The Greatest Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

Our staff of winter warriors has spent many seasons testing the very best winter jackets in the marketplace in quest of the warmest and most versatile kinds. This 12 months alone, we researched dozens of fashions earlier than choosing the 14 greatest kinds to incorporate on this Information. After intensive hands-on testing within the frigid Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada, and Midwestern climates, we’re comfortable to carry you our choices for the very best winter jackets of 2024-2025.

From fashionable and streamlined thigh-length coats to sporty and sensible expedition-weight parkas, we’ll allow you to discover the proper winter jacket for you, regardless of your local weather, model, funds, or meant use. We examined these winter jackets in the identical varieties of on a regular basis eventualities you’re prone to face.

From strolling the canine, shoveling snow, or working errands, to an evening out in town or hanging out after a day on the slopes, we’ve organized our choices into distinct classes that can assist you make an environment friendly and knowledgeable determination.

When you’re merely in search of the very best, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka is our high decide with premium supplies and building high quality. The versatile and budget-friendly REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka proves you don’t need to spend the large bucks to remain heat and look good this winter.

Editor’s Observe: On December 13, 2024, we up to date this text with the addition of the Mammut Obelisk Gore-Tex HS Thermo Coat, and added comparisons to different related jackets that we’ve examined.

The Greatest Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

Extra Nice Winter Jackets We Examined

We examined practically 30 completely different winter jackets all through the previous three seasons, often including new fashions to our rotation every winter. Along with the seven High Decide winners above, the next jackets are extra standouts we appreciated that we predict you need to contemplate.

Greatest Winter Jackets Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Greatest 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 similar situations that you just’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 Might.

Nick grew up constructing snow forts across the driveway, sledding within the yard, and ice skating on a neighborhood pond. He remembers weeks-long stretches of winter that by no means crept above the freezing level, and having spring sporting occasions canceled due to snow.

After residing 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 file 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, working, climbing, and splitting wooden to arrange for winter.

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

Our Testing Grounds

Along with Lake Tahoe, our GearJunkie testing staff has professional testers readily available who dwell within the frigid Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, the snowy Jap Sierra of California, and the frozen midwestern plains of Minnesota. We dwell, work, and play in areas recognized for significantly chilly winters, and we put every of those winter jackets to the check in most of the similar situations that you just may 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 the very best winter jackets within the worst varieties 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 each 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 greatest winter jackets for girls, and different winter requirements just like the greatest winter boots, the greatest down puffies, and the greatest winter gloves and mittens.

Purchaser’s Information: Find out how to Select the Greatest Males’s Winter Jacket

The time period “winter jacket” could be very broad and will actually be divided into a number of key subcategories relying in your local weather and meant use. On this Purchaser’s Information, we targeted 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 can be extra particular for energetic makes use of or milder climates.

Varieties of Winter Jackets

On a regular basis Use

Winter jackets made for on a regular basis use are perfect for informal each day put on in chilly climates, and can be utilized for low-intensity actions like commuting to work or faculty, working 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 prone to prohibit dynamic motion and are much less prone to breathe effectively, making them poor selections for high-output actions like working or climbing.

On a regular basis winter jackets typically embrace loads of comfort-oriented options like cozy wrist cuffs, draft collars across the neck, fleece-lined hand pockets, and adjustable hems and hoods. In addition they usually have loads of pockets to hold your pockets, keys, cellphone, or different requirements.

These options inevitably add slightly 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 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-proof GORE-TEX shell. It additionally has a easy and basic model that makes it nice for each 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 each day use when it’s not fairly as chilly, contemplate 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 singular 3DWeave pre-woven baffle design that not solely seems to be cool but in addition 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 typically stability heat and safety with a lighter-weight design and extra particular technical options geared toward energetic makes use of like working, climbing, or cross-country snowboarding.

These jackets will typically have loftier down and lighter shell supplies with the intention to save weight and make them extra compressible for stuffing right into a duffel bag or backpack, and can normally have a extra fitted model 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 typically use loftier 800- to 1000-fill-power down or high-tech artificial insulation, and may have thinner 7- to 30-denier shell supplies.

