The Finest Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

Our group of winter warriors has spent many seasons testing one of the best winter jackets in the marketplace in quest of the warmest and most versatile types. This 12 months alone, we researched dozens of fashions earlier than choosing the 13 finest types to incorporate on this Information. After in depth hands-on testing within the frigid Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada, and Midwestern climates, we’re blissful to deliver you our picks for one of the best winter jackets of 2024-2025.

From fashionable and streamlined thigh-length coats to sporty and sensible expedition-weight parkas, we’ll assist you to discover the appropriate winter jacket for you, irrespective of your local weather, fashion, funds, or meant use. We examined these winter jackets in the identical sorts of on a regular basis eventualities you’re more likely to face. From strolling the canine, shoveling snow, or operating errands, to an evening out in town or hanging out after a day on the slopes, we’ve organized our picks into distinct classes that will help you make an environment friendly and knowledgeable determination.

Should you’re merely searching for one of the best, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka is our high decide with premium supplies and development high quality. The versatile and budget-friendly REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka proves you don’t should spend the massive bucks to remain heat and look good this winter.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this text on November 26, 2024, with three new winter jackets, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka, the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, and the Outside Analysis Stormcraft Down Parka.

The Finest Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

Extra Nice Winter Jackets We Examined

We examined practically 30 totally different winter jackets all through the previous three seasons, frequently including new fashions to our rotation every winter. Along with the seven Prime Choose winners above, the next jackets are extra standouts we appreciated that we predict you must think about.

Finest Winter Jackets Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Finest Winter Jackets

From chilly and damp shoulder season situations, to white-out blizzards, to sub-zero stretches within the thick of winter, we personally examined every of the winter jackets on this Purchaser’s Information in most of the identical situations that you simply’ll face this winter.

Our Knowledgeable Testers

Our lead winter jackets tester is year-round Lake Tahoe resident Nick Bruckbauer. Nick grew up within the nice state of Wisconsin, the place it’s not unusual to see automobiles driving on frozen lakes within the winter, neither is it out of the query to get a freak blizzard within the month of Could. Nick grew up constructing snow forts across the driveway, sledding within the again yard, and ice skating on a neighborhood pond. He recollects weeks-long stretches of winter that by no means crept above the freezing level, and having spring sporting occasions canceled due to snow.

After dwelling in Santa Barbara, Calif. for over 10 years in his 20s and 30s, he determined he’d had sufficient sunshine and paradise, and moved to Lake Tahoe in late 2020, simply in time to expertise Tahoe’s snowiest season on document in 2022-2023. Now, Nick spends his winters snowboarding, shoveling and plowing snow, strolling the canine, and sitting by the fireplace, and spends his summers swimming, paddling, operating, climbing, and splitting wooden to organize for winter.

Matt Bento resides within the Jap Sierra city of Bishop, Calif. He spends his summers mountain climbing and path operating within the close by mountains, and spends his winter snowboarding up the street at Mammoth Mountain Resort. Matt doesn’t let chilly or snowy climate interrupt his adventures, so he’s at all times looking out for one of the best winter jackets to maintain him cozy earlier than, throughout, and after every outing.

Our Testing Grounds

Along with Lake Tahoe, our GearJunkie testing group has knowledgeable testers available that dwell within the frigid Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, the snowy Jap Sierra of California, and the frozen midwestern plains of Minnesota. We stay, work, and play in areas recognized for severely chilly winters, and we put every of those winter jackets to the check in most of the identical situations that you simply would possibly face. From sub-zero temps with bitter winds to full-on white-out blizzards, to these damp, bone-chilling days that hover proper across the freezing level, our groups have examined one of the best winter jackets within the worst sorts of climate.

Our Testing Course of

Throughout our systematic testing course of, we paid cautious consideration to general heat and insulation high quality, match and luxury, climate safety, performance, and magnificence. From every day metropolis commutes in Minneapolis, to mountaineering expeditions within the Tetons, to climbing and plowing snow in Lake Tahoe, we’ve put dozens of winter jackets by the wringer to assist information you in your product analysis and buy determination.

