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Ladies, are you ready for the biggest game changer when it comes to withstanding cold conditions in the great outdoors? We tested 17 of the best winter jackets to help you get through this season.
It's hard to go wrong with so many great winter jackets to choose from.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated January 16, 2026
Sick of being so cold in the winter that you're always dying to get back indoors? We get it — winter can be beautiful, but not through chattering teeth. Prepped with the right winter jacket, you'll be ready to commute, shovel snow, trek through winter storms, and tailgate after long days on the ski hill.
The best all-around jacket in 2026 is the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. The comfy design and long cut quickly made this our go-to choice when temperatures plummeted, and we wanted full-body warmth. If you're after a good deal on a highly weather-resistant jacket, REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is warm, sleek, and mega-protective.
For the past decade, we've been testing the top winter jackets and have worn over 70 different styles, looking for the softest, coziest cocoons and the durable beasts that can shrug off winter storms.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's winter coat review on January 12, 2026, to include new media for our award-winning lineup and add details on extended testing.
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka certainly lives up to its name. Down insulation keeps the jacket light, and the pliable nylon shell is buttery soft, making it one of the most comfortable jackets in the lineup. An insulated hood extends beyond your face with a down-baffle ruff that helps keep the weather at bay. The jacket features a high collar that zips all the way to your nose and has a fleece lining that is gentle on the sensitive skin of the face. The inside of the collar on the Coze features an additional baffled lining around the neck to trap precious body heat and keep out drafts. Knit wrist cuffs and fleece-lined pockets beneath the down insulation keep your hands warm and toasty, even if you forget your gloves. The roomy cut is easy to layer under, but with the 700fp insulation, you might find heavy layers unnecessary.
The Coze is not the most flattering jacket we have worn, but in certain settings, we are willing to sacrifice a bit of style in exchange for ample warmth. Lead tester Trish Matheny works on the Search and Rescue team in Yosemite Valley and said, “It was a total game-changer for me as I was finishing my season. The Coze is my top choice when hopping out of bed in my tent cabin during the colder months of the season.” This inspires confidence in the warmth of the parka, but not all of us live out of a tent six months out of the year, and for scenarios where style does count, we wish it had a cinch at the waist, which could lend a more flattering shape. Still, if you want to float around outside in a sleeping bag-like cloud, thumbing your nose at conventional fashion, seriously consider the Coze. For a more stylish take on the down parka jacket, we like the Patagonia Down With It Parka, which has a more tailored fit and includes a convenient snap closure.
The Rab Neutrino Pro is a traditional down jacket that provides a level of warmth just short of a full-on expedition parka. It's a more techy-looking jacket, and our team reached for it when the wind chill temperature was in the negatives or when they were venturing up into the far northern latitudes. However, it's not just for arctic expeditions. If you often deal with sub-zero temps in your city, or you just can never seem to stay warm during the winter, the Neutrino Pro might be the remedy you've been looking for. Compared to traditional knee-length parkas that often have heavier-duty, stiffer materials, the Neutrino is oh-so-easy to wear. It has a more athletic cut that ends at the hip and a lightweight outer fabric that doesn't bunch or restrict arm movement. Despite the shorter length, the Rab is without question one of the warmest jackets we've tested, using a ton of high-fill power down to trap body heat and keep you toasty warm. For reference, 100% 800-FP down is the strongest insulation spec of all the jackets in this review.
The Neutrino Pro is missing a few weather-resistant features, which might make it less appealing for those who experience wet and windy storms in their area. The outer fabric is less weather-resistant than jackets like the Patagonia Tres that have a waterproof shell. The water-resistant coating on the Neutrino will hold up well to a light drizzle, but eventually the lightweight material will soak through. That is, if you can stand to wear the jacket when it's warm enough to rain. It is also missing an extra-large baffle around the hood, but the oversized fit keeps snow and wind away from your ears well enough. This jacket is the warmest of the warm, and you will appreciate it if you need to keep out bone-chilling cold.
As you might have noticed, a great winter jacket can be a heck of an investment, but the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a good choice for those who want to stick to a more reasonable budget. The design uses REI's proprietary HydroWall 2-layer shell tech for waterproofing rather than Gore-Tex, which helps keep costs down. Fully sealed seams help keep you dry and cozy, even in freezing weather, icy sleet, and biting winds. The jacket fits true to size, though you may want to size up if you plan to layer, as it has a slimmer silhouette. This more flattering cut ends mid-thigh, and feels equally at home on dog walks around the neighborhood as it does at dinner with friends. If you plan to do a lot of sitting in this jacket, say, for a hockey game, or a train commute, a two-way zipper can be loosened from the bottom to add mobility. Our tester liked the pocket configuration, saying, “The internal drop in pockets were perfect for storing a hat and gloves while not in use, while the chest pocket was a nice place to stash my phone to keep it warm and prevent the battery from draining.”
