We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Ladies are you ready for the biggest game changer when it comes to withstanding cold weather conditions in the great outdoors? If anyone understands the importance of a high performing winter jacket, its our highly qualified testing team who put each desi
It's hard to go wrong with so many great winter jackets to choose from.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 4, 2025
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.
For the past decade, we've been testing the top winter jackets, from soft, cozy cocoons to durable beasts that shrug off winter storms. We wear them to commute, shovel snow, trek through winter storms, and tailgate after long days on the ski hill. We layer them all kinds of ways and put them to the test in bitter New England wind chills and indoor shower deluges.
The best winter jacket overall is the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. The comfy, lightweight design and longer hemline quickly made this our go-to choice when the temperatures around camp plummeted. If you're after a good deal on a highly weather-resistant jacket, REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka - Women's is warm, stylish, well-made, and protective enough to rival competitors with much higher price tags.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's winter coat review on November 10, 2025, to include new test results for long-time favorite Fjallraven and Outdoor Research jackets, along with two new designs from REI and L.L. Bean.
Insulation: 240g of 700-fill goose down | Pockets: 2 external, 2 internal
PROS
Lightweight and warm
Long hemline with a protective hood
Incredibly soft and cozy
Comfy wrist gaiters
CONS
Not the most stylish option
No waist cinch to hold heat in
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka certainly lives up to its name. It has 240 grams of responsibly-sourced 700-fill power goose down contained within a Bluesign approved 100% recycled nylon outer shell. Down 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 that 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 skin. The collar on the Coze features a 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 Coze isn't the most flattering and stylish option in the lineup. However, we feel the tradeoff is worth it. We would easily sacrifice a bit of style in exchange for ample warmth, especially while living outside. “This jacket was a total game-changer for me as I was finishing my season on the Search and Rescue team in Yosemite Valley. The same walls that attract tourists and climbers also trap cold air and limit sun exposure, making for cold nights and even colder mornings,” says lead tester Trish Matheny. The Coze is her top choice when hopping out of bed in her tent cabin during the colder months of the season. That said, we do wish it cinched at the waist, which could lend a more flattering shape as well as trap body heat within the design. More importantly, it would stop frigid air from sneaking into the down cocoon. For those interested in this detail, we recommend checking out the Fjallraven Nuuk, which also features a functional faux fur ruff and offers more weather resistance than the Coze design. 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 but similar look, we like the Patagonia Down With It Parka, which has a more tailored fit and includes a convenient snap closure.
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is just like zipping on your favorite down sleeping bag, providing ample warmth thanks to a large hood, baffled neck, high collar, and longer hemline.
Insulation: 850-fill-power goose down and polyester | Pockets: 2 zippered, hipbelt-compatible hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket, 2 internal drop-in pockets
PROS
Windproof and water resistant
Flattering silhouette
Affordable
CONS
Thinner insulation sacrifices warmth
Shallow hood is less protective
A great winter jacket can be a heck of an investment, but the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a reasonable choice for those who have a more modest budget. The highly water-resistant design is available for a more affordable price than most other jackets, and REI's proprietary HydroWall 2-layer waterproof nylon shell has fully sealed seams to keep you dry and cozy during inclement weather. 850-fill down keeps you warm and dry, even in freezing weather and icy conditions. The jacket fits true to size, features wrist gaiters that also eliminate draft, along with a more flattering silhouette that reaches mid-thigh and doesn't impair your mobility. A two-way zipper also helps with this. 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 our testers love the weather resistance provided by the more affordable Stormhenge design, we wish the hood provided more coverage. As is, it provides a rather shallow fit. It also lacks a fur or baffled ruff, which we missed when the wind picked up. If you're interested in an affordable design that also features a faux fur ruff, we also recommend checking out the The North Face Arctic Parka. The Stormhenge features thinner insulation and a shorter length, which feels more stylish, but ultimately limits overall warmth during colder conditions. “Since I spend the majority of my time living outdoors in Yosemite Valley, I would much rather sacrifice a bit of style in exchange for additional warmth and weather protection,” says Trish Matheny, who lives in Camp IV seven months out of the year. The Stormhenge Down Hybrid is a great value, but if you need the most economical option, check out the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined.
