces of clothing in your winter kit, and can make the difference between enjoying beautiful winter days and shivering miserably, wishing summer would arrive sooner. In general, price rises with the level of warmth a jacket provides, but there are still good deals to be found.

The L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka sits at the sweet spot of the budget choices. It is basic, but well-made and likely to last many years, making its value even better over the long term. It is not the warmest jacket, but it is likely warm enough for most winter activities, and provides a solid weatherproof shell under which you can add layers to preference. If you are willing to spend just a bit more, we love the value of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Parka, which provides a step up in weatherproofing from the L.L. Bean. It is made with a blend of down and synthetic insulation, a waterproof membrane, and has excellent features.

The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and The North Face McMurdo are pricey, we will admit. But if you live in colder climates, we consider them to carry their value in the warmth they provide. BUT, carefully consider how much warmth you actually need in your region, making sure you don't buy a jacket that is unnecessarily warm (and expensive). In more temperate areas, users might be able to get away with less. The Columbia Hikebound II can't match the incredible warmth of some of our top-rated jackets, but not everyone needs that level of warmth. The Hikebound II offers decent performance at a reasonable price and is especially notable for its comfortable fit.

Warmth

Warmth is directly dependent on how much and what type of insulation is used in a jacket, be it down or synthetic. Generally, the more insulation a jacket contains, the warmer it is. Of course, the most helpful measurement for warmth is comparative testing in real-life conditions. To do this, we wore each coat extensively and collected anecdotal data. We also strapped Bluetooth thermometers to our bodies and stood out in the cold 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 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, even if you are standing still. 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 is still 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, which creates pockets that trap the air warmed by body heat, allowing warmth to build within the jacket, and keeping you warmer for longer.

Other top performers include the Marmot Fordham, the Canada Goose Langford Parka, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier, and the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka. All of these are down jackets, allowing them to be lightweight and warm. Our favorites among the five are the Langford and the Glacier. Specifically, we loved wearing the Jackson Glacier when we knew we were in for some weather. The 700-fill down kept us warm and dry for extended periods in dense precipitation, and moisture rolled right off the waterproof H2No performance shell, keeping the insulation dry and lofty.

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka got our votes because of its versatile warmth. This jacket has two separate layers: a long, waterproof outer jacket and a decently warm inner down puffy. Each can be worn separately, the down if you only need warmth but no waterproofing, and the shell if you need a rain jacket with less insulation. However, when combined, the two layers really pack a punch in terms of warmth and projection, allowing it to be functional in a wide range of climates and temperatures. The Tres 3-in-1 is also the longest jacket on our list, which is perhaps its greatest warmth feature.

Lastly, we were quite impressed with the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka. It didn't garner super high warmth scores, but 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 battling the elements. This metric makes up 25 percent of each jacket's overall score. Winter jackets must be a catch-all garment that can protect you against wind, snow, rain, sleet, and whatever kind of wacko weather winter throws at you. The ultimate goal is to keep you and the insulation dry. Specs to pay attention to include jacket length, pocket design, adjustable cuffs, drawstring hems and hoods, storm flaps, and waterproof membranes.

The toughest jackets in this metric are the Patagonia Jackson Glacier and the REI Co-op Stormhenge Parka. Both jackets are hybrid styles that combine down insulation with a heavy-duty waterproof shell, a formula that seems to be working out pretty well. Neither jacket is very long, but their impenetrable fabric beats out the rest of the models we have worn.

The Jackson Glacier proved itself during our shower tests by outperforming all the jackets on our list, thanks to its double-layer H2No performance fabric exterior. The Stormhenge also has impressive fabric, but the Glacier's durable, watertight zippers made the half-point difference between these two jackets. They were impenetrable in our testing, even when we intentionally exposed them to a full stream of water from the shower head.

The Stormhenge's treated nylon shell is laminated with REI's HydroWall 2L waterproof membrane. Combined, the two create an incredible barrier against precipitation, keeping the down fill dry and lofty.

Our next top performers include the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, Canada Goose Langford Parka, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, and Outdoor Research Stormcraft Parka. All four 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, Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket, and L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge. All four 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 resistance into a comfortable package you can easily wear and move in all day. Often, the sheer volume of material in the warmest jackets can be restrictive, which is where clever design and high-fill-power down come in handy. Leading the pack are the Patagonia Jackson Glacier and the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka.

The Jackson Glacier has a cloudlike feel you usually only get with a down jacket. Our tester remarked that he often forgot he was even wearing it. The cut is relaxed enough to allow for a full range of motion in the shoulders, and we could comfortably fit a light fleece underneath without feeling bulky. It is a bit wide around the bottom hem, but you can use the drawstring to tighten up the waist.

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka has a tailored yet flexible fit, and our tester said, “I wore this jacket almost every day for three months and never grew tired of it.” Particularly, the herringbone polyester shell is incredibly pliable, and hangs 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 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. The liner is very plush, and the hood and pockets are fleece-lined, creating a cozy landing spot for cold hands. This jacket is weighty and dense, which gives it a certain heft that we enjoyed carrying, though the weight may feel cumbersome in some situations.

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 a range of parka-style jackets, some with a slightly formal edge, others that convey simpler taste, and some that prioritize function over form. 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.

Our hands-down favorite in this metric is the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, for both style and range of practical uses. Its excellent layering system provides protection for three full seasons of the year — fall, winter, and spring — and for many, it could quickly become your most-worn jacket.

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 (it's not as warm as many other jackets), but it has a highly wearable monochromatic design that we just loved wearing anywhere we were planning to go.

Following closely behind these top performers are the The North Face McMurdo, Marmot Fordham, and Canada Goose Langford. 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 has become somewhat of a streetwear staple. It just looks cool in any setting.

Likewise, the Fjallraven Nuuk's urban-native vibe looks great in any setting; it's 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 have. 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 relaxing, understated look of both the Patagonia Jackson Glacier and the Patagonia Downdrift. Both are warm and rugged enough for a full day of sledding, but 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, and you'd be right to expect reasonable durability and longevity. Of all the metrics, this is probably the one where “you get what you pay for” really applies. Features to look for include tight, close stitching, scratch-resistant fabrics, and smooth zippers.

Our two most durable performers were the Fjallraven Nuuk and the Patagonia Jackson Glacier. Both are extremely hardy and built to last. For some users, they could legitimately be a lifetime purchase if properly cared for. Each has tight stitching, rugged materials, great accents, and quality insulation.

Other top-notch jackets include the Outdoor Research Stormcraft, Cotopaxi Calidez, Patagonia Downdrift, and the Carhartt Flannel-Lined Jacket. For a down jacket, the Stormcraft, in particular, is surprisingly durable. It is built with exterior fabrics and fittings that counteract the traditionally delicate nature of down.

We also really like the pure ruggedness of the Carhartt. While not the warmest jacket we tested, it is a dense piece of workwear designed to stand up to heavy use in less-than-pretty environments; the rugged duck cotton shell only gets better with time. 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.