While we love the weather resistance provided by the Stormhenge design, we wish the hood provided more coverage. As is, it has a rather shallow fit, and it lacks a fur or baffled ruff; we often found ourselves adding a scarf to compensate when the wind picked up. If you're interested in another affordable design that features a faux fur ruff, we recommend checking out the The North Face Arctic Parka. Lastly, the slimmer cut of the Stormhenge feels more stylish, but ultimately limits overall warmth in extremely cold conditions. If your winters are wetter than they are cold, the Stormhenge Down Hybrid is a great value.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka quickly became our favorite design when it comes to affordable weather-proof performance. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Orolay Thickened Down is warm and incredibly comfortable, wrapping downy baffles around your core. It features insulated hand warmer pockets and is one of the few options in the lineup that don't force you to slide your hands past rough zippers. The cavernous, plush fleece-lined hood blocks crosswinds easily, and our tester says, “While it's not technically waterproof, it kept me dry in a few minutes of unexpected rain.” It has an oversized cut that feels more on-trend than many winter parkas, and it is great for layering without feeling restrictive in the arms and shoulders. Take into account this jacket's low price tag, and you get the gist. It does the job for less, and we love that it comes in a variety of color options and even some prints.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
700-fill power (90% white duck down, 10% feathers)
A deal this good rarely comes without compromises, and this one has a few. The big hood doesn't sit close to the face, and doesn't have a cinch cord. It won't block head-on winds, and neither will the jacket's low collar. This parka leaves your face and neck out in the cold. Many of the seams are internal and protected, but those that aren't hidden snag easily and bunch the fabric up when pulled. It is not a neutral winter jacket, and it is better suited for city coffee runs than weekend snowshoing adventures, so make sure you're on board with flashy zippers, ribbons, and questionably useful bells and whistles (i.e., buttons and folded panels). If you like the look, this is a great option. For a more neutral, classic, and flattering style, you might want to take a look at the Patagonia Down With It Parka.
The Orolay has a clever design feature that lets you expand the hem for maximum comfort. This makes it easy to layer under, and just downright comfy. Credit: Clark Tate
The Rab Deep Cover is a down parka that keeps you warm without looking like you're wearing a sleeping bag. It's slimmer, less bulky, and feels more stylish than the OR Coze and is almost as warm. It a few features that we consider essential at this point in testing, like wrist cuffs that cover your hands up to the knuckles, and a generous hood with a fur ruff that blocks wind very well. The jacket could be dressed up a bit, but it speaks more to functional warmth than to fashion. The overall look is sporty/athleisure, and if this is your vibe, the jacket will feel right at home in your closet.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
700-fill power recycled European goose down with fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic Nikwax finish
Weather Resistant Features
Pertex Quantum fabric with PFAS-free Nikwax coating
Hood
Insulated, removable, adjustable, detachable hood with removable faux fur trim
2-Way Zipper
Yes
Pockets
2 zippered hand warmer, 1 interior zippered chest
The Rab Deep Cover doesn't have a waterproof outer. It has a fairly effective DWR coating that repels water… to a certain degree. It absorbs moisture more readily than others, and in our shower tests, we stayed dry on the inside, but saw the material begin to wet out after a few minutes. It's important to note that the more moisture the down insulation is exposed to, the less warm it will be, so the Deep Cover Parka is best worn in places cold enough to get dry, fluffy snow rather than the heavy, wet stuff. For a more protective everyday wear, the The North Face Arctic Parka has some of the most weatherproof fabric we have worn.
A deep hood, plenty of plush down filling, and a wind-blocking fur ruff give the Rab Deep Cover Parka an edge in the coldest climates. Credit: Clark Tate
You can see that just a slight amount of water was absorbed by the sleeve fabric. Though not fully waterproof, the Rab Deep Cover Parka has a DWR finish that kept us dry on the inside. Credit: Clark Tate
An internal chest pocket is a convenient place to store valuables, such as keys or a small wallet. Credit: Clark Tate
The Fjallraven Nuuk is a fast favorite among our testers. It features a more traditional parka styling with modern tech underneath, which will appeal to those who appreciate a touch of vintage flair in their outerwear. Fjallraven's Microloft insulation is warm as all get out, and manages to keep up with many of the down options we have tried. The main advantage of synthetic materials is that they continue to insulate even when wet. The outer fabric is also water-resistant and feels quite durable, yet remains soft and pliable. With the zipper pulled up to your nose and the fur ruff on the hood blocking side gusts, your face can nestle down into a calm in the middle of a storm. “I loved the generous cut, which leaves plenty of room to layer up without feeling like an overstuffed pillow,” says one of our testers, Clark Tate.
