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We bought and tested 17 top men's winter jackets to find the best ones to keep you warm and dry.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 19, 2025
Winter weather can include anything from blizzard winds to pelting rain to sub-zero eyelash-freezing temperatures. Sound fun? In the right winter jacket, it can be, or at least a little closer to fun than you would expect. Our coat crew braved horrible weather conditions to push each jacket to its limits. Whether you are looking for an option to get you through arctic winds or just a solid coat that suits your style and works in a more temperate climate, we've got you covered.
The top winter jacket in our tests is the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka. This is a rugged and quality-made jacket that is super warm, waterproof, and has a plethora of pockets. But if the Nuuk seems like overkill to you (or just more than your budget will allow), we also like the Columbia Hikebound II Insulated, which is warm enough for mild-to-cold winters, and is comfortable even when worn with additional layers underneath. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka rides the sweet spot between warmth and price, and is highly water resistant.
For a complete layering system, a fleece jacket is a great way to add non-bulky insulation and can double as a standalone jacket in spring and fall weather, and warm warm base layers on top and bottom are essential if you plan to venture out into the cold for an extended period. Hitting the slopes? A good ski jacket is a whole different ball game, and we've tested those as well.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's winter jacket review on November 17, 2025, to confirm our Editors' Choice winners and add a few new budget picks.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
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
Shell Fabric
Polyamide
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.
The hunt begins. Arriving at Sweden's northern-most airport, en route to Abisko - a small outpost town where we hope to chase down the Northern Lights. Outside temperature: zero degrees Fahrenheit.
More rugged than a down puffy, but lighter than a traditional winter parka, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka uses a mix of down and synthetic insulation mapped into a jacket that will keep you warm when temps drop below freezing. The Stormehenge has 850-fill down around the torso and sleeves (where you are more likely to need warmth), and polyester fill around the cuffs and the hood (where the jacket is more likely to encounter moisture). This clever combination ensures that you are able to stay warm and dry in any condition. On top of this, a two-layer waterproof shell, a cinchable hood, and snug wrist cuffs kept out a hefty dose of wet precipitation in our testing.
SPECIFICATIONS
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
Shell Fabric
HydroWall 2L
The Stormhenge has a shorter cut, which automatically limits its warmth. The bottom also flares out in a way that we found unflattering. With a drawstring cinch at the bottom, this doesn't affect warmth, but we prefer more stylish options when exploring the city. The high-fill power down makes it one of the lightest jackets in our lineup, but it has a lower fill-weight (fewer feathers), which also reduces its warmth. If you live in a climate where you don't get a lot of below-zero (°F) days, but you do get heavy, wet snowstorms, the weatherproofing features of the Stormhenge Down Hybrid will suit you well.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka has good adjustability features to seal out the cold without blocking peripheral vision or cutting short your range of motion.
The Columbia Hikebound II Insulated is a winter coat that provides enough warmth to get you through some of the coldest days of winter, and comes at a more accessible price than most other options in our lineup. It uses 85% recycled polyester for the bulk of its warmth, and Columbia's added Omni-Heat reflective technology adds an extra boost of warmth by reflecting generated body heat back to you. It's not the warmest jacket we've worn, but it is less bulky, easy to wear, and it performed near-perfectly in our waterproof testing. Water beads up easily on the outer shell, and the collar zips up to fully cover the mouth, chin, and nose, but the hood is a bit shallow for our taste.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
85% recycled polyester, 15% polyester
Fill Weight
Not specified
Removable Hood
No
Hood Adjustments
2 side drawcords
Shell Fabric
100% polyester
The Hikebound provides an impressive amount of warmth for its weight; however, it just can't keep up with some of the heftier and longer parka-style jackets in our review, like the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. We wore the Hikebound II on a daily basis when commuting to work, shoveling snow, and taking the dog on a walk. In temperatures ranging from 10°F to 30°F, we felt comfortable, especially when actively moving, but we wouldn't want to wear it for an extended outdoor hang like a post-ski tailgate or NYE bonfire. If most of your winter is spent simply going from one indoor setting to another, or your time outside is spent on more active pursuits, the Columbia Hikebound will keep you warm.
The Hikebound II uses Columbia's Omni Heat reflective technology to retain body warmth.
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.
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.
Just shy of the level of waterproofing you'd expect from a rain jacket, the Patagonia Glacier is great for winter climates that alternate between wet, heavy snow and blustery winds.
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.
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.
Go Go Gadget Jacket. This amazing 3-in-1 has tons of style options and can morph into several different layering options to protect against whatever weather you're facing.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
625-fill (80% down, 20% feathers)
Fill Weight
Not specifed
Removable Hood
No
Hood Adjustments
1 topside adjustment strap
Shell Fabric
83% polyester, 17% cotton
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.
Wearing, testing, and figuring out our Langford in Poland, the Baltics, and closer to home.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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Trying our best to get a group product shot, but Mother Nature decided to crash our party. During months of testing, we try to examine every detail of every jacket. We use them in as many real-life settings as possible to find the true scope of their capabilities.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
We rotate through each jacket for months at a time, paying attention to small details like cuffs and hood cinches, warmth during various activities, and overall comfort and wearability.
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.
Worse Value
Better Value
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.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka hits the sweet spot for most people's budgets. It has an incredibly weatherproof shell and hybrid down/polyester insulation that helps keep the cost down without sacrificing warmth. The Columbia Hikebound II Insulated is a good jacket to consider if your budget for winter attire is very limited. This jacket will keep you warm enough, has a bomber waterproof outershell, and has a roomy cut that allows you to layer when needed. It retails for less than half the price of many other jackets we tested, leaving you some spare cash to spend on a good sweater.
