The ultimate down parka, this is my favorite winter jacket for the low teens and single-digit temperatures of Colorado winters. Pulling it on feels like stepping into a sleeping bag. I wear this down jacket while winter camping, going for walks, and ice climbing.

This parka is stuffed with 800 fill power down, which is very warm and packable for the weight. The shell is made out of Pertex Quantum Pro nylon with a water-resistant coating. I wouldn’t say that this is a fully waterproof jacket, but it definitely stands up to light precipitation, and I have never gotten wet while wearing it, even in snow or light rain. The sleeves and hood are not baffled like the torso is, which provides more water protection because moisture cannot seep through the seams. The hood can fit over a helmet.

My favorite part of this parka is the zipper cover. The entire zipper is covered by a puffy storm flap, and at the very top of the high collar is a brushed tricot patch. The tricot allows you to zip the jacket all the way up and tuck your head into the collar. The handwarmer pockets are also lined with a brushed tricot. These small details really make this one of the warmest jackets for men and perfect for maximum warmth in the coldest winter conditions.

See Super Alpine Down Parka on Outdoor Research

See Super Alpine Down Parka on Amazon

See Super Alpine Down Parka on Moose Jaw

Best Eco Friendly Jacket: The North Face Thermoball Eco Insulated Hooded Winter Jacket

The North Face makes many high-quality winter coats, but the Thermoball Eco is one of their most popular. It’s a perfect layer for active pursuits or a cozy layer for around town. Instead of down, The North Face uses an eco-friendly alternative made from post-consumer materials: small synthetic insulation clusters that mimic the loft and warmth of down. From experience, I know that this jacket is warmer than it looks. It is a great outer layer during the spring and fall and mid-layer to wear underneath another jacket for below-freezing temperatures.

This jacket is perfect for adventures because it packs down into the left-hand pocket to create a portable package to toss in a backpack or clip to a harness while rock climbing. The slim fit also allows you to move smoothly, and easily allows you to add a waterproof outer layer over it.

See The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Eco Insulated Hooded Jacket on Amazon

See The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Eco Insulated Hooded Jacket on Backcountry

See The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Eco Insulated Hooded Jacket on Moose Jaw

Best High-End Jacket: Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Winter Jacket

A high-end staple for winter coats, Canada Goose is known for quality and durable men’s winter coats. If you live in an area with extremely cold weather and are looking for the best jacket money can buy for everyday wear, the Expedition parka is it. Designed for temperatures below -22 degrees Fahrenheit, this is the super warm jacket you need if you run cold or live in a place with the coldest weather on earth. This jacket is literally made to be worn in Antarctica, so it should keep you cozy wherever you live.

It is made out of 625 fill power duck-down insulation that stuffs the inside of the entire parka. Plus it comes down to mid-thigh, adding extra warmth and inclement weather protection with a trench coat style length. The down-filled hood includes a detachable fur ruff that adds extra warmth. The shell features Arctic Tech fabric made to withstand harsh weather conditions while remaining durable and water-resistant. To add a stylish touch, use interior drawcord to customize the fit of the jacket as well as keep in the warmth. A hideaway snow skirt is also included for wet snow days outside. Plus this jacket has 11 pockets for hand warming and keeping essentials close at hand. Also, Canada Goose’s lifetime warranty takes some of the sting out of this expensive and high-quality purchase.

See Canada Goose Expedition Down Parka on Amazon

See Canada Goose Expedition Down Parka on Backcountry

See Canada Goose Expedition Down Parka on Canada Goose

Best Puffer Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Classic Hooded Puffer Winter Jacket

Simple and affordable, this is the perfect puffer jacket for someone who lives in a more temperate climate and just needs a good layer for cold days. Made out of 100% nylon, this jacket stands up to wet climates better than a down parka would, since most down does not continue insulating once it gets wet. This jacket features a standup collar lined with fleece, so when you zip it all the way up you can feel the fleece on your face. The hood cinches down the weather out of your face and ottoman knit cuffs keep cold from seeping in up your sleeves. It features hand pockets on the outside, plus a stash pocket on the interior.

It is machine washable, which makes this a convenient winter coat for everyday wear. But this jacket is not waterproof.

See Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Hooded Puffer Jacket on Amazon

Best Canvas Jacket: Carhartt Men’s Quilted Lined Sandstone Active Winter Jacket

If you work outside, or just want a good heavyweight, stiff jacket, look no further than this Carhartt piece. Made from 100% cotton, it looks like your favorite zip-up hoody but includes a lot of added features for your cold-weather wardrobe. The quilted lining is one of the best features. The body of the jacket is made from a quilted flannel and the sleeves are quilted nylon. Rib-knit cuffs and waist keep the cold air from wafting upwards and keep you warm in cold weather. Plus, the drawstring in the hood allows you to cinch it tight around your face.

The Sandstone Duck canvas fabric is washed for comfort like your favorite pair of jeans. It’s not waterproof, but it could be treated to repel water if necessary. But, because this isn’t a super technical winter coat, it is easy to maintain and is machine washable.

See Carhartt Men’s Flannel Lined Sandstone Work Jacket on Amazon

See Carhartt Men’s Flannel Lined Sandstone Work Jacket on Cabela’s

Best Down Jacket: Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket

One of the best men’s winter coats for someone on a budget, Eddie Bauer’s CirrusLite down jacket is perfect for staying warm and cozy in cold weather. Ultra-light and packable, this is the jacket to toss in the car or backpack just in case you need another layer. It’s stuffed with 650 fill power responsibly sourced down insulation and features a nylon shell with a DWR coating to repel water making it water-resistant. Zip pockets and a high insulated collar help add warmth and reflect back your body heat so you stay super warm in cold weather.

It’s a great puffer jacket for anyone looking for affordable but warm down jackets. Ultralight and packable, it comes with a storage bag so it’s easy to throw in a backpack as an extra jacket when you’re going camping or skiing.

See Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket on Amazon

See Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket on Eddie Bauer

Best Convertible Jacket: Levi’s Men’s Four-Pocket Hooded Winter Jacket

If you’re looking for a casual winter coat, this convertible jacket from Levi’s might be the perfect one for you. The coolest part about it is the removable hood and lining, which when attached gives this jacket a casual hoody vibe. When zipped out, it’s more of a classic canvas jacket. Either way you wear it, this jacket is lined with soft sherpa fleece and includes an interior stash pocket.

Made out of 100% cotton, this jacket is durable and easy to clean. It includes both a zipper and snap closure with a wind barrier behind the zipper to keep the chill out. The detachable hood is made out of soft jersey fabric like your favorite hoody. Adjustable cuffs and hand pockets are sure to keep you warm in harsh weather. It also comes in both regular and big and tall sizes, so there is something to fit everyone.

See Levi’s Men’s Washed Cotton Hooded Military Jacket on Amazon

See Levi’s Men’s Washed Cotton Hooded Military Jacket on Zappos

Best Waterproof Jacket: Helly Hansen Men’s Dubliner Winter Coat

Designed to keep you warm and dry all winter long, the Dubliner pulls out all the stops. The Dubliner Parka uses Primaloft Black insulation for warmth that stands up to moisture. It features Helly Tech Protection which uses a waterproof membrane and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to keep out water and wind, while still remaining breathable. Plus it features a faux fur hood lining which is removable, making this the ultimate cold weather coat.

The longer length of this parka keeps you extra cozy and protects you from cold temps and provides plenty of room for layering. When you’re heading to the office or out to dinner, you don’t want to worry about wearing too many layers, so just throw on the Dubliner Parka over your normal outfit and you’ll arrive warm and dry at your destination. Lots of pockets also allow you to keep your everyday carrying items close at hand.

See Helly-Hansen 54403 Men’s Dubliner Parka on Amazon

See Helly-Hansen 54403 Men’s Dubliner Parka on Helly Hansen

Best Big & Tall Sizing: Boulder Creek Men’s Big & Tall Expedition Winter Jacket

Do you constantly complain that your winter coats are too small? Can’t find a jacket that allows room for layering? Looking for sizes that you just can’t seem to find in other brands? The Boulder Creek Expedition Jacket uses big and tall sizing to fit those who don’t fit into other winter coats. With a cozy microfiber fleece lining and a polyester shell, this jacket does not include any additional insulation, but reviewers say it keeps them warm in subzero temperatures nonetheless.

