We have curated a selection of the best winter jackets of 2024, so you don’t have to spend the time researching. Instead, get exactly what you need to stay warm without wasting time or money.
By: Camping Feed Staff | Last Updated: Dec. 6, 2023
If you’re looking for the best winter jacket for 2024, you’ve come to the right place. That grey sky, dropping temperatures, and falling snow get us thinking about next winter. But, of course, you live for skiing or outdoor snow season, so when winter comes knocking, you’ll be ready for it. But which winter jacket is best for you? That’s the question we’re about to answer.
Whether you have a little extra cash or are just starting with one coat, now is the time to think about your next one. We took a look at all of the jackets that came out and compiled them into a list of 20. In this comprehensive guide below, to learn more about each model, check our buyers guide to see if your questions were answered.
Each model will be judged based on performance, features, and value.
Best Overall Winter Jacket
1. The North Face Men’s Gotham Insulated Jacket III
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Fill: Combination of body-mapped 550-fill down and Heatseeker Eco insulations
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Water Proof, Wind Proof, machine washable, pricepoint.
- Cons: No pocket insulation
The North Face Men’s Gotham III Jacket is a mid-length, insulated winter coat. It is designed to keep you warm in cold temperatures while allowing you to move freely and easily. This jacket features 600 fill down with Heatseeker Eco insulation.
The outer shell is made of 100% nylon and is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish for added protection against the elements. This product can be machine washed and dried but should air dry completely before it is stored away.
The North Face also recommends that you keep your Gotham III in a cool, dry place when it isn’t needed, as this will help maximize the life of your jacket. This product has a relaxed fit, so you can comfortably layer it over multiple other garments or wear it on its own, but people with a body type that falls outside of the norm might find that it doesn’t fit them well because of this loose fit. If this is the case, consider choosing a different jacket that offers more room in the appropriate areas if you plan to wear several layers under your coat. The North Face Gotham III jacket has an adjustable hem at the bottom of the coat, so you can adjust its length based on how many layers you are wearing underneath it.
The North Face Gotham III Jacket is available in Men’s sizes XS-XXL and Black, Navy Blue, and Slate Grey. Sizes range from XS to XXL, while colors are available in Black, Navy Blue, and Slate Grey. The jacket weighs 2 lbs 9 oz (1.17 kg) with the dimensions being 20 x 30 x 24 inches (51 x 76 x 61 cm). The shipping weight of this product is 3 lbs 3 oz (1.42 kg).
Best Value For The Money
2. REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka
- Type: Hiking/Backpacking
- Weight: 1 lb 15.7 oz
- Fill: 180 g of 850-fill-power down
- Comfort: 4.6/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Wind proof, water proof, pit zips for ventilation,
- Cons: Bulky
The Stormhenge Parka is an excellent option for bad-weather backpacking. I took it along on a recent trip to the Sierra, and it kept me warm and dry in some pretty nasty conditions. It features a waterproof/breathable shell made of hydro wall 2-layer nylon and fully sealed seams, so you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping through. The Stormhenge’s downs are 850 fill, which helps keep its weight down to just a touch over 2 lbs.
The jacket comes with synthetic insulation mapped to high-use areas like the shoulders, hood, and cuffs (to prevent wet-out) and down that’s mapped to areas of high heat (like the core). The insulation mixture is designed to provide warmth while wet or dry. The Stormhenge has a helmet-compatible hood that you can tighten via drawcord at the back of the head or by tightening the front hem drawcord. It also has an adjustable cinch cord at the bottom of the jacket that helps seal out drafts around your waistline when you’re seated, in addition to its 3-way adjustable hood.
Truly functional features make this the ultimate in cold-weather layering. The hood adjusts easily with gloves on, thanks to large cord locks. An internal zippered chest pocket, drop-in pocket, two hand pockets, interior zippered pocket, and VISLON® waterproof zippers secure this jacket against wind and rain. Pit zips vent core heat when needed. The seam-free shoulders won’t chafe under pack straps. The adjustable cuffs seal out the elements.
Best Winter Jacket for Extreme Cold
3. Canada Goose Expedition Parka
- Type: Expedition/Extreme Cold
- Weight: 4 lbs 9 oz
- Fill: 625 Fill Power White Duck Down
- Comfort: 4.7/5
- Insulation: 4.7/5
- Pros: Very Warm, Preferred Antarctic Expeditions, wind proof, water resistant, Lifetime Warranty
- Cons: Color will fade over time
For the ultimate in cold-weather protection, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka is an investment that keeps on giving. A weather-resistant nylon shell and adjustable, down-filled hood with a removable fur ruff make this parka a winter essential. A security pocket keeps your wallet or passport safe while you’re out on the town, and an interior drop pocket gives you a convenient zippered spot for small items.