We don't notice the heavyweight design of the Nuuk while wearing it, but the moment you begin to overheat and need to remove the jacket, it is bulky and difficult to pack around. “Of all the jackets that I tested, this is by far the heaviest and bulkiest design,” says one tester. In addition to the weight, the larger, relaxed fit of the Nuuk can feel overwhelming at times. The face fabric of the Nuuk holds onto water more than we'd like. It kept us reliably dry on the inside, but it adds to the weight of the jacket if you wear it out into the rain. Lastly, we had some serious problems with the zipper; it is finicky to start, and sometimes gets caught on the way up, and for a jacket in this price range, we don't want to deal with an annoying zipper. Those looking for a less expensive option with a similar design and waterproof shell might like the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka.
The Fjallraven Nuuk is a feature rich design that has ample storage pockets conveniently located within the super warm and style construction that provides excellent weather resistance in the coldest winter conditions. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Patagonia Down With It Parka cuts a cool figure for a down jacket. It strays from the typical stuffed marshmallow look with angled baffles and a contoured cut that, together, create an overall slimming effect that will fit right in on a city commute. The length hits just above the knees, which adds warmth without adding cumbersome fabric around your legs. It's comfortable to walk in even when it is fully zipped and buttoned. It doesn't bunch around the middle when sitting, and a row of snaps covers the front zip, blocking the wind and lending a cleaner look. On the whole, our tester describes the jacket as “it feels sophisticated and sleek, and with the subdued color options, I could definitely see myself wearing this in more formal settings.” When it comes to warmth, we didn't expect such a trim jacket to be super warm. We were happy to be proven wrong here; the Down With It parka kept us comfortably warm in temps down to 15°-20°.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
600-fill recycled duck and goose down
Weather Resistant Features
DWR treatment
Hood
Insulated, removable, adjustable
2-Way Zipper
Yes
Pockets
2 zippered hand warmer, 1 interior zippered chest
While surprisingly warm for how un-bulky it is, the outer fabric is not waterproof. This jacket is better suited to relatively dry winters, not for extreme cold or wet storms. It also lacks a few valuable warmth features; there are no wrist cuffs, the hood is a bit shallow, and there is no baffle or ruff to keep the wind out of your face. You'll want to pair this with a scarf and beanie for improved warmth. The OR Coze is a much better option for intensely cold winter weather, and the Patagonia Tres is worth a look if you experience milder temps, with lots of wet precipitation.
While it works for walks in the woods, the Down With It Parka is designed to keep the city dweller warm on commutes where style matters almost as much as warmth. Credit: Clark Tate
A bulky waist can be a pain point for many winter jackets, but the Down With It has no such issue. Credit: Clark Tate
The sleeves end right at the wrist, but we wish there were an internal cuff to seal out the cold. In any case, we'd pair the jacket with a light pair of gloves. Credit: Clark Tate
A snap closure storm flap can help weatherproof the zipper or serve as a venting method. Credit: Clark Tate
If you want one jacket that can take you from early fall to late spring, while cutting a trim and professional silhouette (read: office-friendly), the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is the option for you. With an inner down layer, an outer shell, and an easy-to-use zipper that combines the two depending on the season, this three-in-one jacket keeps you ready for ever-changing conditions. The inner jacket is insulated with 700-fill recycled down. The inner layer is water-resistant enough to get through a light drizzle and is a great standalone option for clear, chilly days. The outer layer is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. When you zip the two together, this jacket is a warm and weatherproof shelter. It's also one of the more stylish and flattering options we tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulation and Fill Power
700-fill recycled duck and goose down
Weather Resistant Features
Waterproof, windproof, and breathable barrier, PFC-free DWR treatment
Hood
Uninsulated, removable, adjustable
2-Way Zipper
Yes - on outer jacket
Pockets
2 zippered hand warmer and 1 interiordrop-in pocket in shell, 2 zippered hand warmer and 1 interior chest in down liner
The Tres can be tricky to size. Patagonia's size finder recommended a medium for our lead tester, but it was way too big, with comically long sleeves. Once the appropriate size was purchased, she found that the liner jacket was a bit snug when worn on its own (when you zip it into the shell, you gain an inch or two in circumference to accommodate the outer jacket's zipper). Another minor annoyance is that, since they are part of the shell jacket, the hood and outer handwarmer pockets are uninsulated. With the Tres, you are getting three wear options in one, but that doesn't necessarily make it a better value. It is priced twice, and sometimes even three times, as much as other winter jackets. If you like the streamlined look of the Tres and don't need as much waterproofing, check out the Patagonia Down With It Parka, which is much more affordable and a bit warmer.
Feels like a tropical island in the middle of winter
Impeccable quality
Ethically sourced down
CONS
Expensive
Bulky… and expensive
Less versatile… and did we say expensive?
The Canada Goose Expedition is one in a lineup of impressively protective jackets from the well-known luxury brand. After looking at the price tag, we didn't want it to be the warmest, but the truth is that it's the only jacket we've ever tested to earn a perfect score in our warmth testing. We had a hard time finding weather cold enough to push the Expedition to its true limits (unfortunately, we couldn't manage to go on an arctic expedition during our testing). It is an undeniably extravagantly priced jacket, but it is a “buy once, cry once” situation. Once you have a Canada Goose, the quality is such that you can wear it for life, plus if you ever change your mind, CG coats often retain excellent resale value.
