Greatest Winter Jackets of 2023-2024

Our group has spent many seasons sifting by way of the winter jacket market in the hunt for the most effective and warmest kinds. After in depth trial and error in frigid Rocky Mountain and Midwestern climates, we’ve chosen our decisions for the most effective males’s winter jackets of 2023-2024.

From style-forward thigh-length coats to purely sensible expedition-weight parkas, there are various sorts of winter jackets. Every design has its personal options and objective. With this record, we’ve organized our choices into distinct classes that will help you make an environment friendly and knowledgeable choice.

Try our decide for the most effective funds winter jacket, in case you’re trying to prioritize affordability and worth. Or scroll to our most fashionable choice if wanting good is most essential.

The winter jacket market is filled with revolutionary designs, cutting-edge insulation, and high-tech supplies. That will help you determine which males’s winter jacket is greatest for you, be certain to learn our purchaser’s information and continuously requested questions for useful ideas. Additionally, take a look at our comparability chart to assist steer your decision-making.

Editor’s word: Our group up to date this Purchaser’s Information on November 17, 2023 with the addition of the latest member of Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown assortment, the Popover Hoody.

The Greatest Winter Jackets of 2023-2024

Winter Jackets Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Greatest Winter Jackets

Most of the of us behind GearJunkie’s testing group dwell within the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, and the frozen midwestern plains of Minnesota. We reside, work, and play in areas recognized for significantly chilly winters, and we put every of those winter jackets to the take a look at in most of the similar circumstances that you just would possibly face. From sub-zero temps with bitter winds to full-on white-out blizzards, to these damp, bone-chilling days that hover proper across the freezing level, our groups have examined the most effective winter jackets within the worst varieties of climate.

Throughout our systematic testing course of, we paid cautious consideration to general heat and insulation high quality, match and luxury, climate safety, performance, and elegance. From every day commutes in Minneapolis to mountaineering within the Tetons, to climbing and plowing snow in Lake Tahoe, we’ve put dozens of males’s cold-weather jackets by way of the wringer.

The newest contributor to this Purchaser’s Information 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 vehicles driving on frozen lakes within the winter, neither is it out of the query to get a freak blizzard in Might. After residing in Santa Barbara, Calif., for over 10 years, 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 report in 2022-2023.

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. His favourite winter jacket is the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka, due to its puffy down insulation, waterproof GORE-TEX shell, and fairly mild weight.

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 supposed use. On this Purchaser’s Information, we targeted totally on winter jackets best for on a regular basis use in chilly to reasonably chilly climates. We additionally included a number of lighter-weight items which might be extra particular for energetic makes use of or milder climates.

Varieties of Winter Jackets

On a regular basis Use

Winter jackets made for on a regular basis use are perfect for informal every day put on in chilly climates, and can be utilized for low-intensity actions like commuting to work or college, 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 properly, making them poor decisions for high-output actions like working or climbing.

On a regular basis winter jackets typically embody loads of comfort-oriented options like cozy wrist cuffs, draft collars across the neck, fleece-lined hand pockets, and adjustable hems and hoods. Additionally they usually have loads of pockets to hold your pockets, keys, cellphone, or different requirements. These options inevitably add a bit of bit to the jacket’s weight, however for informal on a regular basis use, the advantages of the added consolation and comfort undoubtedly outweigh any minor further weight.

Considered one of our favourite winter jackets for on a regular basis use is the Mountain Hardwear Nevadan Down Parka. This versatile down puffy is heat, surprisingly light-weight (1 pound, 14.7 ounces), way more fashionable than most puffy jackets, and comes at an affordable value. It additionally has a really spectacular characteristic record, boasting a two-way entrance zipper with twin storm flaps, hood and hem changes, and eight whole pockets that embody zippered chest pockets, inner stash pockets, distinctive exterior “bevvy” pockets that maintain bottles or cans, and probably the most snug fleece-lined hand pockets that we examined.

After all, many of the different winter jackets we examined are additionally best for on a regular basis use. 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 clear and basic model that makes it nice for every day put on round city, and is mild sufficient that it could possibly be used for extra technical makes use of like cold-weather tenting or climbing. The North Face McMurdo Down Parka could be very heat and has an aesthetic city model, making it one other good decide for on a regular basis put on.

For a less complicated and lighter-weight choice that we actually like for every day use when it’s not fairly as chilly, the Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hooded Jacket has a singular 3DWeave pre-woven baffle design that not solely appears cool but additionally helps optimize down loft and thermal effectivity. Weighing solely 18.7 ounces, it has a Pertex Quantum shell materials that additionally does an excellent job at blocking the wind on these damp, bone-chilling days within the low to mid-30s, and is flexible sufficient for every day put on or extra energetic use. The Mountain Hardwear Popover Down Hoody has an analogous woven baffle building with a extra informal popover hoody design, however our testers choose the extra streamlined match of the Rab to the boxier match of the Mountain Hardwear.

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 to be able 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 can have thinner 7- to 30-denier shell supplies.

Efficiency jackets typically have fewer pockets, however will embody 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 usually 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 can have artificial insulation that breathes a bit of 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 is not going to be totally waterproof, so most individuals can even convey 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 best 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 every day put on and technical use. Each of those jackets are heat sufficient for every day use in milder winter climate (all the way down to about 20 levels fahrenheit), but additionally have easy, light-weight designs that additionally make them appropriate for extra energetic use.