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 annoying zippers. The cavernous, plush fleece-lined hood blocks crosswinds. “While it's not technically waterproof, it kept me dry in the two-minute shower test,” our tester said. Combine those facts with 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. Its oversized cut is great for layering, and doesn't feel restrictive in the arms and shoulders.
A deal this good rarely comes without compromises, and this one has a few. That big hood 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. But the most divisive feature on the Orolay is its style. It is not a neutral winter jacket, and won't fit well in every setting, 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. The REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka costs a bit more but has a more neutral style, as does the Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded.
The Orolay has a clever design feature that lets you expand the hem for maximum comfort. Though we didn't test it for these purposes, we read several reviews online from women who loved this as a maternity jacket.
Insulation: 625-fill responsible down | Pockets: 2 external, 3 internal
PROS
Rugged, warm, and stylish
Highly effective hood
Weather protective
Practical backpack straps
CONS
Dry clean only
Slim cut is difficult to size
Fur ruff sold separately
One of the warmest and most stylish options we've tested, the Canada Goose Shelburne offers luxurious details, brand prestige, and top-notch performance. Nearly 500 grams of responsibly sourced 625-power down insulation, combined with a thick, durable outer fabric, creates a solid barrier between you and the weather. Thoughtful features like a protective, insulated snorkel hood, rib-knit cuffs, and a snap mobility flap make it a versatile choice for a range of conditions. It's a hefty jacket, but practical backpack straps make it easy to carry, and a sleek silhouette enhances its appeal. A two-way zipper gives you plenty of room to move and offers more venting options for variable weather. As a result, this versatile jacket easily transitions from running errands to outdoor adventures to classy events. Its polished, luxe, yet rugged style marries form and function beautifully.
That quality and prestigious brand patch comes at a steep price. The Shelburne Parka is one of the most expensive jackets in our lineup. It's also dry clean only, and it has a straight, trim cut that can be hard to size for curvy bodies. Though the roomy hood gives you plenty of space to duck your face out of the wind, a fur ruff would add more protection from headwinds, yet it is sold separately, adding to the cost. Still, if you're willing to pay for an iconic jacket that delivers warmth, weather protection, and quality construction in a stylish option, the Shelburne is a standout investment. If you'd like to pay less for a warmer and nearly as protective coat in a more relaxed style, we'd steer you toward the Fjallraven Nuuk. The Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka is another easy-wearing option with a laid-back style that may be of interest to the aesthetically minded.
The Fjallraven Nuuk is a fast favorite among our testers, keeping us warm in bitter temps thanks to its generous synthetic insulation. The Nuuk's recycled polyamide fabric is soft and pliable, with enough heft to feel like a weighted blanket. It's also water-resistant and has a generous hood with a faux-fur ruff that flips out like a brim to block the wind while protecting your neck and face in style. (If you don't love the style of the fur ruff, don't worry — it's easily removable.) With the zipper pulled up to your nose and the hood blocking side gusts, you're pretty much good to go in any weather conditions. “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. Perhaps one of our favorite features of this top-performing design is the abundance of generously sized and artfully tucked-away pockets, lending the jacket a functional yet laid-back style.
While we don't notice the heavyweight design of the Nuuk while on the body, 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, making it noticeably cumbersome when temperatures heat up during the day,” says one tester. If you're looking for a lighter-weight, longer, puffy-style parka, our test team loves the toasty Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. The larger, relaxed fit of the Nuuk can feel overwhelming at times, and the sleeves are a bit too long. And, while the Nuuk keeps us dry in our shower tests, the face fabric holds onto water more than we'd like for warmer, wetter winter weather. We also had some serious problems with the zipper, finding it finicky to start. But if you like staying warm and dry in snowstorms or apres tailgates, this one's for you. 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.
Insulation: 700-fill recycled down | Pockets: 2 external, 1 internal in each layer
PROS
Three jackets in one
Warm and flattering
Waterproof and durable shell
CONS
Hood and outer pockets are uninsulated
Can be hard to size
No double zipper on the down layer
If you want a jacket that can take you from early fall to late spring, 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, this three-in-one jacket keeps you ready for ever-changing conditions. The inner jacket is insulated with 700-fill recycled down. Our extensive test period showed that 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.