A cool $2,000 will get you the coveted CG badge and enough warmth and weather protection to make you feel like you're walking around in a winter-proof tank. The question is, are you prepared to pay for it? In northern cities like Chicago, Montreal, or New York, where skyscrapers form shaded, icy, wind tunnels, the warmth of the Expedition Parka might be warranted. However, this particular jacket is very bulky and won't feel appropriate in as many situations as the Fjallraven Nuuk or Rab Deep Cover Parka. We tested a few other Canada Goose models, and all of them have performed wonderfully, but the prices are similarly eye-popping. Still, the Expedition is the most protective coat we've ever worn, and for that, we have to applaud Canada Goose. We will always give credit where credit is due.
A tall collar and moldable wire around the hood of the Fjallraven Nuuk allow you to get a close fit without blocking vision or dealing with fluff around your nose and mouth. Something we appreciate when snow is coming down full force. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
Since 2012, we have purchased the top winter parkas to test side-by-side, and have tested more than 80 different coats. We wore them for the better part of a winter season, switching between jackets in the roughest winter conditions, exposing them to freezing weather, bitter winds, sideways snow, as well as sloppy shoulder season weather. We hiked and walked over 125 miles during inclement weather, and wore them around town in temps ranging from 50°F to -30°F with wind chill. We spent hours standing outside in the dead of winter to measure internal temperatures of the jackets, and exposed them to “heavy rain” in the shower to stress-test waterproofing. For more information, see our complete article on How We Test.
Our winter jackets were tested across 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)
The jackets in this review are designed for daily wear in burly weather, but we've also tested jackets and underlayers for other uses. If you want the flexibility that comes with building your own layering system, you can take a look at these puffy down jackets or synthetic insulated jackets to wear in combination with a waterproof shell jackets. If you're heading to the ski hill, we've also tested ski and snowboarding jackets that offer more sport-specific features.
We tested these jackets across three seasons and a multitude of freezing (and below-freezing) environments to find out which ones do best at keeping us warm.
Why Trust GearLab
Longtime GearLab tester Clark Tate combines a master's degree in Environmental Science with a decade of science writing to build on this foundation and flesh out our jacket testing plans and ratings. Clark developed an appreciation for finding the right winter coat over the course of fifteen winters spent living and playing in mountain towns like Breckenridge, Durango, South Lake Tahoe, and Jay Peak. She now lives in Maine and frequents New England's snowy slopes.
Joining Clark is seasoned gear tester, Trish Matheny, who spends 7+ months of the year living outside in camp IV as a member of Yosemite's Search and Rescue Team. Trish believes a high-performing winter jacket can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to comfort and protection during cold weather conditions. She is now a believer in jackets that feature a longer hemline and finds it difficult to wear anything else during cold nights and mornings in Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Our testing team spent hours in each design in order to determine the best of the best in various weather conditions. Credit: Trish Matheny
Analysis and Test Results
Each of our picks excels in a different scenario. While the best scoring jackets all around won awards here, you'll want to consider your climate and favorite outdoor activities to determine which warmth level and features are right for you.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Try as we might, we can't ignore the needs of our budget. Even the more affordable winter jackets can be somewhat of an investment, so it's nice to know which ones perform to match their price tag. Those on a super tight budget will be pleasantly surprised by the Orolay Thickened Down. It is the only down-insulated jacket we tested that is under $200, and though it is not at all a technical stormproof jacket, our testers found it provides a high level of warmth and is very comfortable. It lacks weather resistance, but otherwise offers an excellent performance-to-price ratio.
The Orolay offers impressive warmth and comfort at a very reasonable price. Credit: Clark Tate
If you're willing to take a step up in price to get a more winter-worthy jacket, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is the best value jacket we have tested. It is reasonably priced (compared to the competition), has a higher-than-average warmth rating, and performs very well in soggy winter weather. It's not the most protective, but in your average winter conditions, we love it. Our team was also impressed by the The North Face Arctic Parka, which goes the extra mile in weather resistance by including a higher collar, a neck baffle, and a faux fur ruff. Plus, it's slightly more durably built and will last you through the long haul.
The North Face Arctic and REI Stormhenge are great, affordable options that offer high value in exchange for more flattering, weather-resistant designs.
Warmth
If you want to enjoy being outdoors in the winter, you've got to figure out how to stay warm. In the case of winter coats, this usually comes down to the type and amount of insulation. Most options use either down or synthetic. We find that down typically offers a better warmth-to-fluff ratio, but sometimes a synthetic option like the Fjallraven Nuuk surprises us.