Equally, our groups have examined the finest winter jackets for girls, and different winter requirements just like the finest winter boots, the finest down puffies, and the finest winter gloves and mittens.

Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select the Finest Males’s Winter Jacket

The time period “winter jacket” could be very broad and may actually be divided into a number of key subcategories relying in your local weather and meant use. On this Purchaser’s Information, we centered totally on winter jackets preferrred for on a regular basis use in chilly to reasonably chilly climates. We additionally included a number of lighter-weight items which might be extra particular for energetic makes use of or milder climates.

Forms of Winter Jackets

On a regular basis Use

Winter jackets made for on a regular basis use are perfect for informal every day put on in chilly climates, and can be utilized for low-intensity actions like commuting to work or college, operating errands round city, strolling the canine, or going out to dinner. Sometimes, these jackets have loads of insulation and are created from heavier supplies that prioritize heat, safety, and options. Due to this, they’re extra more likely to limit dynamic motion and are much less more likely to breathe properly, making them poor decisions for high-output actions like operating or climbing.

On a regular basis winter jackets usually embrace loads of comfort-oriented options like cozy wrist cuffs, draft collars across the neck, fleece-lined hand pockets, and adjustable hems and hoods. Additionally they usually have loads of pockets to hold your pockets, keys, cellphone, or different requirements. These options inevitably add a little bit bit to the jacket’s weight, however for informal on a regular basis use, the advantages of the added consolation and comfort outweigh any minor extra weight. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka has essentially the most options of any winter coat we examined, however can also be among the many heaviest.

Our top-ranked winter jacket — the Patagonia Stormshadow Down Parka — could be very heat and puffy with loads of 700-fill down insulation and boasts a water-resistant GORE-TEX shell. It additionally has a easy and traditional fashion that makes it nice for every day put on round city, and is mild sufficient that it could possibly be used for extra technical makes use of like cold-weather tenting or climbing.

For less complicated, light-weight choices nice for every day use when it’s not fairly as chilly, think about the Outside Analysis Coldfront Down Hoodie or the Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hooded Jacket. The Coldfront has a relaxed match that makes it versatile for quite a lot of makes use of, and the Cubit Stretch Down has a novel 3DWeave pre-woven baffle design that not solely seems cool but additionally helps optimize down loft and thermal effectivity. Each of those jackets weigh 20 ounces or much less, and have light-weight shell supplies that assist block wind and repel mild moisture.

Efficiency Use

Whereas on a regular basis winter jackets prioritize heat, safety, and handy options, performance-oriented winter jackets will usually stability heat and safety with a lighter weight design and extra particular technical options aimed toward energetic makes use of like operating, climbing, or cross-country snowboarding.

These jackets will usually have loftier down and lighter shell supplies with a view to save weight and make them extra compressible for stuffing right into a duffel bag or backpack, and can normally have a extra fitted fashion that permits extra physique motion with much less restriction.

Most on a regular basis winter jackets and parkas use 600- to 700-fill-power down insulation and burly 75- to 150-denier shell supplies, whereas performance-oriented winter jackets will usually use loftier 800- to 1000-fill-power down or high-tech artificial insulation, and could have thinner 7- to 30-denier shell supplies.

Efficiency jackets usually have fewer pockets, however will embrace options like twin zippers to accommodate carrying a climbing harness, and both a fitted hood to put on beneath a climbing helmet, or an outsized helmet-compatible hood.

Efficiency-use jackets usually have very breathable supplies designed to dump further warmth and dry shortly, so that you don’t should take away the jacket throughout vigorous exercise. Many could have artificial insulation that breathes a little bit higher than down and can retain its insulating properties even when moist from exterior moisture or perspiration. These jackets will normally have a waterproof end however won’t be totally waterproof, so most individuals will even deliver alongside a skinny, non-insulated waterproof shell jacket.

The Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody weighs simply 16.6 ounces with its light-weight and breathable 30-denier nylon shell and Coreloft artificial insulation, making it preferrred quick paced actions like cross-country snowboarding or climbing.