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. The small fits well, but the liner jacket is 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). Though the hood and outer handwarmer pockets are uninsulated, they are roomy enough to accommodate a beanie and gloves. The hood is also highly adjustable, which lets you snug it down enough to block out rain or snow. This jacket is expensive, but you are getting three high-quality options — a down layer, a hardshell exterior, and a functional winter parka. If you'd rather stick with a more traditional option from Patagonia, the Down With It Parka has a polished look in an easier-to-size package.
It doesn't take long to zip the two layers of this jacket together.
Credit: Clark Tate
Compare Products
Our team extensively tested several winter jacket designs from coast to coast in order to highlight the pros and cons of each individual parka.
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 since then. We spent hundreds of hours switching between coats in similar conditions while performing repeatable and objective tests, from standing in the shower to standing outside in freezing weather and bitter winds. We hiked and walked over 125 miles during inclement weather, and tested every jacket in temps ranging from 50°F to -30°F with wind chill and in sideways snow as well as sloppy shoulder season weather.
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)
For more information about how we tested winter jackets, see our complete article on How We Test.
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 during the spring and fall.
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.
Analysis and Test Results
You'll want to consider your climate and favorite outdoor activities to determine which warmth level and features are right for you. You may need a more waterproof jacket, a super warm option, or something that will breathe well enough to keep you from overheating during active pursuits.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Try as we might, we can't ignore the needs of our budget. Some jackets that we consider a good value, especiall considering their warmth rating and weather protection. For example, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is reasonably priced, and performs very well in wet winter weather conditions. Our team was also impressed by the The North Face Arctic Parka that provides even more weather resistance thanks to a higher collar and neck baffle that combine with a faux fur ruff to really break the wind and resist precipitation.
The North Face Arctic and REI Stormhenge are great, affordable options that offer high value in exchange for more flattering, weather-resistant designs.
We consider these jackets a good value, but they are still pricey. If you need a true budget option, the Orolay Thickened Down provides an excellent performance-to-price ratio, earning high scores as one of the least expensive jackets in our test.
The Orolay offers impressive warmth and comfort at a very reasonable price.
Credit: Clark Tate
Warmth
If you want to enjoy being outdoors in the winter, warm and protective gear is the first step. Much of a jacket's warmth comes down to its insulation. If a coat is filled with down feathers, its warmth is determined by the quality (fill-power) of those feathers, how many there are (fill-weight), and the overall thickness of the fabric containing them. Higher fill-powers mean higher quality down and more warmth per weight. Anything over 600-fill is a great choice.
Fill power aside, we stand outdoors in below-freezing temperatures for ten minutes in each jacket. We also used a thermometer to take internal temperature readings, as shown in the chart above. We combine the internal temperature reading with our objective temperature test to select a score that accurately reflects the jacket's performance. The Fjallraven Nuuk and Canada Goose Shelburne parkas are the toastiest in the test, holding internal temps of 76°F and 73°F, respectively.
Winter jackets like the Canada Goose Shelburne are specifically designed to maximize warmth in the coldest weather conditions.
Credit: Clark Tate
We take our testing even further, considering our experiences wearing them in the real world and how warm they feel compared to one another. As temperatures plummeted in the fall and winter season, 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.
The toastiest jackets in the test are the Fjallraven Nuuk, Canada Goose Shelburne, Outdoor Research Coze, The North Face Arctic, and the Orolay. The Nuuk relies on thick, durable fabric, a protective hood with a faux fur lining, and synthetic insulation in order to capture body heat and increase warmth. The Arctic Parka shares a similar design but is insulated with down feathers instead of synthetic polyester fibers.
The Fjallraven Nuuk is one of the warmest designs that we tested, thanks to a thick and heavy outer shell along with a large oversized hood and faux fur ruff that truly protect the face and neck.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The puffy-style Coze, 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 Patagonia Down With It jacket features 600 fill down that provides solid warmth within a compressible design.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Canada Goose Shelburne Parka combines the approaches, stuffing a durable fabric shell with 625-fill power down. The result is a slimmer down coat that holds warmth inside a more stylish silhouette. Thigh to knee-length parkas like these are incredibly cozy in brutally cold weather (10°F or below). The Outdoor Research Coze reaches to the middle of the calves and covers the head with a large, deep, and very warm hood. Coze-y is right.
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 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 was 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
Most of the jackets we tested have smart features to help keep out the cold. Cuffed sleeves keep drafts from creeping up the arms, and insulated fleece-lined pockets are lifesavers on truly frigid days.