What is Fill Power? When looking at down jackets, you'll usually see a fill-power rating (or FP). This refers to the quality of the down; higher fill-powers mean higher quality down and more warmth per weight. Anything over 600-fill is a great choice. You also might run into the term fill-weight, which notes how much insulation is used. This is measured in grams or ounces and applies to both down and synthetic insulation. Again, a higher number means a warmer jacket.
We rate warmth by standing outdoors in below-freezing temperatures in each jacket, noting how warm we feel, and confirming with internal temperature readings, as shown in the chart below. The Fjallraven Nuuk and Canada Goose Shelburne parkas are the toastiest in the test, holding balmy internal temps of 76°F and 73°F. They are also two of the heaviest models we tested, which partially accounts for their impressive warmth.
In reality, warmth can have a lot to do with other environmental factors, like wind chill and humidity, so we wore the coats on a daily basis as temperatures plummeted in the fall and winter seasons. One tester who lives outdoors 7+ months out of the year quickly noticed which designs she reached for as the temperatures dropped. Factors, such as how long a jacket is, the height of the collar, and the protectiveness of the hood and wrist cuffs, make a huge difference in the warmth of the design.
Winter jackets like the Canada Goose Shelburne are specifically designed to maximize warmth in the coldest weather conditions. Credit: Clark Tate
The Patagonia Down With It jacket features 600 fill down that provides solid warmth within a compressible design. Credit: Clark Tate
Other warm jackets are the Outdoor Research Coze, The North Face Arctic, and the Orolay. All three contain down insulation, but have very different shell materials and warmth features. The standout point of the OR Coze is its shin-length cut and puffy baffles that insulate from knee to nose. Thigh to knee-length parkas like these are incredibly cozy in brutally cold weather (10°F or below). Though it has a shorter cut, the Arctic Parka relies on thick, durable fabric, a deep protective hood with a faux fur lining. The Orolay has a more laidback exterior that is made from tightly woven polyester that helps keep heat in, but isn't as effective as some others.
Our testers love the Fjallraven Nuuk thanks to its heavyweight construction and excellent coverage that will keep you warm and toasty during the coldest months of the year. Credit: Trish Matheny
Lighter-weight puffy-style options like the Marmot Montreal, and Rab Deep Cover parkas are loaded with 700-fill power down, and the Patagonia Down With It Parka uses 600-fill. The high-quality down insulation and relatively thin face fabrics maximize their warmth while keeping them impressively lightweight and compressible.
The L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined stood apart from the competition thanks to a longer hemline, large hood, and substantial 650-fill DownTek insulation. The sherpa lining also gave this jacket additional warmth and a touch of classic style. Before the Coze arrived at the post office, this is the jacket we found ourselves reaching for the most.
Although not a top performer, the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined was certainly one of the warmest designs that we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
Aside from insulation, small details and smart features help keep the cold out. Cuffed sleeves keep drafts from creeping up the arms (bonus points for thumb loops that keep the sleeves pulled down), and insulated fleece-lined pockets are lifesavers on truly frigid days. One of our favorite features are neck baffles, like the one found on the OR Coze. This extra roll of insulation wraps around your neck in a scarflike fit that keep cold air from creeping down your back, even without wearing the hood.
The neck baffle in the OR Coze Down Parka closed the gap around our neck, eliminating the need for a scarf. Credit: Trish Matheny
That said, in bone-chilling weather, you'll want to keep your head covered. An insulated hood is an essential feature to look for, and we like those that are large enough to allow you to fit a beanie underneath. The OR Coze, Canada Goose Shelburne, and Orolay Thickened Down jackets have unique hoods that serve a similar purpose. The Coze has a down baffle that juts out beyond the face to protect it, while the Shelburne and Orolay hoods are deep enough to hide inside. All help keep your face warm, but they don't replicate the wind-cutting power of fur — real or faux - like what is found on the Rab Deep Cover and the The North Face Arctic Parka.
The Rab Deep Cover Parka's insulated hood is removable, and so is the fur ruff. Credit: Clark Tate
The OR Coze has an extra-thick down baffle around the hood. While it's better than nothing, it doesn't compare to a fur ruff. Credit: Trish Matheny
Aside from its lofty down fill and thick fabric, the Shelburne Parka keeps you warm by keeping warmth around your face with a massive hood. Credit: Clark Tate
You can hide from the weather in The North Face Arctic Parka. Credit: Clark Tate
A last word to the wise: the warmest jackets may be overkill in some conditions. Some of these jackets, like the Canada Goose Shelburne and the Fjallraven, come in just short of expedition-level warmth. If you live in northern latitudes, or your city is subject to frequent arctic blasts (we're sorry), then these will be appropriate. However, if your winters involve heavy, soggy snow and sleet, finding a waterproof jacket may be more important, even if it sacrifices some insulation.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka does a great job combining warmth and weather protection within a sleek design, we just wish the hood and neck baffle were more substantial. Credit: Trish Matheny
Weather Resistance
Depending on where you live, winter weather can range from cold, dry, and crisp to soggy days filled with sleet, wind, and freezing rain. If you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest, having a moderately warm and completely waterproof winter jacket is a good idea. If cold temperatures, biting winds, and dry snow are your reality, warmth and wind resistance can be critical components for you to consider.