Efficiency jackets typically have fewer pockets, however will embrace options like twin zippers to accommodate sporting 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 additional warmth and dry shortly, so that you don’t need to take away the jacket throughout vigorous exercise. Many may have artificial insulation that breathes slightly 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 can even carry 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 selections that blur the road between each day put on and technical use. Each of those jackets are heat sufficient for each day use in milder winter climate (all the way down to about 25 levels Fahrenheit), but in addition 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 shield in opposition to 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 can be extra vulnerable to moisture.

Shell Jackets

Shell jackets are designed to guard you from harsh climate situations. Like wearable shields that defend in opposition to 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 that will embrace a base layer, an insulated mid layer, and a water-proof out shell. Relying on the place you reside, a burly arduous shell would be the best winter jacket possibility.

Most of the winter jackets that we examined embrace a water-proof outer layer, making a further shell jacket pointless. The Patagonia Stormshadow, the Arc’teryx Therme SV, the Outside Analysis Stormcraft, and the Mammut Obelisk all use down insulation shielded by a water-proof/breathable GORE-TEX. This mix supplies the very best mix of heat and safety that’s preferrred for on a regular basis use in chilly climates, however shouldn’t 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 corporations. Whereas these supplies present waterproof and breathable safety, their efficiency specs aren’t as well-documented as that of GORE-TEX. For common each 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 interior insulated jacket and an outer waterproof shell jacket. Relying on the situations, every respective jacket will be worn independently, or the interior jacket will be zipped and snapped into the outer jacket for the final word heat and safety.

Heat and Insulation

When contemplating a brand new winter jacket, general heat is clearly one of the vital vital elements to think about. The entire jackets that we examined comprise both down or artificial insulation, or each. It’s arduous to positively examine general jacket heat and luxury since these options are so user-dependent and will be influenced by the wearer’s gender, physique sort, exercise stage, and whether or not they usually run hotter or colder.

Having stated 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-proof shell materials, supplied the final word mixture of heat and climate safety. The Stormshadow is fairly dear with its mixture of down insulation and a GORE-TEX shell, so if you happen to’re in search of 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. Nearly the entire 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 some 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-proof or water-repellant outer shell cloth. Some fashions additionally will strategically change the down with artificial insulation in particular areas of the physique — just like the shoulders or arms —which can be vulnerable to moisture out of your physique.

Artificial Insulation

Artificial insulation is designed to copy the light-weight insulation down and retain its efficiency when moist. The standard of artificial insulation is consistently bettering, however it nonetheless typically lags behind down in its general warmth-to-weight ratio. Artificial insulation is often not as compressible as down, and may lose its loft or fluffiness over time. For these on a funds, artificial insulated jackets are normally extra reasonably priced than down. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is the warmest winter coat we examined with artificial insulation.

The primary advantage of artificial insulation is that it’s much more immune to moisture than down. Even when artificial insulation does turn into moist, it nonetheless supplies an inexpensive share of its final heat. Artificial insulation additionally dries shortly, particularly when uncovered to wind and solar.

This makes artificial insulation standard for performance-oriented winter jackets the place an energetic person will possible be producing a whole lot of 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’ll be sporting your winter jacket in soggy environments such because the Pacific Northwest, contemplate buying a synthetic-filled jacket as an alternative of down.

Fill Energy and Fill Weight

The general heat of a down jacket is usually 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 may get an general quantity of insulation.

Needless to say different elements like jacket supplies, match, and baffle form, measurement, and building can even affect the general heat of a jacket.

Fill Energy

Fill energy is a technical specification that typically 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 1 ounce of down. The next fill energy quantity signifies that the down has higher 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.

Needless to say the next fill energy does not mechanically imply {that a} jacket shall be hotter. It simply signifies that it makes use of loftier down insulation that may be capable of present higher thermal effectivity and heat at a lighter weight.