Tonal rib-knit cuffs and waistband offer warmth and comfort, while heavyweight seam taping reinforces the main seams of this durable parka for protection against winter weather. The Expedition Parka has six pockets for stowing gear and accessories, including four outer pockets with flaps for extra protection from the elements.
It’s crafted from a cotton blend that absorbs less water than traditional materials and offers extra wind resistance to keep you warm when temperatures plummet. A wide variety of sizes makes it easy to find one that fits, and the adjustable drawstring on the waistband helps seal out cold air for added warmth. The fur ruff is removable when you don’t need additional heat.
If you’re looking for a durable, warm, and stylish winter parka, you can’t go wrong with the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. This winter parka features a waterproof and windproof shell made from a durable, water-repellent fabric that makes it ideal for walking through the woods or trekking up the mountain.
This jacket also features a two-way zipper that unzips from the bottom for an extra range of motion. The waist features an internal drawstring to adjust your fit and keep you warmer, and the hood is adjustable for optimum warmth. It also features four pockets on the front, two open pockets, and two zippered pockets on each sleeve, as well as two interior pockets: one pocket with a zipper closure and one drop-in pocket without a closure. In addition, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka is available in multiple colors to suit your taste!
Best Lightweight Winter jacket
4. Arc’teryx Camosun Parka
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 2 lbs. 0.9 oz.
- Fill: 750 fill European Goose Down
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, removable hood, slim fit and perfect for layering
- Cons: Loud when moving around
The Arc’teryx Camosun Parka is a lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and insulated parka that’s perfect for various activities.
The removable hood is one of the best things about this parka. It’s made from synthetic material and is lined with Coreloft synthetic insulation to keep your head warm on chilly winter days. In addition, the outer shell is made from Gore-Tex 2L fabric, making the jacket completely waterproof and windproof. This is a highly durable material that will last for years without losing any weather protection properties.
The inside of the jacket is lined with high-quality 750-fill down insulation to provide superior warmth on cold winter days or nights when you’re outside playing in the snow or just taking an evening walk around town. So you’ll stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.
The Camosun has a slim fit and is perfect for layering. While it’s not entirely insulated, The Camping Feed staff loved wearing it over the Arc’teryx Fission SV (a regular-fit softshell) on mild days when only a light extra layer was needed. It also proved itself an exceptional stand-alone parka during several days of heavy rain. The outer fabric repelled water and the down insulation kept us warm and dry even when we were drenched from head to toe. All that water rolling off the material did make the parka less breathable than others in our test group, but it wasn’t enough to dampen our enthusiasm for this excellent all-around parka.
Best Winter Hiking Jacket
5. Mountain Equipment Trango Jacket
- Type: Hiking
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
- Fill: 9.5oz 90/10 700-fill down Codex
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Very Warm, Super Light Weight, Lots of warm pockets,
- Cons: Puffy
Mountain Equipment has been supporting the outdoor for over 40 years, and during this time, we have gained a wealth of experience from our staff and customers. As a result, we believe that the Trango Jacket is one of the lightest, most packable, warmest, most breathable, and versatile jackets currently on the market.
The Mountain Equipment Trango Jacket is a perfect choice for those looking for a light and mobile synthetic duvet with insulation levels that would typically be only possible with heavier and bulkier box wall jackets. The Trango Jacket is designed as a sleeping bag liner during the summer months or can be used as an outer layer in the winter months. The outer fabric is totally windproof, highly water-resistant, and made from our DRILITE LOFT 40D ripstop fabric, which is extremely lightweight and compressible.
The offset baffle construction throughout the jacket provides increased insulation with no cold spots. Mother nature has provided us with an abundance of down to keep us warm and comfortable, but have you ever stopped to think about where it comes from? Our Mountain Equipment Traceable Down products are certified by RDS, so you can buy with confidence knowing that your down has been ethically sourced from cruelty-free farms where animals are given food, shelter, and veterinary care. This product contains 700 fill power traceable down, leaving you feeling good about the clothes on your back.
Winter hikes and mountain expeditions require a warm, comfortable, well-fitting jacket. This is the perfect choice for remote trips.
Best Winter Work Jacket
6. 5.11 Tactical Mens 48073
- Type: Work
- Weight: 3lbs
- Fill: 2 sided polyester fleece liner
- Comfort: 4.6/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Hi Vis, water resistant, durable, perfect for ems
- Cons: Not applicable for active law enforcement as there is no side zips for duty weapon and radio
When you have a high-quality tactical duty jacket, it will provide you with exceptional performance both in the field and in everyday use. This is because it’s designed to resist water and abrasion while also providing thermal protection.