All the models we tested offer some protection from harsh weather, either from a tightly woven fabric, a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating, or a full-blown waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex. Each method blocks wind and water to a different extent, and to test them in a real-world setting, we went for walks on wet, snowy days, braved windstorms, and hung out in blizzards apres-ski. As a final testing step, we stood in the shower in each jacket to test its waterproofing to the limit.
The Shelburne's effective, non-PFA durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and that generous hood work together to keep you protected from the weather. Credit: Clark Tate
The Canada Goose Shelburne Parka tops the charts for the best weather protection. It's as close to impenetrable as a winter jacket can be, with a tough outer shell and an insanely protective hood that blocks wind and snow. Though it's not meant to be used in temperatures warm enough for rain, it shrugs off rain as well as anything else.
Although overkill in moderate climates, the Fjallraven Nuuk provides heavyweight weather protection for those seeking warmth in the coldest climates.
The North Face Arctic Parka and Fjallraven Nuuk offer excellent shelter from a storm. Their hoods roll out to form protective tunnels, and the collars zip up to the nose. The effect can feel like you're looking out on the storm through a periscope. While you'll stay dry when wearing the Nuuk, the fabric wets out in rain or wet snow. The Arctic Parka does not — it is impressively waterproof and doesn't absorb a drop.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka features an 850 fill goose down and polyester insulation that's surrounded by a two layer Hydrowall outer shell that's also DWR treated to resist precipitation. Credit: Trish Matheny
We stayed bone dry in the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka thanks to the combo of a proprietary Hydrowall two-layer outer shell and a DWR treatment that forces water to bead away from the fabric. A weather-sealed two-way zipper keeps water from penetrating the interior and effectively optimizes weather resistance. This protective outer shell did eventually wet out during persistent rainstorms. Our layers underneath never got wet, but this may decrease warmth if you don't have time to let the down insulation dry.
The Patagonia Tres is waterproof with a highly-adjustable hood that keeps the weather out. Credit: Clark Tate
The Patagonia Tres is wind- and water-proof and is our favorite option for wet weather. It doesn't have as many nifty features, but the parka's water and windproof outer shell is impenetrable, and works wonderfully as a standalone rain jacket in warmer temps.
The Rab Deep Cover Parka has features like snug-fitting cuffs that pull down over your thumb to keep cold air from creeping up your sleeves. Credit: Clark Tate
Although less successful in our shower tests, the Rab Deep Cover Parka blocks heavy winds like a champ. It has cuffs with thumb loops, a cinchable hood with an oversized fur ruff, and a technical fabric design to block cutting winds. Its closer-fitting cut leaves less room for wind to slip in through the bottom, and as a bonus, it creates a more flattering shape. The Outdoor Research Coze is a similarly styled jacket. It doesn't have a fur baffle, but the oversized hood forms a protective ring around your face and cinches down to keep the wind at bay. It's also incredibly water-resistant, easily shrugging off 2 minutes of steady water in our shower test.
The Patagonia Down With It Parka features a DWR treatment on the lightweight shell along with snaps that further weatherproof the zipper. Credit: Clark Tate
The hood of the Orolay Thickened Down is oversized enough to block sidewinds well. However, it doesn't cinch down and leaves plenty of room for headwinds to enter through the large opening. Credit: Clark Tate
The Patagonia Down With It Parka and the Orolay Thickened Down are less impressive in wet weather. The Down With It Parka has a DWR coating that repels snowfall, but the lightweight fabric doesn't stand up to heavy moisture. The Orolay doesn't have any kind of DWR coating; it simply relies on a tightly woven fabric to do the heavy lifting against wind and precipitation. Both of these jackets are better for people who prefer not to venture out into the storm, and simply need day-to-day warmth.
On days when it's hard to leave the comfort of your bed, the Outdoor Research Coze is the next best thing to wrapping up in a fluffy blanket. Credit: Trish Matheny
Comfort
Historically, winter parkas have been bulky and heavy. Today, manufacturers are increasingly moving toward less restrictive designs, and we love it when we encounter ones that are particularly comfortable and cozy. One part advanced fabric technology, one part thoughtful detailing with soft, welcoming hand pockets, protective cuffs, and insulated hoods, today's winter coats are something else. To maximize warmth, you'll also want to prioritize a supple cut that provides enough room in the shoulders to stretch, move, and layer up with ease.