We additionally just like the Rab Cubit Stretchdown Hooded Jacket (18.7 ounces) and the Outside Analysis Coldfront Down Hoodie (20.6 ounces) as versatile decisions that blur the road between every day put on and technical use. Each of those jackets are heat sufficient for every day use in milder winter climate (all the way down to about 25 levels Fahrenheit), but additionally have easy, light-weight designs that additionally make them appropriate for extra energetic use.

And whereas they’re each insulated with 700-fill down, they each have options to assist defend towards moisture. The Cubit Stretch has its down protected by a Nikwax hydrophobic end, and the Coldfront has VerticalX ECO artificial insulation in physique areas which might be extra susceptible to moisture.

Shell Jackets

Shell jackets are designed to guard you from harsh climate situations. Like wearable shields that defend towards wind and rain, arduous shells are supposed to be your outermost layer. Skiers, climbers, and mountaineers arduous shells for his or her windproof and waterproof safety, and can normally put on a shell as a part of a multilayer system which will embrace a base layer, an insulated mid layer, and a water-resistant out shell. Relying on the place you reside, a burly arduous shell could be the top winter jacket possibility.

Most of the winter jackets that we examined embrace a water-resistant outer layer, making a further shell jacket pointless. The Patagonia Stormshadow, the Arc’teryx Therme SV, and the Outside Analysis Stormcraft all use down insulation shielded by a water-resistant/breathable GORE-TEX. This mixture offers one of the best mix of heat and safety that’s preferrred for on a regular basis use in chilly climates, however will not be as versatile as a multilayer system for altering climate situations.

Different winter coats just like the REI Stormhenge, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier, and The North Face McMurdo have proprietary waterproof shell supplies made by their respective firms. Whereas these supplies present waterproof and breathable safety, their efficiency specs aren’t as well-documented as that of GORE-TEX. For normal every day use in regular winter situations, we had no points with the waterproof efficiency of those jackets.

Some fashions, just like the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, embrace a detachable internal insulated jacket and an outer waterproof shell jacket. Relying on the situations, every respective jacket may be worn independently, or the internal jacket may be zipped and snapped into the outer jacket for the last word heat and safety.

Heat and Insulation

When contemplating a brand new winter jacket, general heat is clearly one of the vital essential components to contemplate. The entire jackets that we examined include both down or artificial insulation, or each. It’s arduous to undoubtedly evaluate general jacket heat and luxury since these options are so user-dependent and may be influenced by the wearer’s gender, physique sort, and exercise degree, and whether or not they usually run hotter or colder.

Having mentioned that, three jackets that we examined stand out for his or her distinctive heat: the Patagonia Stormshadow, the Fjallraven Nuuk, and The North Face McMurdo. Every of those jackets has a considerable amount of down insulation protected by a water-resistant shell materials, offered the last word mixture of heat and climate safety. The Stormshadow is fairly expensive with its mixture of down insulation and a GORE-TEX shell, so for those who’re searching for luxurious heat with out breaking the financial institution, the McMurdo and the Nuuk are nice choices.

Down Insulation

Product of goose or duck plumage, down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible sort of insulation on the planet. Virtually all the winter jackets that we examined for this purchaser’s information are insulated with down. When contemplating the warmth-to-weight stability, down continues to be higher insulation than any human-made different. Nevertheless, due to a couple key drawbacks, down does require cautious possession and dealing with.

Down insulation works by trapping heat air within the small areas between the down feathers. Nevertheless, down insulation doesn’t repel water, and it loses its fluffy loft — and thus loses most of its insulation properties — when it will get moist.

To fight this, many down jackets deal with the down with a hydrophobic coating, or add a water-resistant or water-repellant outer shell material. Some fashions additionally will strategically exchange the down with artificial insulation in particular areas of the physique — just like the shoulders or arms —which might be susceptible to moisture out of your physique.