5.11 Tactical Jackets are not only stylish but also comfortable and lightweight. The jacket’s high-visibility colors are made using 3M material that offers superior visibility at night and in adverse conditions. This tactical duty jacket is reinforced with YKK zippers, making them durable and reliable for long-lasting use even when you’re in the most demanding situations. With this 5.11 Tactical Men’s 48073 Duty Jacket, you can be sure that it is up for any challenge.
Backed by the rugged durability of 100% polyester, this jacket is woven with a specially designed ripstop fabric that consists of tightly woven polyester yarns that are twisted and bonded together to create a solid and flexible material. While it’s strong enough to handle the elements, this tactical reinforced pocket also makes for lightweight construction that won’t weigh you down as you’re on patrol.
In addition, the 5.11 Men’s Tactical Jacket maintains its versatility in the field with its numerous storage options and features. The chest area features two zippered hands warmer pockets and two external pockets along with a pen pocket so you can securely keep your writing utensils close at hand. On your sleeves are two more bags that are great for holding smaller items, like flashlights or walkie-talkies, while the left chest has an ID pocket for quick identification when needed.
If you’re looking for an everyday jacket for work or play that offers plenty of space to store all your gear, then look no further than the 5.11 Men’s Tactical Jacket.
Best Waterproof Winter jacket
7. Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 1.35 lbs. oz.
- Fill: 113 – 150 grams/ 700 Fill Power Down Insulation, RDS Certified
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 4/5
- Pros: Waterproof, breathable, warm
- Cons: Runs large
The Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket combines a premium waterproof and breathable shell with 700 fill power down insulation to keep you warm and dry in severe winter conditions.
At its core, every modern Columbia jacket is made to keep you protected from the elements. The Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket Jacket is no exception. Built for harsh winter weather, this jacket features a waterproof shell rated to 20k mm hydrostatic head and a breathable liner to ensure the utmost comfort.
And thanks to its thermal heat-sealed seams, it’ll keep those harsh winter winds out, too. This shell is built using Columbia’s OutDry™ EXTREME technology. The material provides waterproof protection so you can go on your run or hike without the worry of getting caught in a downpour.
This material also offers insulation and breathability, perfect for winter days when temperatures fluctuate between hot and cold. In addition, this jacket was designed with Columbia’s Omni-Tech™ Thermal Reflective System, allowing heat to be reflected towards your body. This system helps to keep you warm on colder days when the mercury dips below freezing. It also helps to increase breathability by keeping cold air from entering the jacket through the sides. The Omni-FIT™ adjustable cuffs and waistband are made of an elastic material that comfortably fits your wrists and waist while providing a snug fit around your midsection to lock.
The Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket Jacket is a cold-weather jacket for the active woman. This waterproof, breathable shell features both a hood and a drawstring hem to help keep you cozy on the mountain, and complete external seam taping helps keep you dry in the worst conditions.
8. Patagonia Frozen Range Parka
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 2.76 lbs
- Fill: 700-fill-power down
- Comfort: 4.7/5
- Insulation: 4.7/5
- Pros: Durable, baffled construction, waterproof ,
- Cons: Hood limits peripheral vision
The Patagonia Frozen Range Parka has an excellent trim fit for women. It’s cut to be fitted without being tight, and the arms are long enough to offer decent coverage even if you’re wearing bulky gloves. In addition, the shell is made of 100 percent GORE-TEX polyester, which helps make the jacket waterproof and windproof.
The 700 fill-power down insulation is recycled from other down products. This means that it has been cleaned, sanitized, and treated with a durable water repellent finish to prevent it from leaking feathers through the stitches of your jacket.
The shell material is also completely recyclable, making this parka an eco-friendly choice for anyone who wants to minimize its impact on the environment while staying warm and comfortable during the colder months. The full front zipper has a button-flap closure with a zip-through and tricot-lined collar for comfort and warmth. Dual zippered pockets are lined with jersey material for extra warmth and handwarmer options on the knuckle side. The internal pocket is a zipper closure to your valuables safe.
The Camping Feed Staff are a massive fan of Patagonia and have been for years. I’ve had a few Patagonia jackets, shirts, and pants over the years, and all have been of excellent quality. This jacket seems to be no different.
The Patagonia Frozen Range Parka is warm, comfortable, and stylish. The buttons are high quality. The zippers are nice and thick. So if you’re looking for a new winter jacket that’s stylish, warm, and comfortable, you should consider getting this one by Patagonia. You won’t be disappointed.
9. Rab Infinity Alpine
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 0 lbs. 19.4oz.
- Fill: 6.2 oz. of 800FP European Goose Down with Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish
- Comfort: 4.7/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Light weight, breathable, warm,
- Cons: Water resistant not proof
Rab is known for its technical down jackets, often used by climbers and mountaineers. The Infinity Alpine is a new addition to the Infinity series and a step-up from the Infinity Evo jacket in terms of weather protection.
The Rab Infinity Alpine Jacket is a mid-layer focusing on vertical pursuits. This puffy has all the features you’d expect from such a performance-oriented piece of gear, from ice climbing to mountaineering to peak bagging. With an industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratio, 800 fill power down, and weatherproofing that meets the demands of mountain life; the Rab Infinity Alpine provides all you need to climb safely in cold conditions.
With the Rab Infinity Alpine Jacket, you’ll stay warm and dry while climbing in the mountains. This piece of outerwear can be worn all day long while you’re out on the trail, and it has some great features that make it even better.
One of the Camping Feed Staff’s favorite features is the articulation in the sleeves. It allows you to move your arms freely and swing your tools without worrying about restricted movement. The big pockets are great for holding snacks or anything else you need on a climb. Unlike most climbing jackets, this one has two zipper pulls to work with gloves on and can be adjusted to fit over a climbing helmet if needed. In addition, it has two-way zippers on both pockets so that you can access your stuff without taking off your pack. If you are doing a lot of ice climbing, this piece of outerwear will keep you nice and warm even if you end up falling in cold water.
10. The North Face L6 Summit Cloud Down Parka
- Type: Hiking/Expedition
- Weight: 1 lbs. 5.8 oz.
- Fill: 5.3 oz. of 800-fill water-repellent ProDown™
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Breathable, comfortable, lightweight, warm, wind proof
- Cons: Can be puffy
The North Face Summit Cloud Down Parka is a warm, lightweight winter parka that is ideal for active use in cold conditions. Weighing just 12 ounces and containing 800 fill power down, the down parka is quite possibly the lightest and most compressible down parka available today.
In addition, the parka uses The North Face’s ProDown technology, which utilizes highly compressible 800 fill power water-repellent down and offset baffles to lock that warmth inside your jacket. This winter, combining the L6 with a merino wool base layer can make for some of the warmest clothing you’ll ever own.
The North Face Down Parka has a hood that can fit over your helmet that offers adjustable drawcords on both sides of the hood so you can tighten it around your face and neck in even the windiest conditions. The Summit L6 also provides two zip hand pockets, one interior zipper chest pocket, and two drop-in mesh pockets on the interior. A great feature of this jacket is its raglan sleeves designed to allow a full range of motion while climbing or skiing. This jacket weighs 1 pound 12 ounces and stuffs into its pouch for ease.
To keep this jacket light, it is constructed from a combination of nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and lightweight recycled polyester fabric with a DWR finish that offers increased wind resistance. In addition, this jacket was designed to be the warmest, lightest, most compressible, and packable in The North Face’s award-winning Summit Series. As a result, it provides unrivaled warmth without bulk or weight, making it the ultimate protection for high-altitude belays.
11. Craghoppers Pember Jacket
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 2.53 lbs.
- Fill: Therma pro synthetic
- Comfort: 5/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Dry, windproof, lots of pockets, breathable, machine washable
- Cons: Heavy weight for carry in bookbag just in case
The Pember is a waterproof, breathable jacket that you can use for all outdoor adventures. The waterproof nature of the coat makes it ideal for those who enjoy heading outdoors regardless of the weather. In addition, it is capable of keeping you comfortable while you are in the great outdoors, even if the weather takes a turn for the worst!
It’s made with a patented AquaDry membrane, awarded OutDry Extreme certification. This certification means it has the best waterproof qualities on the market and is comfortable in almost any condition. In addition to this, the fabric won’t absorb any water, so it’ll stay light and breathable.
The Pember is an ideal choice for anyone who takes their walks seriously but wants to ensure they’re not compromising on comfort or style. With a wealth of pockets and storage space, you can take everything you need with you on your travels as well as keep warm and dry when the weather turns bad.
Pember is made from 100% recycled polyester, which means it’s comfortable without harshing the environment. The fabric is also treated with Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment, so you don’t have to worry about any rain soaking through to your skin. DWR is a chemical treatment that makes water bead up and rolls off your clothes without seeping in.
The Pember comes in three colors: Jet Black, Fire Red, and Royal Blue. At the Camping Feed, we love the Pember. It’s a great-looking coat and is so versatile and durable. It comes with a hood for when you need it but can also be easily removed if you don’t want it. It’s great to have the option to wear it either way, depending on the weather.
12. Arc’teryx Therme Parka
- Type: Hiking
- Weight: 2.18 lbs
- Fill: 750-fill-goose down
- Comfort: 5/5
- Insulation: 4/5
- Pros: High Quality, well made, raine and wind proof
- Cons: Outside pockets are a little small. New iphones do not fit
The Arc’teryx Therme Parka is reasonably priced for what you get. In addition, it is a high-quality, durable parka that will last a very long time. The only negative thing is that it doesn’t have as many pockets as some more expensive jackets, but this won’t be much of a problem for most people.
No matter what activity you are doing outdoors, your gear will be one of the most important things. You have to make sure that you have the right equipment to keep you safe and comfortable at all times. This equipment can include items such as your sleeping bag and your tent. However, you will not want to be without one piece of equipment if you are headed out into the wilds, and that is your waterproof jacket.
The pull cord at the waist does an excellent job at keeping out the wind and cold air, and the hood is large enough to fit over my climbing helmet. It is rated to keep you warm down to -30 degrees Celsius with wind chill, and I’ve stayed warm in it in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. And since it is Gore-Tex, rain and snow roll right off.
The Arc’teryx Therme Parka would be a great jacket to wear on a camping trip. It is warm, comfortable, and soft.
The Therme Parka has an inside pocket that’s insulated to keep your drinks warm or cold, while the outer pockets are deep enough so you can keep your hands warm. And, all the zippers work well. So, this jacket keeps you warm and dry in the worst weather conditions.
13. The North Face McMurdo Jacket
- Type: Casual
- Weight: 3 lbs. 5.5 oz.
- Fill: 550 Fill Recycled Waterfowl Down
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Insulation: 4.7/5
- Pros: Removable Hood, warm, water resistant
- Cons: Bulky
The North Face McMurdo jacket is for someone who knows what the weather is like in their area. Someone who knows that the bone-chilling cold can get to you if you are just not prepared for it. This jacket will keep you warm in the coldest of conditions.
Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and a removable hood make this jacket easy to wear with a helmet or without one. The Velcro cuffs and hem can adjust to fit perfectly around your arms and legs to keep them nice and warm as well.
The North Face McMurdo jacket has an internal zip pocket that can hold all of your smaller items, keeping them safe from falling out while you are outside enjoying the cold weather. In addition, the dual entry chest pockets can store small things that you need to access quickly while out and about.
There is also a zippered security pocket, which will keep your cell phone or other personal belongings safe from theft without having to worry about finding a place inside the jacket for them to be stored. The North Face McMurdo Parka is made with 100% waterproof material that keeps the warmth in and the rain out, but it also helps keep the wind out!
This coat is hot, comfortable, and well designed. The hood fits great, and you can even wear a baseball hat under it without any problems.
You can wear this coat pretty much every day when the temp drops below 0 degrees. It is even light enough to wear indoors in an office without overheating. The only thing keeping this from being five stars is the pockets; they are pretty small and deep, so you can’t use them for anything other than your hands or a phone.
14. Marmot Fordham Jacket
- Type: Casual
- Weight: 2 lbs. 2.0 oz.
- Fill: 700-fill-power down
- Comfort: 4.6/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Durable, warm, super comfortable
- Cons: Limited wet weather protection due to non-sealed seams
Winter will never do you wrong when you wear this Marmot Men’s Fordham Jacket.
The Marmot Fordham Jacket is a warm and durable men’s winter coat that will keep you comfortable when the temperature drops, whether you’re out in the backcountry or just walking around town. This jacket features high-quality materials that work well to insulate and protect you from the cold, and it’s designed with an eye for style so you can look good even as you’re staying warm.
The Marmot Fordham Jacket is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a warm, stylish and functional winter coat. The fit is also great; there is an adjustable nylon drawstring at the bottom hem with Velcro cuffs on the sleeves to keep out drafts.
At the Camping Feed, we believe that the Marmot Fordham Jacket is the kind of jacket that you want when you head out for a hiking adventure with your friends. The 700 fill power down helps keep you warm to stay protected from extreme cold and windy weather. It’s an excellent choice for any outdoorsman.
15. Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka
- Type: Hiking/Expeditions
- Weight: 2 lbs. 11.25 oz.
- Fill: 13.3 oz. of 900+ goose down
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Extremely warm, lightweight, technical features
- Cons: Too warm for most uses
The Khumbu Parka from Feathered Friends is an excellent jacket for serious mountaineering expeditions and users in frigid climates. This jacket is exceptionally warm, as it provides a complete 50% of its insulation value in the torso alone! We highly recommend this jacket to anyone who plans on spending significant amounts of time in such harsh cold conditions.
These harsh conditions are where the Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka stands out. The 900-fill power down is highly compressible and lightweight, something no other jacket we tested came close to.
The coat was also easy to shove in a pack or take off when we weren’t using it. In addition, this down jacket has a healthy heft for such a lightweight garment. Its fit is slightly boxy (resulting in more weight from canvas materials), but the ample cut makes up for this in warmth.
The Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka is also one of the most durable jackets in this review. Worn and loved by serious climbers for years, it shows little sign of wear.
The Khumbu Parka is a year-round parka that features a detachable and adjustable hood, a two-way center-front zipper, and zip-in/zip-out sleeves.
The hood is cozy and fits over a climbing or ski helmet easily. There are two Velcro-adjustable elastic cords at the back of the neck to help keep out blowing snow and cold air. The cuffs are also adjustable via Velcro tabs to keep the cold air.
16. TACVASEN Men’s Special Ops Jacket
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 1.32 lbs
- Fill: 100% polyester
- Comfort: 4.4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Multiple pockets including zippered chest pockets, drawstring waist for extra warmth, available in multiple colors.
- Cons: Some find the pockets too tight to fit your hands with gloves on and a cell phone, may need some additional waterproofing.
TACVASEN Men’s Military Tactical Soft Shell Jacket is a great gift idea for military army outdoor tactical operations, climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. It is lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant with two front zipper chest pockets, two zippered side pockets, drawstring waist, and hood and Velcro adjustable wrist cuff.
It has seven pockets in total and one vent zipper under each arm. These features make it more convenient for soldiers to carry extra gear in the field.
Slip into this lightweight tactical jacket to be stylish while protecting your body from the sun and wind. The sleeves are lined with a breathable fleece material to help keep you warm while it repels water to offer protection from the rain.
TACVASEN Men’s Military Tactical Soft Shell Jacket is designed with a drawstring waistband. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or hunting for a game, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style wearing this special ops military tactical softshell jacket coat.
17. Fjällräven Nuuk Parka
- Type: Hiking
- Weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz.
- Fill: 8.8oz. of Supreme Microloft: 100% polyester
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Insulation: 3/5
- Pros: Tons of pockets, sharp urban style, durable, cozy
- Cons: Quite heavy for warmth
If you live in a cold climate, you need to keep warm. You can do it with many layers and different kinds of clothing for other parts of your body, like socks and gloves. But there comes the point where the amount of time you spend getting dressed and undressed outweighs the time you spend being comfortable.
Fjällräven Nuuk Parka is a well-made, stylish, and functional winter jacket. It fits well and looks good, even in casual attire. However, it’s not as warm as one might expect, given the price.
The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is made of wind- and water-resistant fabric that makes it suitable for year-round wear in most parts of the United States. The outer shell has a thick feel but isn’t bulky; the sleeves are roomy enough to accommodate heavier layers beneath.
A removable fur-lined hood keeps you warm in the coldest weather. This removable hood is an ideal design for people who live in cold climates—the fur-lined hood can be removed and stored in your office for two weeks out of the year when the temperature dips below freezing, and then you can put it back on when you need it.
And, there are plenty of pockets for stashing your stuff. It’s a good choice if you plan to travel with this jacket because it folds up into an included pocket and weighs less than 2 pounds. Plus, the handwarmer pockets are great; they allow you to keep your hands warm even when you’re not wearing gloves.
18. Rab Neutrino Pro
- Type: Hiking
- Weight: 1 lbs. 3.8 oz.
- Fill: 7.5oz. of 800-fill-power goose down
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Warm, lightweight, comfortable,
- Cons: Minimal features
There are a lot of different options on the market for winter jackets. But, if you’re tired of being cold, Rab’s Neutrino Pro is the winter jacket for you.
The Neutrino Pro is a top choice for winter hiking and backpacking and has become popular among skiers and ice climbers. The Rab is one of the warmest jackets we tested but still packs down small enough to carry in your backpack.
It combines incredible warmth with several innovative features and an excellent design ideal for many different uses.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone serious about staying warm outdoors during the winter. Rab is a small company based in Scotland, making high-quality mountaineering gear since 1972.
Rab’s Neutrino line of jackets and pants have been top sellers for over 20 years, and their quality and performance are excellent. However, since it’s not cheap, we think the Rab Neutrino Pro is best suited for serious hikers who spend plenty of time outside in the cold or snow.
Rab’s Neutrino Pro is a mid-weight, compressible down jacket designed to keep you warm in temperatures between 0°C and -25°C. This lightweight jacket has an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and layers quickly, making it an ideal option for shorter hiking trips or when you won’t be venturing too far from the car.
At the Camping Feed, we love that it has a thick goose down that provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio and excellent durability, along with a thin outer shell fabric that keeps the jacket weight low.
19. Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight:15.3 oz.
- Fill: 4.76 oz. 100% polyester PlumaFill
- Comfort: 5/5
- Insulation: 3/5
- Pros: Lightweight, functional, comfortable
- Cons: Not warm enough for stand alone winter use
The Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody is a light, sleek jacket. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pack nearly as much insulation as the other jackets in this guide, severely limiting its primary winter jacket capabilities. On the other hand, it is an excellent jacket for the fall and spring or as a warm layer during physical activity in cold weather. It is also a perfect mid-layer for cold-weather activities like skiing.