If you like puffy jackets that feel similar to walking around in your favorite overstuffed down sleeping bag, we recommend the Outdoor Research Coze, Orolay Thickened Down, the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined, or the Patagonia Down With It Parka. All earn top marks for combining a relaxed cut with a weightless feel, and none are too tight on your face when zipped all the way up. The Rab Deep Cover Parka also excels here due to its lofty, unrestricted down fill and lightweight nylon shell.
The soft and cozy Outdoor Research Coze features one of the longest hemlines and best hoods for trapping body heat while remaining incredibly comfortable to wear. Credit: Trish Matheny
The L.L. Bean Mountain Classic features a cozy puffy design that feels just like wrapping yourself in your favorite down sleeping bag, if it had a cozy sherpa lining. Credit: Trish Matheny
The lighter weight fabric, and compressible down mean that the Patagonia Down With It moves with you better than most parkas. Credit: Clark Tate
The Rab Deep Cover Parka features a 600 fill down that's comfortable to wear and easy to move in. Credit: Clark Tate
The Cotopaxi Calidez is another down option with a more durable face fabric protecting the soft inner layer. It's not quite as flexible and muchable, but a relaxed cut gives you plenty of room to move. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka also has a durable outer shell as a protective layer, but we weren't huge fans of the collar. We wish it weren't so tight when zipped, especially since the inner fabric isn't the most welcoming for a cold chin to nuzzle into.
The Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka is an extremely easy-to-wear option that we reach for often. Credit: Clark Tate
If you need a sturdier exterior but don't want to cut on the cozy factor, we suggest the Fjallraven Nuuk. It has the weight and bulk of a more classic parka, but with some modern improvements. The cut leaves plenty of room to layer and move, the fabric is buttery soft, and its slight heft feels comforting like a weighted blanket.
Although one of the heaviest winter jacket designs that we tested, the Fjallraven Nuuk remains comfortable to wear. We love the adjustable velcro on the hood that creates additional comfort without sacrificing coverage and performance. Credit: Trish Matheny
For comfort that doesn't sacrifice style, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka impressed us. “It's flattering but never restrictive,” Clark says, “even with the collar fully zipped”. It also offers plenty of shoulder room, though the liner is a little snug on its own. The Columbia Suttle Mountain Long and Heavenly Long jackets are similarly easy to wear. They have a lighter layer of insulation, which naturally reduces the michelan man feel that you can get with heavier jackets. They also have roomy cuts and soft fleece liners in the hood.
The lightweight Columbia Heavenly Long isn't suited to super cold weather, but it makes it an extremely easy-wearing option. Credit: Clark Tate
Versatility and Style
Why not stay warm and look good while you do it? Style is subjective and often comes down to personal preference, but we love it when we can wear a jacket everywhere from the coffee shop to date night. We use our best judgment and get fashion advice from our friends for this one.
Jackets with a smooth, sleek outer shell give a more flattering look (more winter baddie, less Michelin Man). The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, The North Face Arctic Parka, Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka, and the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka all fit this standard.
The trim cut of the Canada Goose Shelburne creates one of the more flattering silhouettes of the test. Credit: Clark Tate
The REI Co-op Stormhenge has a more structured shape and a sleek fabric exterior shell that we love. Credit: Trish Matheny
Though not as trim as some, the uniform shell of the Cotopaxi Calidex helps the jacket feel more put-together. Credit: Clark Tate
The North Face Arctic Parka features a streamlined construction that performs well in cold weather without sacrificing its sleek style. Credit: Clark Tate
The Canada Goose Shelburne balances function, versatility, and style beautifully. It's a wonderful option for those living in the city or hitting the local trail. It provides excellent performance in nearly every metric, and you'll look good, no matter what activity you're doing.
The Fjallraven Nuuk combines a stylish “apres-ski” look that remains functional and versatile in harsh winter conditions. Credit: Trish Matheny
Jackets like the Fjallraven Nuuk prioritize the rugged, durable, and functional look that has a more retro feel, and is stylish in its own right. The Fjallraven Kiruna has a similar less techy-looking outer fabric that fits in more casual settings, but has fewer external pockets so looks a bit more polished.
We think the Patagonia Tres looks good in all three configurations. Shown here is the inner layer worn on its own. Credit: Clark Tate
The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka nails sophisticated winter style with a flattering cut and pleasing proportions. “I like the look of all three layers,” our tester said. The Patagonia Down With It Parka is a close runner-up. Cleverly angled baffles cut down on bulk and create the illusion of a trim silhouette. High-quality fabric is evident on both models. Though it has horizontal baffles, the Rab Deep Cover Parka also has thin fabric and a structured cut that provides a bit of shape. Neither is exactly elegant, but both earned us compliments.
While not the most stylish winter jacket that we tested, the Outdoor Research Coze is perfect for those seeking a longer length, great coverage throughout the hood and neckline, as well as wrist gaiters to keep cold drafts from entering through the sleeves. Credit: Trish Matheny
The OR Coze and L.L. Bean Mountain Classic feature down baffles, high collars that surround the neck, and more of a barrel look that optimizes warmth and comfort over fashion. While we like the cozy simplicity, these jackets give more of a “rolled-out-of-bed” look than others. In the end, these are fairly utilitarian looking, but they're like your favorite pair of sneakers — you just always feel good wearing them.