The detachable hood also includes a fleece lining. Both a zippered and snap closure with a storm flap, plus adjustable cuffs help keep warm air in and cold out. And, lots of pockets keep your hands warm while also providing places to keep all your essentials while on the move. Check out this winter coat if you are looking for larger sizes that will keep you warm.

See Boulder Creek Fleece-Lined Parka on Amazon

See Boulder Creek Fleece-Lined Parka on Walmart

Best Jacket For Active Pursuits: Under Armour Men’s Storm Extreme ColdGear Winter Jacket

If you’re looking for the comfort of a fleece jacket but the warmth and weather protection of a winter coat, the Under Armour Storm Extreme ColdGear Jacket is for you. This softshell jacket combines a two-layered grid fleece with a water repellant and breathable shell. It’s perfect for days outside when you might be moving around a lot and don’t need too much insulation, but still need protection from wind chill or light rain.

The fit of this winter coat is sleek and sporty, and could easily fit under another layer if you needed more warmth. Zippered hand and chest pocket secure essentials, and the collar keeps your neck and chin warm when the winter coat is zipped all the way up.

See Under Armour Storm Extreme Coldgear Jacket on Amazon

How we picked

We picked the best winter coats by testing them in the field. We chose options that we have known and loved for years and others that come highly recommended. Whether you are looking for a puffer jacket or a trench coat, this guide will help you find the right thing for you.

How we tested

We put these jackets through the wringer. From winter camping to rock climbing and skiing, we have given these jackets a spin in the wild.

Features to look for in winter jackets

It can be so hard to understand the techy language that many gear companies use when talking about the features of a jacket. We want to make that easier. These are the features we believe are most important when shopping for your new winter coat.

Insulation

There are two main types of insulation used in winter jackets: down feathers and synthetic insulation. Both can create that puffy jacket look since they insulate by trapping air and warming it with your body heat.

Down feathers are still the gold standard for winter apparel. Down is more compressible and maintains loft and warmth for a long time with proper maintenance. It often provides more warmth for the weight, as it is more efficient at trapping warm air. Down is measured by fill power, with higher fill power being more insulative when using less down. Lower fill power needs more down to create the same warmth.

Synthetic insulation is spun to mimic the insulation properties of down by using plasticized fibers. The advantage of synthetic insulation is that when wet, it does not clump up like down feathers, and still keeps you nice and warm. If you live in a wet climate and plan to spend lots of time outdoors with your winter coat, synthetic insulation might be the best option for you.

Weight

The weight of your jacket matters when you need to carry it around. The lightest jackets are typically made using down insulation. If you don’t care about the weight of your jacket, a heavier weight jacket could be cheaper for the warmth than a lighter weight technical jacket.

Materials

If you need a technical jacket, learning about what tech goes into it is key.

Gore-Tex makes the industry-standard waterproof membrane, although other brands have their own technology such as The North Face’s  DryVent or Patagonia’s H2No. Make sure you know what materials are used on the outer shell of your jacket as this part will be taking the brunt of any inclement weather.

PrimaLoft is often the synthetic insulation of choice, originally designed for the military to be more water-resistant than down.

Typically, cotton is not a great choice for a winter jacket, since it does not insulate while wet.

Layering

Layering during the winter is especially important when you participate in high-energy activities. When you sweat or get warm while moving, you may need a lighter layer or no layers, but as soon as you stop moving while out in the cold, you will need to add layers to avoid the sweat freezing on your body.

If you need to layer underneath your jacket, make sure to size up or choose a jacket with a looser fit. For daily use, or to be used as part of a layering system, a slim fit jacket could work; however, if you love to climb mountains and go on adventures, make sure your jacket allows you to layer to give you the customizable warmth you need.

Water-resistance & wind protection

Water and wind protection are important features. Having a waterproof or windproof outer shell is important to keep you warm while outside in the winter. A Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating can create water resistance but a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX provides longer-lasting weather protection.

Hood

Hoods provide another element of warmth and having one that cinches tight around your face can keep the weather out. If you plan on wearing your coat while wearing a helmet, make sure your hood can fit over one.