Most down jackets — together with the entire winter jackets that we examined for this Purchaser’s Information — may have a fill energy ranking someplace between 600 and 900. Informal-wear down jackets typically have a fill energy ranking between 600 and 750, whereas high-end efficiency jackets may 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 very 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 at the moment use insulation with a fill energy ranking of 1000. Needless to say 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 light-weight technical pursuits. These down jackets won’t be practically as heat as any of the winter jackets on this purchaser’s information, however shall be a lot lighter and extra packable.

Fill Weight

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

All different elements being equal like jacket supplies, match, and baffle building, a jacket with 5 ounces of 700-fill-power down (complete quantity of 5 x 700 = 3,500 cubic inches) will possible 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 can 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 shall be lighter, extra compressible, and certain dearer.

Down jackets are usually obtainable with anyplace between 4 ounces and 20 ounces of fill weight. Evaluating fill weight is most helpful when all jackets in query have the same fill energy ranking.

Climate Safety

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

For moist situations akin to rain and sleet, prioritize a jacket with a water-proof 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 nearly reaches the knees.

When you plan to put on your jacket in freezing situations the place it’s extra prone to snow than rain, otherwise you’ll be in a dry chilly, a totally waterproof shell is probably not essential. Many extremely insulated jackets, whereas not fully waterproof, include a high quality DWR therapy that sheds mild moisture.

Options

Helpful options will be the distinction between an excellent jacket and an awesome jacket. Comfy hoods, handwarmer pockets, and cuff closures are a number of the winter jacket options we contemplate to be essentially the most helpful. When mixed, these design particulars add important heat, versatility, and safety from chilly situations

Hood

Winter jacket hoods are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Throughout stormy climate, a protecting hood is obligatory. Properly-designed hoods provide ample customization and adjustability. Extra hood options, akin to a fur lining and a stiff brim, are additionally price looking for out.

One among our favorites is definitely the easy and comfy 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 gained’t match over a climbing or ski helmet, we respect the simplicity and luxury of the cosy 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 personalized match, and sometimes permits the hood to be worn over a ski or climbing helmet. Observe 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 shield from driving wind and precipitation.

Two-Means Zippers

Two-way zippers let you 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 sporting 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 additional mobility when sitting down or when transferring 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 inside zippered or stash pockets. Extra totally featured parkas usually have essentially the most diverse 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 possibly 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 inside and exterior zippered and stash pockets for each sort of cargo conceivable.

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 can be at simply the proper angle to relaxation your arms. However others — just like the Eddie Bauer Superior Down — have outsized pockets which can be at a clumsy angle and aren’t as comfy.

Cuff Closures

Cuff closures let you 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 can even embrace inside wrist gaiters for additional heat and smooth, cozy safety. Wrist gaiters will be troublesome to put on with a wristwatch or bracelet however positively assist the general consolation.

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka has a number of the coziest wrist cuffs. Theirs is a smooth inside 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 cosy match across the wrist. This design is normally ample for lighter-weight jackets, however isn’t as versatile as an elastic cuff.

Worth & Worth

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

Finances

Essentially the most reasonably priced 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 a straightforward, no-frills possibility with a relaxed match that may 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 if you happen to’re in search of cozy puffy for common on a regular basis put on, it’s certainly one of our high selections.

Our greatest worth decide — the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka ($299) — is heat, waterproof (with REI’s extra reasonably priced HydroWall materials) and comprises 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, however it supplies an awesome match and glorious all-around efficiency.

We’ve examined the Stormhenge by three winters and contemplate it practically equal to a few of our favourite coats which can be two to a few occasions the worth. When you’re not drawn to a number of 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 building.

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 the intention to maintain the worth a bit simpler to swallow. Its 600 fill-power down isn’t the very best warmth-to-weight ratio, however there’s sufficient of it within the jacket that we stayed a lot toasty whereas testing it.

Extra nice choices on this value vary embrace the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka ($500) with essentially the most pockets and greatest 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 modern 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, building, options, options, and big-name model credibility. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699) combines a water-proof 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 building high quality. Now we have sticker shock from trying on the price ticket, however we may see this jacket lasting a very long time if correctly cared for.

Incessantly Requested Questions