If you live in an area with truly brutal winters, we hate to break it to you, but the warmest jackets are often worth the investment. For those who winter in the Northeastern United States, or anywhere in Canada, the protection and warmth offered by the Fjallraven Nuuk or The North Face McMurdo Down Parka can't be beat.
The McMurdo's value hinges on a reasonable price tag, great warmth ratings, durability, and versatility.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Warmth
Warmth is directly dependent on the type of insulation used in a jacket, as well as the amount, whether it is down or synthetic. Generally, the more insulation a jacket contains, the warmer it is. With down, you can also consider the fill power, which measures the loftiness of each feather inside. Higher fill-power down will keep you warm, even if there is less of it. 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.
Darker colors indicate lower temperatures, clearly showing where heat is lost through fabric. What these images can't show is that a looser fit — like the bottom portion of the Fjallraven Nuuk — allows heat to escape from underneath the jacket, rather than through it.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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, we 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.
Despite not being an expedition parka, the Nuuk still offers substantial warmth at a fraction of the cost of its beefier brethren.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
One common feature among the top performers is a fur or faux-fur ruff around the hood, which can help block wind and snow and trap warmth around your face. Both the Nuuk and the McMurdo are lined with synthetic fur, which makes them preferable in stormy weather.
Showing off our McMurdo's fake fur. It's a serious game-changer on cold, snowy, windy days.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Fill Power
When talking about down jackets, we often mention the fill power of the down, which can range from 400-900+. This number simply refers to the loftiness and quality of the down. Higher loft = fluffier feathers that trap more air and provide more warmth per feather. You can generally count on a high fill-power to provide the same warmth with less bulk. However, fill power is not the only side of the story here. Warmth also depends on fill weight. Fill weight refers to the actual amount of down used in a jacket, and a higher weight = a warmer jacket. For ultimate warmth, you'll want high fill power and high fill weight.
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. 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.
Wearing all of the Patagonia Tres's layers as we crunch through the snowy wilds of Sweden's Lapland.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
After being pelted with heavy, slushy snow on our morning bike ride, we remained dry and warm on the inside when wearing the Patagonia Jackson Glacier.
Credit: Veronica Palmer
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 Patagonia Jackson Glacier proved to be one of the most waterproof winter jackets we tested.
Credit: Austin Palmer
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.
Both side pockets and the main zip form a tight seal that prevents water and wind from entering.
Credit: Veronica Palmer
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.
Gold medal worthy. Every drop rolls off our Stormhenge during a three minute deluge.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our next top performers include the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, Canada Goose Langford Parka, and Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. All three jackets received identical scores in this metric, but our favorite performer was, hands down, the Langford. This beast is built to handle wind, rain, sleet, and snow.
The Langford's ginormous hood extends well beyond the head and face, offering extreme protection against wind and rain - and bathroom showers.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Outdoor Research Foray is another 3-in-1 jacket that consists of two individual layers that can be worn together or independently. It's not as warm as the Patagonia Tres, but the outer polyester Gore-Tex shell protects very well against wind and rain. It is a good option if you need a lighter-weight, but very waterproof coat.
Some of the jackets did eventually wet out during our shower tests. The Cotopaxi Calidez was one of them.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We were also quite impressed with The North Face McMurdo Parka, Marmot Fordham. Both offer great protection from the elements, but 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.
Trying to decide if we really want to head out for a winter hike. The Foray is perfect for this type of winter recreation. It's lightweight, warm enough, and shielded in Gore-Tex so you're protected from wind, rain, and snow.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Even when reaching forward for the handlbars of our e-bike, the fabric didn't pull too tight across our shoulders.
Credit: Veronica Palmer
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.
The Cotopaxi and Fjallraven Skogso were both comfortable enough to slip on for a casual walk around town.
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. Following close behind is the Columbia Hikebound II Insulated, which is an easy-to-wear jacket that doesn't have the heft of a full parka, and has a roomy cut that allows for a full range of motion through the arms and shoulders.
The Canada Goose Langford is definitely warm, but it has a heft to it that might be comforting for some, and cumbersome to others. And this is not a stashable jacket when things warm up
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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.
The Nuuk is so comfortable, we could lay around in it all day.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Showing off the king of versatility. Its layering system allows the Tres 3-in-1 to protect you just about anywhere, doing just about anything.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
The Skogso was decently warm in our nighttime testing, although we were happy to move on to a more insulated jacket right after.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Just shoveling snow - but lookin' extra dope doing it in the McMurdo.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Tromping through Sweden's Lapland. The Nuuk just looks cool no matter where you are.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
The Langford has a slimmer fit and undeniable style.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
We appreciate jackets like the Downdrift that are comfortable and versatile enough to wear all day while doing normal, everyday things like making a run to the grocery store.
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 three most durable performers were the Fjallraven Nuuk, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier, and the Fjallraven Skogso Padded Insulated. Both Fjallraven models are extremely hardy and built to last, and the Patagonia Jackson has a rugged construction that feels invincible. For some users, they could legitimately be a lifetime purchase if properly cared for. With tight stitching, rugged materials, great accents, and quality insulation, we couldn't find a weak area in any of these three. The Canada Goose Langford is right up there with them, wearing beautifully throughout our months-long testing period and surviving our paperclip test.
We were unable to squeeze a paperclip under any of the seams on the Langford, indicating that it will resist snags in real-world scenarios.
Other top-notch jackets include the Outdoor Research Stormcraft, Cotopaxi Calidez, and Patagonia Downdrift. For a down jacket, the Stormcraft, in particular, is very durable. It is built with exterior fabrics and fittings that counteract the traditionally delicate nature of down.
I said, “get in the car!” We often grew tired of driving these punks around.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