Warmth

Fill power can influence the warmth of your jacket, but fill weight is also a factor. A thin 850 fill power jacket could be just as warm as a very puffy 600 fill power jacket. But, that 850 fill power jacket will be lighter and more packable than the 600. So, balancing warmth with other features is important.

Types of winter jackets

Casual

Casual jackets are focused more on style and warmth, not performance. Casual jackets are often heavier since you will probably use them for low-energy activities such as commuting or a walk around town. Since they’re used more for day-to-day activities, casual jackets may include features such as fur-lined hoods, lots of pockets, removable hoods, and a roomier fit.

Technical

Technical jackets are designed for high-energy activities and more extreme use. If you ski, ice climb, snowshoe, or participate in any other winter outdoor activities, you probably need a technical winter jacket. Technical jackets use higher quality materials that are water-resistant or waterproof and optimize warmth with weight and packability. The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and Outdoor Research are brands that make high-quality technical jackets.

Q: What is a winter jacket?

Any jacket designed to keep you warm in the winter is a winter jacket! They can look like a lot of different things, from a bomber jacket to a down parka.

Depending on where you live and what winter activities you like to do, your winter jacket may look different. If you live in a city, you may prefer something like a shearling jacket that emphasizes style as well as comfort and warmth. If you spend lots of time in the mountains or snow, it will be important to have a water-resistant jacket.

Q: How should a jacket fit?

The fit of your jacket depends on which one you pick and your personal preference, but there are also a few good rules of thumb. Make sure that your jacket does not fit too tight, as down and down alternative jackets need air to create warmth. Also, leaving room for layering beneath your jacket is important. If you plan on using a jacket as more of a mid-layer or want it to look form-fitting, consider this while choosing the fit. Trying on jackets in-store is the best way to determine the best fit for you but customer reviews can also be very helpful.

Q: Up to what temperature do winter jackets keep the wearer warm?

This depends on the jacket! Also, it depends on the person. If you run warm, you won’t need as warm of a jacket as someone who is always cold. Many manufacturers will include this information in the product description, but if they do not, there are a few things that you can look at to determine how warm a jacket will be.

Down fill: The higher the down fill often means the warmer the jacket, but this isn’t always true. A lot of 650 down could make the jacket warmer than just a little bit of 850 fill power down.

Lining: Jackets lined with fleece or including fleece-lined pockets might keep you warmer than a jacket lined with a non-insulative material.

Other details can influence the warmth of a jacket, including whether or not it cinches at the hood or waist, and if it includes a storm flap to protect the inside of the zipper from wind sneaking in.

Q: How to wash and store a winter jacket?

Before you wash your jacket, make sure to either find the care tag or search for care instructions from the manufacturer. Depending on the materials of your jacket, the care instructions are different.

If your jacket is made with down, make sure to purchase a down wash, as a normal detergent can strip the natural oils that protect the down. Most jackets need to be washed in a front-facing washing machine instead of a top-loading washer. When you are drying them, add in tennis balls or dryer balls, as this restores the loft in your down jackets.

For storage, hang your jacket in a dry and cool place.

Q: How do I know what size I need?

When choosing your jacket size, consider what you will be doing and whether you want to leave space to layer underneath your jacket. You might want to size up if you think you will be layering. If you prefer a snug fit, sizing down from your typical size might be better. Also, reading reviews of the jacket you have your eye on can help inform you whether it runs big or small.

Q: What is the most popular kind of fill for a winter jacket?

Down is still probably the best fill for a winter jacket. If you live in a wet location, synthetic fill might be better for you, but down is the warmest and most packable fill available.

Q: Who makes the best men’s winter jackets?

If you are looking for a winter jacket brands list, look no further. We have rounded up the best brands that make men’s winter coats on the market currently.

• Canada Goose
• Columbia
• Outdoor Research
• North Face
• Carhartt
• Patagonia
• Mountain Hardwear
• Marmot

Sources:

1. How To Layer For Winter – Appalachian Mountain Club
2. The Right Stuff For Cold Weather – LHSFNA
3. Fill Power – Wikipedia