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

Shell Jackets

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

Most of the winter jackets that we examined embody a water-proof outer layer, making a further shell jacket pointless. The Patagonia Stormshadow Down Parka and the Arc’teryx Therme SV Parka each use down insulation shielded by a water-proof/breathable GORE-TEX. This mix supplies the most effective mix of heat and safety that’s best for on a regular basis use in chilly climates, however just isn’t as versatile as a multilayer system for altering climate circumstances.

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

Some fashions, just like the Patagonia Tres 3-in1 Parka, embody a detachable interior insulated jacket and an outer waterproof shell jacket. Relying on the circumstances, every respective jacket might be worn independently, or the interior jacket might be zipped and snapped into the outer jacket for the last word heat and safety.

Heat and Insulation

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

Having mentioned that, three jackets that we examined stand out for his or her distinctive heat: the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka, the Arc’teryx Therme SV Parka, and The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. Every of those jackets has a considerable amount of down insulation protected by a water-proof shell materials, supplied the last word mixture of heat and climate safety. Each the Stormshadow and Therme SV are fairly expensive, so in case you’re on the lookout for luxurious heat with out breaking the financial institution, the McMurdo is a superb choice.

Down Insulation

Fabricated from goose or duck plumage, down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible sort of insulation on the planet. Nearly all the winter jackets that we examined for this Purchaser’s Information are insulated with down. When contemplating the warmth-to-weight stability, down continues to be higher insulation than any human-made different. Nevertheless, due to 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 might be liable to moisture out of your physique.

Artificial Insulation

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

The primary advantage of 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 supplies an affordable proportion of its final heat. Artificial insulation additionally dries shortly, particularly when uncovered to wind and solar. This makes artificial insulation fashionable for performance-oriented winter jackets the place an energetic consumer will doubtless be producing a number of warmth and potential moisture from sweat. The Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody is insulated with artificial Coreloft insulation and is a superb selection for energetic pursuits.

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

Fill Energy and Fill Weight

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

Remember that different elements like jacket supplies, match, and baffle form, dimension, and building can even influence 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 take a look at that calculates the quantity (in cubic inches) taken up by one ounce of down. The next fill energy quantity signifies that the down has larger loft (which means it’s fluffier or puffier), which suggests that it’ll have higher thermal effectivity and supply a greater warmth-to-weight ratio.

Remember that the next fill energy does not robotically imply {that a} jacket can be hotter. It simply signifies that it makes use of loftier down insulation that can have the ability to present higher thermal effectivity and heat at a lighter weight.

Most down jackets — together with all the winter jackets that we examined for this Purchaser’s Information — can have a fill energy score someplace between 600 and 900. Informal-wear down jackets typically have a fill energy score between 600 and 750, whereas high-end efficiency jackets can have a fill energy score 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 score at 850, and The North Face McMurdo has the bottom fill energy score 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 2 kilos, 3.2 ounces.

Some ultralight down jackets in the present day use insulation with a fill energy score of 1000. Remember that this worth solely represents a warmth-to-weight ratio and never the general heat of a jacket. Jackets with a fill energy score between 900 and 1000 will usually weigh 10 ounces or much less and are supposed for quick and light-weight technical pursuits. These down jackets is not going to be almost as heat as any of the winter jackets on this Purchaser’s Information, however can be a lot lighter and extra packable.

Fill Weight

As its title 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 essential 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 (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 should 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 (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 can be lighter, extra compressible, and sure costlier.

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

Climate Safety

Whereas heat is often the highest consideration when on the lookout for 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 ample size, and a protecting hood will assist seal out chilly wind, rain, and snow.

For moist circumstances reminiscent of 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 just about reaches the knees.

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

Options

Helpful options might be the distinction between a great jacket and an excellent jacket. Snug hoods, handwarmer pockets, and cuff closures are a number of the winter jacket options we think about to be probably the most worthwhile. When mixed, these design particulars add vital heat, versatility, and safety from chilly circumstances

Hood

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

Considered one of our favorites is definitely the straightforward and comfortable hood design of the Rab Cubit Stretch Down. This jacket has a fitted hood with no adjustment cords or straps apart from an elastic brim across the wearer’s face. Whereas this hood received’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 consumer to dial in a extra personalized match, and infrequently permits the hood to be worn over a ski or climbing helmet.

We’d additionally like to notice that the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 has a non-insulated hood since it’s a part of the outer shell jacket, and the Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka is the one mannequin we examined for this Purchaser’s Information that features a detachable fake fur ruff.

Two-Means Zippers

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

Many of the jackets we examined have a two-way zipper. The Arc’teryx Therme SV is the longest parka that we examined, and we’re grateful that it has a practical two-way zipper.

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 just like the Mountain Hardwear Nevadan or the Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka usually have probably the most various 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 is perhaps restricted to handwarmer pockets and perhaps an adjunct pocket or two.

Hand pockets in all probability have the most important influence on consolation and comfort, however not all hand pockets are created equal. Some — just like the Mountain Hardwear Nevadan and the Out of doors Analysis Coldfront — have cozy fleece-lined hand pockets which might be at simply the suitable angle to relaxation your arms. However others — just like the Eddie Bauer Superior Down — have oversize pockets which might be at an ungainly angle and aren’t as snug.

Cuff Closures

Cuff closures assist you to create a seal round your wrist that stops wind and snow from getting into by way of your sleeves, and usually embody a Velcro strap or snap attachment level. Jackets can even embody inside wrist gaiters for additional heat and comfortable, cozy safety. Wrist gaiters might be troublesome to put on with a wristwatch or bracelet however undoubtedly assist the general consolation.

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

Often Requested Questions