You can hide from the weather in The North Face Arctic Parka.
Credit: Clark Tate
A warm hood makes a huge difference in cold weather, and we like those that are large enough to allow you to fit a beanie underneath. Insulated hoods with faux-fur ruffs that roll out around your face, like those on the Nuuk, The North Face Arctic Parka, and the Rab Deep Cover, keep your face happy in stormy weather.
The Rab Deep Cover Parka's hood is removable, and so is the fur ruff.
Credit: Clark Tate
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.
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
Canada Goose uses real coyote fur in their ruffs, and while he Shelburne Parka we tested doesn't come with one, it is an optional accessory. While a fur ruff certainly makes a jacket more protective in a storm, the ethics of using real fur can be controversial. Canada Goose is the only manufacturer in this review that uses real coyote fur, and they are committed to sourcing the fur ethically and responsibly.
Keep in mind that the warmest jackets may be overkill in some conditions. If you live in warmer climates, finding a highly weather-resistant jacket may be more important.
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
Winter weather can range from cold and dry to 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 wet weather, from a water-resistant coating to a full-blown waterproof membrane. In order to test just how well each individual jacket performs when it comes to keeping you dry and cutting cold winds, we went for walks on wet, snowy days, stood in the shower for up to two minutes, headed out in windstorms, and braved blizzards.
The Fjallraven Nuuk features a thick and sturdy windproof and water resistant outer shell to protect you from winter's harshest conditions.
Credit: Trish Matheny
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.
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 Patagonia Tres is wind- and water-proof and is another of our favorite options for wet weather. Its generous hood offers solid coverage, keeping our face dry during our shower tests. The Tres Parka's water and windproof outer shell works wonderfully as a rain jacket in warmer temps. The Columbia Hikebound II also works as a rain jacket, but has a shallow hood that does little to protect your face.
The Patagonia Tres is waterproof with a highly-adjustable hood that keeps the weather out.
Credit: Clark Tate
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. Both collars are roomy enough to be comfortable even when zipped up high enough to protect most of your face. 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 North Face Arctic Parka features a weather resistant outer shell that is waterproof and windproof, we just wish the pockets were fleece-lined for additional warmth.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Outdoor Research Coze is another impressive option with a hood that 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. Our testers love the baffled neck collar, which reduces drafts and zips to the tip of the nose, offering ample comfort and coverage on the coldest days of the year. The Marmot Montreal is similarly water resistant, but its hood isn't deep enough to keep rain off your face when you remove the faux fur ruff. And you'll want to remove it — they don't fare well in wet conditions.
The Montreal's hood keeps the wind off your face and the fabric sheds water like a champ.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Patagonia Down With It Parka has impressive wet-weather chops, with a DWR coating that sheds moisture effectively and a zipper that keeps water out. Unfortunately, its small and shallow hood does very little to protect your face. It can also allow water to run down your back, where the hood snaps into the jacket, if you don't take care to align the layers.
The Patagonia Down With It Parka features a DWR treatment on the outer sheell along with snaps that cover the main zipper to increase weather resistance.
Credit: Clark Tate
The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka features excellent details like a proprietary Hydrowall two-layer outer shell and a DWR treatment that allows water to bead away from the fabric. A waterproof 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; however, our layers underneath never got wet, and the goose down and recycled polyester insulation dried quickly.
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
The Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka, Fjallraven Kiruna, and Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket all kept us dry during our shower test, and their hoods are extremely protective, but their face fabric wets through completely.
The Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka performed well in our objective shower tests but the fabric definitely wets out, making it a better choice for dry climates.
Credit: Clark Tate
Comfort
Since winter jackets can feel bulky, heavy, or even restrictive, we love it when we encounter ones that have comfortable and cozy designs. Details like soft, welcoming hand pockets, protective cuffs, and insulated hoods are common features in the most comfortable jackets we reviewed. We also prioritize a supple cut that provides enough room in the shoulders to stretch, move, and layer up with ease.
Some winter jackets wrap you in down from your head to your knees, while others drape you in a comfortingly weighted and protective outer shell. If you like puffy jackets that feel similar to strapping your favorite overstuffed down sleeping bag to your body while you move through the coldest part of the day, 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 great cut with a velvety soft feel. None are too tight on your face when you zip them all the way up. We even took the Mountain Classic on an overnight rescue mission in Yosemite Valley when we wanted to have the use of our limbs in addition to the comfort and warmth of a sleeping bag.