Artificial Insulation

Artificial insulation is designed to duplicate the light-weight insulation down and retain its efficiency when moist. The standard of artificial insulation is continually enhancing, but it surely nonetheless usually lags behind down in its general warmth-to-weight ratio. Artificial insulation is usually not as compressible as down, and might lose its loft or fluffiness over time. For these on a funds, artificial insulated jackets are normally extra inexpensive than down. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is the warmest winter coat we examined with artificial insulation.

The principle good thing about artificial insulation is that it’s way more immune to moisture than down. Even when artificial insulation does turn out to be moist, it nonetheless offers an affordable share of its final heat. Artificial insulation additionally dries shortly, particularly when uncovered to wind and solar. This makes artificial insulation in style for performance-oriented winter jackets the place an energetic person will probably be producing numerous warmth and potential moisture from sweat. The Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody is insulated with artificial Coreloft insulation and is a superb alternative for energetic pursuits.

If you recognize you’ll be carrying your winter jacket in soggy environments such because the Pacific Northwest, think about buying a synthetic-filled jacket as an alternative of down.

Fill Energy and Fill Weight

The general heat of a down jacket is mostly a operate of the fill energy and the fill weight of the down insulation that’s used. Fill energy represents a volume-to-weight ratio (expressed in cubic inches per ounce), and fill weight represents weight (in ounces). By multiplying the fill energy by the fill weight, you will get an general quantity of insulation.

Take into account that different components like jacket supplies, match, and baffle form, measurement, and development also can affect the general heat of a jacket.

Fill Energy

Fill energy is a technical specification that usually refers back to the high quality or loftiness of down insulation. That is decided by a standardized lab check that calculates the amount (in cubic inches) taken up by one ounce of down. The next fill energy quantity signifies that the down has better loft (that means it’s fluffier or puffier), which implies that it’ll have higher thermal effectivity and supply a greater warmth-to-weight ratio.

Take into account that a better fill energy does not routinely imply {that a} jacket will likely be hotter. It simply signifies that it makes use of loftier down insulation that can have the ability to present higher thermal effectivity and heat at a lighter weight.

Most down jackets — together with all the winter jackets that we examined for this Purchaser’s Information — could have a fill energy ranking someplace between 600 and 900. Informal-wear down jackets usually have a fill energy ranking between 600 and 750, whereas high-end efficiency jackets could have a fill energy ranking of 750 to 900 or greater.

Of the winter jackets that we examined for this Purchaser’s Information, the REI Co-op Stormhenge has the best fill energy ranking at 850, and The North Face McMurdo has the bottom fill energy ranking at 600. Nevertheless, the McMurdo is hotter general than the Stormhenge however weighs nearly a pound and a half extra. The McMurdo weighs 3 kilos, 8.8 ounces, in comparison with the Stormhenge at 1 pound, 14.3 ounces.

Some ultralight down jackets in the present day use insulation with a fill energy ranking of 1000. Take into account that this worth solely represents a warmth-to-weight ratio and never the general heat of a jacket. Jackets with a fill energy ranking between 900 and 1,000 will usually weigh 10 ounces or much less and are meant for quick and lightweight technical pursuits. These down jackets won’t be practically as heat as any of the winter jackets on this purchaser’s information, however will likely be a lot lighter and extra packable.

Fill Weight

As its title suggests, fill weight refers back to the complete weight of the down insulation inside a jacket. Whereas fill energy is commonly marketed extra prominently than fill weight, each are equally essential to the efficiency of a jacket.

All different components being equal like jacket supplies, match, and baffle development, a jacket with 5 ounces of 700-fill-power down (complete quantity of 5 x 700 = 3,500 cubic inches) will probably be hotter than a jacket with 3 ounces of 900-fill-power down (complete quantity of three x 900 = 2,700 cubic inches), however it’s going to weigh extra and be much less compressible.

The upper the fill energy (high quality or loftiness), the much less fill weight is required to create the identical relative heat. It is because the higher-loft down takes up extra quantity per ounce and is ready to entice extra air and heat than a decrease fill-power down.