The Patagonia Macro Puff is a waterproof yet breathable nylon shell treated with a durable water repellent (DWR). The DWR treatment is designed to keep moisture from soaking through the shell material but does not provide any natural protection against precipitation.
Ultralight, warm, and highly breathable synthetic insulation deliver the perfect balance of fill-power and weight to provide the cushioning and warmth needed for aerobic activities.
It is an excellent choice for mild winter days or as a layer for cold-weather activities. The hood offers excellent protection from the elements and fits well over most climbing helmets.
At the Camping Feed, we found it to be very breathable. The two-way zipper allows easy access when wearing a harness or backpack waist belt. And it has two hand warmer pockets and one chest pocket but no interior pockets, which is a little unusual, but still has enough storage for all of your essentials.
20. The North Face HMLYN Down Parka
- Type: Hiking/Casual
- Weight: 2 lbs. 14.9. oz.
- Fill: 550-fill-power goose down
- Comfort: 4/5
- Insulation: 5/5
- Pros: Comfortable, Dries Quickly, Stylish, Warm, Waterproof, Windproof.
- Cons: Poor ventilation.
The North Face HMLYN Down Parka is a great jacket. It’s not just for climbing or mountaineering; it’s also suitable for running in wet weather.
We like the way it looks at the Camping Feed, and it’s made with a quality that stands up to use. The North Face HMLYN Down Parka fits well over clothes; the front zipper is not stiff and goes up and down quickly.
The pockets are roomy enough to hold your gloves or whatever you might need to keep your hands warm in cold weather. The hood is perfect — adjustable, so it stays on in the wind and deep enough to keep your head dry when it’s raining hard.
This parka is made from nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to help keep you dry. The goose-down insulation provides warmth, and the top-entry hand pockets have a secure-zip closure. The overall relaxed fit features hook-and-loop cuff tabs and an internal, secure-zip chest pocket.
Winter Jackets Buying Guide
- Type of Jacket
- Material – which material is best for winter jackets
- Temperature
- Weight
- Comfort
- Men vs Women Winter Jackets
- Pockets
- Wind Resistance
Type of Jacket
When winter is here, you need a proper winter jacket. Although your standard rain jacket will work in the rain, it’s safe to have a more sturdy winter jacket to keep you warm in the cold. There are many different winter jackets, including casual, performance, with shell, without, parkas, and more. When choosing your ideal winter jacket type, consider the use and whether you are walking around town or in extreme -3 degree weather.
Casual Winter Jackets or casual jackets are typically made of thicker fabric like cotton or down-filled and aren’t designed for extreme cold. They’re often paired with clothing, so they work well in mild weather or just when you’re walking around town. They’re also very affordable, which is why they’re popular among college students who need something to keep them warm between classes on campus or during a mild winter day.
Performance Winter Jackets or performance jackets are designed to withstand harsh conditions like windy days on the hill or being outside in freezing temperatures when snowboarding. This is why performance jackets tend to be made of synthetic materials that won’t retain water. Performance jackets often feature waterproof zippers and pit zips for extra ventilation when needed.
Material – Which Material Is Best For Winter Jackets
Material is important when considering the best winter jacket in 2024. Typically you are choosing between down or synthetic. Down is lighter, more compressible, and warmer. A great choice if you’ll be doing a lot of backcountry travel or mountaineering where weight matters. However, down is not as durable. It loses its ability to insulate when wet and tends to lose loft over time. As a result, synthetic jackets are better for everyday wear in cold cities and even ski towns.
Softshells are typically made with Polartec fabrics like two-layer Power Shield or Wind Pro and incorporate abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar and Schoeller c_change into the construction. These jackets repel water while still allowing moisture to escape, making them perfect for aerobics like shoveling snow or running. A bonus is that they tend to be less expensive than their hardshell counterparts.
Even though they offer fewer features than hard shells, soft shells are an excellent choice for everyday use—and we see them quite frequently on commuters and around town. They’re not quite as warm when the mercury drops, but their breathing ability makes them much better for aerobic activities in colder climates.
Temperature
Winter jackets are designed to keep you warm in the coldest conditions. Unfortunately, they’re also typically one of the most expensive pieces of clothing you’ll buy, so it’s worth taking a long look at how they’re constructed and what they offer before making your purchase. Winter jackets are designed for warmth, and many factors provide this warmth. Some of the most important factors include the fill power of the jacket’s down or synthetic insulation, the jacket’s weight, and the quality of its outer material.
Fill power is particularly important to consider when comparing jackets with different types of insulation, as it can be challenging to reach fill weights without taking fill powers into account. The fill power of a jacket’s insulation tells you how much space one ounce of down takes up in volume. In other words, it tells you how much area down has to trap body heat and warm you up. Higher fill powers mean more space taken up by down, which means better insulation and more warmth. For example, a higher fill power doesn’t necessarily mean a better-insulated jacket; a high-quality 500-fill down jacket may be warmer than an inferior 700-fill down jacket.
Weight
Choosing a winter jacket can be a tough decision—there are so many options! And the choices just get more and more complicated when you start to look at weight.
In general, the weight of a jacket correlates with warmth. The lighter the coat, the less insulation it will have. But other factors play into it as well.
The lightest jackets will be made from premium down, fragile shell fabrics , and tend to use lightweight components like zippers, baffles, and draw cords. These jackets will be great for backpacking, climbing, or winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, where every ounce counts. They’ll also be suitable for travel, but only if you’re willing to carry them on your back all day. A bad fall on ice could easily puncture these types of jackets—so they’re best used in relatively safe environments.
The casual end of the market is much more forgiving when weight. Casual jackets from The North Face and Patagonia tend to push the 3-pound mark higher. This is not an issue for many people because they won’t be carrying their coats around in a backpack. Casual pieces have other priorities, such as durability over weight savings, so thicker shells often hold up better over time and add weight to the overall package. Overall, most consumers don’t think about weight when buying winter jackets.
Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor in any article of clothing, particularly a winter jacket. You want to make sure that it is puffy but not so puffy you can’t move your arms and neck. Also, if you are doing outdoor activities, you wear the jackets for hours at a time, so you want to make sure it isn’t too tight or annoying to wear.
A winter jacket should be warm yet lightweight enough not to restrict movement or cause discomfort when worn for long periods. Your jacket should also provide a certain level of protection from rain, wind, snow, and cold. When deciding between the many different options available for winter jackets, consider where and how you will be using your jacket.
For example, going on a backpacking trip in the Rockies during the winter, you will want something super light and warm with plenty of pockets to keep your valuables safe. On the other hand, if you are walking down to the coffee shop, your coat doesn’t need to be as warm or look as nice but will still protect you from precipitation and wind.
Men vs Women Winter Jackets
When you’re buying your winter coat, keep in mind that there are some significant differences between men’s and women’s jackets. Tighter-fitting women’s coats are designed with a more tapered fit around the hips and waist, while men’s styles tend to be bulkier for more coverage.
Zippered pockets outside women’s jackets are typically angled upward and away from the body to make them easier to reach. Men’s bags are straight and located lower on the coat, so they’re less likely to get in the way while you’re walking or sitting down.
Women’s coats typically have waist belts or drawstrings that help define the waistline, while men’s jackets don’t include these features because they can make it harder to layer clothes underneath. Women’s hoods are often lined with fleece and have reinforced patches at stress points like the shoulders and elbows, making for a more comfortable fit and longer-lasting jacket.
Men’s hoods are typically made from a sturdier material like canvas or polyester for more incredible warmth. It can be challenging to find a unisex coat that fits both men and women well for all of these reasons.
Pockets
Pockets are a critical piece to a winter jacket — you want plenty of pockets that are easy to access with your gloves on. Also, you want a pocket to hold your gloves. Pockets are pretty standard, but some features will make your jacket stand out.
For example, some jackets have an interior pocket just for your phone, so it stays protected from the elements, and the zipper is covered with a flap that’s attached magnetically, so it doesn’t go off when you don’t want it to.
Some jackets have a unique feature — a built-in sunglasses wipe in the liner, and most have at least one internal pocket for storing your ski goggles. There are two basic options as far as where you can keep your gloves.
Some jackets have pockets specifically designed for your gloves, and some have large pockets on their sleeves or exterior that can be used to hold them. Most people prefer the latter because they are more flexible about what you can store in them, but if you’re looking for a specific place for your gloves and they aren’t too bulky, you’ll want something designed specifically for them.
Wind Resistance
In the world of outdoor gear and clothing, “wind-resistant” is a standard spec for jackets that are printed on labels and often mentioned in product descriptions. But what does it mean? A jacket may claim to be windproof, but how do you know if it will work in your environment? Unfortunately, there aren’t any globally agreed-upon standards defining how wind-resistant a jacket can claim to be; everybody seems to make it up as they go along, using whatever definition they want.
In even the slightest chill, the wind is a foe to be reckoned with. So even if your outfit otherwise provides warmth, you can always experience the sensation of being “blown” around by winds that sneak in through every gap and under every hem.
In particular, the shell itself matters most. Look for Gore Windstopper or Pertex for excellent wind resistance at low weights. Almost all winter jackets do a respectable job keeping wind and the other elements at bay. However, pay attention to weight and material to get a sense of how your jacket will perform in windier environments.