The Outdoor Research Coze and L.L. Bean Mountain Classic both feature soft and cozy puffy designs that feel just like wrapping yourself inside of your favorite down sleeping bag.
The Cotopaxi Calidez is a similar option with a more durable face fabric protecting the soft inner layer. A relaxed cut gives you plenty of room to move. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka has a durable outer shell as a protective layer over the body-mapped insulation that's placed where you need it most. We just wish the neck collar were larger and the brushed tricot interface more comfortable on the chin.
The Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka is an extremely easy-to-wear option that we reach for often.
Credit: Clark Tate
We adore the Marmot Montreal thanks to its nicely fitted hood and soft ruff that protects the face from biting winds. It offers instant comfort with a plush, fleece-lined torso and collar, though the collar is tighter when zipped. The Rab Deep Cover Parka excels here due to its lofty, unrestricted down fill and lightweight nylon shell.
The Rab Deep Cover Parka features a 600 fill down that's comfortable to wear and easy to move in.
Credit: Clark Tate
If you need a sturdier exterior but don't want to cut on the cozy factor, we suggest the Fjallraven Nuuk. Its design gives you plenty of room to layer and move, the fabric is buttery soft, and its slight heft feels comforting like a weighted blanket. The Canada Goose Shelburne is nearly as comfortable, although the straighter cut can feel a bit restrictive at times.
The Fjallraven Nuuk features a comfortable and heavyweight design that feels like a weighted blanket of protection from the elements.
Credit: Trish Matheny
We also found the cut and comfort of the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka impressive. “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 are lightweight with 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
Style is subjective and often comes down to personal preference, so we give it less weight in our overall scores. But hy not stay warm and look good while you do it? We take a look at how many situations you can wear a jacket in, and how many style points you'll have to sacrifice for the cozy factor.
Jackets with a smooth, sleek outer shells will apeal to those who like a more streamlined look. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, The North Face Arctic Parka, and the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka, all fit this standard. Jackets like the Fjallraven Nuuk prioritize the rugged, durable, and functional look that is stylish in its own right.
The Nuuk has a unique style that also provides excellent cold weather performance.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The OR Coze, the L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Sherpa-Lined, and the Marmot Montreaux feature down baffles, high collars that surround the neck, and more of a barrel look that optimizes warmth over fashion. While we like all of these designs, some jackets simply executed better than others.
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka definitely prioritizes warmth over style but the design is more versatile thanks to a lightweight construction with a two way main zipper and zippers that run along both sides to trap or release heat based on the most current conditions.
Credit: Trish Matheny
We think 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 trim cut of the Canada Goose Shelburne creates one of the more flattering silhouettes of the test.
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.
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 Fjallraven Nuuk, Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka,Fjallraven Kiruna, and The North Face Arctic Parka are our favorites of the more utilitarian jackets. All are understated and lean on their functionality for fashion. They're like sneakers — you just always feel good wearing them.
The North Face Arctic Parka features a streamlined construction that performs well in cold weather without sacrificing its sleek style.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Rab Deep Cover Parka and Marmot Montreal also look great. They're quite similar, with thin fabric, horizontal baffles, and hoods with attractive faux fur ruffs. Both earned us compliments. Neither is exactly elegant, though, and the Montreal's arms are disproportionately puffy.
The Marmot Montreal features flattering baffles along with stylish faux fur hood.
Credit: Clark Tate
Construction Quality
A durable jacket should serve its intended purpose for years if not decades. In order to get the best one, you may need to invest a little more. Thicker, more rigid outer shell fabrics typically withstand use and abuse without showing signs of wear and tear, while thinner shells can work just fine if you avoid manual labor and sharp edges, like stacking wood or tuning your skis.
The North Face Arctic and Fjallraven Nuuk parkas seem practically indestructible. Both have minimal exterior stitching and tough polyester and polyamide shells. 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. 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 Outdoor Research Coze and L.L. Bean Mountain Classic feature similar designs; however, we found the Coze construction to feature a higher quality construction.
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
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.
We tested each jacket head to head to help you find the perfect one for your winter.