A jacket with 4 ounces of 900-fill-power down (complete quantity of 4 x 900 = 3,600 cubic inches) and a jacket with 6 ounces of 600-fill-power down (complete quantity of 6 x 600 = 3,600 cubic inches) ought to have about the identical heat, however the 900-fill-power down jacket will likely be lighter, extra compressible, and sure dearer.

Down jackets are usually out there with anyplace between 4 ounces and 20 ounces of fill weight. Evaluating fill weight is most helpful when all jackets in query have an identical fill energy ranking.

Climate Safety

Whereas heat is usually the highest consideration when searching for a winter jacket, safety from the weather can also be very important. Cozy down or artificial insulation will assist maintain you heat, however a wind or waterproof outer shell, a enough size, and a protecting hood will assist seal out chilly wind, rain, and snow.

For moist situations reminiscent of rain and sleet, prioritize a jacket with a water-resistant shell. Waterproof jackets include taped seams and heavy-duty exterior materials. Jackets on this class are additionally nice for wind safety. The Arc’teryx Therme SV stands out right here for its waterproof GORE-TEX shell, its adjustable insulated hood, and its prolonged size that just about reaches the knees.

Should you plan to put on your jacket in freezing situations the place it’s extra more likely to snow than rain, otherwise you’ll be in a dry chilly, a completely waterproof shell might not be vital. Many extremely insulated jackets, whereas not utterly waterproof, include a high quality DWR therapy that sheds mild moisture.

Options

Helpful options may be the distinction between a great jacket and an awesome jacket. Comfy hoods, handwarmer pockets, and cuff closures are among the winter jacket options we think about to be essentially the most useful. When mixed, these design particulars add vital heat, versatility, and safety from chilly situations

Hood

Winter jacket hoods are available a variety of styles and sizes. Throughout stormy climate, a protecting hood is necessary. Effectively-designed hoods provide ample customization and adjustability. Further hood options reminiscent of a fur lining and a stiff brim are additionally value in search of out.

Certainly one of our favorites is definitely the easy and comfortable hood design of the Rab Cubit Stretch Down. This jacket has a fitted hood with no adjustment cords or straps aside from an elastic brim across the wearer’s face. Whereas this hood received’t match over a climbing or ski helmet, we recognize the simplicity and luxury of the comfortable match.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, a lot of the winter jackets we examined have well-insulated hoods with two entrance and one rear adjustment cords. This permits the person to dial in a extra custom-made match, and infrequently permits the hood to be worn over a ski or climbing helmet. Be aware that the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 has a non-insulated hood since it’s a part of the outer shell jacket.

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka, the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and The North Face McMurdo embrace a detachable fake fur ruffs across the hoods that assist defend from driving wind and precipitation.

Two-Manner Zippers

Two-way zippers permit you to open the entrance of your jacket from each the underside and the highest. In extra-long and thigh-length jackets, two-way zippers are important for enabling leg mobility whereas sitting or stepping right into a automobile. On extra technical jackets, a two-way zipper makes it simpler to put on a climbing harness whereas carrying the jacket.

A lot of the jackets we examined have a two-way entrance zipper. On full-length parkas just like the Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka, the Arc’teryx Therme SV, and the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Park, the two-way entrance zipper permits further mobility when sitting down or when shifting round.

Pockets

The entire jackets we examined have a various assortment of pocket designs, starting from handwarmer pockets to exterior gear pockets to chest pockets to inner zippered or stash pockets. Extra totally featured parkas usually have essentially the most diversified and helpful pockets, however this additionally provides to the burden of the jacket. Lighter-weight jackets just like the Outside Analysis Coldfront or the Rab Cubit Stretch Down is likely to be restricted to hand-warmer pockets and perhaps an adjunct pocket or two.

The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka has essentially the most pockets (13) out of any winter jacket we examined. There are a number of inner and exterior zippered and stash pockets for each sort of cargo possible.

Hand pockets most likely have the largest affect on consolation and comfort, however not all hand pockets are created equal. Some — just like the Outside Analysis Coldfront — have cozy fleece-lined hand pockets which might be at simply the appropriate angle to relaxation your arms. However others — just like the Eddie Bauer Superior Down — have outsized pockets which might be at an ungainly angle and aren’t as snug.