If it came down to it, we'd pick function over form. Happy, warm, and pillow-like beats stylish and freezing any day of the week. Credit: Trish Matheny
One part winter coat, one part sleeping bag, the most stylish thing about the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic is the sherpa-lined hood. Credit: Trish Matheny
Construction Quality
A durable jacket should serve its intended purpose for years, if not decades. Thicker, more rigid outer shell fabrics typically withstand use and abuse without showing signs of wear and tear. Thinner shells are naturally more delicate, but should also remain intact for years if you avoid manual labor (like stacking wood) and sharp edges (like tuning your skis).
The North Face Arctic and Fjallraven Nuuk parkas are practically indestructible. They have tough polyester and polyamide shells with minimal exterior stitching that could potentially unravel. That said, the Nuuk has a two-way zipper that can be difficult to engage and can be quite frustrating to use, especially with cold fingers. The Canada Goose Shelburne feels similarly bombproof to Arctic and Nuuk outer shells; however, the stitches on its external baffles are prone to snagging.
Though much of the Canada Goose Shelburne's construction impressed us, we wish its external seams were a bit harder to snag. Credit: Clark Tate
Our go-to winter jacket was the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. We found ourselves reaching for this coat day in and day out because it provided an excellent compromise between a soft and cozy down construction with a thicker feel and a more durable outer shell than most down options. The L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined winter jacket has a similar design, yet doesn't provide the same level of quality materials. Namely, the toggles on the adjustable hood, the zipper pulls, and the fleece lining made the jacket look cheap and less classic than the outstanding Coze.
The L.L. Bean Mountain Classic has a design similar to the Outdoor Research Coze; however, we found the Coze to have higher quality construction overall.
The Patagonia Tres has a two-layer H2No membrane and polyester shell that seems invincible. The Cotopaxi Calidez seems similarly reliable — there isn't much to snag or unravel between the sturdy material and minimal external stitching. We did notice a few down feathers escaping from the inner jacket of the Tres. It's not enough to concern us, but this layer is thin, relatively easy to snag, and has loads of external stitches. Keeping this layer up and running will require some care.
Although the outer shell of the Tres inspires confidence in its longevity, the inner jacket may require a little extra care to maintain performance over time. Credit: Clark Tate
Similarly, some of the softest and most comfortable jackets we tested didn't earn the highest marks for construction quality. Jackets like the Montreal and Deep Cover parkas wrap all that lovely down in a thin polyester shell. You need to take good care of this type of winter jacket if you want it to last.
We recommend taking special care of outer shells like the soft and puffy Rab Deep Cover Parka so that it will last throughout years of use. Credit: Clark Tate
Other Notable Winter Jackets
The Feathered Friend Khumbu Parka is one of the the warmest jackets we have ever worn. It is designed as an expedition parka, and has the fill power to prove it, using 900 FP down. Our team stayed warm when wearing this jacket on nighttime walks in the dead of winter in the city, as well as on trips up Denali. The unisex cut and abundance of insulation are not the most flattering, but it is undoubtedly warm, and if heat retention is your priority, then the Khumbu is a good choice.
We have tested a number of Canada Goose models, including the Shelburne, which is a bombproof yet sleek parka worth of city streets. And the Camp Hooded, which is a great lighter-weight puffy parka for when you don't need quite as much storm protection. True to CG reputation, we found both to be well-built and warm winter parkas, however, we have tested some other jackets that can do the job almost as well, at about 1/3 of the price. If you have the budget to splurge, you won't be disappointed by any Canada Goose jacket, but know it's not the only way to get a high level of protection.
The Arcteryx Patera Parka is another popular jacket that we tested in the past. This knee-length parka has 750-fill power down insulation wrapped in a Gore-Tex shell. It has an understated and clean-cut style typical of Arcteryx jackets. We found it to be very water and windproof, although the lighter fill weight is not as warm as some others, making this a great choice for sloppy wet weather.
We tested each jacket head to head to help you find the perfect one for your winter. Credit: Ryan Reed
Conclusion
There is no perfect winter jacket for every occasion, but there are plenty of excellent options to meet your specific needs. Informed by the real-life testing perspectives within this comprehensive review, we hope you can choose a parka that's best suited for your climate. Winter parkas are just one of many outer layer options, though, so make sure you're choosing the right one for your needs.
It is essential to layer well if you want to stay comfortable outside after the temperatures drop. We recommend starting off with one of the top-rated women's base layers, then add a fleece from our fleece jacket review for women. And finally, keep your hands warm and toasty with a pair of the best winter gloves, top your lid with a warm beanie, and you'll be good to go.
