The Finest Winter Jackets of 2024-2025

Our staff of winter warriors has spent many seasons testing the most effective winter jackets in the marketplace in the hunt for the warmest and most versatile types. This yr alone, we researched dozens of fashions earlier than deciding on the 14 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 completely satisfied to carry you our picks for the most effective winter jackets of 2024-2025.

From trendy and streamlined thigh-length coats to sporty and sensible expedition-weight parkas, we’ll aid you discover the fitting winter jacket for you, regardless of your local weather, type, funds, or meant use. We examined these winter jackets in the identical sorts of on a regular basis situations you’re prone 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 resolution.

If you happen to’re merely in search of the most effective, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka is our high choose with premium supplies and development high quality. The versatile and budget-friendly REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka proves you don’t should spend the large bucks to remain heat and look good this winter.

Editor’s Notice: 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 comparable jackets that we’ve examined.

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, usually including new fashions to our rotation every winter. Along with the seven Prime Choose winners above, the next jackets are further standouts we favored that we expect it is best to 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 lots of the identical situations that you simply’ll face this winter.

Our Skilled 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 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 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 hearth, 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 highway at Mammoth Mountain Resort. Matt doesn’t let chilly or snowy climate interrupt his adventures, so he’s at all times looking out for the most effective 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 knowledgeable 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 severely chilly winters, and we put every of those winter jackets to the check in lots of the identical situations that you simply 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 most effective winter jackets within the worst sorts of climate.

Our Testing Course of

Throughout our systematic testing course of, we paid cautious consideration to total heat and insulation high quality, match and luxury, climate safety, performance, and elegance. From day by 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 way of the wringer to assist information you in your product analysis and buy resolution.

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: Select the Finest Males’s Winter Jacket

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

Sorts of Winter Jackets

On a regular basis Use

Winter jackets made for on a regular basis use are perfect for informal day by 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.

Usually, these jackets have loads of insulation and are made out of heavier supplies that prioritize heat, safety, and options. Due to this, they’re extra prone to limit dynamic motion and are much less prone to breathe nicely, 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 sometimes have loads of pockets to hold your pockets, keys, telephone, or different requirements.

These options inevitably add somewhat 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 further weight. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka has probably 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-proof GORE-TEX shell. It additionally has a easy and traditional type that makes it nice for day by 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 day by day use when it’s not fairly as chilly, think about the Out of doors 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 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 usually steadiness 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 as a way to save weight and make them extra compressible for stuffing right into a duffel bag or backpack, and can often have a extra fitted type that enables 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 below a climbing helmet, or an outsized helmet-compatible hood.

Efficiency-use jackets sometimes have very breathable supplies designed to dump additional warmth and dry shortly, so that you don’t should take away the jacket throughout vigorous exercise. Many could have artificial insulation that breathes somewhat higher than down and can retain its insulating properties even when moist from exterior moisture or perspiration. These jackets will often have a water resistant 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 splendid quick paced actions like cross-country snowboarding or climbing.

We additionally just like the Rab Cubit Stretchdown Hooded Jacket (18.7 ounces) and the Out of doors Analysis Coldfront Down Hoodie (20.6 ounces) as versatile decisions that blur the road between day by day put on and technical use. Each of those jackets are heat sufficient for day by day use in milder winter climate (right 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, laborious shells are supposed to be your outermost layer. Skiers, climbers, and mountaineers laborious shells for his or her windproof and waterproof safety, and can often 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 laborious shell could 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 Out of doors Analysis Stormcraft, and the Mammut Obelisk all use down insulation shielded by a water-proof/breathable GORE-TEX. This mixture offers the most effective mix of heat and safety that’s splendid for on a regular basis use in chilly climates, however just isn’t 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 normal day by 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 inside insulated jacket and an outer waterproof shell jacket. Relying on the situations, every respective jacket may be worn independently, or the inside 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, total heat is clearly one of the crucial necessary elements to contemplate. All the jackets that we examined comprise both down or artificial insulation, or each. It’s laborious to undoubtedly evaluate total jacket heat and luxury since these options are so user-dependent and may be influenced by the wearer’s gender, physique kind, exercise degree, and whether or not they sometimes 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-proof 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 in the event you’re in search of luxurious heat with out breaking the financial institution, the McMurdo and the Nuuk are nice choices.

Down Insulation

Manufactured from goose or duck plumage, down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible kind 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 steadiness, down continues to be higher insulation than any human-made different. Nonetheless, 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. Nonetheless, 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 material. 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 continually enhancing, nevertheless it nonetheless usually lags behind down in its total warmth-to-weight ratio. Artificial insulation is usually not as compressible as down, and may lose its loft or fluffiness over time. For these on a funds, artificial insulated jackets are often extra reasonably priced than down. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is the warmest winter coat we examined with artificial insulation.

The primary good thing about artificial insulation is that it’s way more proof against moisture than down. Even when artificial insulation does turn out to be moist, it nonetheless offers an inexpensive proportion 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 doubtless be producing loads of warmth and potential moisture from sweat. The Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody is insulated with artificial Coreloft insulation and is a good alternative for energetic pursuits.

If 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 usually a perform 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 total quantity of insulation.

Remember the fact that different elements like jacket supplies, match, and baffle form, dimension, and development may also 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 1 ounce of down. A better fill energy quantity implies that the down has larger loft (that means it’s fluffier or puffier), which suggests that it’ll have higher thermal effectivity and supply a greater warmth-to-weight ratio.

Remember the fact that the next fill energy does not robotically imply {that a} jacket shall be hotter. It simply implies that it makes use of loftier down insulation that can be capable to 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 — 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 very best fill energy ranking at 850, and The North Face McMurdo has the bottom fill energy ranking at 600. Nonetheless, the McMurdo is hotter total 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 this time use insulation with a fill energy ranking of 1000. Remember the fact 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 sometimes 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 whole weight of the down insulation inside a jacket. Whereas fill energy is usually marketed extra prominently than fill weight, each are equally necessary to the efficiency of a jacket.

All different elements being equal like jacket supplies, match, and baffle development, a jacket with 5 ounces of 700-fill-power down (whole quantity of 5 x 700 = 3,500 cubic inches) will doubtless be hotter than a jacket with 3 ounces of 900-fill-power down (whole quantity of three x 900 = 2,700 cubic inches), however it is 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 lure extra air and heat than a decrease fill-power down.

A jacket with 4 ounces of 900-fill-power down (whole quantity of 4 x 900 = 3,600 cubic inches) and a jacket with 6 ounces of 600-fill-power down (whole 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 sure costlier.

Down jackets are sometimes accessible with wherever 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 in search of a winter jacket, safety from the weather can also be important. Cozy down or artificial insulation will assist hold you heat, however a wind or waterproof outer shell, a adequate 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.

If you happen to 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 vital. Many extremely insulated jackets, whereas not utterly waterproof, include a top quality DWR therapy that sheds mild moisture.

Options

Helpful options may be the distinction between an excellent jacket and an incredible jacket. Snug hoods, handwarmer pockets, and cuff closures are among the winter jacket options we think about to be probably the most invaluable. When mixed, these design particulars add important 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 obligatory. Nicely-designed hoods provide ample customization and adjustability. Further hood options, akin to a fur lining and a stiff brim, are additionally price in search of out.

One in all 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 gained’t match over a climbing or ski helmet, we admire the simplicity and luxury of the comfortable match.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, many of the winter jackets we examined have well-insulated hoods with two entrance and one rear adjustment cords. This enables the person to dial in a extra personalized match, and infrequently permits the hood to be worn over a ski or climbing helmet. Notice 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-Approach Zippers

Two-way zippers will 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 car. 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 additional mobility when sitting down or when shifting round.

Pockets

All the 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 sometimes have probably the most different and helpful pockets, however this additionally provides to the burden of the jacket. Lighter-weight jackets just like the Out of doors Analysis Coldfront or the Rab Cubit Stretch Down may be restricted to hand-warmer pockets and possibly an adjunct pocket or two.

The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka has probably 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 kind 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 Out of doors Analysis Coldfront — have cozy fleece-lined hand pockets which can be at simply the fitting 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 will let you create a seal round your wrist that forestalls wind and snow from getting into by way of your sleeves, and sometimes embrace a Velcro strap or a snap attachment level. Jackets may also embrace inside wrist gaiters for additional heat and tender, 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 tender inner gaiter that appears like a comfortable sweater, and an adjustable Velcro strap on the outer cuff.

Different fashions have extra easy cuff designs, like an elastic band that helps hold a cosy match across the wrist. This design is often adequate 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. Larger-end options like insulated hoods, fleece-lined pockets, fitted cuffs, and adjustment cords may also hike up the value. For probably 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 costlier counterparts.

Funds

Probably the most reasonably priced jackets that we examined ($300 or much less) will sometimes make use of lower-grade supplies, or will merely have much less insulation or fewer options on them. The Out of doors Analysis Coldfront Down Hoodie ($279) is an easy, no-frills possibility with a relaxed match that can hold you heat in all however probably the most frigid situations. It’s not waterproof and it’s not parka size — so it’s not blizzard materials — however in the event you’re in search of cozy puffy for normal on a regular basis put on, it’s one in every of our high decisions.

Our greatest worth choose — the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka ($299) — is heat, waterproof (with REI’s extra reasonably priced 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, nevertheless it offers an incredible match and glorious all-around efficiency.

We’ve examined the Stormhenge by way of three winters and think about it practically equal to a few of our favourite coats which can be two to a few instances the value. If you happen to’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 additional 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 as a way to hold the value a bit simpler to swallow. Its 600 fill-power down isn’t the most effective 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 worth vary embrace the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka ($500) with probably the most pockets and finest options of any mannequin we examined, the Out of doors Analysis Stormcraft Down Parka ($550) that’s the least costly possibility we examined that features GORE-TEX materials, and the modern and classy 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-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 instances, a packable puffy for when it’s cool and dry, and a full storm-ready parka for the thick of winter.

Our high total choose, 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’ve sticker shock from trying on the price ticket, however we might see this jacket lasting a very long time if correctly cared for.

Steadily Requested Questions