Cuff Closures

Cuff closures permit you to create a seal round your wrist that forestalls wind and snow from coming into by your sleeves, and usually embrace a Velcro strap or a snap attachment level. Jackets also can embrace inside wrist gaiters for further heat and mushy, cozy safety. Wrist gaiters may be tough to put on with a wristwatch or bracelet however undoubtedly assist the general consolation.

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka has among the coziest wrist cuffs. Theirs is a mushy inner gaiter that seems like a comfy sweater, and an adjustable Velcro strap on the outer cuff.

Different fashions have extra easy cuff designs, like an elastic band that helps maintain a comfortable match across the wrist. This design is normally enough for lighter-weight jackets, however isn’t as versatile as an elastic cuff.

Value & Worth

Shell materials and insulation high quality and amount are the primary variables that can affect the value of a winter jacket. Greater-end options like insulated hoods, fleece-lined pockets, fitted cuffs, and adjustment cords also can hike up the value. For essentially the most half, you get what you pay for, however there are some extra inexpensive choices that carry out practically in addition to their dearer counterparts.

Price range

Essentially the most inexpensive jackets that we examined ($300 or much less) will usually make use of lower-grade supplies, or will merely have much less insulation or fewer options on them. The Outside Analysis Coldfront Down Hoodie ($279) is an easy, no-frills possibility with a relaxed match that can maintain you heat in all however essentially the most frigid situations. It’s not waterproof and it’s not parka size — so it’s not blizzard materials — however for those who’re searching for cozy puffy for normal on a regular basis put on, it’s one among our high decisions.

Our greatest worth decide — the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka ($299) — is heat, waterproof (with REI’s extra inexpensive HydroWall materials) and incorporates high-quality 850-fill-power down insulation. It’s not fairly as heat as some heavier parkas because it weighs simply lower than two kilos, but it surely offers an awesome match and glorious all-around efficiency. We’ve examined the Stormhenge by three winters and think about it practically equal to a few of our favourite coats which might be two to a few occasions the value. Should you’re not drawn to among the extra fashion-forward jackets from Arc’teryx or Patagonia, do your self a favor and simply purchase the Stormhenge.

Mid-tier

Spending $300 as much as $600 will get you some great-looking, heat, weather-resistant jackets from high manufacturers like Patagonia, The North Face, and Fjallraven. Right here you’ll begin to see proprietary waterproof breathable membranes, down with hydrophobic therapies, and further options like fancier pockets, nicer hoods, and higher development. The McMurdo Down Parka ($400) from The North Face is without doubt one of the warmest winter coats we’ve examined and is totally waterproof. TNF makes use of its proprietary DryVent waterproof/breathable materials, foregoing the higher-end GORE-TEX materials with a view to maintain the value a bit simpler to swallow. Its 600 fill-power down isn’t one of the best warmth-to-weight ratio, however there may be sufficient of it within the jacket that we stayed loads toasty whereas testing it.

Extra nice choices on this worth vary embrace the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka ($500) with essentially the most pockets and finest options of any mannequin we examined, the Outside Analysis Stormcraft Down Parka ($550) that’s the least costly possibility we examined that features GORE-TEX materials, and the smooth and trendy Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka ($599) that’s our favourite full-length parka design.

Premium

Pull out all of the stops (and your pockets), and also you get top-of-the-line supplies, development, options, options, and big-name model credibility. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699) combines a water-resistant shell layer with a removable insulated layer, so for the hefty price ticket, you do get three good choices to take you thru the season — a shell for the hotter, wetter occasions, a packable puffy for when it’s cool and dry, and a full storm-ready parka for the thick of winter.

Our high general decide, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka ($899), is a thigh-length parka with a GORE-TEX materials and thick baffles stuffed to the gills with 700-fill-power recycled down. It combines premium supplies all through with some considerate design particulars and top-notch development high quality. We have now sticker shock from trying on the price ticket, however we may see this jacket lasting a very long time if correctly cared for.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions